Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 William H. Greene Stadium 2400 6th St NW Washington, DC 20059 Howard Bison website William H. Greene Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 10,000 Northwest D. C. The Howard Bison are one of two FCS football teams that play in Washington, D. C., the other being the Georgetown Hoyas . Howard plays its home football games at Greene Stadium, which opened in 1926 and is also used for Bison lacrosse and soccer matches. The facility seats 10,000 for football in bleacher seating on three sides of the field – there is also field-level seating behind the north end zone, under a large white tent, for special guests. Greene Stadium is named after a local physician and benefactor of Howard University. The staff does try to put on a good show for football games here, but there aren’t very many fans who show up.   Food & Beverage   2 Greene Stadium doesn’t have any fixed concession stands, but they do bring in food trucks on the west side of the field. The different food trucks offer such items as burgers, hibachi, funnel cake, fried Oreos, fried fish, fried shrimp, ribs, and wings, along with French fries and a few drink selections, such as lemonade, bottled water, and Gatorade. The prices are on the high side, and unfortunately, the food trucks are located behind the visitor stands – the venue is not large by any means, so it is not a long walk, but your best bet is to get your food and drinks as you enter (all the entrances area on the west side), before walking around to the home side to find your seats (assuming you are not here to cheer on the opposing team, of course).   Atmosphere   3 Greene Stadium has a lively atmosphere, with lots of fun music piped in – the kind people like to dance to with heavy, loud beats. The band also does a great job entertaining fans, as do the cheerleaders; the performance at halftime is especially superb, accompanied by strutting drum majors, the dance team, and colorful banners lofted high. During my most recent visit, an October game included a tribute to cancer survivors. There is a large video board behind the north end zone, which works fine for replays, as most of the seats are on the other three sides of the field. The home stands (east side) are next to the reservoir and do offer chairback seats in the middle section – all of the other seating in Greene Stadium are metal bleachers without backs. The turf field boasts some very sharp Howard logos in dark blue with red trim, and the PA announcer is very passionate – when he announces first downs, his exuberance is accompanied by laser tag-esque electronic sounds. There is not a lot of shade, however, except in the last few rows on the home side, directly in front of the press box (although the sun sets facing the home side since the home seating is on the east, so you may have the sun in your eyes toward the end of the game.   Neighborhood   4 Howard itself is located in a run-down part of Washington, D. C., where you might not necessarily feel safe walking around at night. During the football game, there are plenty of police officers around, however, so there shouldn’t be any issues around game time. That said, there isn’t much to see and do in the immediate area, with no hotels to speak of and only a few quick-service restaurants. However, there is, of course, plenty to see and do nearer the Capitol, about 2-3 miles away, with all the monuments, museums, and other attractions, including the Wizards , Capitals , and Nationals  if you can swing a sports doubleheader while in town. There are also hundreds, perhaps thousands, of hotels and restaurants in and around Washington, D. C. – your choice there solely depends on how close you want to be to the action and how much money you want to spend, as the two are closely related.   Fans   3 Not many fans attend Howard football games at Greene Stadium, so the stands can look pretty empty, depending, of course, on how the Bison are playing at that point in the season. In fact, for many games, you might see more visiting fans on the west side than there are home fans on the east. The band and student section sits on the south end of the field – the student section at times is practically non-existent over there, with only 2-3 dozen fans visible next to the band.   Access   3 There is no real parking at Greene Stadium – you can park along the nearby streets, although the signs are confusing. In certain places where you can park on a normal day, it is blocked off, and some of the signs say you can park for four hours, but the meter only allows you to pay for two. A pay lot would be welcome, but I wasn’t able to find any after twenty minutes of driving around. The lack of parking also means a potentially long walk up to the stadium, and the entry once you get there is confusing as well. Tickets and will call are located in the gymnasium on 6th and Girard, but some of the streets are blocked off, so you may have to walk around if you are coming from the south. There are two entrances into the venue, one on the north and one on the south, which, as mentioned, are next to the visiting stands and food trucks.   Return on Investment    3 General admission tickets are $35 if you buy beforehand, but they add $10 to the price if you buy on the day of. That makes for a pretty pricey ticket to get into the game, not to mention the high food truck concession prices. On the plus side, you may be able to park for free, but that is a little risky, given the signage. All of that said, I am not sure it is worthwhile to come to see a game here – the stadium itself is decent and seems modern enough, and there are some fun elements, but they do come at a price.   Extras   2 Greene Stadium does have a small team gear stand next to the entrance on the southwest side. You also can get close to the action here, as you have to walk around right next to the field to get to your seats if you are sitting on the south or east (home) side. The Bison also boasts a fully-costumed mascot wearing a buffalo head, jersey, and camouflage pants.   Final Thoughts Greene Stadium is perfectly fine as smaller football stadiums go, but it is a little challenging in terms of access and maybe also in terms of the concession options. If you really love football, this is an okay way to spend an afternoon – just mind the lack of shade if you are coming for a day game. Otherwise, this might be one you save for when your favorite team is coming to play in D.C.

Photo courtesy of La Tech Sports Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 J. C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park 1100 W Alabama Ave Ruston, LA 71270 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs website J. C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 3,000 The Love Shack, That's Where It's At Beautiful J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park is located on the campus of Louisiana Tech University in the northern section of Louisiana in the city of Ruston. Affectionately coined 'The Love Shack,' the ballpark is a little ole place where Bulldog fans can get together in support of their LA Tech Bulldog baseball team. Love Field at Patterson Park opened in 1971 and features a seating capacity of 3000. Louisiana Tech baseball might not be known as a perennial baseball powerhouse, but their home field ballpark provides a great atmosphere that's sure to please both college baseball fans and their families. Food & Beverage 3 Love Field provides the classic ballpark staples at a reasonable cost. The stand is located in the courtyard behind the main grandstand, build into the stadium. Quality and Variety of Food Options. The Love Shack food items are somewhat limited, but do provide enough to keep you satisfied during the game. Your classic items include hot dogs ($3, $4 with chili and/or cheese) and nachos ($4). Gourmet dogs are available including Cajun links and smoked sausage links ($4). Additional snack items include popcorn ($2), pretzels ($3), peanuts ($3), and sunflower seeds ($1), among others. Variety of Drink Options. The ballpark serves 20oz Pepsi products for $3. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at Love Field. Recommendation. While your options are anything but endless, the Cajun link is pretty tasty and pairs well with a Pepsi. Atmosphere 4 The Love Shack provides an outstanding atmosphere for college baseball. Whether it's the overhead awning casting shade on a hot day, the view of college dorms in left field or a train passing by beyond the right field wall, the overall atmosphere is a strength of the experience. Stadium Aesthetics. If you've never been to The Love Shack, you'll likely be surprised with how quickly you fall in love with the ballpark. The awning allows for a comfortable viewing experience in the shade. The natural grass field is well maintained and the views beyond the outfield are pretty neat. You'll notice a few students watching the game from their dorms in left field and some tailgaters on the berm in right field in front of the train track. Expect a couple of trains to pass by throughout the game. There is a fenced-in courtyard around the back of the stadium which offers green space, a couple of picnic tables, and a playground. The playground is a big bonus for families (unless you are the lucky parent assigned to miss the game and watch your kid run wild). In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. The promotions crew does an excellent job of ensuring there's no down-time between innings without going overboard. Expect to see a few entertaining on-field competitions. The music selection is appropriate for the crowd with primarily country and classic rock genres. Seat Location Recommendations. The main grandstand offers both chair back and bleacher seating. The lower half of the seats on the right and left sides are chair back while the upper seats are bleacher. The area directly behind home plate is entirely chair back. There really isn't a bad seat in the main grandstand under the awning, but the best seat will obviously be the chair backs directly behind home plate. If you are traveling with the visiting team, look for the dugout seats above the opponent dugout down first baseline. Neighborhood 3 Louisiana Tech University is located in the city of Ruston in north Louisiana. Love Field is situated on the northwest corner of the campus across from Joe Aillet Stadium. The neighborhood immediately around the ballpark is filled with dorms and college buildings. Ruston thrives around the university and is most decidedly a college town. You'll find enough to keep you busy for a weekend series, with additional options within driving range in both Monroe and Shreveport. Where to Eat. While there are a few good eats in Ruston, nothing screams Louisiana Tech like the Dawg House Sports Grill. With a great pub-style atmosphere, the venue is filled with pictures, memorabilia, and pride for the Bulldogs. Other recommended stops include the Log Cabin Mesquite Grill and Ponchatoulas. Attractions & Entertainment. The heartbeat of the city is based primarily around restaurants and LA Tech related events. There's not a plethora of options outside of that. Be sure to check-out the Louisiana Military Museum while in town. Grab a brew and enjoy a college bar atmosphere at 3 Docs Brewhouse. If you're traveling with little ones, the Idea Place is a good break from the sports scene. Where to Stay. The Hampton Inn on North Trenton Street is near the university and provides a comfortable stay. Fans 3 Louisiana Tech fans are loyal and supportive. Crowds vary in size, but Ruston loves their Bulldogs, regardless of sport. Typical Attendance. The typical crowd for Louisiana Tech baseball games averages around 500-650. For some special promotion games, such as Greek Day, you can expect crowds which are more robust, between 1,000 and at-capacity. Despite a great game day atmosphere, the crowd levels are a bit inconsistent, which can be attributed, in-part, to an inconsistent on-field product. Were the Bulldogs to put a solid post-season run together, the experience at The Love Shack has great potential to become an elite baseball atmosphere. Crowd Noise & Engagement. Louisiana Tech fans are engaged throughout the game. Expect to hear a clap-down late in the game in support of the Bulldog closer. Fans will cheer during big plays and jeer the umpire when calls don't go their way. The fan produced noise level varies throughout the game. Access 3 To quote a catchy B-52's song, "If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says "15 miles to the Love Shack,", [You're] headin' down the [Louisiana] highway, Lookin' for the love getaway." One-hit wonders aside, access to the Love Shack has both ups and downs. While the ballpark is quickly accessible near the interstate, the ticket and concession lines can be a bit of a headache and the main concourse is a bit of a squeeze. Transit to and from Stadium. Ruston is accessible off I-20 if you're coming in from the east or west. Exit onto Cooktown Road (Hwy 544) and head south towards the Louisiana Tech campus. Cooktown turns into Tech Drive. The ballpark will be on your left, across from the softball field, track and field complex, and Joe Aillet Stadium. Parking. There are two primary lots which can fill quickly for well attended games. Across Tech Drive is a lot next to the Lady Techster softball field. There is also a lot adjacent to third baseline. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early so you can grab a spot in one of these free lots near the stadium. Ticketing & Gate Entry. The ticket booth and main entrance gate are located on the third baseline side of the stadium. You'll actually walk through the entrance gate and then take a slight right to the ticket window. The pathway between the fencing and ticket window is extremely small and lines can block your path. If possible, get your tickets ahead of time so you can avoid a headache (there's a small entrance behind home plate you can utilize). Moving around the Stadium. In addition to the tight walk-way by the ticket booth, the main concourse at the bottom of the grandstand allows two people, at most, in width. The concessions line moves well for typical crowd sizes, but can be a little long for well attended games. The restrooms are adequate for average crowds. Return on Investment 4 The overall return on investment for a Louisiana Tech game is especially strong. General admission runs $8 with the dugout seats selling for $12 each. Children admissions is $4 for ages 4-17. Concessions are reasonably priced and parking is free. The only thing holding back the ROI for now is a quality on-field product. If prices remain intact and the Bulldogs near a 40 win season, the investment will be well worth it for the overall experience. Extras 4 The Love Shack comes through with a few "extra" items that help to enhance the overall experience. Be on the look-out for the plaque and display which memorializes J.C. Love, the ballpark namesake, and the dedication of the stadium. The dugout seats are a neat idea for visiting team fans. You'll get to sit on-top of your favorite team's dugout. The playground area is a great benefit to families attending the game with little ones. The train passing by beyond right field and the dorms in view just beyond left field add a unique flavor to the overall experience.

Photo Courtesy of Jose Carlos Fajardo, Contra Costa Times Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 University Credit Union Pavilion 1928 Saint Mary’s Rd. Moraga, CA 94556 Saint Mary’s Gaels website University Credit Union Pavilion website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 3,500 Moraga Hoops McKeon Pavilion (pronounced mc-CUE-in) is the home gym for the Saint Mary’s Gaels men and women basketball teams. The men’s team has been a top “mid-major” team over the last decade and has made some noise in the NCAA Tournament. Overall, Saint Mary’s has appeared in eight NCAA Tournaments after winning three conference tournaments and six conference regular seasons. Their best showing was making the Elite Eight in 1959. Additionally, they made the Sweet Sixteen in 2010. McKeon Pavilion has served as the home court for the Gaels since 1978 and has a capacity of 3,500 fans. Saint Mary’s has plans to renovate the aging facility to accommodate 500 additional fans, luxury suites and video boards as well as an athletic training facility. In the meantime, the Gaels still enjoy a great home court advantage. A game at McKeon Pavilion is one of the best college basketball experiences in Northern California thanks to quality of play and the intimate setting for a game. Note: The venue's name changed from McKeon Pavilion to University Credit Union Pavilion in Dec 2019. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand on the entry level concourse. Here you will find hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and other staples. Upstairs, you’ll find snacks like chips and candy. Both concession areas serve bottled water and soft drinks. In short, eat prior to getting to McKeon Pavilion and just supplement it with a snack or a soda. Atmosphere 4 There is not a better college basketball atmosphere in Northern California going right now than a Saint Mary’s home game. If California or Stanford have a good year it’s possible either of them could supplant the Gaels in this category. However, year in and year out, my money’s on McKeon. The seating is the one downside. Everything in the upper level is bleacher seating in hard, plastic form. One side of the gym has no seat pads, while the other side does ($10 more). There is very little leg room between benches which can make for an uncomfortable experience at times, but certainly serves to pack 3,500 spectators as close to the court as possible. You cannot access the lower level at anytime without a ticket for that area. Being almost 40 years old, McKeon Pavilion feels its age. There is no video screen showing replays or advertisements but that furthers the gym-like vibe. There is one small scoreboard at one end of the court and a larger one, complete with stats, at the other. “Gael Force,” the Saint Mary’s student section, stands on the bleachers opposite the team benches. Clad in all red, they keep the energy level high throughout. Though the students are raucous, it’s just as likely to see older couples and families with small children at McKeon. McKeon Pavilion is split into two main sections; lower and upper levels to your right and lower and upper levels to your left upon entry. The one exception to the mirror image is the Hall of Fame Lounge with its seats hanging over one end of the court, giving a unique perspective. Since Randy Bennett arrived in Moraga there has been an influx of Australian talent (e.g., Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova amongst others) and they now display an Australian flag in the gym. This, and the “Aussie-Aussie-Aussie” chants are sure to make these players right at home. Neighborhood 3 McKeon Pavilion is located on the Saint Mary’s campus in the town of Moraga, just 15 miles from Oakland. However, as most games are on weeknights during rush hour, it can take up to an hour to get to Moraga from the more urban areas of the Bay Area. Moraga has a population of less than 20,000 and is a quiet, but beautiful place. Rolling hills and tall redwoods allow for beautiful day hikes in the area. Being located on campus, though scenic, is not conducive to grabbing food or drink prior to or after a Gaels basketball game. Your best options are in downtown Moraga or Rheem Valley. Here you can find Lamorinda Pizza, Italian restaurant Amaroma, and Asia Palace (mostly Chinese). Regardless of where you eat prior to the game, you will be getting back into your car to get to McKeon. Since you’re driving, maybe check out nearby Orinda for La Piazza or Hanazen for sushi. Moraga is a mostly sleepy community where you can enjoy being outside or catching a movie. This portion is one of the more affluent of the Bay Area so you’re options for dining reflect that. You won’t find a row of sports bars where you can catch a game on a big screen. Fans 4 Like many students sections in college basketball, Gael Force remains standing for the duration of the game. They lead chants that the whole gym gets involved with and are the catalysts for big runs by the hometown team. The Gaels seem to benefit from playing in a small town, somewhat secluded from the otherwise busy and bustling Bay Area. They are not only the hot ticket in town, but the only. The community seems to embrace them as their own, with many members of the community alumnus of SMC. There is a perception about the fans being a little uppity at SMC. This may be true but I didn’t find it to negatively affect my experience. Access 2 Moraga is somewhat secluded from the rest of the Bay Area. The nearest freeways (13 and 24) are more than 5 miles away, accessible only by winding roads, with one lane going each direction. That doesn’t begin to tell the story of getting to McKeon. Though it’s only 20 miles away from San Francisco, it can take well over an hour to get to Moraga during rush hour. This is not unique to the Moraga/Lafayette area but certainly affects a trip to see the game. It’s not only an issue of getting out of the city as it backs up on the other side of the bay on 580 and 24. Keep traffic in mind as most college basketball games are held on weeknights. For many Bay Area residents avoiding traffic can be solved by taking a BART train. Unfortunately the nearest station is 5 miles away, so it is not walkable. Riding a bicycle is an option from the train station and would be a nice ride through the rolling hills, but isn’t advisable as there aren’t many street lights from the station into town. It’s not much easier when you get inside the venue. The bleacher seating in the general admission area leaves literally no room for people to pass in front of seated spectators. Even standing up to let fans by is tricky as there really is only room for one person to stand at a time. Other seating looks to be more accessible. Even the parking lots, though inexpensive at $5, are a good walk away from the venue. Return on Investment 3 Tickets have increased in recent years. A general admission ticket is now $15, with an identical seat across the court with seat cushion going for $25. These are starting points and go up depending on the opponent. Largely, single game seats in the lower level are unavailable as they are swooped up by season ticket holders. It would be nice to see them lower the price for sparsely attended non-conference games like when I saw the Gaels take on Morgan State. Concessions, though limited, and parking at a great value bump up the overall return a point. Extras 3 There aren’t many state-of-the-art extras at McKeon Pavilion. Rather, the extras consist of the historical value, the nostalgic nature of the gym and the atmosphere of this elite mid-major squad. The elevated area behind one backboard for some season ticket holders is cool, albeit strange, aesthetic. This area has risers filled with comfy folding chairs and plenty of legroom. They have typical contests throughout the game including a 3-point shooting contest which, on the night I attended, was won by a young man with use of only one of his arms. Very impressive. Lastly, the Gaels proudly display their retired numbers and championship banners for men’s and women’s hoops as well as the full trophy case in the main entrance concourse.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bridgeforth Field 1001 East Cork Street Winchester, VA 22601 Winchester Royals website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 1,500 A Winning Night in Winchester The Winchester Royals play in the Valley Baseball League, a collegiate summer wood bat league based in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The league includes 11 teams split into a northern and southern division. The Royals have been in the league since 1979 and play their home games at Bridgeforth Field. This field is located within Jim Barnett Park, which is owned by the City of Winchester and also includes several other fields, a disc golf course, and a skate pavilion. It is also home to the baseball team of Shenandoah University. Following the 2021 season, the stadium was extensively renovated, including a new turf playing surface, better lighting, and a new scoreboard. Food & Beverage 4 For such a small venue, Bridgeforth Field has a great selection at the concession stand, and the prices are extremely affordable. Hot dogs are $3, hamburgers are $4, cheeseburgers are $4.50, and you can make any option a combo with chips and a drink by adding $1.50. Snacks include locally made Route 11 potato chips, nachos, Pirate’s Booty, popcorn, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and candy. Water and soda are available to drink, as are iced tea (sweet or unsweet), lemonade, Gatorade, and Honest Juice. For the sweet tooth, freezie pops and ice cream bars are available. Atmosphere 4 Bridgeforth Field has five seats of bleachers, two on each side of the field and one directly behind home plate. The one behind home plate consists of bleachers with backs, while the other four are a weird hodgepodge of chairbacks bolted onto bleachers and bleachers without backs. As the entire stadium is general admission, make sure to arrive early to get the seat you want. Winchester fans tend to sit down the third base line where their teams’ dugout is, while visiting fans tend to sit down the first base line. The seats behind home plate are more mixed. There is a scoreboard in left centerfield which shows the line score, count, and current batter. Like in most of the Valley League, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls, but can return them to the team store for a free freezie pop. You will often see kids chasing after the balls in the hope of getting one. Unlike many summer league teams, the Royals do a great job of keeping fans engaged. Most half-inning breaks feature either contests on the field or raffle drawings using the number on your game ticket (so be sure to hold onto that!) and there are other ways to keep the fans engaged like trivia and Name that Tune contests. Instead of playing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch, the team plays its own theme song about enjoying the team and the game. Neighborhood 3 Winchester is a small city located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. There are a number of restaurants located near the stadium, ranging from sports bars to barbecue to homemade ice cream. Since Bridgeforth Field is located near the highway, pretty much everything in Winchester is right there. While Winchester certainly isn’t a bustling city, it does have that small-town charm. History buffs may also want to visit the many Civil War sites in and around Winchester, which played a major role in the conflict. The city changed hands 72 times during the war and was known as the Shuttlecock of the Confederacy. Fans 4 While some teams in the Valley Baseball League don’t have many fans, the Winchester Royals do draw a good crowd. They fill up most of the bleachers and cheer on their team throughout the game. They also seem to be quite familiar with the players despite the fact that none of them stick around for more than one summer. The fans range from young families with kids to older people who have watched this team every summer for decades. Many people can be seen wearing Winchester Royals colors and hats as well. This team has been around for a while, and it is good to see the fan base continues to be loyal to their team. Access 4 The nearest highway to Bridgeforth Field is Interstate 81, and it is easily accessible via Exit 313A. Fans coming from the east or west will need to take State Route 7 or U.S. Route 50 at least part of the way, and while these are not highways, you can usually make good time. Once you get to the stadium, there is parking available in a lot right next to it. If this fills up, there is parking available elsewhere in Jim Barnett Park as well. All parking is free. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Winchester, like most of the teams in this league, is located far from any major city. Washington, D.C. is about an hour and a half away, and no other major city is anywhere near Winchester. There’s probably a VBL team close to any fan in the Shenandoah Valley, but to fans from outside it, getting there can be a challenge. Return on Investment 5 When admission is charged, tickets cost $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens, $2 for children six to 12 years, and free for children under six. However, thanks to sponsorship deals, many games have free admission. Be sure to check the schedule online first. Free games do still require a ticket, because this doubles as your raffle ticket for a chance to win one of several prizes throughout the game. Even if you have to pay admission, it’s not that much, and when you throw in the free parking and affordable concessions, it can be an excellent deal for the entire family. Extras 3 There are free programs located by the entrance, though there is a donation box next to it to raise money for team meals. Some fans stick a dollar or so in, some don’t. Either way, it’s a great deal. There is a souvenir shop in the stadium as well which sells Winchester Royals merchandise. You don’t always see such an extensive selection at this level. One final star for the extremely affordable prices and the possibility to see free baseball on certain nights. Final Thoughts Although collegiate summer league baseball doesn’t really get that much attention, the Valley Baseball League has been achieving success for many years. For fans who live in the area, a visit to Bridgeforth Stadium can be an enjoyable and affordable experience throughout the summer. Fans outside the Valley may still want to consider making a trip here as it is a nice way to take in a baseball game on a summer night.

