Photos by Tyler Huskinson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Brent Brown Ballpark 970 West University Pkwy Orem, UT 84058 Brent Brown Ballpark website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 5,000 Orem’s Owlz If anyone is looking for a good baseball game in a beautiful venue, a trip to Utah County for an Orem Owlz game is a must. The Owlz have played in Utah Valley University’s Brent Brown Ballpark since 2005, and theres no reason to think that will change any time soon. The stadium seats 5,000 spectators and boasts beautiful views of the Wasatch Mountains to the west. The Owlz have competed in the Pioneer League since 2001 and are a rookie league affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers typical ballpark food but few specialties. There are two main concession options, All-Star and Grand Slam. The former offers hot dogs, pretzels, peanuts and popcorn for $3, and jumbo hot dogs, chili cheese fries and nachos for $4. Combo meals are available, as well. Grand Slam features typical grill items. Burgers, corn dogs, chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders are available in combos between $6 and $9. Ice cream is also available around the stadium, and drinks (Coke and Pepsi products) range from $2-$5. No ballpark item really stands out from other stadiums. There aren’t any local Utah flavors or dishes available on the menus. Atmosphere 3 Owlz games don’t draw a typical baseball crowd. The fans are mostly families, with young children overly abundant throughout the stands. Many families sit in the general admission section, which is a grass lawn that stretches from third base to the end of left field. To the left of the main entrance, inflatables and playground equipment are also available for children. The Owlz make their games very family friendly, which in turn draws plenty of families from the Utah County area to each game . For those seeking a traditional baseball atmosphere, though, Orem may not be on the top of your list. Walk-up music for batters is barely audible, as are other tunes (mainly country selections) that plays in between innings. Alcohol is not allowed inside the stadium. A definite plus is the location. Beautiful views of the Wasatch Mountain Range to the west are available to nearly anyone in the stadium, but more visible to those sitting on the first base side. Neighborhood 4 There may not be a ballpark in the state that is more accessible than Brent Brown. Taking exit 269 off of I-15 puts you in danger of getting hit by a home run, and driving one more block leads you in the parking lot. Driving down University Parkway supplies several pre or postgame eating options. J Dawgs is a classic Provo-born hot dog chain, featuring some of the best “dawgs” available on this side of Chicago. Across the street is In-N-Out Burger, a traditional Cali-born burger joint. Local fresh-Mex favorite Cafe Rio (3.5 miles away) is a little farther down the road, but definitely worth it. Attractions in the area include Seven Peaks Water Park in Provo and countless recreational activities up Provo Canyon. Fans 3 The typical crowd at games is comprised of young families. There isn’t a whole lot of raucous cheering and the ballpark never gets too loud. That said, not much should be expected, as rookie level baseball teams never have too passionate of fan bases. There are a few big-time Owlz fans but not many. Orem usually ranks in the top half of the Pioneer League in attendance, though, which is a notable feat. Access 4 There can’t really be an easier way to access the stadium off of I-15. The only close place to park, though, is the lot outside of the University’s UCCU Center, which costs a few bucks. The concourses inside the stadium are never too crowded, and the facilities are kept clean. Return on Investment 5 There may not be a better-priced ticket for any professional sport in the state. $12 lands you front row seats behind home plate (if you buy them in time), and $4 gets you general admission seats on the grass. Typically, fans spend more on parking and concessions than on the tickets themselves. Extras 3 One extra point for the impressive in-stadium advertising, despite sharing a ballpark with Utah Valley University. There is no shortage of Owlz signs and logos strewn throughout the concourse and outfield. Another extra point for the great promotions. The Owlz have a different promotion for every game, ranging from Christmas in July to Back Hair Night. Go figure. One final extra point for their “Field of Dreams” program. Like most professional soccer teams, the Owlz select a local youth baseball team to accompany the players onto the field and join them for the national anthem. Final Thoughts A great place to savor a summer night. If you’re expecting a major league atmosphere, then Orem isn’t the place for you; but if you want an enjoyable evening at the ballpark, be their guest.