It’s the dead of winter, spring training is over a month away, and even the baseball discussion groups on Facebook and X are dead quiet. What’s a baseball fan to do? The winter months are a great time to plan your baseball journeys for the spring and summer. 101 Baseball Places to See Before You Strike Out , by Josh Pahigian, is a wonderful resource for anyone who loves baseball. It doesn’t cover the current major and minor league stadiums, as that information is readily available on the internet. The book’s focus is on the hundreds of baseball shrines across the country that you might pass by on your baseball trips, simply because you were not aware of their existence. Obviously, Cooperstown is included in the book, but it also includes the Canadian Hall of Fame and Museum, the National College Baseball Hall of Fame and the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. There are also individual Hall of Fames dedicated to such baseball elites such as Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Ty Cobb, Bob Feller and Dizzy Dean. Film fans will be interested in the many sites around the country that were used in the production of baseball themed movies. These include the Field of Dreams cornfield and home in Dyersville, Iowa, the Durham, NC stadium used in Bull Durham . Other baseball pop culture sites featured in the book include the Simpsons statues at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, NM and the Bob Uecker Seats at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Another section of the book focuses on some behind the scenes baseball sites that make baseball games possible. The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory in Louisville, KY and the Baseball Mud Site in New Jersey are covered in one of the chapters. While you are out on your baseball road trip, it’s easy to work up an appetite for something other than a fast-food stop. 101 Baseball Places provides you with detailed information on restaurants with a baseball connection. Among the sites covered in this chapter are the Yankee Tavern in the Bronx, McCovey’s Restaurant on Walnut Creek, CA, Bobby Valentine’s Sports Gallery Café in Stamford, CT and Chappell’s Restaurant and Sports Museum in Kansas City, MO. There is also a chapter covering the Negro Leagues and the eventual integration of major league baseball. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a must see for baseball travelers in the Kansas City area. There are Jackie Robinson Trails in both Pasadena, CA and New York City. The Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Museum in Daytona, FL is located at the actual stadium made his major league debut with the Dodgers. We’ve only scratched the surface on the many baseball-related attractions and restaurants waiting for you this spring and summer. 101 Baseball Places to See Before You Strike Out is an indispensable resource for any baseball traveler. See you out on the road!

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Marriott Center 701 East University Parkway Provo, UT 84604 BYU Cougars website Marriott Center website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 63,470 Rise And Shout Since 1971, the BYU Cougars have played their home basketball games at the Marriott Center. Since the team moved into the facility, it has undergone many renovations, with the most recent in 2015. After those renovations, the school added the brand new Marriott Center annex in February 2017, complete with a practice court, a strength and conditioning center and team lounge just to name a few things. The Cougars have been part of the West Coast Conference since 2011 and have had great success since joining the conference, making either the NCAA or NIT tournament in each of the seven seasons they have been in the conference. Ever since then, the basketball program has enjoyed great success and the level of fan excitement continues to grow. The upgrades that were made to the arena have had a big impact. Food & Beverage 4 Prices for food and drinks at the Marriott Center are right around the price you would pay for stadium food. But what the food lacks in price more than makes up for in quality. One of the concessions stands you will see while traveling around the concourse is for BYU Signature Concessions. Some of the items you will find here include BYU Creamery ice cream, with flavors such as Cookies & Cream, Graham Canyon, Roasted Almond Fudge and Rose’s Snickerdoodle, with all flavors costing $4. Other items include the BYU Brownie ($2) and Cougar Crunch ($6). The signature item here is a giant gourmet sandwich ($9), with your choice of either Turkey on Wheat or Ham on Rye. BYU recently made the switch to Pepsi, so it will be all Pepsi products if you’re ever attending a game, with a bottled soda costing $4. An important note: BYU is an LDS campus, so that means there is no alcohol served on school grounds, including at sporting events. Atmosphere 4 With BYU on the rise in the West Coast Conference, game day on campus has become an even bigger deal. On the outside, the Marriott Center looks like a typical arena built in the 1970’s. But once you get past the concourse and into the arena itself, it’s a completely different experience. The renovations in 2012 and 2015 added prime chair seating to the lower bowl, a new sound system and new video boards, which makes the fan experience that much more enjoyable. At a capacity of 19,000, BYU has the largest arena in terms of capacity in the West Conference Conference. Attendance varies from game to game, but for the most part the arena is either full or close to full on game day. Neighborhood 4 The arena itself is on the northern fringe of campus, just about kitty-corner from LaVell Edwards Stadium. And while it is located on the campus itself, it sits along University Parkway, a major road that leads from the arena, through downtown Provo, all the way to Interstate 15. If you are coming from out of town, be advised that there are few, if any, bars located in the city. BYU is an LDS campus, and alcohol is not served and is not allowed on campus. If it is food you’re looking for, then there are no shortage of options in town. About two miles from the arena is one of my favorite places to eat: Pizza Pie Cafe. They do have a few locations outside of the state, but PPC is mainly a Utah chain. Prices vary depending if you arrive for lunch or dinner. The restaurant is all-you-can-eat, which includes 13 regular pizzas, five dessert pizzas, pasta and a salad bar. It is a local favorite and I highly recommend coming here if you ever visit. For those looking to a place to stay, there are hotels less than a mile from the arena. For those of you that like to stay in budget hotels, the Super 8 University hotel across from the stadium is a good option. If you prefer something that is a little more upscale, there is a Courtyard by Marriott just a little further away. Fans 4 Even with the move to the West Coast Conference, the Marriott Center is as a formidable place to play as any, especially when it comes time for conference play. One of the most noticeable things when it comes to the fans is BYU’s student section, known as The Roc. Even with late 9PM tip-offs being the norm during conference play, the student section makes itself known, especially in big games when Saint Mary’s or Gonzaga come to town. With the recent success of the BYU basketball program, it seems the student section has become more formidable over time. With the energy The Roc brings, that really isn’t a surprise. During the game, the rest of the fans seem to feed off the energy the student section brings. The arena sees a good crowd during BYU home games, even though some games don’t tip-off until 9PM. Access 4 Some of the parking in front of and close to the Marriott Center are reserved for permit holders, but there is plenty of public parking to be found two or three blocks away from the arena. When I was there, the most expensive price I saw for parking was $10, so you won’t be paying a whole lot in terms of parking. Getting to the stadium is very easy. If you are coming from either direction on Interstate 15, you will take the exit for University Parkway (exit 269). Once you are on University Parkway, it is a straight, 4-mile drive to the arena. Return on Investment 4 For those looking for single game tickets, you are getting a good deal. The range on tickets is between $15 and $80, but that may go up a little bit if a more high profile opponent visits town. For students, they have to purchase what is called a ROC Pass, which gives them access to all home events for the academy. Prices will vary depending on whether the pass includes access to football games or all other events except football. Extras 2 Located next to the arena is the Marriott Center Annex, which was completed as part of the arena’s renovations in 2017. The annex includes two practice courts, athletic offices, a strength and conditioning center and a BYU Basketball Hall of Honor, just to name a few. Another extra for the Cougars’ energetic mascot, Cosmo the Cougar. He is one of the more energetic mascots that I’ve seen, and it looks like both the players and the fans love him. He is definitely a big presence during home games. Final Thoughts While not a bucket list arena, the Marriott Center is definitely an arena you should visit if you are ever in Provo for a game. With the renovations complete, the interior has more of a modern look, which you will be hard-pressed to miss. With its recent success, don’t expect BYU to fade anytime soon.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Powers Field at Princeton Stadium 500 Ivy Lane Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers football website Powers Field at Princeton Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 27,800 Tiger Football at Princeton Stadium The Princeton Tigers football team plays their home games at Powers Field at Princeton Stadium in Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton is a member of the Ivy League in all sports and competes at the Division 1 FCS level for football. The Ivy League is made up of 8 prestigious colleges located in the Northeast. The term Ivy League comes from 1930s sportswriter Caswell Adams, who complained that he had to cover a Columbia-UPenn game instead of a game at his alma mater Fordham. Adams called the two schools “Ivy-covered” because of how old they were and the name stuck. Adams was correct in saying that the Ivy League schools are old. Princeton University was founded so long ago, America was still ruled by a king. Princeton came about as The College of New Jersey in 1746 and was originally located in Elizabeth and Newark before moving to Princeton in 1756, long before football was even played. But since football came about Princeton has always been competitive, claiming 28 national titles (all pre-1951) and winning 12 Ivy League championships since the conference officially formed in 1954. Their most recent Ivy League title was captured in 2018. Food & Beverage 3 There are four concession kiosks at Princeton Stadium, two on the home sideline and two on the road team sideline. The concession stands offer a variety of food and drink options. The stand menus are divided into three sections: Hot Plays for entrees, Grab and Go for snacks, and beverages. Hot Plays include bratwurst for $6.50, a hot dog for $5, a crafted burger for $6, and a crafted cheeseburger and grilled chicken sandwich for $6.50. Both crafted burgers were made with grass fed beef and a mushroom blend. The grab and go menu featured cotton candy for $4, chips for $2.50, and candy and a jumbo pretzel for $3. Beverages included small sodas for $3 and large sodas for $4.50. There is no official soda brand at Princeton but sodas offered included Sprite, Coke Zero, Coke, and Diet Coke. No alcohol is served at the stadium and other beverage offerings include Powerade, Vitamin Water, Bottled Water, Coffee, Tea, and Hot Chocolate, all for $3. Princeton also offers a souvenir mug bearing the athletics department logo for $5. Attendees who buy the cup are entitled to $1 refills on any beverage they bought. All concession stands at Princeton Stadium close after halftime, so get your food and drinks early. This writer tried the crafted cheeseburger and it wasn’t very good. It tasted more like a veggie burger than a cheeseburger and seemed like a classic attempt to be health conscious with food while eschewing taste and flavor in the process. Atmosphere 4 Princeton Stadium is cavernous. Seating wraps around the entire stadium, with two-tiered seating on both sidelines and in one end zone. The other end zone had only one tier seating and was roped off for some reason and no one was sitting there. Princeton’s sideline was to the right after entering the stadium and the opposing sideline was to the left. The Princeton band sits at the far side of the home sideline and the Tigers’ student section (The Jungle) was relatively indistinguishable from other fans because almost everyone was clad in orange. Almost no seats at Princeton have chair backs or cushions of some sort so it is necessary for fans to stand up and stretch every once in a while for the sake of comfort. The press box at Princeton is located above the home sideline and offers sweeping views of not only the action on the field but buildings on Princeton’s campus and historic Jadwin Gymnasium in the distance behind the end zone. Princeton’s scoreboard is diminutive in comparison to mammoth video boards popping up in stadiums nationwide, but still features the score, school names, down/to go, timeouts left, ball on, quarter, and replays of the action taking place on the field. The P.A. announcer had a clear, deep voice and made no crucial errors in mispronunciation. He also wasn’t overly showy like some in his line of work, adroitly playing the role of purveyor of information without falling into the realm of boisterous hype man. Free WiFi was available at the stadium and fans who accessed the PU visitor network got free WiFi for a month in the event they returned to Princeton for any event, sporting or otherwise. Music was played throughout the game, both from the public address system and from the Princeton marching band. The Princeton marching band is small and goofy in the same vein as Stanford’s. That doesn’t mean they aren’t quality musicians; they just don’t carry themselves with the same seriousness as most collegiate marching bands do. Case in point, a postgame concert knee deep in a fountain on campus. The band upholds the tradition of playing the school fight song after touchdowns and the alma mater postgame but also includes rock and pop songs like Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” and “The Time Warp” from Rocky Horror Picture Show. Their aquatic postgame concert featured Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al,” The B52’s “Rock Lobster” and Green Day’s “Basket Case,” all songs that most straight-laced marching bands wouldn’t dare to attempt. The P.A. system blared the usual mix of songs to get people hype at a football game, including “YMCA”, the ubiquitous “Seven Nation Army” and Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud.” A cheerleading squad performed at the end of the 1st quarter and the school mascot, a tiger wearing jersey number 42, roamed the sidelines hyping up the crowd throughout the game. Neighborhood 4 Few stadiums can boast a more unique surrounding area than Princeton. Princeton has it all, a stunning campus of an elite school that has produced luminaries in numerous fields, colonial history, and both the quaint feel of a small town and the vibrancy of a college town. Walking through Princeton’s campus is jarring, each building carries the panache of an Ivy League school built in the 1700s, carrying the history of all those who walked its halls. You can’t help thinking as you walk around Princeton’s campus that this is where Michelle Obama walked, where Jeff Bezos walked, where F. Scott Fitzgerald walked, and the list goes on and on. Imposing gilded age mansions line Prospect Avenue and carry weighty names like the Colonial Club and the Charter Club. These clubs date back over a hundred years and are Princeton’s versions of fraternities and sororities. A short walk from campus is a thriving and trendy downtown with a diverse array of restaurants, including PJ’s Pancake House, Mamoun’s Falafel, and Hoagie Haven (yes Princeton isn’t immune to Philly slang due to its Central Jersey location). A five minute trip to nearby Route 1 features big name hotels like Courtyard by Marriott but the Nassau Inn in town is a more historic, yet pricier option. Princeton also brings unique attractions like the McCarter Theatre on campus and the stately New Jersey Governor’s Mansion, Drumthwacket, which lies a few minutes down Route 206. Fans 4 Someone who has never attended a Princeton football game would surmise that the crowd there would be typical of a gathering of the bourgeoisie, featuring little rowdiness and talk of academic journals and sailing trips off Martha’s Vineyard. But a Princeton crowd is packed, loud, and engaged on every play. Fans stayed in their seats throughout the game and stayed the entire game but that may change if a game was a blowout. The game Stadium Journey attended was close and tense throughout however. Traditions include the playing of the fight song after a touchdown, the singing of the alma mater after the game with players and students locked arm in arm, and the fifth quarter, which provides fans with the opportunity to hang out on the field after the game. Chants were germane to football games, with fans yelling “defense” and “let’s go Tigers.” Access 3 Princeton Stadium is accessible by numerous modes of transportation. It is located near the major thoroughfares of Route 1 and the New Jersey Turnpike and is almost equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia. The stadium is about an hour and a half train ride from Manhattan and North Jersey and the Princeton Junction stop on the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor line from Penn Station is five minutes from campus. Visitors can then take the oddly named Dinky shuttle from the Princeton Junction station to campus. The dinky drops passengers near Hobey Baker Rink, the school’s hockey arena, about a five minute walk across campus from Princeton Stadium. Four major airports are less than an hour and a half drive/train ride from Princeton’s campus: Philadelphia International Airport, Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia. Parking at Princeton costs $10 unless you have a parking pass that allows for free parking. If you don’t have one of the passes and don’t arrive in town early on gameday, finding parking is an arduous task. Lots close to campus fill up quickly and late arriving visitors have to park in a field a few blocks away or on the street where parking is available. Princeton accepts both hard copy and printed tickets. Tickets could be ordered online and either printed out, scanned from a phone, or picked up at will call on gameday. Superiority of one gate versus another depended on where your tickets are within the stadium. If you’re on the Princeton side it’s better to enter at the gate closest to there but if you’re a fan of a visiting team it’s better to enter at the gate closest to that sideline. There was no bag check at Princeton Stadium and concourse traffic flowed well despite the large crowd, even at the concession stands where lines formed due to their early closing at halftime but the lines moved quickly. Bathrooms at Princeton Stadium were clean, odor free and featured paper towels for hand drying as opposed to newfangled machines with names like turbo dryer or xlerator. Return on Investment 4 A train ride from New York City to Princeton costs $38 round trip ($32 to get from Penn Station to Princeton Junction, and $6 more to use the dinky to get to campus). A trip down or up the New Jersey Turnpike can cost anywhere from $3 to $15, depending on where you’re traveling from. The low end would cover travelers from Central Jersey but $15 is a possibility if you’re coming from Bergen and Hudson county because turnpike tolls increase the closer you live to New York City. The recommended entree of a crafted cheeseburger cost $6.50 and with a drink for $3 and chips for $2.50 a whole meal barely exceeds $10. Parking costs $10, which is about the average for any sporting event and programs weren’t sold at the stadium and could be accessed online for free. Tickets bought in advance cost $15 for adults and $12 for children and tickets bought on gameday cost $20 for adults and $15 for children, so definitely buy tickets in advance if you are planning to attend a Princeton football game, because you can save at least $8 and every little bit of saved money counts. Special ticket packages include group tickets and a birthday package. Group tickets can be purchased for $8 each if the group is between 20 and 49 people (60% savings) and for $6 each if the group exceeds 50 (70% savings). A $120 birthday package includes 12 game day tickets for $10, video board recognition, a P.A. announcement, a picture with the Tiger mascot, and a gift bag/team poster, so fans with birthdays can save money and additionally make special memories at a Princeton game. Extras 5 -Nassau Hall, located on Princeton’s campus, was built in 1756 and served as the U.S. Capitol building for four months in 1783 -Albert Einstein’s house at 112 Mercer Street. Einstein lived in Princeton from 1935 to 1955 while he worked at the Institute for Advanced Study in town. -A merchandise tent at the stadium selling hats, shirts, and Princeton Tiger plushes. -Friendly and helpful concessions staff -Notable Princeton alumni include basketball legend Bill Bradley, former First Lady Michelle Obama, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Final Thoughts Anyone looking for a fun fall Saturday in New Jersey can look no further than a Princeton Tigers football game at Princeton Stadium.

For the first time, Stadium Journey presents its rankings of the stadium experience for the 24 clubs in the EFL Sky Bet Championship. There are several categories in the ground reviews: food & beverage in the arena, atmosphere, the local neighborhood, fans, access (including parking, restrooms, and ability to move around on the grounds), overall return on investment, and a catchall category for all extras. We use the rating of our correspondents as our primary ranking, with the crowd reviews of our members as the secondary factor. In cases where there is still a tie, we have an internal discussion to determine which arena experience might be slightly better. Click on the stadium or team name to read each stadium review. As with any list of stadium rankings, there will be some disagreements and a few headscratchers. You are more than willing to let us know what you think in the comment section, and perhaps we could see a change next year, but until then, here is the 2023 Stadium Journey EFL Sky Bet Championship Stadium Ranking. 1. Bramall Lane - Sheffield United 4.14 Bramall Lane boasts so many different things, it’s quite fascinating. Firstly, the away stand is dedicated to Sheffield-born, Olympic hero, Jessica Ennis-Hill. As an away supporter, it gives your stadium experience just that little extra touch. The historical impact always plays in the back of your mind, as after all, it is the oldest major football stadium in the world. In addition to this, another key extra is that it’s just minutes away from the city centre, which is a must-see. 2. Kenilworth Road - Luton Town 4.00 Visiting Kenilworth Road was fulfilling a childhood ambition! I was fascinated with their artificial surface in the 80s and how they always defied the odds to survive in the top flight! This is a very old ground, compact with very little room to manoeuvre due to the surrounding houses and busy roads, and a venue that all enthusiasts should visit. 3. Loftus Road - QPR 3.71 Walking to the ground through the narrow streets and sitting near other fans is what gives the ground such character and will be hard to create once they move. That said, those characteristics are what has stopped the ground from being developed, which is both a blessing and a curse. 4. Stoke City - Bet365 Stadium 3.57 The stadium consists of four cantilever stands with the L-shaped Boothen and East stands being of a separate structure from the rest of the stadium. The main West stand, consisting of two tiers, houses the club's corporate and media facilities. The legendary Sir Stanley Mathews who officially opened the stadium had his ashes buried under the stadium’s centre circle following his death in 2000. Statues outside the stadium show his career at different stages. 5. Swansea City - Liberty Stadium 3.57 Swansea City fans have known what it has been like to suffer through lean years and also know what it’s like to revel in glory seasons. You can’t break the heart and souls of its fans and supporters. Liberty Stadium is providing a fitting symbol for their continuing rise. 6. Bristol City - Ashton Gate 3.57 It is certainly exciting times for Bristol City fans off the pitch as the club continues to invest and grow its profile and infrastructure. The stadium is now fit for big matches, the most recent being the Vanarama Promotion Cup Final between Torquay United and Hartlepool United which was switched from Wembley due to its Euro 2020 commitments. This demonstrates that this venue is on its way to becoming the first-class facility that chairman Stephen Lansdown has always dreamed of. 7 . Coventry City - CBS Arena 3.43 CBS Arena is a very non-descript stadium but offers a few advantages for the atmosphere. While it's located outside the city for easy access by car or train, it doesn't stand out from other venues in the league in terms of aesthetics. Is it worth checking out of the match, Of course? However, it sort of falls in the middle-of-the-road category. 8 . Reading - Select Car Leasing Stadium 3.43 Select Car Leasing Stadium is home to the English Football Championship club Reading and was formerly named Madejski Stadium after their Chairman Sir John Madejski. The stadium was built in 1998 following the club's departure from their Elm Park residence of over one hundred years. The stadium has an all-seated capacity of 24,161. 9 . Sunderland - Stadium of Light 3.43 Visiting the Stadium of Light is something you should do. It’s a program ground, which at times can be very full of atmosphere. My only problem is that when you get there, you will be disappointed with the contest. However, overall I would recommend visiting this stadium, as it is reasonably priced to get in and has well-designed many-around all-around features that not many other stadiums have. 10 . Blackpool - Bloomfield Road 3.29 Attending a Blackpool match is a fun experience in a great location in England for Championship football. It is an ideal destination if you are with the family, but great if you are ground-hopping alone or with a few friends. Bloomfield Road has plenty to see, along with the rest of Blackpool. 11. Millwall - The Den 3.29 The Den offers great views from almost every part of the grounds and is the perfect size for being close to the action. It is clean, comfortable, and a serviceable stadium that has shown its age in certain places but offers an array of food kiosks and social quarters. The Den and its supporters have their reputation but for the most part, makes for an ideal afternoon for football in London. 12. Norwich City - Carrow Road 3.29 When you are enjoying a stay in the English countryside (Anglia) and if you want something else then visit its beautiful villages, castles ruins, and cathedrals, then a visit to a match of Norwich City Football Club is a welcome break. You can experience the real football atmosphere created by passionate Canaries fans. The atmosphere you will experience at Carrow Road is probably better than you will find at some of the top teams in the league. 13. Watford - Vicarage Road 3.29 Watford fans are great and this is a nice stadium overall The grounds are at near capacity crowds that are up close and personal to the players on the pitch. The cheering echoes throughout the stands and the atmosphere is full of history at the facility that blends both modern and classic styles. 14. Wigan Athletic - DW Stadium 3.29 The DW Stadium was built in 1999 as a home for the Wigan Athletic soccer team. Wigan’s previous home was Springfield Park, where most of the success came towards the end of their 67-year stay. The DW has a capacity of 25,133 and also provides a home for the Wigan Warriors Rugby League Team. Like most newly built stadiums in England, The DW is situated in the middle of a vast retail park. 15. Cardiff City - Cardiff City Stadium 3.29 Cardiff City Stadium comes alive on match day with local pubs and restaurants near the grounds packed with fans. Once inside the stadium, the crowd becomes electric against bigger opponents but halftime takes for a fine day of footy on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. 16. Huddersfield Town - John Smith's Stadium 3.14 The John Smith Stadium is a modern, comfortable football stadium that is inexpensive, features a good range of concession items, and overall has a very good time. The home of the Terriers should not be overlooked when visiting English Football grounds, 17. Birmingham City - St. Andrew's Stadium 3.00 The stadium features four stands: Spion Kop Stand, The Main Stand, Gil Merrick Stand, and the Tilton Road Stand. Away supporters enter through the Gil Merrick Stand and The Main Stand offers both the Cookhouse and Family section. The best spot for the atmosphere is in the Tilton Road Stand but some seats feature an obstructed view. 18. Burnley - Turf Moor 3.00 Burnley has occupied its ground since 1883 and holds the record for the longest period in one place in England. When it first opened it was home to an 800-capacity grandstand and served as the home venue for Burnley Rovers FC. The plot of land was first occupied by Burnley’s cricket club in 1833. 19. Middlesbrough - Riverside Stadium 3.00 The Riverside Stadium has opened in 1995 following Middlesbrough's relocation from their historic but outdated Ayresome Park home a little over a mile away. The Riverside was one of the first newly built larger stadiums within Britain at that time and now has an all-seated capacity of 35,100. 20 . Preston North End - Deepdale 3.00 Although the atmosphere of old Deepdale can never be replaced, the new version when full can become a close second. If North End can one day return to the top flight of English soccer where they were once one of the top dogs back in the 40s and 50s, then this will certainly be an outstanding venue to view English football. 21 . Rotherham - New York Stadium 3.00 It would take very little to improve the atmosphere compared to the club’s temporary Don Valley experience. However Rotherham United has tried extremely hard to ensure the New York experience will bring supporters back to the club. Home supporters generate most of the noise from the KCM Recycling Stand. 22. West Bromich - The Hawthorns 3.00 In the stadium, there is plenty of noise from the home and away ends. Two big screens show replays as well. Leg space is slightly cramped especially if you are tall. Concourses are narrow so can be quite cramped at halftime or pregame. Views of the game are great from any seat and you are never far away from the action. There are electronic ticket scanners at the turnstiles when entering the ground resulting in quick queue times. 23. Hull City - MKM Stadium 2.86 The design of the stadium ensures that it retains its atmosphere and this remains the case when the stadium is not full which tends to be the case now that the club is back in the Championship League. 24. Blackburn - Ewood Park 2.29 There are a lot of things that need improving at the club. A good manager needs to be given time to work with his players, and the fans need to be more supportive of their team. Oh, and the Venky’s need to get a grip. Once this is all done, Blackburn may return to the Premier League and hopefully, the stadium experience will improve.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hammond Stadium 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33912 Ft Myers Mighty Mussels website Hammond Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 7,500 Tropical Comfort Note: In Dec 2019, the team name changed from Fort Myers Miracle to Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. Talking about minor league baseball stadiums, purists look for the old and historic stadiums, while others look for the newest and shiniest facilities. Hammond Stadium may not initially fit either of these categories, having been built in 1991, and looking quite similar to the abandoned Homestead Baseball Complex constructed for the Cleveland Indians around that time. However, a closer look reveals that the renovations in 2014-15 have completely transformed this once hum-drum facility into a beautiful, tropical oasis in southwest Florida. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions at Hammond Stadium are affordable and offer the traditional options fans would expect to see on the menu – hot dogs, burgers, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, etc. In addition, the stadium also features various game-day specials, like grilled ham and cheese sandwiches ($5.75), churro bites ($2), and meatball subs ($6.75). There are also several bars on site, including one in left field and another in right field for fans to pick from. At either location you can get a beer for as low as $4.50, wine for $6, and cocktails starting at $7.50, as well as purchase other food items like nachos ($5.50), sunflower seeds ($1.75), chips ($1.50), and more. Atmosphere 4 Hammond Stadium is beautiful, and the entire main concourse level is walkable around the whole field, allowing fans to wander and watch the action from various vantage points during contests. The outfield boardwalk offers up close views too, as well as alternate seating and standing-room only areas for fans to watch the Miracle take the field. The team store at Hammond Stadium is two stories, meaning you shouldn’t have a hard time finding your favorite gear for your favorite team. The main entrance is also stunning, with the fountain plaza area presenting the perfect introduction to the stadium. In addition, the field faces northeast, meaning fans will never have to sit through a game with the sun in their eyes; it also means you will always have comfortable shade to cool you off on those hot summer days in Florida. Neighborhood 3 Hammond Stadium itself is in a more suburban area of Fort Myers, Florida, meaning you will see more houses than stores and restaurants. However, while there may not be anything right across the street, you can drive less than a mile down the road to where I-75 crosses Daniels Parkway – here you can find plenty of dining and lodging options: Stevie Tomato’s Sports Page and Cracker Barrel are both popular stops, while Baymont Inn & Suites Fort Myers Airport and Hampton Inn Fort Myers Airport are the two closest hotels to the stadium. For sightseers, Sanibel Island is a short drive west – home to beautiful beaches, the Sanibel Lighthouse, and the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Fans 3 While fans may not pack the stands like they would for Twins spring training games, they are no less supportive of the Miracle. The crowds can easily swell depending on what visiting team is there, and which players from the big leagues are on assignment, or shrink if the famously unpredictable Florida weather looks like rain. Access 4 Getting to Hammond Stadium is easy, despite it not being right off the main roads. I-75 is just a few minutes away, and getting off the highway and heading west on Daniels Parkway is the best option. Once you get to 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, head south and the stadium will be on your right; parking is plentiful on site, and is only $5. Once inside the stadium, making your way around the facility is easy, as signage is plentiful, and the open concept of the stadium helps make finding your way a breeze. Return on Investment 4 Taking the family, or even just a few friends, to the game is a great option, as the price of tickets is affordable. Hammond Stadium also features low cost concessions and parking, meaning you won’t break the bank before you get to your seat. The beauty of the stadium is also hard to miss, and the options you have for seating around the field are among the best in Florida. Extras 2 The team features various themed nights, such as Star Wars Night, to help get fans out to games. There are also various giveaways for fans throughout the season, both from the team and from local vendors. Final Thoughts Looking for affordable and comfortable baseball options in Florida can be hard at times, but Hammond Stadium achieves both with ease. It may be easy to overlook the Miracle when looking at MiLB games to attend when in Florida, but make no mistake…the Miracle has a comfortable, modern facility that is welcoming, enjoyable, and affordable, which isn’t something other teams can lay claim to.

The city of Brockton, Massachusetts refers to itself as “The City of Champions.” This moniker comes from its history of producing boxing champions, most notably Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. On Thursday the city unveiled a statue of Hagler in the shadows of the site of legendary Petronelli Gym, where Hagler famously trained during his fighting days.   The statue, commissioned at a price of $150,000, is located in the new Hagler Park at the corner of Petronelli Way and Hagler Way. Hagler passed away in 2021 at the age of 66. He finished his career with a record of 62-3-2 with 53 knockouts. He was the undisputed Middleweight champion from 1980-87, making 12 title defenses during that time. Hagler was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993. Boxing Illustrated named him the 1980s Fighter of the Decade, and he was named Boxer of the Year twice.   Dozens of people were in attendance at the unveiling, including family members, former opponent Vito Antuofermo and city leaders. “I will say one thing about Marvelous Marvin, he never forgot where he came from,” Mayor Robert Sullivan told the crowd. “So today he is not here physically, but he is here in spirit.”     The statue, which stands about six feet tall, depicts Hagler throwing one of his legendary left jabs. At the base of the statue are replicas of his three championship belts. A dogwood sapling, which should grow to about 12 feet tall, is planted at the park to honor Hagler’s mother, Ida Mae Lang.   Hagler’s statue is the second erected in the city honoring a local boxing champion. In 2012, the World Boxing Council gifted a $250,000, 22 foot-tall statue of Rocky Marciano. This statue, the largest statue of a sporting figure in the world, is located at Rocky Marciano Stadium on the campus of Brockton High School, behind Campanelli Stadium, home of the New England Knockouts and Brockton Rox .

Photos by Chris Patton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Rent One Park 1000 Miners Dr. Marion, IL 62959 Rent One Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,000 Fun for Everyone at Rent One Park Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois is home to the Southern Illinois Miners of the independent Frontier League. The stadium opened on May 29, 2007, as the Miners defeated the Evansville Otters with over 6,300 fans in attendance. In their inaugural season, the Miners set Frontier League attendance records and continue to draw good crowds to the ballpark near the intersection of I-57 and Illinois Route 13. Rent One Park has 3,200 chair seats (with cup holders) and lawn seating for over 2,000. Additional seating is available in two picnic gardens. The Budweiser Bullpen Bar-n-Grille has picnic table seating for 300, while the Rent One Picnic Garden beyond the outfield walls seats another 500 fans. The park also has 14 suites and a banquet facility. EDITOR'S Note: The Southern Illinois Miners folded at the end of the 2021 season. Food & Beverage 4 There are four concession stands in Rent One Park. The stands offer all the ballpark staples, but they take it to the next level by offering them several different ways. For example, Nathan’s hot dog is $3.50, but for $0.50 more, you can get a chili cheese dog, salsa dog, or cheese dog. French fries are $3, while garlic or chili cheese fries are $3.50. The garlic fries aren’t the same quality as those at a San Francisco Giants game but are enjoyable. The variety continues with five different versions of nachos, ranging in price from $3.25 to $6. At the main concession stands, regular soda is $2.75, while a large is $4. Bottles of Pepsi products sell for $3.25. Draft beers are $3.75 and bottled beers are $4.75. The Budweiser Bullpen Bar-n-Grille down the right-field line also offers a wide variety of food and drink. In this location, you can dine on several different burgers or chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, and sausages. Draft beers listed are Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and 312. For a $0.75 savings, Natural Light drafts are also available. At freestanding carts along the concourse, three different types of cheesesteaks and Italian sausage with peppers are grilled up and sold for $6. Leinenkugel’s and Redd’s drafts are listed, as well. For dessert, one item that is recommended is the funnel cake fries. The $4 treat might seem more at home at the county fair than a ballpark but is worth trying. Atmosphere 4 Rent One Park is still a new facility at just a few years old and remains in great shape. As we walked into the stadium, the team staff handed us a free replica jersey and game program. The program is a small magazine or newspaper but is very informative. There had been some rain in the area before the game, but ushers walked with fans to their seats and wiped them down with a towel before anybody sat down. The concourse is wide open and covered in most areas, in case of rain. At the end of the concourse down the left-field line is a kids’ play area with six inflatables. This is right near the lawn seating, so parents can keep one eye on the game and one eye on their kids playing in a bounce house. The team’s name is a tribute to the history of coal mining in southern Illinois. The concourse walls feature black and white photos of local coal miners from years past. Along with the miner mascot, Big John is a canary mascot that celebrates runs by dancing on the dugout with one of the team’s Diamond Girls, who helped out with promotional contests. Rent One Park’s playing surface is Sportexe Turf. While this takes away from the charm for baseball, it allows several other events such as football, concerts, and pro-wrestling to take place throughout the year. The bullpens are behind the right-field fence. Behind and above the bullpens are the scoreboard, video screen, and several advertising panels. One of the advertisements is for Pitt Lite, the official mining light of the ball club. Their advertisement includes a large mining helmet light that is turned on during the game. Neighborhood 3 A new exit off of Interstate 57 essentially leads you right to the Rent One Park parking lot. The stadium is set back from IL Route 13, the main thoroughfare in Marion that leads to Carbondale, home of Southern Illinois University. Route 13 has been developed significantly since the early 1990s. The road now features a mall, numerous big box stores, chain restaurants, and hotels. 17th Street BBQ is one of the closest restaurants to Rent One Park. The restaurant has been featured on the Food Network and Travel Channel. The menu features a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and platters. The pulled pork sandwich is big and filling and hushpuppies are a welcome sight as a side item. The bar features several local selections from Big Muddy Brewing out of Murphysboro, Illinois. Fans 4 Along with Southern Illinois Salukis sports, Miners baseball has become a source of pride for the folks in and around Marion. The success and stability of the team have endeared the Miners to the community. While fans aren’t coming out in the record numbers of the opening season anymore, there are still plenty of excited and knowledgeable folks attending games in team gear. That is not always the case with independent baseball. Access 4 Parking is available for $3 in a spacious lot just outside the main stadium gates. You should have no trouble getting in and out of the lot. Keep an eye peeled for fans that are staying at one of the nearby hotels and walking back after the game. Rent One Park features plenty of clean, large restrooms with no waiting in line. Return on Investment 4 General Admission tickets sell for $7, Box Seats sell for $10 in advance ($2 extra on the day of game), and Club Seats sell for $14 in advance ($1 extra on game day. Tickets and parking are comparable with other independent sports franchises. My meal of Polish sausage, garlic fries, and a regular soda was a fair deal at $10.75. Extras 3 On the outfield wall is a sign honoring former Miner, Joey Metropolous. The ninth-round draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2004 became a fan favorite in Marion for his home run power and had his jersey retired in 2014. Nearly every Miners game has some sort of promotion or special theme. The game I attended was on the first Saturday of the college football season. Much of the night featured players using college fight songs as their walk-up music. Some players represented their alma maters, but others just had a school and fight song assigned to them. It was a nice tie-in to what was going on in the sports world that day. Final Thoughts Baseball remains king in southern Illinois. While the Miners will never replace the St. Louis Cardinals in the hearts of area residents, Rent One Park has become a destination for local sports fans.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Vandivier Gymnasium 625 Grizzly Cub Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Franklin Community HS Grizzly Cubs Franklin Community Gym website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 4,112 The Vandy is Still Dandy in Franklin The Vandivier Gym opened with Franklin Community High School for the 1961-1962 academic year. The gym would host its first game on November 14 in front of a near-capacity crowd at the 4,112 building. The gym would be home to Franklin Grizzly Cubs basketball until the 2005-2006 school year when modern facilities were constructed less than 2.5 miles away. The Vandy Gym and campus is now the middle school, but at least one high school home game a season sometime in late January. The idea stems from the school’s AD, who was a 1990 graduate and wants the old gym to provide a few more memories to the town of Franklin. The night of our visit was to honor the 50th-anniversary state championship finalists of 1973-1974. The venue gets its name from Robert Polk “Fuzzy” Vandivier, a legendary player on the Franklin Wonder Five. They captured three state high school championships from 1920-1922 with a combined record of 89-9, and then all five men moved a few blocks away to Franklin College and won two more state college championships in 1923 and 1924. After college, Vandivier was the head coach of the Cubs and later the athletic director from 1923-1964. Food & Beverage 3 A small concession stand offers hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and soda. There is a limited menu selection due to it handling a middle school crowd regularly. There is also an upstairs concession window that might be used for the larger high school crowds. The school offers Pepsi products, good-sized hot dogs with a proper meat-to-bun ratio, and additional toppings of chili and cheese. The stand does not take credit cards but does accept Venmo through an app on the phone. The first of its kind was witnessed at an Indiana high school gym. Atmosphere 3 The Vandy Gym appears frozen in time since the Grizzly Cubs last played inside its walls. The old court still has the hand-painted school logo, the words Grizzly Cubs are arched over the 3-point line, and the school colors of light blue and white adorn the walls.  However, the main focal points are its walls and lighting. The walls hang low with a set of lights that reflect off the basketball court below. It is similar in design to the Glen Ray Gym  just up the road at Whiteland High School. The Vandy Gym also features an upper concourse that wraps around the seating bowl for easy access and a play area for younger students. There are two sets of stands, the upper permanent bleachers and the lower pull-out bleachers that are adorned in plastic. Fans are close to the action all around the lower seating, and metal fencing separates the upper rows of seats for safety and access. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Franklin is known for its quaint restaurants and locally-owned shops since featured in the December 2, 1940 edition of Life magazine. That spirit remains intact 80-plus years later, where visitors can find everything from bars, casual and chef-driven restaurants, shops, bakeries, cafes, and breweries. Downtown is less than 2 miles from the Vandy Gym. Many buildings were constructed in the 1800s and now feature local places for food and drink. Blue Cactus Tacos & Tequila Bar and Shale Creek Brewery are two such establishments that are ideal spots before or after the game. The Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 and has been restored to its original look, offering second-run movies. Next door is The Willard, built in 1860. Today, it is a bar and restaurant. There are more places to choose from from its official website. North of the gym on US-31 is an array of fast-food restaurants and regional chain eateries. There are also retail, supermarkets, and several other places of interest. It is ideal for a quick bite on the run or with the family. Fans 4 Franklin fans are a vocal bunch who make it well-known what they think of a call or play on the court. Many have been coming to games for decades and enjoy watching high school hoops in the old building. The student cheer block was present, and the small group did their best to help out their classmates on the floor. Access 4 The Vandivier Gym is located at the middle school and easily accessible off of US-31 on the northbound side of the highway. A large parking lot on the south side provides plenty of parking before the game. Once inside, a wraparound concourse above the upper seating bowl allows fans to enjoy the game from a different perspective, and external staircases provide easy exits after the game. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a game is $7, concession prices are $3 for a hot dog and nachos, and a table sells used basketball gear and older t-shirts for $1 or $3. Venmo is an acceptable form of payment without cash. Extra 2 The Vandy Gym earns a point for its wrap-around concourse, low ceiling and lighting, and its name for one of the best players who ever laced his sneakers up, Robert “Fuzzy” Vandivier. Final Thoughts A visit to the Vandivier Gym is a rare opportunity for fans of high school basketball. The gym only hosts one game a year in January, and plans are to make it more of an event to create a unique tradition in the state. The stands are filled with former players, alumni, and other fans who make a Grizzly Cub game at the venerable gym a rare treat. ------  Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter  and his   YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 McGuirk Arena East Broomfield Road and South Mission Mt Pleasant, MI 48859 Central Michigan Chippewas website McGuirk Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 5,300 Go Chips In 2010, Central Michigan University’s Rose Center became McGuirk Arena after the completion of a renovation which included a new exterior, redesigned seating, a practice facility, and a student fitness center. McGuirk Arena is named for the McGuirk family who own real estate properties in Mt Pleasant and made a $2.5 million donation to help fund the project. The facility seats 5,300 fans with the majority of the seating being maroon plastic chairs, but the top 10 rows are plastic bleachers. The most unique feature of McGuirk Arena is that there is no center court overhang scoreboard, which makes for a very clean view of the action of the court. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few somewhat interesting items on the menu, but after ordering they left a bit to be desired. I tried the pizza calzone ($4), which was sort of a doughy disaster. I also tried the Embers pork sandwich ($6.50). Embers is a name I am familiar with for the area, and I was also a bit disappointed in this pulled pork sandwich offering. My suggestion with the food is to stick to the basics, since they’re cheaper. Better yet, eat before or after the game. They also offer pretzel bites ($4), which are similar to a hot pretzel that you would find in most arenas, just in a more manageable form. Pepsi is the soda of choice and you can purchase one in a souvenir sized cup ($6), or 32-ounce size ($3). Hot beverages are also available including coffee, cocoa, and cappuccino ($3). Overall, the food isn’t bad. Sometimes when interesting items are offered, it raises expectations, and in this case everything is just so-so. Atmosphere 2 You’ll walk in to the spacious entrance at the CMU Events Center and be greeted by a bust of CMU alum Dick Enberg. It is a great way to start, and you are hopeful that you’ll get that “Oh my!” feeling. The arena feels intimate, and you have a good view of everything going on from anywhere in the arena. The student section is mostly full, and students are on their feet, but no one seems overly into the game. The students sit under the basket nearest the home team’s bench. On the opposite side, in the corner behind the other basket is the pep band. Unfortunately, they are away from the opponent’s bench and, while decent, have little impact on the general atmosphere. I would have loved to see the band and the students more closely aligned and nearer the opposition’s bench so that they could be a more critical component to the home court advantage. The first 16 rows of seats are chairback with average leg room and no cupholder. As you climb beyond that, the seats are a fairly comfortable plastic bleacher. Ushers seemed to be checking to ensure that fans seated in the chairback seats had the appropriate ticket, but fans in the bleachers could easily choose where they want to see the game. I really like having no center court scoreboard, especially in an arena with a fairly low ceiling. It is interesting though that the main scoreboard does not display a game clock. The only places to see the clock are on the shot clocks atop each basket or at the scorers’ table. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does take some getting used to. Neighborhood 3 McGuirk Arena is located near the home of CMU football, Kelly/Shorts Stadium not far from the main thoroughfare into Mt Pleasant, Mission Street. The nearest place to find something to eat or drink would be O’Kelly’s. O’Kelly’s is sort of your typical sports bar with plenty of TVs, cheap drinks, and typical bar food. I chose to drive about 2 miles from the arena to Mt Pleasant Brewing Company. I am always a fan of the opportunity to try a new local beer when visiting a new sporting arena. Mt Pleasant Brewing Company has a small bar area, serving up 8 beers on tap, and a small menu of very good sandwiches. I tried the Brewben (like Rueben), and thought it was delicious. All sandwiches are $8, and all beers are only $3.50. This is definitely the spot that I would recommend. Fans 2 I was pretty disappointed by the fans in general. There are even some amongst the student section who are dressed up in clever outfits, so from the looks of it, you would think that they may be a rowdy crew. They seemed to enjoy themselves most after the referee made a bad call (or more accurately, a call that went against the Chips), and launched into a chant of “BULL-SH!*, BULL-SH!*”. It felt a little bit juvenile. The rest of the crowd was present, but seemed no more interested in the contest than someone in the park watching the squirrels. In fairness though, the game I witnessed was never really close and the Chippewas seemed out of it by halftime, so that may have sapped some of the energy out of the place. Access 3 Parking is free, but you’re still in for a bit of a walk from your car to the arena. Make sure you have your warm clothes if it is cold (it’s winter after all) as the trek across the parking lot is probably a 10 minute hike. That said, free parking is hard to beat. Inside the arena, everything is new and dressed in maroon and gold. The concourses are wide enough to deal with the crowd, and the bathrooms are clean and modern. Return on Investment 3 Reserved seating (chairback) will cost you $18, or you can go with the bleacher seats ($12). I would recommend the latter to save some money unless you need the back support. Seniors and children can get in for only $8. As of the time of this visit (January 2012), online tickets were not available through the team’s official website. Hopefully that will change soon. In the interim, you should feel comfortable getting your tickets the day of the game. The overall cost is very reasonable, even if you are not getting anything that would be considered life altering. If you’re in Mid-Michigan and want to check out some MAC basketball, then you won’t go broke seeing the Central Michigan Chippewas at McGuirk Arena. Extras 2 One extra point for the cool interactive Chippewas Hall of Fame located in the concourse. Rather than the standard plaques that you might find at many arenas, CMU has an interactive touchscreen that allows you to peruse the members of their Hall of Fame and get information as you like. It is rather innovative, and I would suspect more and more schools may move to something similar in the future. Another extra point, and this is just straight hometown bias, for the #44 hanging along the wall for former NBA All-Star, Olympian, MAC Player of the Year, and Traverse City Trojan Dan Majerle one of my personal idols growing up. Final Thoughts While far from a must-see venue, McGuirk Arena does manage to provide a comfortable and modern feeling experience, and a chance to see Division I basketball at a good price. If you are in or near Mt Pleasant, Michigan, then stop over at the Mt Pleasant Brewing Company for an IPA, and stop over to McGuirk Arena for a little round ball action.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Pittsburgh International Race Complex 201 Penndale Road Wampum, PA 16157 SpeedTour website Pittsburgh International Race Complex website Year Opened: 2002 Motorsports Outside the Steel City Taking over and renovating an old racetrack into a modern facility is no easy task, yet the folks at Pitt Race have done exactly that. Formerly known as Beaver Run, Pittsburgh International Race Complex is a well-manicured racetrack just under 45 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh proper. The layout is challenging, featuring lots of elevation changes and technical corners. However, for all the positives for the updated facility, there is a general lack of access for fans, as well as a very inconspicuous location. Nevertheless, the Trans Am and SVRA SpeedTour weekend is by far the biggest pro event on the track’s calendar, meaning fans flock to this track for a taste of top-level motorsports.   Food & Beverage   2 There isn’t a permanent concession stand anywhere at the track, so food trucks are brought in for fans. On top of the fan viewing hill is an ice cream/shaved ice truck that offers drinks and cold snacks, while down in the main paddock a local BBQ food truck is stationed, featuring both breakfast and lunch menus for fans and crews. Selections for food can change from race event to race event, which means prices are unpredictable. Other than the food trucks, a few vending machines for drinks are located around the facility. To make matters worse, the only real food options immediately outside the track itself is a local Subway shop that gets quite busy.   Atmosphere   3 This track is beautiful – verdant vistas greet you in all directions, and well-manicured grounds make for a welcoming sight. There is also a go-kart track on site, as well as a fan shop and an event center for rent. Victory lane is located in the paddock, allowing easy fan access to watch the winner get their trophy at the end of the race. Unfortunately there are also some major downsides to the track; fan viewing options are limited, and there aren’t a lot of shade trees to help you beat the summer heat. Overall, while aesthetically pleasing, there is still much work to be done for the circuit to challenge others in the Northeast region for fan attention.   Neighborhood   2 There isn’t too much nearby for fans to find at Pitt Race – the track is located down a small road that turns off seemingly into a neighborhood. Outside the circuit, few hotels and restaurants exist aside from a Subway and some old-fashioned motels. The nearest highway exit with proper restaurants and hotel chains is about 20-25 minutes south of the track.   Fans   3 The fans at Pittsburgh International Race Complex are casual enjoyers of motorsports; this region of the country doesn’t have a long history for sportscar racing, meaning that most fans in attendance aren’t in the diehard category. On top of that there aren’t a lot of attendees on hand, even on Sunday for the main event. This means that palpable feeling of excitement you get at other tracks is hard to find at Pitt Race.   Access   3 The track is located only a few miles from a major highway, which makes getting to the circuit rather easy. However, its location is very well hidden, and signage is at an absolute minimum. The road up to the track’s entry gate is small and unkempt, making you doubt whether you made the right turn. In addition, once inside fans can only access just under half of the circuit trackside – the entirety of the far side of the track, as well as all the infield areas, are off limits, even to media due to a lack of walls or barriers. Where crossover bridges and infield viewing areas would be a welcome addition for fans to take in more of the track, they’re forced to settle for viewing from the top of the fan hill only, or from the event center balcony.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SpeedTour weekend here start at $20 for a Friday ticket, while Saturday or Sunday access runs $30. A weekend pass is available for $65, while family four packs ($175) and two-packs ($125) that include general parking are also available. This means watching professional racing at Pitt Race won’t break the bank to get in the front door.   Extras   3 The flag poles near the event center feature memorial plaques for several members of Corvettes of Pennsylvania, who were friends of the track. Also, as is tradition at SpeedTour events, a fan walk takes place before the main Trans Am races, giving fans the chance to see the cars and stars of the races on track up close and personal. Finally, the circuit features a go-kart track on site, allowing anyone who has the need for speed to get a sample of what it’s like to race.   Final Thoughts Pittsburgh International Race Complex features so much potential to be a great facility – a challenging track that looks pretty to the eye, it unfortunately lacks the finer touches fans crave in terms of both creature comforts and overall access around the circuit. While tickets are inexpensive to come watch Trans Am and vintage SVRA racing here, there isn’t too much to truly draw fans to this track over others in the region.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Williams Stadium 1971 University Blvd Lynchburg, VA 24502 Liberty Flames website Williams Stadium website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 25,000 Taking Names in Lynchburg Arthur L. Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, VA is home to the Liberty Flames football team, and was built in 1989; its current capacity is 25,000. The facility started off with only 12,000 seats, but underwent a major renovation a few years back when Liberty made the move from FCS to FBS. The facility now includes two-story stands on both the east and west sides, a five-story press box complete with 18 suites, and seating around the horseshoe of the south end zone, which boasts both box seats as well as berm seating, capped off by brick arches built into the wall surrounding the venue. The current attendance record at Williams Stadium (24,012) was set on October 22, 2022 in a game against the BYU Cougars (a game which Liberty won handily). Since joining FBS the Flames have competed in and won three consecutive bowl games (and based on their current record will most likely be invited back after this season); the Flames currently compete as an FBS Independent, but will join Conference USA next year. Food & Beverage 5 Williams Stadium has an amazing selection of food and beverage options at its concessions stands – there are the main stands which offer your basic stadium fare, but also a host of additional stands from local restaurants which offer more unique items, including Bacon St. Bagels which offers grilled bagel melts with options ranging from Grown Up Grilled Cheeses to Roast Beef & Swiss, or Rookie’s which offers ice cream sandwiches, ice cream sundaes, lemonade, and warm chocolate chip cookies. Food options available from the main stands include burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, popcorn, candy, and chips, and they also sell combos with football-themed names like Safety (hot dog, chips, and a drink) or Third Down (chicken, fries, and a drink). The prices are pretty reasonable with a hamburger coming in at $4, chicken tender for $5, candy for $2, and chips for $1 as an example. Drink options at Williams Stadium include Coke products from the fountain or in bottles, bottled water, coffee, and hot cocoa – drinks cost $3 except for the souvenir soda cup which is $8. Note however that there is no alcohol sold at Williams Stadium, as Liberty is a Christian university (founded by none other than Jerry Falwell). Atmosphere 5 Williams Stadium is a great venue for college football, and it is no wonder the football program decided to make the move to FBS. The facility itself is a great venue with lots of great amenities, and the fans (particularly the student section) are very supportive of their team and their school. The action on game day starts with the band marching in, and as with many teams there are fireworks when the home team scores (and after a win), as well as the spirit squad with flags waving, plus spurts of smoke and fire (remember the team is called the “Flames”) when the team comes onto the field. The mascot is also really great, and you might even spot him playing rock-paper-scissors with the opposing team’s mascot in-between bouts of t-shirt tossing and otherwise revving up the fans in the stadium. The Liberty Band may be the highlight of the day, however – before the game they do a ton of great formations on the field, for example the “L-U” (for Liberty University) which they actually do twice, spectacularly rotating themselves around so both sets of stands can see the formation right-side up. The band also spells out “U-S-A” during the National Anthem, as well as spelling out the word “Liberty”. Liberty Flames Band Formation on Scoreboard, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey There is also a large jumbotron behind the north end zone atop the new athletics center, and you can even see fans watching the game from the second and third stories of that building – that is the same end of the field the team comes in from. Behind the south end zone there is a giant Liberty logo in the center, surrounded by fenced-off sections of berm seating with a few sections of box seats along the top. You can also see the main entrance beyond that with beautiful brickwork and nice arches, providing a very pleasing aesthetic all around. Neighborhood 4 Bordered on one side by a freeway and by campus building, athletic fields, and parking lots on the other three sides, there aren’t any restaurants within sight of Williams Stadiums, but you can find plenty to eat within a short walk. Along Route 29 to the north of the stadium are plenty of fast food places, but there are some more upscale options like Red Lobster and Olive Garden. However, if you want to take in some local flavor I would recommend either Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria (your classic campus pizza place) or Macado’s (a pop culture-themed local favorite offering great sandwiches) – Macado’s is within walking distance of the stadium, right across the street from the Pink Lot parking. The 2 closest hotels to Williams Stadium are Super 8 and Extended Stay America (both within walking distance of the venue), but these are a little on the low end, so you might want to look for something farther out like the nearby Residence Inn or Fairfield Inn & Suites. And if you plan to be in town for the weekend, there are a couple of great historical sites to visit near Lynchburg, such as the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, or the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum in Staunton. Fans 5 Williams Stadium boasts a great crowd, especially in the student section. The fans are very loud, and deservedly so given how successful the Flames have been on the gridiron over the last few years. Since moving to FBS, Williams Stadium can easily pull in over 20K fans at an average game. You will also see plenty of team gear being worn, which is sold at the stadium in case you didn’t bring your own. But by far the most impressive (and vocal) set of fans at Liberty football games is the student section – the students sit on the “visitors” side, are very loud, and really get into the game – you will see them making the first down signal en masse whenever the announcer gives that call, and all of them are decked out head to toe in Liberty red, most with boom sticks at the ready. And of course in the front row you will see that ubiquitous diehard group going shirtless with painted chests, which is always a great boost to the atmosphere at any sports venue. Liberty Flames Student Section, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to Williams Stadium is fairly easy, given that there is a major freeway literally within sight of the venue (Highway 460 is just to the east). However, parking can be a bit of challenge – the cost is not unreasonable, but the lots (especially the pass ones) can take a while to get out of after the game, which is surprising given the relatively small size of the crowd compared to many other FBS stadiums. Also, most of the parking seems to be near the northwest corner of the facility, and that entrance is a little hard to use given the uphill climb to get there. However, on the plus side once you get into Williams Stadium moving around is very easy – there is a walking path that connects the two grandstands, and it is raised above the field so you never have to miss any of the action while you are walking to and fro. Also, there are plenty of bathrooms and concessions stands, so you shouldn’t have to spend much time in line during your visit. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets to Liberty Flames games at Williams Stadium range from $30 to $60 depending on the opponent, but they charge the same price for the chair backs as the bench backs, with the berm seats coming in a little lower. Also the concessions are on the low end, and parking is very reasonable, making your trip to Lynchburg a stellar value for your sports dollar. You could easily get by here for around $50 to $75 per person for a ticket, a snack, and a beverage (again depending on the game – the Va Tech game being the most expensive and the FCS games being the cheapest). Extras 5 The Liberty band is a great plus at Williams Stadium for all the different formations they do, and the mascot is a lot of fun as well. But most impressive are the fireworks and the spurts of flame before the team comes onto the field (if you are close enough you can really feel the heat from them). I know several venues that use spurts of flame as part of their intro (including some NFL teams), but there is something to be said for it here with a team known as the Flames. Liberty Flames Taking the Field Between Fire and Smoke, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The renovations to Williams Stadium are long since complete, and the team has really proven itself since moving to FBS with three consecutive bowl wins in the past three seasons, so the experience here is pretty close to top notch and should only get better with time. That said, Williams Stadium is definitely worth a look, so make time to take in a Flames game this season; you won’t regret it.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 GCC Baseball Field 6000 W. Olive Ave Glendale, AZ 85302 Map It Glendale Gauchos website GCC Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 350 (approx) Gaucho Pride Glendale Gauchos are NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC) members. The Gauchos baseball team began in 1967 and plays  on its on-campus baseball field in Glendale, AZ.   GCC Baseball Field, built when the college opened in 1965, has artificial turf around the home plate area and Bermuda grass and annual winter rye on the remainder of the field .   The baselines from home plate to first and third are grass, not dirt, which is common in other  ACCAC baseball fields I’ve visited. The Gauchos won the 1968 NJCAA Div 2 National Championship and made NJCAA World Series appearances in 2023, 2003, and 1991.  The team is starting the 2024 season strong.  Let’s see if they make it back to Enid, OK this summer! Note: The NJCAA Div 2 (National Junior College Athletic Association) has played their baseball championship series at David Allen Memorial Ballpark in Enid, OK since 2009. Food & Beverage 0 The baseball stadium does not have refreshments for sale.  Fans can (and should) bring their own beverages and snacks.  The facility has several picnic tables spread out near and behind the stands. Atmosphere 3 Watching a baseball game at GCC is a no-frills affair.  It’s all about the game and the players from both teams.  If you’re one who enjoys the game for the game, this is for you. The ballpark has three sets of bleachers behind home plate.  For safety, a thick chain link fence surrounds the infield.  It is difficult to see some of the plays through it.  Many fans bring portable chairs and park right behind the chain link fence.  The stadium has an easy-to-read dot matrix scoreboard in right field showing the basic line score.  Whoever updates the scoreboard does a fantastic job at being accurate and timely.  Two retired numbers, 11 Boetto and 5 Grant, are displayed to the left of the scoreboard. Herb Boetto was the first Head Baseball Coach at GCC and brought the team to the NJCAA National Championship in 1968.  Dave Grant was Head Baseball Coach from Fall 1979 - Spring 2017 with over 1000 career wins.  He is a Hall of Fame Coach in these organizations: American Baseball Coaches Association NJCAA Hall of Fame Arizona Baseball Coaches Association ACCAC Hall of Fame GCC Hall of Fame The team does not play music during the game.  The players have a portable radio from the home dugout turned on pre-game, but it is shut off once the game starts.  This makes watching the game here a blessed relief from the noise that’s pummeled into fans at major and minor league games.  Currently, there is no announcer, so print a copy of the roster if that’s something you’re interested in knowing or recording.  Note:   Speakers are used for announcers and music when the sound system works.  The school is currently looking to replace the PA system. The stadium does not have lights, so only day games are played.  The team plays quite a few double headers during the season – seven innings each, with the first game starting at noon.  I recommend bringing drinks and snacks if staying for both games. A grassy area with some trees is behind the bleachers.  Kids can run around and blow off steam, or fans can place their chairs in  the shade if it gets too warm. Neighborhood 3 Glendale Community College is in a residential area in the northwest suburbs of Phoenix, AZ.   Houses and apartments border the baseball field.  A few shopping centers and fast food  places are nearby.  Parson’s Family Restaurant, a mom-and-pop family restaurant, is a wonderful place for breakfast or brunch and is a mile and a half south.  Sahuaro Ranch Park , a park with historic buildings, farm animals, and recreation areas, is just up the road and is worth visiting on a nice Arizona afternoon.     Other sports in the area include: Brazell Field ,  home of the GCU Antelopes (7 miles away);   American Family Fields of Phoenix , the Milwaukee Brewers spring training facility (6 miles away); and the Peoria Sports Complex, spring training home of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres .   Most of the lodging is near the I-17 exits, about 4 miles from the college.  Fans 3 The Glendale Gaucho’s fanbase falls under the ‘family and friends’ category.  Most seem to know each other.   Since many of the teams the Gauchos play are close, fans of opposing teams are often in the stands.  The ACCAC does not keep attendance records.  There were about 100 fans (off and on) during the doubleheader I visited. The fans cheer all good plays (regardless of team) and respectfully utter dismay at the umpire’s calls and strikes.  Access 3 Getting to GCC Baseball Field is relatively easy.  It is located between I-17 and US 60.  The field is four miles west of I-17 (off the Dunlap Ave exit).  Dunlap Ave changes to Olive Ave as you drive west.  Fans can park along 63rd Ave and walk through a gate to the field.  The ballpark is not wheelchair accessible as some steps exist, and the pathway is grass and gravel.  Handrails are available in the middle bleacher set. Valley Metro bus route 90 (Olive and 63rd) stop drops you off right at the field.  Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is about 18 miles from the ballpark.  Public transportation is available from the airport; travel time is 1 hour 30 min (rail and bus). Most importantly, the facility has functioning restrooms, especially needed for those doubleheaders. Return on Investment 5 Like all ACCAC baseball teams, the Gauchos do not charge to watch a baseball game.  The only expense you’ll have is the snacks and drinks you bring and the cost of getting to the park. . Extras 2 The retired numbers of Herb Boetto and Dave Grant are worth an additional mention.  Over 245 Glendale Gauchos baseball student-athletes have moved on from this 2-year college to ninety different 4-year colleges and universities.  Thirty-seven players have signed professional baseball contracts; 7 have reached the major league level. Final Thoughts Pack your sunscreen, water, snacks, and a cushion (for your bum), and enjoy a quiet, lovely Gauchos baseball afternoon in Glendale, AZ.  It’s a fantastic way to decompress from life’s challenges and see our future generation playing America’s pastime.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park 360 Fishburne St Charleston, SC 29403 Charleston RiverDogs website Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 6,000 Charleston’s Coastal Canines Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park has served as the home field for the Charleston RiverDogs since 1997. It is located along the banks of the Ashley River. The 6,000-seat stadium (known locally as The Joe) is named for longtime mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Riley served as mayor for 10 terms, serving from 1975-2016, and was best known for guiding the city through the recovery from Hurricane Hugo. Charleston has a long history in professional baseball dating back to 1886. Past teams have gone under names including the Seagulls, the Palmettos, the Rebels, the Pirates, the Royals, the Rainbows and finally in 1994, the RiverDogs. Today, the RiverDogs serve as the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees and are members of the South Atlantic League (SAL). The RiverDogs served as the professional starting point for many of baseball’s most familiar names. Two former Charleston players, Kiki Cuyler and Roberto Alomar, are in baseball’s Hall of Fame. Other players who have seen playing time at The Joe include David Cone, W.S. “Bull” Durham, Willie Randolph, Gorman Thomas, Sandy Alomar, Ryan Dempster, Josh Hamilton, Pedro Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Aaron Judge and B.J. Upton. Several players are remembered in murals around the park. Food & Beverage 5 Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park offers one of the widest variety of foods in minor league baseball. Amongst its vendors are the Peanut and Pretzel Café, Dave’s Sausage World, Grab-N- Go, Smokin’ Joe’s, Scoops, Pie House, Dog House and Dog World. The concessions menu does contain several uniquely Charleston items. The RiverDog is a beef hot dog with cole slaw, Carolina BBQ mustard sauce and pickled okra. The stadium also is known for its Coastal Shrimp Burger. Another popular item is the Homewrecker, which is a hot dog with slaw, pimento cheese, pickles, okra and BBQ sauce. Here’s an overview of what’s available at The Joe: hot dogs (Carrot Dog, Vegan Dog, River Dog…all at $4.50 … and the Homewrecker at $10), salads (chicken, spinach and strawberry and summer harvest..all at $4.50), grilled cheese sandwiches ($4.50), nachos ($4), corn dogs ($6), burgers ($8.50), chicken tenders ($8), popcorn ($3), peanuts ($4), cotton candy ($4), gelato ($4) and ice cream ($4). Beverages include Pepsi brand sodas ($4.50), bottled water ($3), coffee ($3), smoothies ($5) and milkshakes (key lime, dreamsicle and caramel expresso… all at $5). A wide assortment of beers is available at $6. Atmosphere 4 The Joe is a terrific venue to enjoy a baseball game. It offers scenic views of the Ashley River and The Citadel, which is located just across a marsh from the stadium’s right field stands. Its architecture is in keeping with the surrounding area, including brick exterior walls and iron gates. The seating bowl is close to the field and primarily around the infield. There is no seating beyond the outfield walls. The main entry into the park is along the third baseline, as the first base side of the park lies along the banks of the Ashley River. It’s no wonder that Riley Park has been chosen as the host for four South Atlantic League All Star Games (1998, 2000, 2004, 2012). There are some seats at the higher levels of the stadium that are covered by a hanging roof. This can make a huge difference in fan comfort during the hot and humid spring and summer afternoons at The Joe. Neighborhood 5 Joseph P. Riley Park is located just north and west of the Charleston Downtown Historic District. It has a very picturesque setting along the Ashley River. It is located just a few blocks from the Charleston Historic District. Tours of the Historic District are offered daily, with horse drawn carriage, van and walking options available. After your tour is over and you have worked up an appetite, head over to Rodney Scott’s BBQ. The James Beard Award winner serves up a unique form of Low Country BBQ. Also in the area is the Palmetto Brewery, which bills itself as “South Carolina’s Oldest Brewery Since Prohibition.” Hotels convenient to Riley Park include the Courtyard Marriott Historic District and the Comfort Inn Downtown Charleston. Fans 4 Due to baseball’s long history in the Charleston area, the fan base for the RiverDogs is quite large and loyal. Even though the team has never claimed a league title, the fans know that there is a good chance that they will be watching several future major league ballplayers at their first stop on the way to The Show. There are a wide range of ages in the stands for each game. The RiverDogs are very active in the youth community, visiting schools and youth centers, so they draw many younger fans from the youth baseball programs. Charleston is also a haven for retirees from all over the country, who bring their love for the game to their new homes. Despite the closing of the Charleston Naval Yards a few years back, there is still a large military presence and the team holds numerous Military Appreciation Nights. It also offers $5 tickets throughout the season to active military personnel, no matter what the seat location in the stadium. Access 3 Riley Park is easily accessed from any number of directions: From Downtown Charleston: Take Broad Street west until it becomes Lockwood Drive. Continue to follow Lockwood for ½ mile and the ballpark will be on your left From North Charleston: Take I-26 East to Highway 17 South. Turn right on Lockwood Drive and stadium will be on your left. From: Mount Pleasant: Take Highway 17 across the Ravenel Bridge into Charleston. Turn right on Lockwood and follow it until you reach the stadium, which will be on your left. Once at the stadium you will find the access to be excellent. The concourse is very wide, and both concessions and restrooms are frequent enough that you should not encounter any long lines. Return on Investment 4 Fans attending a RiverDogs baseball game will receive an excellent return on investment. All home games are played at one of the top-rated stadiums in the minor leagues, with amenities not typically found in a Class A level stadium. Tickets are priced between $8 – $20, with a $2 discount if purchased prior to the day of the game . Military seats are always $5, no matter the location in the park. Concessions at Joseph P. Riley, Jr Park are above average in quality, so expect the prices to be higher than usual for a minor league venue. Parking in privately owned parking lots adjacent to the stadium is $5. Extras 4 Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park also serves as the home field for The Citadel baseball team as the facility is built on land formerly owned by the Citadel. The school donated the property to the city of Charleston. The RiverDogs have set many attendance records at The Joe. They also hold the record for the lowest attendance at a game. In 2002 the team held a Nobody Night, where no one was admitted into the park until the game was official in the middle of the fifth inning. This resulted in the official attendance figure being zero. The grounds keeping staff has been recognized five times nationally for its turf management excellence. Numerous events are held in the off-season at The Joe. These include the Ballpark Festival of Beers, youth baseball clinics and camps, as well as the Shrimp and Grits Festival. Final Thoughts Baseball and the city of Charleston have shared a love affair for more than 100 years. Today their rendezvous spot is the Joseph P Riley, Jr. Ballpark on the banks of the Ashley River. The Joe combines up close seating with a huge concession menu and a history of sending players to the majors as its recipe for keeping this relationship alive and strong.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Bon Secours Wellness Arena 650 N Academy St Greenville, SC 29601 Greenville Swamp Rabbits website Bon Secours Wellness Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 13,951 "The Well" Turns 25 The Greenville Swamp Rabbits moved to Greenville, South Carolina, from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 2010. The team was known as the Road Warriors until 2015. They were rechristened as the Swamp Rabbits. The name is local, as it refers to a defunct rail line that had run through the city of Greenville. The team plays in the ECHL’s Southern Division of the Eastern Conference. The Swamp Rabbits are an affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings. They have gone to the ECHL playoffs several times, but have yet to win a league title. The team has fierce rivalries with the South Carolina Stingrays and the Atlanta Gladiators in the ECHL. The Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville serves as the home of the Swamp Rabbits. It was built in 1998 and was formerly known as the Bi-Lo Center. The arena changed names in 2013 as a part of a naming rights agreement with the local hospital system. These days it is known as simply “The Well.” The arena seats 15,951 in its hockey configuration. It is the largest arena in the Upstate portion of South Carolina, and the second-largest arena in the state overall. There are 30 luxury suites and 840 club seats in the venue. Food & Beverage 4 Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a wider selection of concession items than most minor league hockey arenas. All concessions at Bon Secours are located at the concourse level. Stands include Mac Attack, Swamp Dog, Carolina Smoke BBQ, the Piedmont Grill, The Reedy River Roost, and Moe’s Southwestern Grill. Pepsi brand products are offered at all stands. For the most part, the concessions are your typical stadium/arena fare. However, we did enjoy The Fried Green Tomato and Pimento Cheese Burger at the Piedmont Grill and the chicken and waffles at The Reedy River Roost. The arena offers two bars with sightlines to the action on the ice. They are Harley’s Motor Lounge and the Wicked Weed Green Room. The Craft Beer Station offers a selection of more than two dozen craft beers. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 3 Bon Secours Wellness Arena is an above-average facility for this level of hockey. It offers multiple entrances, a wide and well-lit concourse, excellent signage and well-staffed concession stands with a wide variety of menu items. The seating bowl offers excellent views of the action on the ice, and the center-hung videoboard constantly provides updated game stats and replays of the action on the ice. Seating is very comfortable. What brings down our score in this category is the attendance at Swamp Rabbits games. The average attendance for Swamp Rabbit games is 3,786. In an arena that seats 15,591, that means only 23% of the seats are filled regularly. While that means that you will have plenty of room to move around, it takes away the energy from the game, especially when the Swamp Rabbits are on a power play or score a goal. For most games, the Swamp Rabbits do not even open the upper level of seats. Since there is only one price for tickets, it does not matter where you sit. Neighborhood 4 Bon Secours Wellness Arena is located in Downtown Greenville. It is surrounded by the best the city has to offer as far as accommodations, restaurants, and local attractions. Hotels within walking distance of the arena include the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Greenville Downtown and the Courtyard Marriott Downtown Greenville. There are two drinking establishments close to the arena. Fireforge Crafted Beer and Yee-haw Brewing are just a few blocks from the Bon Secours Arena. The arena is also located near the Children’s Museum of the Upstate, the Greenville Zoo, and the very popular Falls Park on the Reedy. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen is a very popular restaurant near the arena. Fans 3 Greenville mascot Stomper circulates through the stands throughout the game, firing up the fans and celebrating each Swamp Rabbit goal or a successful killing of a power play when the Swamp Rabbits are shorthanded. The team also offers a Party on the Plaza on weekends during the warmer weather months. This event includes beer/wine, food, music, and games for the kids. The low attendance levels at “The Well” for Swamp Rabbits games really does bring down the energy level in the building. This is a shame, as the fans who do attend are very dedicated and knowledgeable about the team. Access 4 The home of the Swamp Rabbits is easily accessed no matter what direction you are coming from. From the North: Take I-85 South to I-385 North (Downtown Greenville). Follow I-385 for 6.5 miles and the arena will be on your right. From the South: Take I-85 North to I-185 North (Downtown Greenville). I-185 becomes Mills Avenue and Church Street. Go three miles and the arena will be on your right. From the East: Take I-26 North to I-385 North (Downtown Greenville). Follow I-385 for 6.5 miles and the arena will be on your right. The official Bon Secours Wellness Arena lot is restricted for use by season ticket holders. Several parking decks are located within a few blocks of the arena. They include the Liberty Square Garage, the Common Garage on Beattie Place , and the North Lauren Street Parking Deck. The Downtown Greenville Trolley runs an Arena Events Route beginning 60 minutes before the puck drop. Go to the Swamp Rabbits website for a list of the trolley stops on this route. Once at the arena, there are three main entrance portals. Doors open one hour before the puck drop. Swamp Rabbits merchandise stands are located adjacent to each entrance. There are eight restrooms located on the concourse level of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Swamp Rabbit games are $26, no matter where you sit in the arena. Many games will have the upper level closed if projected attendance is low. Parking lots in and around Bon Secours charge a $10 special event parking fee on gameday. For the most part, the concessions prices are quite reasonable compared to most sports venues. Extras 5 The Swamp Rabbits have a dance team known as the Rabbetts. They perform between periods and during other breaks in the action. The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is the primary entertainment venue in Greenville. Among the stars who have played at “the Well” are Blake Shelton, Garth Brooks, Paul McCartney, Eric Church, James Taylor, and Alan Jackson. The arena has also hosted the Women’s SEC Basketball Tournament, rodeos, Cirque Du Soleil, Dancing with the Stars, Monster Jams, WWE wrestling competitions, and the Harlem Globetrotters. The Bon Secours Wellness Center is well-equipped for fans with special needs. There are plenty of areas along the concourse designated for wheelchair fans. The arena also offers sensory safety kits and a Sensory Suite for fans who are on the spectrum. The Swamp Rabbits are the second hockey franchise to play at Bon Secours. They were preceded by the Greenville Grrrowl. Numerous events are being held throughout the 2023-2024 season to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena opening, Final Thoughts The Bon Secours Wellness Arena offers a better-than-average experience for almost every type of sports event or concert. Unfortunately, the lack of attendance for Swamp Rabbits games affects the energy level in the building.

Photos by Patricia Beninato and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse 1304 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Duquesne Dukes website UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 3,500 A Storied History in an Updated Space When it comes to Pittsburgh collegiate athletics, the University of Pittsburgh tends to overshadow the other schools in the area. Southwest of Pitt, though, Duquesne University (pronounced du-CANE) has been a longtime presence in the Atlantic 10, producing more high scorers in the division than any other school. It also made history in 1950 when one of its star players, Chuck Cooper, was the first Black player to be drafted by the NBA, going to the Boston Celtics. Duquesne’s recently renovated fieldhouse was named for the Pittsburgh native. While it’s not big, its prime location near downtown and updated amenities make it fun for college basketball fans, who can watch young stars like Amir “Primo” Spears and Kevin Easley Jr. under the direction of head coach Keith Dambrot. Food & Beverage 3 You’ll don’t come to UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse to eat, but if you’re hungry, food and drink here are decent and reasonably priced. Along with the usual hot dogs, popcorn and nachos, you can get a Pig and Pickles sandwich, with pulled pork, onions, pickles (of course) and a local brewery’s mustard. For seven bucks, it’s a good deal. It’s also seven bucks for beer and hard seltzer. There’s a small bar on court level in front of the Dukes’ locker room that offers various cocktails for around ten dollars for mixed drinks. Atmosphere 4 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse holds roughly 3500 people for basketball, with two levels of seating around the court with six club suites on the right facing the windows, framing a stunning view of downtown Pittsburgh. Most seats are typical fieldhouse seats, with a bleacher section reserved for students. The displays are top-notch with the recent renovation, with big LED screens above each basket and semi-circular screens showing scores and stats in each corner. The PA announcer completely leans into his job, and a DJ provides some interesting mixes–at very loud levels.When he’s got the turntables going, a conversation is next to impossible, even with the person next to you. With its intimate seating and the ponytailed pom pom-waving cheerleaders on the sidelines, it’s very reminiscent of a high school gym, albeit with excellent high tech. There are currently no restrictions due to the COVID pandemic at the fieldhouse. Neighborhood 3 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse is located on the Duquesne campus, but it’s happy to piggyback on its across-the-block neighbor, PPG Paints Arena when it comes to places for fans to hang out at before and after the game. That being said, there’s not that many, and add in major campus construction–at this writing, an osteopathic medical school is being built across the street from the fieldhouse–makes walking around a bit tricky. However, people always manage to find the Souper Bowl on Fifth Avenue, about two blocks from the fieldhouse, which despite its name offers burgers, sandwiches, and other pub food and not soup. Don’t miss the cheese-and-bacon-loaded Souper Fries, and the honey mustard chicken sandwich is top-notch. Its hours are dependent on what’s going on at the arena, so be aware of that if you’re planning a visit. Fans 4 I was warned beforehand that two things would affect the crowd at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse at the game I attended. First, it was the end of a holiday weekend, so there weren’t going to be a lot of students around. Second, and more importantly for a Pittsburgh school, the Steelers were playing at the same time, and in this town, Steelers über alles. So the crowd was sparse, but they were very enthusiastic. There was plenty of Duquesne scarlet and navy to be seen, drum rolls on seats during Duke free throws, lots of cheering and chants, and the occasional heckling of the refs. Nicely, though, since Duquesne’s a Catholic school after all. I imagine this place rocks when it’s full because it was rocking pretty hard at about 40% capacity. Access 4 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse’s parking garage is located next to the fieldhouse with a cost of $10. If you find it, street parking is available through the Pittsburgh Parking Authority; you can pay at kiosks or on the Go Mobile PGH app. Bonus: it’s free if you get street parking for a Sunday game. The fieldhouse is an easy 5-10 minute walk from downtown, and if you’re taking the T (light rail), Steel Plaza will be the closest stop, roughly eight minutes away on foot. The fieldhouse itself has wide concourses and multiple points of entry. At this time, only mobile tickets are available. Restrooms are clean and have all-new fixtures, although be warned that the aforementioned super-loud DJ is super loud here. I emerged from a halftime restroom break with ringing ears and a renewed hatred of Pitbull. Return on Investment 3 If you sit on the first level behind the baskets, expect to pay $15 for seats. After that, the prices go up to $45 for club seats or seats in the Fan Corners above the scoreboards for in-conference games, five dollars less expensive for non-conference games. $30 for a cheap seat, sandwich, and beer for a lower-echelon Division I basketball game can be a deal for a big college basketball fan, but for families looking for something to do, the price tag at a Duquesne game can add up quickly. . Extras 2 There is a small kiosk on the main concourse by the concessions stand where you can buy some Duquesne apparel, but that’s about it for buying Dukes’ stuff inside UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. A much more extensive selection is available at the Barnes and Noble bookstore down the block from the fieldhouse, so head there for your Dukes souvenirs. The staff, which seems to be a mix of students and employees, are friendly and pleasant, and the Pittsburgh skyline view is a nice touch. Final Thoughts The game experience at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse is pretty basic. You won’t get the frills of a big Division I school like Pitt, but if you like college basketball in a fun atmosphere, it’s worth your consideration. Duquesne has gone to some expense to create a good space for its students and alumni to cheer on the Dukes, and while I’d hesitate to call it a must-see destination for Pittsburgh visitors, it can be a nice addition to a Steel City sports tour.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Regis Baseball Field 3333 Regis Blvd Denver, CO 80221 Regis Rangers website Regis Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 1,000 Regis Rangers Baseball Regis University is Colorado’s only Jesuit Catholic University. It has an enrollment of close to 15,000 students amongst all its schools and offers educational programs in liberal arts, sciences, business, education, computer and information sciences and health care. For athletics, the Regis Rangers are more known for its basketball achievements than its baseball success. Even so, the baseball game day event is a delightful afternoon experience. The baseball program began in 1969 and has been a part of the Div II RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) since then. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions at Regis Field are minimal yet enough to satisfy the fans in attendance. One concession stand is under the press box and offers soda (Pepsi), water, Gatorade ($2), nachos, pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, peanuts, seeds, and candy ($1 – $3). The hot dog looks quite tasty. Alcohol is not sold at Regis Field. Atmosphere 4 Watching a baseball game at Regis Field on a warm spring day in Colorado provides a fabulous, stress-free afternoon. It’s an excellent venue for a relaxing game of baseball just five miles from downtown Denver. The field is a beautiful natural green grass and there’s real dirt between the bases, at home plate, and on the pitcher’s mound. None of that fake turf here. The backstop is a handsomely designed brick wall which blends in well with the press box and the home plate area. Seating is the perfect size for the attendance. Four rows of blue fold-down stadium seats are on each side of the press box then a section of aluminum bleachers with handrails ending at the beginning of the dugouts rounds out the seating. There is a separate set of bleachers down the third baseline. A net extends from dugout to dugout. Yet there’s still an area where one can stand next to the dugout and watch the game net free. Many fans sit on a hill on the first base side behind the dugout. This area is also net free. Unlike several other RMAC venues, one does have to watch out for foul balls at this venue. There are no lights – only day games are played here. For music during a game, a mix of country, Christian, patriotic, and top pop songs are played and it’s not too loud. In fact, it is the perfect volume, enough to enjoy yet still hear and talk with friends in the stands. Trees adorn the left and center fields. A new LED scoreboard was installed in 2011 and sits above the left field wall. It provides the basic information needed for score keeping: batter number, ball, strike, hit / error, and runs per inning. It can sometimes be difficult to read between the net and the sun. Neighborhood 3 Regis University sits just five or so miles from downtown Denver and all that city has to offer. Several places for food and beverage are just a block or two from the university. Fast food options include Wendy’s, Taco Bell, McDonald’s and the like. Good Times (a regional ‘Burgers and Frozen Custard’ fast food chain) is a block away. Also within walking distance are some non-chain food and drink establishments. A spot to visit for a beer (between those double headers or after the game) is Goldspot Brewing Company, a local craft brewery which has a friendly and welcoming environment. Next door to Goldspot is Dubbel Dutch (European sandwiches, salads, and coffee). The one hotel within walking distance is a Motel 6 (it is a safe neighborhood to stroll). Plenty of other hotel chains are just a few miles away in or near downtown Denver including Quality Inn, LaQuinta Inn, Residence Inn, etc. For a fancy hotel, try the Crawford Hotel at Union Station (it’s quite pricey). Most of the tourist attractions are in downtown Denver. Check Visit Denver for points of interest. Fans 4 A good crowd is on hand. Lots of families, particularly dad’s with sons. The dads/granddads take the kids and play catch or Frisbee on the hill and park area adjacent to the field. It’s very much a joyful family environment. Plenty of visitors from the opposing team are in the stands as a handful of the RMAC schools are within an hour or so drive. Many cheer on players as they know them personally. All are friendly, polite, and welcome to conversation. Access 3 While getting to Regis University is relatively easy, parking and finding the ball field is a chore. The university is off of I-70 exit 272 (Federal Ave / US 287) then north a few blocks to 50th Ave. Once arriving onto the campus, no signage of the ball field is visible. Parking is difficult to figure out; I ended up parking in a small visitors lot (Entrance #1 off Regis Blvd) near the David M Clark, SJ Hall building. Walk around that building and the Field House and you’ll find the baseball field. RTD Bus 52 is the available public transportation. Get off at W 50th St and Irving Ave or Regis Blvd and Irving Ave to get to the Regis University. Wheelchair access is limited. No tickets are handed out; just pay at the folding table (cash only). Seating is on the honor system; bleachers are general admission; the fold-down blue seats are the reserved seats. Return on Investment 5 Attending a warm, sunny Saturday/Sunday afternoon game is well worth the ticket price. Prices are: General admission (bleachers/grass) $6, Reserved seats (chair back) $9, Non-Regis students $3, Regis students and faculty free, under-7/over-65 free. A season ticket package is $50. Doubleheaders are common at Regis Baseball Field. Two seven-inning games for the price of one. Can’t beat that. Concession items are no more than $3 and as far as I could tell, parking is free. It’s a splendid game day experience on a warm spring day. Extras 2 An excellent game day program with a sharp-looking glossy photo cover is available upon entry. It includes rosters for both teams, game notes, Regis baseball schedule and results so far in the season. A ball player recites the RMAC sportsmanship code of conduct before the game. Final Thoughts A refreshing afternoon of baseball can be witnessed at Regis University. If needing a baseball fix and the weather cooperates, check out a game at Regis Field. It’s a good overall relaxing, entertaining afternoon of baseball. Note: Snow outs and cancellations do occur because of the versatile weather conditions in the Rocky Mountains. If you’re in town visiting a Rockies game in the early part of the season, check and see if the Rangers are at home and extend your vacation activities.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Younts Stadium 7801 N Tigerville Rd Tigerville, SC 29688 North Greenville Crusaders website Younts Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 5,000 On a Crusade in Tigerville Younts Stadium has a modern, clean look with beautiful brickwork and plenty of NGU signage – the logo includes the signature classic broadsword, instantly symbolic of the Medieval crusaders from which the team takes its name. The facility was built in 2005 and currently seats 5,000. The Crusaders football program began in 1994, and the team now participates as a member of the Gulf South Conference in NCAA Division II. Food & Beverage 4 Younts Stadium has concessions stands on both sides of the field, something which is lacking at many similarly-sized stadiums. In addition, while the selection is slightly limited, this is made up for by the very low prices, making for an affordable outing even if you are bringing a large group. Nachos, hot dogs, Papa John’s pizza, popcorn, chips, and candy bars are all available with nothing priced over $4. You can also find bottled water, canned soda, and Gatorade. Younts Stadium Concessions, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 If the above doesn’t sound like enough variety, however, there is another great option at Younts Stadium – unique across college and pro football, North Greenville now offers tailgating inside the stadium itself (yes you read that correctly). On the hill above the north end zone, and wrapping around part of the west stands, there are tents sent up which can be rented out for the season. With these seats, fans can drive their trucks and cars into the stadium, and bring their grills and lawn chairs out to watch the game in style. Now, plenty of venues have tailgating outside the stadium, and some even have it set up close enough you can peek in and see the game a little. But this is the first time I have seen people grilling out right around the gridiron itself. Besides the tailgating on the hill, Younts Stadium has two grandstands – the larger one is on the east side and includes the press and president’s box, while the smaller one is on the west side and is mainly used by visitors. The stands on the east side all have the chairback rails, which is a much more comfortable option than you will usually see at a college football game, and since all seats are general admission, you are welcome to sit there instead of on the west side if you choose. You can also bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit and watch from the top of the hill on the west side if you prefer a slightly more elevated view of the action. The only real downside is that there is no video board for instant replays – just a regular static scoreboard – so you won’t be able to re-watch the highlights (unless of course, you brought along your Smartphone). Neighborhood 2 Younts Stadium is located on North Greenville University’s campus, which is in a very rural area of northwest South Carolina not far from the NC border (about half an hour north of Greenville, SC). Surrounded by golf courses, picturesque wedding venues, wilderness areas, and even a covered bridge, there isn’t anything in terms of restaurants and hotels in the immediate vicinity – the closest hotels (Best Western, Hampton, and Swamp Rabbit Inn) are about 15 minutes southwest of campus, toward Greenville. There is a Papa John’s and a Chick-fil-A on campus (the Chick-fil-A in inside the student dining center, however), as well as a restaurant at nearby Cherokee Valley golf course called Core 450 (reservations required), but not much else unless you head closer to Greenville or Spartanburg. Fans 4 Younts Stadium draws a pretty solid crowd, and while it may not be enough to fill every seat, there is a large enough crowd that it will not obvious when some of the seats are empty. This is equally true of both the east and west grandstands, but incidentally, good crowds on the visitor’s side is fairly common at this level of college football – since the conferences in D2 tend to be much tighter geographically than you will see in the FBS, for example, it is not as difficult for fans to travel and see their team on the road. You can also tell that most of the fans are local – while you will see plenty of red or black Crusaders gear (there is an NGU fan shop on the east side as you enter if you need to pick up some swag), you will also see many fans supporting other local college teams, which provides a tight-knit feel and sense of community while you are at the stadium. Access 5 Younts Stadium is easy to get to (right alongside Highway 414), with plenty of space around the facility for parking and to hang out throwing a football or taking in the beautiful mountain scenery. There is a parking lot right next to the venue, in fact (which costs nothing to park in), so you can get in and out of the stadium with ease. Walking around the concourse is also easy, as there is plenty of room, and you are welcome to watch from anywhere once you enter. There are concessions and bathrooms on both sides of the field as well, so you don’t have to walk all the way around like at some facilities if you happen to be sitting on the wrong side. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to North Greenville Crusaders games at Younts Stadium are only $20 for adults and $5 for kids, which is about as low as you will ever see for college football. Add in the free parking and the low-cost concessions, and this makes taking in a football game here about as friendly to your wallet as you could probably hope for. Given how close you are to the action and the fact that you can watch from wherever you want, including from the hill above the field, you can’t find a better bang for your sports buck than this. Extras 3 The Crusaders don’t have a live mascot this year, but their band puts on a pretty good show during games, and they have a DJ in the student section pumping up the jam to get fans moving. You will also see cheerleaders, players coming onto the field through the tunnel, and most of the usual amenities you are used to at football games, including all the classic songs being played over the loudspeaker (Don’t Stop Believing, etc.). But probably the most unique feature here is the fireworks played after the game – I have seen this a lot at minor league baseball games on some nights, but rarely at a college football game. Fireworks after the Game at Younts Stadium, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Most football fans probably haven’t taken in a D2 football game, since football at this level is perceived to lack some of the pageantries of some of the elite programs. At Younts Stadium this could not be further from the truth – here at North Greenville you will get a great football experience without the high cost and huge crowds of other programs, making it easy to enjoy yourself for a pleasant day or evening out.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 SoFi Stadium 1001 Stadium Dr Inglewood, CA 90301 Los Angeles Chargers website SoFi Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 70,240 The NFL’s newest Jewel SoFi Stadium, home of both the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers and the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams , reportedly cost $5.5 billion to build, almost three times what the previous NFL record holder, Allegiant Stadium , cost.  The stadium has a unique design in being sort of an open-air stadium with a roof, and even has a water feature, but given how much it cost to build, unfortunately disappoints in some areas, namely in terms of its access and pricing.   Food & Beverage   4 SoFi Stadium has a host of concessions options, ranging from pizza and Italian sandwiches to burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and sandwiches, burritos, nachos, and tacos, as well as snacks and desserts such as cheesecake, churro bites, Italian custard, cookies, and brownies. There are also several full bar areas and plenty of beer, wine, soda, and bottled water, but nothing in the way of a wow factor, such as a unique item you can’t find at any other stadium. The concession stands also look overly uniform – all share the same color scheme, font, and design – making it difficult to find what you are looking for without walking around and reaching each stands’ menu.  The different levels all appear to have the same options. Concessions prices are on the high side, as you might expect from a pro stadium (think $9 for a hot dog with no sides or $6 for a bottle of water). The food is actually quite tasty, however – I recommend the cheeseburger, and the souvenir soda is a good deal at $8, coming in a cool reflective cup you can take home (but no free refills). Note that there are also plenty of street vendors on the grounds around the facility, selling hot dogs, beer, and soda as you walk up to the entrance – I saw plenty of fans partaking of these even after the game was over.   Atmosphere   4 The stadium looks really cool from the outside, but despite how it looks, is actually open a little to the elements, meaning during night games it gets a little cool inside, and I was told it can get hot inside during day games. I also heard that if you sit up in the 400 or 500 level, be careful where you sit, as the sun can get in your eyes if you sit on the wrong side – not something I expected from what looks like an indoor stadium. Unlike the atmosphere during Rams  games, the Chargers offer their fans a slightly more silly atmosphere, as illustrated by such amenities as smiley face logos with lightning bolt eyes, and having a drumline instead of cheerleaders, providing a more fun, bring-the-kids kind of vibe than you’ll find during the other team’s  games. The drumline plays outside from the parking lots before the game, and when you go inside you’ll experience the typical fans contests and giveaways. The Chargers also have sound effects in the form of a Thunder Siren (think hurricane warning or air raid) that goes off before the game and before the second half begins, as well as a cannon which fires before the game and after Chargers scores – but perhaps only after touchdowns, as I don’t recall hearing it after Bolts field goals. The team takes the field amid a haze of smoke and with flags flying, and the huge circular videoboard around the ceiling gives every fan the ability to easily see replays, stats, and the action on the field – the videoboard is close to eye level for those in the 300s, but may prove a distraction for those in the 400s and 500s.   Neighborhood   3 SoFi Stadium is a few miles east of LAX airport, and thus in close proximity to myriad hotels at all different price levels, if you are planning to stay the weekend. However, being mostly surrounded by parking areas, there are not a lot of attractions or restaurants in the area, although there are a few mostly fast-food places a few blocks south of the venue; In-N-Out Burger and Pollo Loco (chicken) are popular chains in California. Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood are about 10 miles north-northeast of the stadium, where you can find most of the amenities the area is best-known for.   Fans   2 The Chargers don’t have as strong a fanbase as do the Los Angeles Rams , perhaps understandable given the latter had a team here decades before, while the Bolts are kind of the new kid in town. That said, you will see a lot of empty seats, and perhaps too many opposing fans during Chargers games. You will see some Bolts jerseys and other team gear being worn, but not as much as at other NFL stadiums for their teams.   Access   4 Getting around the inside of SoFi Stadium is problematic, but getting TO the venue is not that bad; the staff and local police do a great job directing traffic and blocking off roads to make getting in quick and easy, but more importantly, to sweep fans away from the stadium quickly after the contest is over. There is a little traffic in the area, but the location is far enough away from LA city center that there isn’t too much. There are plenty of parking lots nearby; I recommend the Green A lot – it is pricey, but as close to the stadium as you can probably get, and is small enough you can get out after the game really fast. There are cheaper lots a little further away. Getting around the stadium once inside is more of a challenge – SoFi Stadium has 9 different levels, but there aren’t enough ways to move between them. Most fans use the escalators, but there aren’t enough of these and they aren’t together – for example, to get from the “main” 300 level where you enter the stadium to the 100 level, you have to walk partway around the stadium, take one escalator down to the 200 level, and then walk partway around the stadium AGAIN to find another escalator to take you down to the 100 level. You can’t take the stairs, either, as they only have exits on the 300 level – if you walk down them to the 100 or 200 level the door will be locked. There are also not enough elevators, so the wait for them is very long. The seats themselves are all chairbacks, but on some levels are too narrow for the average person – the ones on the 300 level seem a little larger than the ones on the 100 level.   Return on Investment   3 Attending a Chargers game can be pricey – even though many seats will be empty the game will still be sold out, so you’ll likely have to buy tickets on the secondary market anyway. Tickets will get cheaper the closer to the game it gets, as well parking passes, so you might score a deal if you are willing to risk waiting. As mentioned the concessions are on the high side ($25 to $30 per person for a main dish, side, and drink), while parking starts at $60 in the lots furthest from the stadium.   Extras   4 The Chargers do offer some amenities for fans, for example some DJs out in the concourse, tons of logos for fans to take selfies with, the aforementioned drumline and sound effects, and plenty of team gear stands if you want to pick up some Bolts swag – there are so many places selling team gear stands on every level you shouldn’t have to wait in line.   Final Thoughts The NFL’s newest stadium represents a pricey proposition, but certainly comes with a lot of bells and whistles for fans to enjoy. If you plan ahead in terms of seating, parking, and perhaps eat before the game, you can save yourself a little hassle, and perhaps a little green as well.