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Lofton Road S Africa Rd, Shepherd’s Bush London W12 7PJ Queens Park Rangers website Loftus Road website Year Opened: 1904 Capacity: 18,439 Loftus Road – Heading Down the Bush Loftus Road is an 18,439-seat stadium that has been home to the Queens Park Ranger since 1917. The name of the stadium was called Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium from 2019-2022 but has reverted back to its original name. However, what the west London venue lacks in size it certainly makes up for in other ways; the intimate nature of the venue creates a cracking atmosphere, and there probably is no stadium with better access by public transport, nor one with a more eclectic mix in the streets and areas that surround it. After a nomadic existence around west London after they were formed in 1886, QPR first played on Loftus Road in 1920 and after moving away to the nearby White City Stadium, they returned in 1933 and it has been their home since. Floodlights were installed in 1953 and in 1967 the club won its first major trophy, the Football League Cup, with promotion to the top flight for the first time coming a year later. At the start of 1980s Loftus Road became the first of four football league grounds to install a plastic pitch, but after seven seasons with the “drastic plastic,” as it was known, it was replaced with grass. At the start of the millennium, Fulham shared Loftus Road while their Craven Cottage home was brought up to code for the Premier League. A short while before then, rugby club London Wasps ensured that the ground staff was kept on their toes with matches taking place on alternate weekends to Rangers. One of the stadium’s greatest nights came in 1985 when Northern Irish boxer Barry McGuigan challenged the Panamanian Eusebio Pedroza for the WBA featherweight championship. Over 27,000 packed the venue and roared on the Clones Cyclone, who won on points after 15 breathless rounds. There are plans to open a new 40,000 stadium in nearby Old Oak, but until they are firmed up and dates announced for the opening, Loftus Road will continue to provide a cozy home, as it has for most of the last 100 years. Food & Beverage 3 In the stadium itself, the food is the usual option of pies, burgers, hot dogs, and chips washed down with a choice of beer, soda, cider, tea, or coffee. Expect to pay around £5 ($8) for something to fill your belly and wet your whistle. Atmosphere 4 The tight-packed nature of Loftus Road gives the impression that you could easily shout across the pitch and whatever you had to say would be heard by all. It also means that whenever there is a full house and the crowd finds their voices, the atmosphere reverberates around the four interlocking stands. The colours of blue dominate the four straight and narrow stands that make up the facility. It is a completely enclosed venue that is compact and straightforward. Slim floodlights are atop two of the stadium’s stands and a video screen is located for stats and reviews. The South Africa Road stand is the best place to sit and stands out as a two-tiered seating structure that features a mostly unobstructed view of the pitch. The stand is also home to the Paddocks. The Ellerslie Road stand is the smallest but perhaps the nosiest; it is also the only stand not to be painted in blue and white hoops. The majority of the ground’s atmosphere is generated here and is considered the best spot to view a game, also the loudest. Neighborhood 4 Outside the ground, the varied ethnic mix means there is a variety of eating options from traditional London in the form of pie and mash, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Antipodean, Polish, and the ubiquitous fried chicken shop. Like many traditionally working-class areas of London, White City and Shepherd’s Bush are currently going through a gentrification process with modern buildings and house prices going up rapidly. For those wanting something a bit more upmarket there are a wide variety of choices at the Westfield Shopping Centre, Europe’s largest, only a mile from the ground. Westfield Shopping Centre is one of two in London and part of Australian Frank Lowy’s Westfield empire. As well as being able to get some shopping in before and catch a movie after the match there are some highly regarded restaurant chains. Try Jamie’s (Oliver) Italian, which provides the usual Italian fare, but with this reportedly QPR-supporting chef’s twist on things. A main with starter or dessert plus wine should set you back about £25 ($42). Further along, Uxbridge Road is an area of the aforementioned strong ethnic mix, where food and good prices are far more varied and far cheaper than in Westfield. There is some disquiet from the locals at how the area is changing, not least with the cost of houses and rent and while parts aren’t exactly the most salubrious, overall it is a fairly harmless part of west London that is going through a fairly large change. Fans 4 Queens Park Rangers fans may be called all manner of names, but glory hunting isn’t one of them after a roller-coaster existence in recent years. They were one of the original clubs in the Premier League’s first season, 1992-93, but after a short period of progress under Ray Wilkins in the mid-90s, life has since been one of joy followed shortly by despair. As such, those who attend matches are among the most loyal and vocal of supporters around, who enjoy the good times and don’t get too hysterical when things go wrong, knowing full well the next swing of fate