Photo Courtesy of UW-Green Bay Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Resch Center 1901 S Oneida St Green Bay, WI 54304 Green Bay Phoenix website Resch Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 9,729 Phoenix Rising in Green Bay In 1994, head coach Dick Bennett and his son Tony led the UW-Green Bay Phoenix in an upset of Jason Kidd and the 5th-seeded California Golden Bears in the first round of the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. Any Phoenix fan will tell you that this victory was UW-Green Bay “One Shining Moment”. At that time, the Phoenix played in the 5,000-seat Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena. By 2002, the Brown County Arena was severely outdated. Enter the Resch Center next door, a 10,000-seat, multi-purpose facility that UWGB has called home ever since. Dick Bennett is a coaching legend in Wisconsin, Tony Bennett’s #25 is the only retired number in Phoenix history, and Green Bay basketball continues its struggle to rise up to a position of significance in a football-crazed town. The Resch Center sits approximately nine miles from the UW-Green Bay campus, which appears to affect student attendance, as Green Bay lacks efficient public transportation to get young fans to and from campus Food & Beverage 2 One of the benefits of UW-Green Bay playing basketball off campus at the Resch Center is that a fan can enjoy a beer (or multiple beers) during the game. The Resch Center offers a modest choice of draft beers at its concession stands, but a “Bud Light Night” makes 24-ounce $2.00 Bud Lights the most popular choice among fans. Soft drinks are provided by 7-Up, RC Cola, Dr. Pepper, and Sun Drop and can be purchased in bottles or from the fountain. The food menu at the Resch Center is not spectacular. If you’re in town for the game, plan to take advantage of one of the numerous establishments that surround the Resch Center and Lambeau Field. Relying on what the Resch Center provides (pizza, brats, pretzels, and hot dogs) may leave you unsatisfied. DiGiorno personal pizzas are the signature items and will set you back $7.00. Atmosphere 3 Likely the best atmosphere in the Phoenix season will be a match-up against Wisconsin, Marquette, or UW. Games against conference rivals from the Horizon League are also typically well attended. For marquee games, expect nearly 5,000 to turn out. For weekend games with an 8:00PM tip-off and a promotion like “Bud Light Night,”, locals are encouraged to get out and support their team. The UWGB basketball game has a minor league feel to it. Home games often come along with advertised giveaways such as winter hats, sunglasses, youth jerseys, and trading cards. In addition, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers Festival Foods Family Games on a limited schedule where tickets are discounted, parking is free, and sodas and hot dogs are only $1.00. Breaks in the action are typically filled with promotional dance-offs, full court dashes to collect pizza boxes, and slinging rubber chickens into shopping carts. The ability to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two at the off-campus Resch Center is a nice perk and even on “Bud Light Night,” Phoenix fans appear to enjoy themselves responsibly. Even when the Phoenix host a season-high crowd, the Resch Center sits half full and often sits three-quarters empty, as the official capacity for basketball is listed as 9,729. The student section and the band are deserving of a lot of credit as a spirited group, but even their section will look half full. A few Phoenix alums confided that it’s difficult for students to get to the game, especially since shuttle services from campus were discontinued a few years ago. The Resch Center was obviously built for hockey. As a result, Sections 201, 202, and 203 keep you the furthest distance from the action despite providing the most affordable experience ($11.00 per ticket). $20.00 will provide the best viewing experience in Sections 207-210 and 220-223, alongside the court. The Resch Center website provides a helpful seating chart to illustrate premier seating locations. Neighborhood 4 The Resch Center literally sits in the shadow of Lambeau Field and is in the heart of the Stadium District in Green Bay. Consequently, there is no shortage of pre or postgame options for food and spirits. The D2 Sports Pub (attached to the Midway Best Western Hotel) is the closest establishment (maybe 20 feet) to the Resch Center. Other staples of the Stadium District within walking distance include The Stadium View Bar & Grille, Anduzzi’s Sports Club, The Bar, The Green Bay Distillery, Burkel’s One Block Over, and Badger State Brewing. Parking is abundant and the fee to do so is minimal, as the Lambeau Field parking lot serves as the official lot for the Resch and charges only $5.00. If interested in saving a few bucks, seek out the bars and restaurants around the Resch Center that offer free parking. Fans 3 Phoenix fans are knowledgeable and know when to get loud. During a well attended back-and-forth game against a conference rival, expect the Resch Center to get plenty loud during key defensive moments. UWGB alumni, casual basketball fans, and families enjoying an affordable night out are typically well represented. Students can be hit or miss, especially during the winter break when class is not in session. Regardless of when the game is played, UWGB needs to figure out a way to get more of its student body involved in order for Phoenix games to have that true college basketball atmosphere. Access 4 5,000 basketball fans descending upon the Resch Center compared to 70,000 Packers fans flocking to Lambeau Field are night and day comparisons. Parking near the Resch Center is abundant. The Lambeau Field parking lot is the official lot for Resch Center events and the charge is minimal. Parking at nearby establishments is free; they only hope that you’ll stop in for a beer and burger before or after the game. Fans enter the Resch Center through a lobby on the south side of the arena. Many people purchase tickets on site, which can overcrowd the lobby in a hurry. If you wish to avoid any crowds, purchase tickets ahead of time and head either left or right through the gates upon your arrival. Fans can access their 100 level courtside seats via the arena floor tunnels but most spectators head up a flight of stairs to the main concourse and 200 level sections. The second floor concourse provides adequate space, concession stands, and restrooms. The north end of the concourse is typically not accessible, as Sections 212 through 218 tend to be closed off for basketball games. Return on Investment 3 For local Northeast Wisconsin sports fans, a Green Bay Phoenix basketball game is a solid entertainment choice. The program has been near the top of the Horizon League standings in recent years and the product appeals to all demographics. In the world of mid-major college basketball, UW-Green Bay suffers from not being a destination for many Wisconsin college basketball fans. The Wisconsin Badgers have the state’s attention and affection during most winters, but anyone willing to make the trek to Titletown will have a positive experience. If specifically planning a trip to the Resch Center, look for Wisconsin, Marquette, and/or UW-Milwaukee on the schedule, as these opponents draw the largest crowds. Extras 3 If UW-Green Bay basketball brings you in town for a weekend, it might be worth looking into a women’s basketball game at the on-campus Kress Events Center. Over the past five years, UWGB women’s basketball has the third highest winning percentage in the NCAA. The women play at the 4,018-seat Kress Events Center, which is a seven year-old venue in the middle of the campus. The women average 2,000 fans a game, which fits better in the more intimate Kress Center. Considering its proximity to the Resch Center, Lambeau Field and everything that it offers (food, tours, shopping) is also a great way to spend a day prior to an evening Phoenix tip-off.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Kia Center 400 W Church St Orlando, FL 32801 Orlando Predators website Kia Center website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 20,00 Indoor Football in Magic Country Editor's Note: The Amway Center changed its name to the Kia Center on December 20, 2023. Since this review was written before the name change, it will be referred to as the Amway Center throughout this review. Amway Center in Orlando, Florida is most well-known as the home of the Orlando Magic of the NBA, but is also used as the home of indoor football’s Orlando Predators – as a professional sports venue, the facility offers a wide range of concessions options, spacious concourses, and lots of bells and whistles. The Predators benefit from a lot of these amenities, but not all of them are used during indoor football games. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food and beverage items at Orlando Predators games, and they come with the slightly inflated prices you would expect from an NBA venue (e.g. $5.50 for bottled water, $6 for packaged candy, and $7.50 for a hot dog, which are the lowest priced items available here). Other items include nachos, popcorn, pretzels, glazed nuts (the sweet kind sold in the cones), chicken sandwiches and tenders, burgers with ‘Predator’ sauce (these are mislabeled – the menu board says they have 2 half-pound patties, but in reality, they are much smaller), Papa John’s personal-sized pizzas (oddly the Papa John’s stand also sells the same hot dogs available at other stands), Dippin’ Dots, a Cuban stand with empanadas and Cuban sandwiches, and a Mexican stand offering chips with salsa, guac, or queso, as well as nachos and tacos, including double decker tacos (hard shell wrapped in soft shell). Drinks include bottled water, soda, and draft beer, including several bars with seating you can see the field from, plus a couple of the new convenience-store-type stands that have a wide selection of different canned beer. Atmosphere 4 There are hardly any fans at Amway Center during Predators games (at least for a Friday night game, which is when I last attended), but that is a good thing in certain ways, as it allows you to take better advantage of some of the venue’s great amenities. For example, there is a rooftop bar and grill called The Ultra Club, where you can sit and enjoy a drink or meal. There is also comfy seating in the concourse complete with USB charging (tiers of wooden seats with rows of charging outlets embedded on the seat fronts). In addition, there is also a four or five-story lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can see the view, complete with Disney-themed panels for décor, as well as the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame and fan experience displays – I have never been to a Magic game here, so I can’t say how crowded it is for basketball, but with hardly anyone here during Preds games, fans are easily able to explore the Hall and lobby, and use the charging stations, comfy seating, and Ultra Club with no waiting, and no pushing and shoving to get to them. For the game itself, the action begins with pyrotechnics and motorcycles on the field, as you might see at many indoor football venues, and the staff has the typical contests (football tosses, etc.) and fan cams (in this case a bongo drum cam and a kiss cam). There are also TVs in the lobby so you can keep track of the action while walking around, as well as the Predators dance team. Neighborhood 5 What can I tell you about Orlando that you don’t already know? The attractions here are seemingly endless – Disney World, SeaWorld, Kennedy Space Center, Manatee Tours, LEGOLAND, etc. – more than enough for a weekend, or even a week or more, to surround your Orlando Predators visit. There are also plenty of hotels at all price ranges to choose from near the arena, as well as numerous restaurants. Amway Center is located in downtown Orlando, not far from Lake Eola Park and Exploria Stadium, the latter of which is home to Orlando City SC , the Orlando Pride , and also the Cure Bowl . Fans 1 Amway Center has hardly any fans show up for Predators games, so there is not much in the way of fan noise – there are also curtains blocking much of the seating, without which the facility would seem even more empty. There is a team gear stand inside the venue, but the prices are rather high for items, for example, an autographed official-sized football costs $100. Access 4 Getting to Amway Center is pretty simple, as several major freeways go right by it (I-4, Highway 408, etc.). There is also plenty of parking within a block or two of the venue; on the plus side, the low attendance at Orlando Predators makes it easier to get in and out of the facility. I never recommend parking in parking decks, as they can sometimes take a while to get out of after the game, but there are several surface lots nearby where you can park instead for about $10. Orlando International Airport (MCO), about 20 miles from Amway Center, has flights from pretty much any destination you can imagine, thanks to all the tourist attractions in town. The airport is a little confusing as there are multiple “terminals” all inside the same building, making it hard to know where you are supposed to go. Return on Investment 4 Including Ticketmaster fees, tickets to Orlando Predators games start at around $20 or $25 – the facility is great and worth a look, and coming here for a Predators game, as I mentioned earlier, is an easier way to take advantage of the amenities, given the much smaller crowds during indoor football games compared to basketball games. Parking is reasonable, and although the concessions prices are generally pretty high, you can find some better values if you look around at different stands. Extras 3 There is a Kia SUV displayed on the suite level inside the venue; you can’t get that close to it, but you can certainly see it from inside the venue. The Predators logo itself is also pretty cool. Final Thoughts I think Amway Center is worth a visit, either for a Predators game or a Magic game, although the former might be a little easier on the wallet in terms of the hassle/traffic factor.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fieldhouse at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex 1921 West Gate City Blvd Greensboro, NC 27403 Greensboro Swarm website Fieldhouse at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 2,100 Basketball Swarms the Gate City The state of North Carolina is known for many things: delicious BBQ, beautiful mountains and beaches, and basketball. The Tar Heel State is home to eighteen Division 1 college programs, including big ACC programs like Duke , North Carolina , NC State , and Wake Forest , and smaller mid-major programs like Davidson , High Point , UNC-Charlotte , and UNC-Greensboro . The state also boasts the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets who in May 2015 decided to own its own NBA Development League team that would play close to the team’s home base in the Queen City. Seven cities were considered in both North and South Carolina before it was officially announced in October that Greensboro was the city selected, and two months later the name Swarm was announced as a homage to the Hornets’ parent brand. Greensboro is a natural fit to house minor league basketball given its history of hosting the ACC Tournament several times over the last few decades at the Greensboro Coliseum. The Fieldhouse, located just steps away and formerly known as The Pavilion, hosted many events over the years, from exhibitions of the annual Central Carolina Fair to many ACC Fan Fests for the Men’s and Women tournaments. In 2016 it was converted to host the Purple and Teal. With locker rooms, a field house-type roof, and permanent seating the building was truly transformed. The team is still in its infancy playing in the NBA Gatorade League, but there is a buzz about the future greats of the NBA playing in a basketball-rich city. Food & Beverage 3 There is nothing spectacular about the cuisine at the Fieldhouse but the prices aren’t outrageous. Bottled water and Pepsi products go for four dollars a bottle. Chips, candy, and popcorn are two, three and four dollars respectively, while french fries, and pretzels, and a jumbo hot dog are four dollars a pop. If you’re feeling hungrier, you can get a chicken tender, or tender sandwich basket (with fries) for eight dollars each, or fifty cents more for a cheeseburger basket. A domestic or specialty beer will set you back eight and nine dollars. Although the food is solid, it might be worth trying one of Greensboro’s great eateries to get the most out of your experience when visiting the Gate City. Atmosphere 4 The NBA Gatorade League started in 2001 with eight teams in just the Southeastern United States, and nearly two decades later currently hosts twenty-eight teams. The League has an eye on future expansion. It is hoped that all 30 NBA teams will own and operate their own affiliate much like the Hornets do with the Swarm. The League has seen a boost in credibility over recent years with the introduction of two-way contracts and it’s becoming a premier place for young players to compete for a coveted NBA roster spot. The Fieldhouse is the perfect place to watch the best of the up and comers. The arena houses 2,118 chair back and bleacher seating on three sides of the court, and since you are no more than twelve rows or so from the hardwood, there is not a single bad seat anywhere in the Fieldhouse. The venue’s concourse is behind the basket closest to the entrance. It features an arcade-style basketball hoop set up for young ones to practice their jump shots, concession stands to grab something to eat or drink, and a table selling a nice selection of Swarm merchandise The buzzer that indicates the end of a period, shot clock, or substitution is very loud, so those with sensitive ears should be aware There’s an appealing simplicity about the Fieldhouse: two electronic scoreboards are found on the walls behind both baskets, but there is no video board or any other bells and whistles at the Fieldhouse. While there are some fun promotions led by Sergeant Swarm, the team’s mascot and the Buzz Brigade promotions squad, the focus is on fast-paced, high-intensity professional basketball. Neighborhood 4 The Fieldhouse is part of the Greensboro Coliseum Complex and sits adjacent to the Coliseum on Gate City Boulevard, one of Greensboro’s main drags. There are many places to grab some delicious food. For example, right across the street sits Stamey’s, home to delicious slow-cooked Lexington-Style BBQ for the last eighty years. It’s a wonderful place to get that old-fashioned pork or chicken goodness on a plate or as a sandwich. There is a plethora of delicious side items, including Brunswick Stew, hush puppies, slaw, and collard greens. Drive one street over to Spring Garden, and take in some of the best burgers not just in Greensboro but throughout North Carolina. There are ten different gourmet options including The North Carolinian which is topped with a fried egg, bacon, pimento cheese, lettuce, and a fried green tomato, The Brooklyn and Cuban Cow are also worth trying. They’re modeled after the classic Reuben Sandwich and Cuban Sandwich respectively. There are also numerous starters including my favorites, fried goat cheese and fried crab cake balls. Don’t forget the Wall of Fries, where you can get more than a dozen styles of fries and potato chips including Sweet Thai Chili, Cordon Bleu, or Poutine. Finally, no trip to Greensboro would be complete without a trip to Yum Yum about a mile up Spring Garden Street on the campus of UNC-Greensboro, where you can grab a tasty hot dog and some sweet and creamy house-made ice cream, at a more than a century-old institution. I’d recommend getting your hot dog “all the way” for a North Carolina style that includes mustard, onions, their in-house chili, and slaw, along with a glass bottle of North Carolina’s very own Cheerwine, before treating yourself to a scoop or two of their “better ice cream.” The prices are surprisingly very low, and even with large crowds, there is never a long wait time. The main brewery that locals and visitors both love is Natty Greenes which has locations across the street from the complex as well as downtown. There is always a lot going on in the Gate City. When you’re in North Carolina’s third-largest city and the biggest city in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad Region, you don’t have to go too far to find something to keep you busy for a day or weekend. If shopping is on the top of your list, then the three-story Four Seasons Mall and the outdoor Friendly Center are five and ten minutes away. Those with children should check out the Greensboro Science Center, and the Greensboro Children’s Museum. Both offer hours of entertainment for young ones, with the former boasting a zoo and an aquarium, and the latter offering large climbing structures. History buffs should check out The International Civil Rights Center and Museum in the site of the old Woolworths Department Store, where sixty years ago four North Carolina A&T students sat at a segregated lunch counter to help bring about integration. It is considered one of the most important events of the Civil Rights Movement. Nearly two hundred years earlier one of the most important battles of the American Revolution took place and you can stroll around the more than 200 acres where American and British soldiers fought in what is widely considered the turning point of The Revolutionary War. All of these attractions are located just a fifteen-minute drive from the Fieldhouse, but if you’re wanting something to check out in the complex itself, a few hundred yards away from the home of the Swarm is the ACC Hall of Champions, a shrine to the fifteen Atlantic Coast Conference members, where you can learn about the history of some of the greatest moments in each of these school’s athletic histories and maybe get your picture with your favorite ACC school’s life-size mascot statue. There are many hotels to stay near the complex including a Holiday Inn, Red Roof Inn, Drury Inn & Suites, and a Comfort Suites, all within a five-minute drive, as well as plenty of hotels downtown three miles east if you’re wanting to be more centrally located. Fans 3 The Swarm is only playing in its fourth season, so the team is still trying to define itself. On weekends and other big nights, like its home opener, and the school day game, the Swarm can sell out the Fieldhouse, however on this mid-week affair even against a regional opponent the stands only looked about a third full which for a venue of its size, does mean less than a thousand people are in the seats. That being said, the fans who were present were engaged and knowledgeable and were focused on the game and not just on socializing or looking at their cell phones. The crowd would get loud for big plays, and it still made for an exciting atmosphere to watch some pro hoops. Fan attendance could consistently increase as both the Hornets improve and the Swarm sign some local talent from any of NC’s many great college programs, but the trend of G-League franchises playing in small venues of a few thousand in most cases seems to be an advantage as the league continues to establish itself as basketball’s premier minor league. Take a look at the inside of the Fieldhouse during a game here: Access 4 The Fieldhouse shares a parking lot with the far more massive Greensboro Coliseum and there is an ample amount of parking. Parking is five dollars, but you can often find spots really close to the Fieldhouse’s entrance. For those who are taking public transportation, the number 11 GTA will get you from the Coliseum to the Greensboro Depot downtown for $1.50 one way and can connect you to Greyhound and Amtrak service as well if you’re coming from beyond the Triad. Lines are very short (sometimes nonexistent), and walking around the concourse behind the basket is never too problematic. Return on Investment 5 Going to see the Greensboro Swarm is an incredibly good deal: tickets start at twelve dollars, and with concessions not too unreasonable, and parking very low, watching some potential future NBA stars in an intimate fast-paced setting will only set a person back $25-$30, which is often less than the cost of just a ticket at an NBA game. The quality may not be as high, but these are still some very skilled players, and for those who follow the Hornets it allows an opportunity to see players on the rise in the organization up close. To stretch your dollar further Fieldhouse Fridays offers dollar hot dogs, and two-dollar soda and beer. That, combined with a chance to shoot postgame on the Fieldhouse hardwood, would be the ideal time to catch the Swarm in action. Extras 3 The first point goes to the unique Fieldhouse design and layout. They could have easily made a plain standard gym or arena but instead it has the feel of an airplane hangar. The next point goes to the map on display in the concourse of all of the G-League franchises and where they are located, which not only provides a reference to those who aren’t familiar with the circuit but also helps to showcase the league itself, showing how it has grown nationwide. Finally, a third point for the incredibly friendly staff at the Fieldhouse. Final Thoughts North Carolina has an extremely rich basketball tradition stretching from the mountains to the coast and right in the middle is Greensboro. The Greensboro Coliseum’s Fieldhouse is a unique compact space that hosts high energy, up-tempo basketball one rung down from the NBA. The Swarm is still relatively new on the block, but with the strong partnership of the Hornets, and the Greensboro Coliseum known for hosting some basketball classics next door, the Swarm has found a nest in the Gate City, and as the Hornets improve the buzz around the Swarm will only increase.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ferrell Center 1900 S University Parks Dr Baylor, TX 76706 Baylor Bears website Ferrell Center website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 10,284 Baylor Bears Basketball’s Ferrell Center Editors Note: Baylor Bears Basketball moved to Foster Pavilion in Jan, 2024. Located in Waco, Texas, Ferrell Center is home to the Baylor Bears basketball and volleyball teams. The first-ever event held in Ferrell Center was a political rally by former President Ronald Reagan on September 22, 1988. The first sporting event here (a Baylor Bears women’s basketball game) took place a couple of months after that, on November 25, followed a few days later by the men’s basketball team versus San Diego State. Ferrell Center, a building with a golden-domed roof, has a seating capacity of 10,284 for basketball and 6,000 for volleyball. The arena is named in memory of Charles Robert Ferrell, who died in 1967 during his sophomore year at Baylor. The actual basketball court is named after Paul J. Meyer Sr., in recognition of his contributions to Baylor University. The height of the facility is 111 feet, and the dome covers 3 acres. Ferrell Center continues to undergo improvements, keeping the arena updated while providing the best possible facility for students and fans. The university recently upgraded the floor and video boards, but the biggest improvement came in 2006 – the construction of the Lieutenant Jack Whetsel Jr. practice facility; this 42,990 square-foot facility includes practice courts, coaching staff offices, and a VIP receiving area. Some of the notable events that have taken place at Ferrell Center include NBA exhibition games and training camps, as well as women’s and men’s postseason NIT games. The highest attendance record in Ferrell Center history is currently at 10,627, with the most recent mark being set on January 7, 2017 versus Oklahoma State. Baylor University announced in May 2019 that a new Baylor Bears basketball pavilion will be built to replace the university’s oldest intercollegiate athletic facility on campus; while it will no longer host basketball, Ferrell Center will undergo a $30 million renovation and become the exclusive home of Baylor’s volleyball and national champion acrobatic and tumbling teams. Food & Beverage 3 Ferrell Center has plenty of concessions stands inside the arena, which means short food lines and little congestion inside the concourse. The food is comprised of basic sports stadium fare with prices typical of other venues. The smokehouse loaded nachos ($9) are at the top of the list as far as pricing, and give you beef fajita meat, shredded lettuce, sour cream, onions, and jalapenos on top of nacho chips. For basic stadium fare at a cost of $5, you can choose between the arena dog, garlic sausage dog, basic nachos, and cotton candy, while other typical selections such as peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, and assorted candy are sold for $4. There are a couple of money saving combos at the concession stands, for example the Bear Pack, which gives you a hot dog, kettle chips, and a small fountain drink for $10, or get two of each for $18, leading to a little more savings. Also, in addition to the basic fare there is Frito pie, which is a mixture of Fritos, chili, cheese, onions, and jalapenos. You can also find two types of chicken wraps, either chicken Caesar or blackened chicken; all three of the latter cost $7. Or, there is also a State Fair concessions stand selling foot-long corn dogs, funnel cakes, or sausage on a stick for $6. Besides the main stands, Ferrell Center also brings in outside vendors such as Pizza Hut and Chick-fil-A. Pizza Hut sells a 9” cheese or pepperoni pizza for $8 a slice, while Chick-fil-A’s prices are higher here than at their regular stores. However, they do offer a chicken basket for $9, which saves you a dollar compared to buying a chicken sandwich and waffle fries separately; you can also add a chocolate chunk cookie for $2. An interesting thing about the concessions here at Ferrell Center is that the calories of all items are shown on the menu boards. If you are looking for a beverage, the soda selection at Ferrell Center includes Dr Pepper, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Mug Root Beer, and Mountain Dew; these options come in a small size for $3 or the souvenir 32oz size for $6. Besides soda, you can also find Gatorade, Aquafina bottled water, and coffee priced at $3 each, while fresh-squeezed lemonade and iced tea cost a dollar more. Note that Ferrell Center doesn’t offer any alcohol. Ferrell Center’s food and beverage options will satisfy any hunger during the event, however, Waco has enough to offer in terms of restaurants that eating before or after the game is more strongly recommended. Atmosphere 4 The success of Baylor’s basketball program, coupled with playing in a competitive Big 12 Conference, elevates the atmosphere inside Ferrell Center to a wonderful environment that anyone would enjoy. The atmosphere becomes even louder and more serious when nationally ranked opponents, such as Kansas or their hated Big 12 rivals, the TCU Horned Frogs or Texas Longhorns , invade Waco. The students sit along the baseline in an area nicknamed the “Bear Pit,” which continues all the way back to the upper level; this section is next to the Baylor band. The band, spirit squads, and mascot Bruiser keep the energetic crowd entertained throughout the game. In addition, during timeouts there are fan contests as well as the typical spirit squad entertainment. The video boards above the court and in the upper corners allow for replays to be shown, as well as other graphics that enhance the experience inside the arena. Overall, it is a wonderful college basketball atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Ferrell Center is located on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas, at the corner of University Parks Drive and LaSalle Avenue, next to Baylor Ballpark and the softball facility, Getterman Stadium. Being on the northeast corner of campus, about 1 ½ miles from I-35 and the City of Waco, there isn’t much here but the sports facilities. However, Waco has numerous restaurants and lodging opportunities you can take advantage of while attending a Baylor event. There are several places in Waco that offer Texas BBQ; Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ is a chain throughout Texas and can be found just off I-35 at the Circle Road exit. Rudy’s serves brisket, ribs, and sides in a cafeteria-style setting with indoor picnic tables. Another good option is Coach’s Smoke, located just west of the Baylor campus, in downtown Waco on Austin Avenue. Coach’s Smoke serves excellent BBQ, burgers, and a good selection of draft beer. If you want the best, however, my suggestion is Vitek’s BBQ – this local landmark is on the south side of Baylor’s campus on Speight Avenue. Vitek’s is the home of the Gut Pack, which includes brisket, sausage, Frito chips, and beans. If you decide on this dish you won’t need to eat for the rest of the day, as it is heavy and filling, but delicious. You should plan on being there early, however; Vitek’s serves outside as well as inside, but the wait can be long no matter which one you choose. If you are looking for something besides BBQ, the Tex-Mex scene in Waco is just as popular. Trujillo’s is a great Tex-Mex option, located at the traffic circle on LaSalle Avenue. Trujillo’s is a family-owned restaurant that will surely give you the authentic taste of Mexico. However, if Trujillo’s is crowded, or the game is on a Sunday, then try Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant on South 3rd Street in downtown Waco. George’s Restaurant is also a popular place to meet before, during, or after the game. This restaurant has been serving Waco since 1930, and the crowds are large, so make sure you get there early. Another popular Waco landmark since 1948 is Health Camp on Circle Road; this restaurant is a classic roadside pit stop from the past, serving burgers, hot dogs, and a large selection of shakes, malts, and frozen custard. Although many of these restaurants aren’t exactly close to the arena, they are close enough to enjoy before or after the game. There are plenty of attractions and things to do while in Waco, such as visiting the Dr Pepper Museum. Waco is the home of this popular Texas soft drink, and inside the museum you can see how the soft drink is made, learn the history behind it, and get free Dr Pepper to drink. Or, the latest trending attraction in Waco is Baylor’s very own Chip and Joanna Gaines Magnolia sites, from their Silos Baking Company to their Magnolia Café. Waco’s other attractions include Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame, all of which are worth a visit. If none of these seem interesting, however, then take a stroll through the beautiful Baylor campus, where you can visit the Bear Habitat, home to Joy and Lady, Baylor’s two live black bear mascots, and learn more about these creatures. Along with numerous choices of restaurants and attractions, lodging in Waco is plentiful. Most of the hotels are located along I-35, where you’ll have choices such as Courtyard by Marriott, Comfort Suites, La Quinta, Holiday Inn, Homewood Suites, Hilton, and Hotel Indigo. Fans 3 No matter the sport, Baylor Nation has a great following across the board. They are energetic, fun, polite, respectful, knowledgeable, and supportive of all Baylor athletics. While attending a basketball game at Ferrell Center, you’ll see lots of Baylor green and gold being worn, hear loud cheers for anything the Baylor team does, and of course, hear jeering at the referees when calls are incorrectly officiated. Access 4 Ferrell Center is located on the far northeastern corner of campus, away from I-35 and the normal Waco traffic. There is free parking for Ferrell Center events near the arena, and the flow of traffic seems to move well before as well as after the event. There are two main entrances into Ferrell Center on the parking lot side, and getting into the arena is easy and fast. Baylor University enforces a clear bag policy at all sport venues including Ferrell Center. As you enter through the main doors, you’ll walk into a spacious circular concourse. The seating areas, restrooms, and concessions are well marked throughout the concourse, and you’ll also see banners supporting both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. As you walk around the venue, Ferrell Center’s unique domed roof and banners hanging from the rafters will grab your attention. The seating consists of green plastic chair backs, but there is plenty of room, and there isn’t a bad view of the court anywhere in the arena. Return on Investment 4 Ferrell Center has free parking, terrific seating, and a wonderful atmosphere to watch a high level of college basketball. There are two levels of seating prices; reserved and general admission. Baylor’s reserved ticket have been sold out for the season thru the Baylor Ticket Office. However, there are plenty of general admission tickets available ranging from $15 (non-conference games) and $20 (Big 12 games) to $45. The Kansas tickets lead to the highest price for a single game ticket, but the third-party market is a good place to check even you want a cheaper GA or reserved seat at Baylor basketball games. The Baylor Bears men’s basketball program continues to be one of the tops in the country. The reasonable price to watch top caliber college basketball, to have an entertaining and fun filled evening, along with free parking, makes it well worth the investment to visit Ferrell Center. Extras 3 Ferrell Center is a well-maintained venue that is over a quarter of a century old, yet continues to provide a friendly environment during Baylor Bears athletic events. The Bear Pit student section and Baylor band bring excitement on the baselines, which provides a homecourt advantage that contributes to Baylor’s recent success. When thinking about Ferrell Center, it is easy to think of the men’s basketball team, however, the women’s program has also been dominant over the last decade. The Lady Bears Final Four appearances, conference championships, and three national championships are celebrated throughout Ferrell Center. Final Thoughts The basketball program under Coach Scott Drew has found success in the last decade. The Baylor Bears men’s team has made the NCAA tournament in seven of the last nine years. Also, in 2013 when the Bears didn’t make the tournament, the team won the NIT, and on January 20, 2020, the Baylor Bears earned their second-ever number one ranking in the AP poll, putting the program in position, not only to return to the NCAA tournament, but possibly to earn a spot in the Final Four. Baylor basketball will be getting a new arena soon, however, until then the program continues to develop future NBA players, which makes Ferrell Center a great place to visit for any sports fan.

Photos by Jason Bartel, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sun Bowl Stadium Sun Bowl Dr El Paso, TX 79968 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl website Sun Bowl Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 51,500 Sun Bowl The Sun Bowl opened in 1963 with an original capacity of 30,000, but was expanded in 1982 to 52,000. It currently seats 51,500. The 2010 Sun Bowl between Notre Dame and Miami (FL) set the game’s attendance record when 54,021 people came to see the two storied programs. Food & Beverage 3 The Sun Bowl has concession stands all throughout the concourse, which have a very limited selection. As is the case with the basketball arena, Don Haskins Center, they only offer hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soda and beer. All the food and soda are right around $4-$5, and the beer is $7-$10. UTEP offers Coca-Cola and Budweiser products at their sports facilities. Along the main concourse of the stadium, there are two areas where a variety of vendors have set up tents. There is Mexican food, turkey legs, Chick-fil-A, barbecue and a couple other things. One of the areas is behind the east stands, and the other is in the northwest corner of the stadium. Atmosphere 4 El Paso is definitely very cold on Sun Bowl day, but that doesn’t take away from any of the pregame festivities or the great visuals the Sun Bowl provides for fans. Walking towards the stadium from the parking lots, you pass by all sorts of tailgating. El Paso football fans have definitely figured out ways how to keep warm for the Sun Bowl, and the participating teams’ fans picked up pretty quickly on some of the tricks. The landscape around the Sun Bowl is absolutely incredible. If you look too far to the west and south, you do see Ciudad Juarez, which kind of takes away from everything else around. The stadium itself is built on a hill, with part of the hill butting right up against the stands. The surrounding area on campus also has some extremely nice buildings, adding to the rustic, southwestern feel to the stadium. The field itself is artificial, and obviously gets all the UTEP logos taken off and replaced with the corporate sponsor of the Sun Bowl, as the well as the TV network logos and the logos of the participating teams. All of the logos on the field face the west press box side. The stadium has one main concourse that goes completely around the perimeter, and two upper concourses, one running along each sideline. On the south end, the playing field is easily visible, so fans can choose to stand and watch the game from the south concourse if they so desire. Both scoreboards and the video board are located at the south end, which is good for about 90% of the fans because almost all of the seats face that direction. The unlucky couple of sections towards the south end must rely on a tiny little scoreboard behind the north goal post. The seating is definitely not optimized for fans though. There are no chair backs anywhere in the stadium. It is all benches. They do rent seat cushions that have chair backs at all of the stadium entrances though, and it may be a worthwhile purchase for most people. The bands were not really all that great – not too impressive on the field, anyway, but they were good in the stands, and each band definitely got their faithful pumped up. Neighborhood 4 As long as you stay on the Texas side of the border, you’re good to go. El Paso actually has a pretty good amount of options that are very close to the stadium. Before the game, there is plenty of tailgating going on in the parking lots surrounding the stadium, and on the lawns in front of UTEP buildings. Just a short drive south from the Sun Bowl takes you to downtown El Paso, which offers many museums, theatres, and restaurants, all within walking distance of each other. If you drive northeast on Sun Bowl Drive, it will take you to Mesa St., which has many bars and restaurants to choose from as well. Fans 4 PAC-12 fans generally travel well, plain and simple. In some years ACC fans are up to the challenge though, even though their schools tend to be much further away. Lots of fans show up in jerseys, especially of former players from their respective schools, such as Ronnie Lott, Troy Polamalu, Junior Seau, and Marcus Allen, just to name a few. Last year, the ACC fans were way more into the game than the PAC-12 fans. At the beginning of the year, the PAC-12 participant probably never dreamed that their postseason would be in El Paso, but the lack of their starting QB, and the cold weather, may have led to them not really caring about the game. The ACC team’s band got the wave started before the game, and in the second half, and their fans were definitely all into this game. The players gave them a lot of credit in the postgame press conferences for keeping up with the other team’s fans throughout the game and making their presence felt, especially in the second half. Access 3 The stadium itself is just east of I-10 near the Schuster Avenue exit. Since it is in between a whole bunch of hills, the walk to the stadium is not easy for everyone. There are a lot of steps and/or steep hills no matter which direction you are coming from. None of the general public parking areas are on the same elevation as the stadium. The best parking is the Sun Bowl Parking Garage, which was the permit number PG-1. The general parking was the Glory Road Parking Garage. All the other parking lots are specific tailgating and UTEP permits. The concourse isn’t very wide, so during halftime it was painful to try and get around the bathroom and concession lines. It also makes it inconvenient for people in the stands because there are lines of people that go into the aisles of the seating area. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for the Sun Bowl range anywhere from $20-$60. The less than ideal weather conditions not only affected fan comfort, but the quality of football was not very high either. If you are an ACC or a PAC-12 fan, it may have been better to sit this one out and watch it on TV. However, if you are into the history of college football or bowl games, the Sun Bowl is on the short list of games to go to. It is one of the longest-running bowl games right now, and the stadium is so different from most college football stadiums. Extras 2 The scenery surrounding the stadium makes up the extra points. The UTEP campus looks like an old Spanish Mission, and the hills surrounding the stadium add to the experience, and the noise level. Also, what other stadium can you look out and see another country? Final Thoughts Knowledgeable college football fans probably know the Sun Bowl as the home of a historic bowl game. All in all, El Paso is a nice place to see a college football game.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Merkur Spiel Arena Arena-Straße 1 40474 Düsseldorf, Germany Fortuna Dusseldorf website Merkur Spiel Arena website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 54,600 Alles aus Liebe Fashion, finance, and Fortuna are just three reasons people visit Dusseldorf. Add the renowned local Altbier, the picturesque Aldstadt, and some amazing avant-garde architecture, and your 1970s stereotype of Dusseldorf as an industrial relic quickly vanishes. The Esprit-Arena, home of the mighty Fortuna since 2004, encapsulates the transformation. All proper football fans mourn the passing of old grounds; Fortuna supporters will remember the magnificently named Flinger Broich with a smile. It’s now completely redeveloped and still used for second X1 and occasional cup matches. Another old home was the cavernous RheinStadion, which hosted five matches in the 1974 World Cup. However, just as this beautiful city in the North Rhine-Westphalia area of western Germany now sparkles with renewed self-confidence, the city’s beloved football team also has a new ultra-modern, multi-purpose stadium to be proud of. Built between 2002-2004, its capacity of 54,600 makes it one of Germany’s largest stadiums. The design came from JSK Architekten who was also involved in the impressive Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland. From the outside, the Esprit-Arena is distinct due to its square/boxed ‘wrap-around’ which suggests a cinema complex or shopping centre rather than a football stadium. “Concerts, shows, football, and hockey - The Merkur Spiel-Arena is proud to host to a broad range of events” boasts the stadium website, suggesting it is “Dusseldorf’s prime address for large-scale events.” Stadium Journey arrived with eyes only for the football and to glimpse a club whose fans profess ‘Alles aus Liebe’ for their famous team. Food & Beverage 3 It is good to see a different approach to serving refreshments inside the stadium. Firstly, there are numerous kiosks ensuring plenty of options. Secondly, they are ‘free standing’ with curved serving counters. This approach spreads the queues in a far more efficient way than the traditional ‘hole in the wall’ layouts that often cause frustrating blockages in the concourse area. Chips, bratwurst, pretzels, and currywurst are all on the menu as you’d expect. Soft drinks are available, but most will go for the local Altbier. It’s darker than the pilsner beer you often find in Germany with a more distinctive taste. Prices are reasonable, or maybe we’ve all just got used to 4 Euros for a beer and 6-8 Euros for a sausage and chips. My recommendation is always the currywurst, a local favourite which is a sausage covered in curry sauce. Not the easiest to eat standing up if you are on the terrace. It’s also quite spicy so keep that Altbier to hand too. Atmosphere 4 Fortuna topped the second tier of the Bundesliga on the day of our visit in early 2018, which had a positive influence on the atmosphere. It is striking just how joyful Fortuna supporters are, not just inside but also on their way to and from the stadium. The lack of away fans in attendance on the day (just 100 had made their way north from SV Sandhausen) also contributed to an atmosphere that was more ‘party-like’ than cagey or tense. Inside, the retractable roof provides cover from inclement weather, as does a unique heating system installed to ensure a variety of events can be held here. When empty, the speckled, different coloured seats with no discernible pattern differentiate it from the branded colourings most stadiums now have. The match day atmosphere comes in the first instance from the home terrace, but the rest of the ground certainly does its bit too. The scoreboard provides all the usual updates and the tannoy system provides all the key information and encourages the crowd to support their team. The view from the seated areas is excellent as you’d expect; the civilised way to watch football these days. For the less civilised (as I very much count myself) it’s all about the terraces, where it’s less about seeing every moment of the action and more about being part of the action. On our visit the terrace swayed, bounced, cheered, and groaned in unison; a good old-fashioned raucous atmosphere ensued. Neighborhood 4 The Merkur Spiel-Arena is a classic ‘out of town’ stadium. There’s very little to see or do in the immediate vicinity. Most visitors will have some time to explore as well as watch a game so some time in central Dusseldorf is a must. If it’s the fashion you’re after, head to Konigsallee; Gucci, Burberry, Chanel, and all the ‘must-have’ labels are all open for your business. For people watchers, look out for visitors from Saudi with seriously deep pockets who can often be found perusing the upmarket shopping arcades. The Financial area can be found in the Stademitte area of the city. The city leads in the telecommunications sector with many of the big mobile phone companies setting up home here. Business visitors may also be in town to visit one of the numerous trade shows that base themselves in Dusseldorf. For the architecturally minded fans, take a stroll around the MedienHafen district in the south of the city. The harbour area retains its old wharfs and cranes that served the city so well now standing strong and proud in retirement. A tour around the MedienHafen area is available for 12 Euros. The ‘Evangel. G Johanneskirche’ is also a wonderfully bright and striking building nestled in amongst a sea of bars just off the Bolkerstrasse. Dusseldorf sits on the confluence of two rivers, the Dussel and the Rhine, Dussel giving the town its name and ‘Old Father Rhine’ of course one of the longest and most famous rivers in Europe. Areas of the waterfront have been opened up in recent years. This allows locals and visitors to stroll or have a lazy latte as the fast-flowing Rhine heads north and west towards its North Sea end. To see the local Altbier up close and personal there is a special tour available which takes you to five microbreweries across the city. For just 27.50 Euros you can become an expert and of course, try a sample or three along the way . For nightlife you do not need to leave the Aldstadt area of the city; we counted at least 5 Irish bars within a square mile and there are over 200 bars, restaurants, breweries, and cafes in this buzzing district of the city. Of course, Dusseldorf is famous for its ‘longest bar in the world,’ due to the wall-to-wall bars that creep up the Bolkerstrasse. Alternatively, for a slightly more sophisticated evening, the architecturally impressive MedienHafen also boasts a growing number of bars and restaurants. There is a small alley called Schneider-Wibbel-Gasse just off of the Bolkerstraße with some excellent steak houses, tapas, and pizzerias. We went for the ‘Da Primo,’ the food was good and the service was fast and friendly. For even faster food try ‘What’s Beef’ on Immermannstr. 