is just around the corner. Access 3 Part of the boon of the Westfield Centre being built was the improvement in transport options. Underground stations Shepherd’s Bush and White City on the Central Line, Wood Lane and Shepherd’s Bush Market on the Hammersmith and City Line, as well as Shepherd’s Bush overground station, are all short walks of no more than 10 minutes to the Loftus Road. Several buses run through Shepherd’s Bush green taking folks north and south, east and west; the 283 to Bloemfontein Road or the 72, 95, or 220 to White City Station go nearest the stadium. It means that traveling by car is rendered almost pointless, which is no bad thing as parking is limited and what there is, is costly. Also, most roads are residents’ parking only, which means an army of traffic wardens flood the area on match day, leaving a few fans in a less than amused mood once they return to their cars. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for QPR matches for adults are £28 and £for seniors in all of the stands at the grounds. The price also depends on the opponent of the match but with the club in the EFL Championship, tickets should be priced right for your budget. Food and drink are also adequately priced and souvenirs, such as an official kit sell for £46.99. Extras 3 The Loftus Road shop serves all manner of paraphernalia in blue and white hoops at a wide range of prices, while there are stadium tours laid on throughout the year normally during school holidays; check the website for information. Then of course is the aforementioned Westfield Shopping Centre; Europe’s largest where you can shop, eat and drink to your heart’s content till 10 pm and of course the delights of London’s west end are only a short tube ride away. Final Thoughts While the date of the move to the new stadium has yet to be given a time frame, it does mean that fans have the chance to attend one of the Premier League’s last-standing traditional venues. 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 in turn has condemned fans to watch a yo-yo existence over the past few years, so the chance to build a bigger venue with a greater revenue stream is imperative for the club’s future success.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Meade Stadium Keaney Ave. Kingston, RI 02881 Rhode Island Rams football website Meade Stadium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 6,555 Rhode Trip Meade Stadium, home of the University of Rhode Island Rams football team, is located on the URI campus in Kingston, Rhode Island. It is named after class of 1915 alum, booster, and local politician John E. “Jack” Meade, who was rumored to never have missed a home game from the time he attended URI until his death in 1972. Meade Stadium opened in 1928 and has gone through numerous renovations over its history. The most recent improvements have included the construction of the west grandstand and locker rooms as part of the Thomas J. Ryan Center in 2000, a massive renovation to the press box in 2003 and the installation of a new synthetic turf field and lighting in 2019. Football teams have represented URI since 1895. A longtime member of Division 1-AA/FCS, the Rams have qualified for the playoffs on three occasions, most recently in 1985. URI football now competes in the Colonial Athletic Association alongside other eastern universities. 20 Rams alumni have played in the National Football League. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions at Meade Stadium are a mix of permanent stands, pop-up tents and food trucks. The stands inside the Ryan Center directly behind the west grandstand are open for Ram football games. In addition to these stands, Rhody Eats (the URI dining service) operates some pop-up tents which sell specialty hot dogs and sausage sandwiches. Menu variety is achieved by the placement of several food trucks scattered around the south end zone. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, food trucks offering BBQ, tacos, mac and cheese and of course, this being Rhode Island, lobster rolls were on display. Pepsi products are sold at Meade Stadium. Certain stands have beer and wine available. In addition to national brands Bud Light and Michelob Ultra, local favorites from Narragansett and Whalers brewery are featured. Atmosphere 3 A football game at basic Meade Stadium in rural Kingston, Rhode Island isn’t the place to go for an extravagant game day experience. What you’ll get at a URI football game is exactly what feels right here. It’s a laid back, simple and enjoyable place to spend a fall afternoon. All the elements college football fans would expect to find at a small stadium can be found at Meade Stadium. The pep band performs throughout the afternoon, along with the cheerleaders and dance squad. There’s a decent turnout by the student body, but they don’t really add much to the gameday atmosphere. A Rams crowd is full of alumni and families rooting hard for the team down on the field. A simple scoreboard in the south end zone displays basic game information. Music plays over a solid sound system when the band isn’t playing. A unique feature about coming to Meade Stadium is that you’ll want to be in the shady west stands early in the