24, 40210 Dusseldorf, it will certainly fill you up. There are accommodation options in good proximity to the stadium; in fact, the Tulip Inn is built into the stadium complex. It’s probably more for business travellers than sporting aficionados but if you want a short commute this one is for you! We’d recommend an apartment as close to the Altstadt as possible giving you access to the river, the shops, the restaurants, and the bars and only a 20-minute ride to the stadium. One recommendation is Tolstov-Aparthotels (Old Town Burgplatz) which is clean, roomy, and just right for the needs of a stadium traveler. The best Twitter account for tourism tips would be the @VisitDusseldorf account and their accompanying tourism website. We will leave the last words of this section to local poet Heinrich Heine, who described his hometown simply as “Very beautiful.” Fans 4 Fortuna (or F95) fans liken themselves to the UK’s Newcastle United, a ‘big’ club often underachieving, a city emerging from its industrial past and famous for a distinctive local dark brew (although the Geordie’s Newcastle Brown is now made in Holland…). The main rivalry for Fortuna fans comes from FC Koln in the south and Duisburg in the north. In the top flight expect Dusseldorf matches to sell out, in Bundesliga 2 the ground will often be less than half full. Average attendance in the past few years has hovered around 25,000. As recent as 2013/14 the average was 33,982 and for derby games and cup matches expect games to be close to sellouts. We stood in the Sudtribune end of the ground right in amongst the Fortuna ultras. Welcomed by the locals we joined in with the best array of songs I’ve heard for a long time. The word Fortuna fits into so many tunes that despite not having great German we could sing along for most of the match. The best songs are simple and our favourite is; “For, for for for for for fooooor… Tu, tu tu tu tu tu Tuuuuu, Na Na Na Na Na Na Naaaa…..Foooortuuuunaaaa” Closely followed by the same words set to an old English Hymn. On occasions, we were also encouraged to stoop down (not easy on a packed terrace) as we whispered a song before rising to our feet as one as the volume rose and again Fortuna! was the loud refrain. The fans sang from beginning to end with both corners also joining in. Despite only 20k in attendance at the game, we saw the noise was still stirring. A great fan Twitter account to touch base with if you heading to Dusseldorf would be @UKFortuna who will happily suggest where to drink and how to get tickets etc. Access 3 At least three airports (Flughafen) serve this industrial corridor in the west of Germany, often described as the ‘engine room’ of Europe. Bundesliga football clubs are abundant in the area and so scheduling more than one match during your stay is a must. Dusseldorf airport should be your plan A; it is one of Germany’s largest. Located just 8 km north of the city, the S-Bahn will whisk you into the centre of Dusseldorf in just 16 minutes. We chose Koln/Bonn airport transferring via the S-Bahn which took just 46 minutes into Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof. However, it is worth stopping off, as we did, in Koln just to see the magnificent cathedral which was once the tallest building in the world. You can view this splendid structure which took 632 years to build, from the comfort of your seat on the train just after you cross the Rhine. We’d recommend hopping off the train and spending an hour exploring this incredible monolith whilst grabbing a local pastry or a franchise Starbucks for sustenance. The third option is the Dortmund airport, also within range if you are comparing prices. It's only an hour’s train ride south to Dusseldorf (once you have transferred from the airport to the city centre). If you are arriving by car from the south use the A57 / A59. If you arrive from the north use the A 52 / A3 and the arena is well signposted. Parking options are provided on the Merkur Spiel-Arena website. From the centre of Dusseldorf, the Esprit-Arena is located 5 km to the north. Take the U-Bahn (Rheinbahn) line U78. The stadium has a dedicated stop all of its own and is located at the end of the line. The station is called "Merkur Spiel-Arena / Messe-Nord." It’s just a 20-minute ride from either the main Hauptbahnhof or Altstadt. Your match day ticket covers the cost of the transport so you don’t pay for the journey. As there is very little to do near the stadium, you will be joined on your way in and out of the town centre by locals carrying their beer bottles and singing their songs, making for an entertaining if a little squashed journey. Despite the box-style facia of the stadium, the concourse area layout is the same as most bowl-shaped arenas, allowing access to your block from entrances around the perimeter of the pitch. If you have specific accessibility requirements, you can apply for free parking at the stadium. The Esprit-Arena is also barrier-free and lifts are available. Contact the club before you travel if you require more information. Tickets can be purchased from outlets across the city; a map is available on the Fortuna website. Alternatively, there is a ticket hotline you can call or of course buy online, again via the website. Prices for adults start at just 13 Euros, an excellent value for the money. Prices rise to 46 Euros, but there are plenty of mid-point tickets for less than 30 Euros. Return on Investment 4 A visit to the Esprit-Arena is cheaper than its English equivalents. As with many modern stadiums though, expect merchandise and food to be a euro or 2 more than it's worth. For a stadium and city as impressive as Dusseldorf I’d suggest you don’t let cost prevent a visit. With cheap flights into the region, sometimes as low as 20 Euros, trains that allow you to use your football ticket to travel plus a cheap match day programme and you’ll understand the attraction of visiting this area for a match or two. Match day tickets in Bundesliga 2 start from 13 Euros, which is admirable, but expect to pay more for top-flight matches. Buying your beer en route to the stadium rather than paying stadium prices is another way locals save money on the experience. Extras 2 To get a more detailed history of the stadium and see some of the ‘behind-the-scenes areas you can book a tour. Public tours start at noon every Sunday unless there is a match on. You will need to pre-register for the tour via the Merkur Spiel-Arena website. Visit the club shop at the ground or online for an array of F95 products. There’s an LED logo for 20 Euros, a Fortuna Dusseldorf Monopoly set for 30 Euros or a Fortuna seat cushion for just 4.95 Euros. Final Thoughts The impressive cuboid façade, the purpose-built train station beneath one of the stands, the plethora of refreshment stalls, and the ultra-modern retractable roof mark this stadium out as one to add to your list. Upon arrival though, it’s hard to shake the feeling that you could just as well be attending a concert or a show. This isn’t how football is supposed to be. The real transformation is revealed when the supporters arrive. Add flags and choreographed chanting, add the energy of a pulsating, packed terrace, add the on-field action and perhaps an Albier or two, and only then does the stadium come alive. With the bright lights of Dusseldorf calling you back after the game and the possibility of a visit to another nearby cathedral of football like the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen or the RheinenergieStadion in Koln, you will not regret your visit one bit.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Joe Wolfe Stadium 310 State St. North Adams, MA 01247 North Adams Steeplecats website Joe Wolfe Field website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 1,800 In the Valley of the Steeples Joe Wolfe Field, built in 1986 and named after North Adams native, semi-pro baseball player, local sports promoter and Little League coach Joe Wolfe, has hosted the North Adams SteepleCats since their inception in 2002. Mr. Wolfe was a driving force behind the repair and renovations of old Noel Field, and passed away shortly before the project’s completion. The field was renamed posthumously in his honor. The team’s name is a reference to the numerous steeples located throughout town, several of which are visible from the ballpark. Joe Wolfe Field holds the record for the largest crowd at an NECBL game, with 6,714 in attendance on July 4, 2006. Food & Beverage 2 There is a large, new concession building on the third base side of the ballpark. There are four windows in this building, one for an ice cream stand, two for concessions, and one for a souvenir stand. The concession stand offers the basics, such as hamburgers ($3.00), hot dogs ($2.00), pizza slices ($2.50), and nachos ($3.00). Assorted snacks are available here, including popcorn ($1.50), cracker jacks, candy bars, sunflower seeds, and potato chips, all for a dollar. Coca-Cola products are sold for $2.50. Ice cream from local business Lickety Splits is sold here as well in several flavors. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Joe Wolfe Field is exactly what you would expect from a baseball team located in a sleepy mountain town like North Adams. The fans are laid-back and friendly, and everyone seems to know everyone. The Steeplecats staff provide some entertainment to fill in the gaps between innings with some games and contests for the kids. There is also a mascot here, a furry orange cat named Slider, who roams the concourse shaking hands and posing for pictures. As is the case with most smaller parks, watching kids chase foul balls around is part of the fun. The kids in North Adams don’t disappoint, and are pretty entertaining to watch themselves. Neighborhood 2 North Adams, with its population of just over 13,000, is the smallest incorporated city in Massachusetts. Named in honor of former president and Massachusetts native John Adams, North Adams was a mill city for much of its history. When the mills closed, local leaders converted the old mill spaces to museums, as they could display large items that would not fit in traditional museums in the large, empty buildings. Today, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) is the largest such museum in the nation. North Adams has become in recent years a center for tourism, culture, and recreation. Joe Wolfe Field is located just a couple of miles from downtown North Adams. The downtown area can be described as a typical small-town Main Street. There are several small businesses and a few hotels. Despite the influx of summer tourists, this downtown area cannot be described as “bustling”. Many visitors to the area come for the fantastic nature trails and scenery, and will not usually be found wandering around town. Still, it’s a pleasant, laid-back place to spend a nice summer day. Fans 3 North Adams has averaged between 700-900 fans per game over the past several years, finishing in the upper half of the NECBL in attendance. It seems like everyone here at Joe Wolfe Field knows each other, and the atmosphere is a very friendly and laid back one. Even an out of towner can feel welcome and like one of the locals while taking in a Steeplecats game. Access 2 Joe Wolfe Field is located on Route 8, which is the major north-south artery through town. Just a few minutes from downtown, the ballpark is about a half mile from Route 2, which is the major route to the northwestern corner of the state. Route 2 is also known as the Mohawk Trail, considered one of the most scenic drives in Massachusetts. Located along this road are several gift shops, roadside attractions, and scenic viewpoints. The famous hairpin turn on Route 2 is located in North Adams, about 5 miles from Joe Wolfe Field. There are two free parking lots adjacent to Joe Wolfe Field. Be wary of taking advantage of the closest of spots here, as this is prime foul ball territory. Do yourself a favor and park a little farther away. You will get some exercise, and save your windshield at the same time. The ballpark itself consists of a small covered grandstand made up of aluminum bleachers without seat backs. Some of the seats offer unobstructed views of the action on the field and the incredible mountain scenery beyond. The grandstand is fairly new, and was built to current ADA specifications, and is easily navigated. There is plenty of room on both sides of the field to spread out if you decide that the grandstand is not for you. The first base line features shade trees, benches, and a nicely manicured area to spread out with lawn chairs or blankets. The concession stands are located on the third base line, and there is plenty of room for fans to spread out here as well. There are restrooms located behind the grandstand, which are clean and large enough for a SteepleCats crowd. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for SteepleCats game cost $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, $1 for youths 6-12, and admission is free for children under 6. Family tickets can be purchased for $12, which allow for admission for 2 adults and up to 3 children. It’s a great deal if you are taking the whole family to Wolfe Field. Parking is free in either of two lots adjacent to the ball field. Be warned, these lots are really close to the field, and are in prime foul ball territory. If you choose to park close to the field, you are in real danger of going home with a shattered windshield. Concessions at Joe Wolfe Field are also quite affordable, making a night at a SteepleCats game an affordable night out for the entire family. Extras 2 Like most summer collegiate teams, the SteepleCats hold a 50/50 raffle at every game. For those who have never participated, the winner of a 50/50 raffle takes home half of all the money collected that night. The other half goes towards operating costs. At this level, these funds are crucial for covering costs such as travel to away games and stipends for host families. A surprise find at Joe Wolfe Field is the memorial for baseball Hall of Famer John Chesbro, a native of North Adams. Chesbro played with Pittsburgh, New York, and Boston around the turn of the 20th century, and led both leagues in winning percentage. There is a small granite marker behind the grandstand in his honor. Final Thoughts North Adams is one of the last spots you would expect to find a nice little ballpark like Joe Wolfe Field, but it fits in seamlessly with the rustic surroundings. The ballpark itself may not be the fanciest you will ever come across, but the setting alone is worth a look. Former Major League Commissioner Faye Vincent once commented after witnessing a sunset over the mountains in left field during a SteepleCats game, “it doesn’t get any better than this”. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Meg Minard , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Broadmoor World Arena 3185 Venetucci Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Colorado College Tigers hockey website Broadmoor World Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 7,750 The World Arena Editors Note: The Colorado College Tigers hockey team moved into the brand new Ed Robson Arena in 2021. --- The Colorado College men’s hockey team has a long standing winning tradition which is evident when stepping inside the World Arena. Yes, this arena is called the World Arena. When walking up to the main entrance, the design and logo makes you feel as if you are walking to an arena in a science fiction movie. The Tigers hockey team has won two national titles. They have ten Frozen Four appearances as well as 20 NCAA Tournament appearances. They have produced two Hobey Baker winners as well as a bunch of NHL players. Colorado College plays in the newly formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). The Colorado College Tigers played their first game in 1938 at the Broadmoor Ice Palace (later called the Broadmoor World Arena). In 1951, Colorado College became one of the original members of the Mid-West Collegiate Hockey League, now known as the Western Collegiate Hockey Association – WCHA, an NCAA Division 1 conference. In 1998, the Tigers moved into the brand new World Arena in Colorado Springs, CO. The Colorado Springs World Arena is a premier sports and entertainment venue in the Pikes Peak region. It holds 7,343 permanent seats for ice hockey. In addition to being the home of the Tigers, it also provides a venue for concerts, musicals, Harlem Globe Trotters, Disney on Ice, and the like. Food & Beverage 5 Although the World Arena counts Colorado College as a main tenant, you can tell that it is a regional arena. One major piece of evidence supporting this is the amount of food and beverage selections here. The arena has two bars: The Arena Bar and the Ice House. It has three separate Food Action Stations’ appropriately numbered 1, 2, and 3. One serves Asian, the second Italian, and the third BBQ (prices range from $5 – $10 depending on whether kid sizes are ordered or if one doubles-up the size). The favorite seems to be #3 BBQ the Smokehouse. Besides that there is the Top Dog (burgers, brats), Habanero’s (southwestern), Bella Forno’s (wood paddle pizza and sandwiches) lining the concourse ranging from $4 to $10, depending on what you order. On this night I had the Broadmoor World Arena brunch burger. This massive burger includes an egg, bacon, avocado, cheddar cheese and sauce for $8 dollars. It was well worth it. Not all burgers come with fries however. There is a grilled cheese station that is a unique touch that isn’t seen at many stadiums. A basic grilled cheese cost five dollars or for two dollars more, fans can have a premium sandwich with toppings. Top it off with a three dollar cup of tomato soup and you leave feeling like you came in from a cold day to warm up. I was surprised to see beer and alcohol offered here but that seems to be the theme for most Colorado venues. There is a big number of different micro brews found along the concourse (many local to Colorado): Bristol Brewing Company (the brewery is just 2 miles from arena), Laughing Dog (Ponderay, ID), New Belgium (Ft Collins, CO) and others. Mainstays such as Bud and Bud Light can be found as well. Atmosphere 4 On the outside of the arena, there are many benches in which to sit and wait for friends or for the gates to open. The unique quality of these benches is they are pieces of art with the artists name displayed on a post next to the bench. They include a Zamboni, hockey pucks, a goaltender, a mountain range, etc. All are built with a different medium (tiles, wood, metal, tubes, etc.). The Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame is located on the concourse. It contains close to 100 plaques honoring individuals and teams who have been from or associated with Colorado who have demonstrated strong community presence and/or outstanding athleticism or coaching. Plaques include the 1980 US Olympic Ice Hockey team, Alan Cockrell (Colorado Springs Sky Sox), Judy Bell (Women’s golf), Pete Susemihl (lead in the effort of getting World Arena built), and many, many more. There are also showcases of the Colorado College Tigers trophies, team photos, and programs from throughout its existence. This is a must see for college hockey fans. I like the programs and trophies dating from the 40’s and 50’s. Once inside the seating area, you will see a bunch of yellow championship banners. The amount of banners hanging is a good nod to the long standing Tiger hockey history. I am impressed by the out of town scoreboards and how fast they update the games. I was following my favorite team online that night and the scoreboard was keeping up. Neighborhood 4 There is a Hampton Inn & Suites across the parking lot, a LaQuinta, Fairfield Inn and Suites, and a Residence Inn all within walking distance (less than 1/2 mile) from the arena. There are plenty of chain restaurants within walking distance of the arena including Chili’s, Fazoli’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Outback, Carrabba’s, etc. There are lots of options for pre or postgame meals. I have learned that you can get a parking pass, leave, and come back and they won’t double charge you. While this may not be convenient, I did it on this night due to the amount of restaurants nearby. Getting a good parking spot and walking to a restaurant is ideal although the lot is fenced in so you have to be paying attention to where the pedestrian exits are. The Bristol Brewing Company is located 2 miles north on I-25 and is a local micro brewery in Colorado Springs. Their facility does not serve food. It has a table-shuffleboard, a bar, several counters with stools for conversing with friends and a few TV’s w/sports events displayed. It was quite crowded two hours before the game I attended at World Arena. The website does state it closes at 9pm so it may be a place to visit pre game. And, there is nothing like driving down and around Colorado Springs and seeing the Rocky Mountains. There is a superb view of Cheyenne Mountain from the stadium entrance. Fans 3 Colorado College is among the college hockey leaders in attendance most years and has averaged over 6,000 fans for the past few seasons. The fans seem into the game and knowledgeable. Lots of standing up and cheering when the team is announced; a certain choreographed display of clapping and pointing the arm celebration after each goal; one section would yell ‘Go’ – across the ice the other section would yell ‘Tigers’ with no prompting from the video board or PA announcer. For the most part, fans are into the game and only leave and return to their seats during stoppage of play (a pleasant surprise). I did find the fans to be somewhat quiet on this night. Maybe it was due to a weak opponent but it didn’t seem like a college hockey atmosphere that I am used to in the Midwest. I would rather see a pep band here playing more so than piped-in music. Loud arena music seemed to hurt any momentum that the fans would have from chanting or cheering. Seemed more like a minor league hockey crowd then a college hockey crowd. Access 5 World Arena is right off the I-25 interstate. There is plenty of parking at the arena itself ($5). Traffic flows nicely and directions to the parking lot are well marked. The arena is located just off of a busy commercial strip but traffic is rarely a problem before or after a game. There are some buses that go to this area as well if you are a fan of mass transit. Return on Investment 4 The food prices here are fair as are the ticket prices. Tickets range from $15-$40 dollars. There doesn’t seem to be many obstructed or bad seats in the building. On this night, I had a first row seat in a corner on the lower level. The view was great and there was plenty of leg room. I sat in the upper deck for half a period and it was a decent view. The seating pitch is high enough where you won’t have any issues seeing over people in front of you. Extras 4 The history displayed inside the arena as well as on the concourses deserves extra points. The amount of places to eat or stay within a block or so of the arena is worth another bonus point. Roster sheets are plentiful and there are plenty of games and entertainment during stoppages. My favorite game is the chuck a puck. For $1, fans could buy a numbered foam puck to throw on the ice. Whoever is closest to the center wins a prize. Final Thoughts Going to the World Arena seems more like a minor league hockey experience rather than a collegiate hockey game. There is nothing wrong with this however as the building, food options, and other attributes here make it a worthy visit.