season, but in the sunny east stands later in the year as the weather cools. Neighborhood 2 Given the University of Rhode Island’s rural location, there are not many dining or lodging options available adjacent to Meade Stadium. Those willing to travel a short distance will find many restaurants or places of interest nearby. The Mews Tavern in nearby Wakefield boasts 69 beers on taps and an extensive bar menu. It is a favorite of the student body. The Matunuck Oyster Bar is a favorite for locally sourced seafood. In addition, Narragansett, located 8 miles to the south, Newport, 16 miles to the east, and Providence, 29 miles to the north, offer a wide variety of dining, lodging, and tourist options for the adventurous football fan. There are no lodging options directly adjacent to the URI campus, so fans looking to stay near URI overnight will need to look elsewhere. There are some options in nearby South Kingstown (yes, Kingston and Kingstown are two different places) and beyond. Fans looking to make a weekend of their trip to URI would be advised to check out Newport or Providence, both short drives from campus. Fans 3 Attendance at Rhode Island football games has been on the rise in recent seasons along with the improvement of the Rams. Traditionally Rhode Island averages between 5,000-6,000 fans per game, which is a bit below the CAA average. There is a decent turnout from the student body, even if they don’t add a whole lot to the game day atmosphere. The majority of the crowd at Meade Stadium consists of locals and alumni who have been coming to Kingston for years. Rhode Island is a small state, after all, and it doesn’t take long to get to URI, no matter from what part of the state you are coming. Access 3 Meade Stadium is located on the western side of the URI campus in Kingston, Rhode Island. The small town of Kingston is located 29 miles south of Providence and 20 minutes south of T.F. Green Airport. Driving to Kingston from Providence will take you about 40 minutes on a normal Saturday. The campus is located on Route 138, approximately a 10-mile drive from I-95 as it passes through southern Rhode Island. The URI campus is well-served by public transportation, with several RIPTA bus routes serving the campus from Providence. In addition, the Kingstown train station is about two miles away from campus, with Amtrak making regular stops at the station. Parking around Meade Stadium is plentiful and inexpensive. Lots that permit tailgating are located next to the stadium. It will cost $15 for a tailgating permit. Parking lots further away from Meade Stadium are free of charge. The tailgating scene at URI is decidedly laid back. Fans will enter Meade Stadium via one of three entrances located around the facility. Seating at Meade Stadium consists of a large grandstand on the east side of the stadium and a smaller grandstand on the west side. Seating in the east grandstand consists of metal bleachers without backs. This is not the most accessible seating area you’ll come across. The old wooden grandstand features lots of stairs, high steps and unpaved walkways. The newer west grandstand is attached to the Ryan Center, with individual stadium seats in the center sections. The two sides of the facility are connected via a walkway on the south side of the stadium. There is plenty of standing room here, as well as tents available at field level. The amenities at Meade Stadium vary depending on which side of the stadium you are sitting. Concession stands and rest rooms on the west side of the stadium are older but will still meet your needs. On the east side of the stadium, the concession stands and rest rooms are located inside the Ryan Center. These are much more modern and plentiful. Return on Investment 4 Rhode Island football games are divided into two categories: Standard and Premium. Ticketing for Standard games is priced at $20 per ticket for general admission bleacher seating in the east grandstand, $30 for reserved bleacher seats in the west grandstand and $35 for reserved individual seats in the west grandstand. All ticket prices are increased by $10 for Premium games, which are generally the Alumni/Family weekends. Parking is available in the many lots on either side of Meade Stadium. Many lots are designated as free lots. If you wish to park in one of the tailgating lots closest to the stadium, permits for these lots cost $15. Extras 2 The cannon which is fired after all Rams scores has moved to a corner of the north end zone but is still a prominent feature at Meade Stadium. Fans of the nearby New England Patriots may think of the crew donning Revolutionary War-era garb as a scaled-down version of Gillette Stadium’s end zone militia. Banners hanging along the back of the north end zone honor Ram All-Americans, conference titles and tournament appearances. Final Thoughts Meade Stadium, originally constructed in 1928, is an interesting mix of old and new. Whether you sit in the shady new stands attached to the Ryan Center or the older grandstand basking in the sun, a fall afternoon in Kingston is guaranteed to be a laid-back, comfortable experience. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Santander Arena 700 Penn St Reading, PA 19602 Reading Royals website Santander Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 7,083 Royal Treatment in Reading Minor league hockey came to Reading, Pennsylvania in 2001 after the Columbus Chill relocated to make way for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. The team was originally an affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings but went through several affiliation changes between 2008 and 2014. That year, they became an affiliate of the nearby Philadelphia Flyers and have remained such ever since. The Royals play their home games at Santander Arena in downtown Reading. This cozy arena seats approximately 7,000 fans and is part of a complex that also includes Santander Performing Arts Center just down the road. Food & Beverage 5 Considering the level, Santander Arena has an extremely impressive selection of food. Fans will find classics such as hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and locally made soft pretzels. Reading has been nicknamed the Pretzel Capital of the World due to numerous pretzel factories located here, so it is no surprise you can get that classic treat here. There are more unique local options as well, including Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab Fries and a Central Pennsylvania treat known as a Grilled Sticky. The crab fries are French fries topped with crab seasoning and served with warm white cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Note that despite the name, crab fries contain no actual crab. A Grilled Sticky, on the other hand, is more of a sweet treat. It is a cinnamon bun which is cooked conventionally, then cooked again on a grill, and can be optionally topped with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream. Atmosphere 3 The Royals try to make the atmosphere work with promotions before and during the game, but the experience here is rather typical in terms of atmosphere. A loud horn will go off after goals as smoke shoots from the scoreboard, but beyond that there isn’t much unique here. The good news is that in such a small arena, every seat is close to the action. They’re also all chair backs, which isn’t true everywhere. The seating bowl is less steep than at many arenas, but not so much so that you can’t see over the fans in front of you. This does mean fans in the top rows can be surprisingly far from the ice, but it also means you can sit higher up and still get the experience of watching through the glass. Some people think hockey is at its most pure when watched this way, while others feel it just obstructs their view. Ultimately it will come down to personal preference. Neighborhood 1 Reading, like many cities in Central Pennsylvania, has fallen on hard times in the past few decades, leading to businesses shutting down and crime increasing. While the area around the arena is perfectly safe, fans should exercise caution when walking around the city. There is a small shopping center right across the street from the arena, but your best bet is to head a few blocks west towards the Riverfront area. There are several bars and restaurants located there. However, the reality is that Reading is a city in bad shape and you may not want to stick around for long after the game. Fans 4 Although the Royals don’t usually sell out, and often don’t come close, they do have a base of extremely loyal fans. Those who show up cheer loudly and know the team very well. There is a core group of fans who show up to just about every game and can really get into things. Some of them will even wave flags with the Royals logo during the game, something that would be more expected at a soccer stadium than a hockey arena. Unfortunately, the team doesn’t do a good job at attracting people beyond this core group, which really limits their potential. Access 4 Reading is served by U.S. Routes 422 and 222, which overlap each other through part of the city before splitting off again. Once you get close to the arena, there are several garages and lots you can park in, with prices ranging from $2 to $12 depending on how close to the arena they are. We recommend parking in the South Penn Garage, which is located diagonally across the street from the arena between Cherry and Franklin Streets. Parking here will cost $5. There is also a garage right next door to the arena at the Doubletree Hotel which costs $12 but is free for guests staying there, and a metered lot on the other side of the arena which costs the same. This all seems like a waste of money, though, when you can park about 20 feet further for less than half the cost. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $11 and even the most expensive seats in the building will cost just $23. Parking is a bit pricey but not too bad if you know where to go. Concessions are affordable as well. To add even more to the value, the Royals frequently offer promotions where select concession items cost just $1. The schedule for these promotions is available on the team’s website, so look there for more info. When combined with the fact that there is not a bad seat in this building, a trip to Santander Arena can be an extremely affordable way for a family to watch a professional hockey game in an intimate environment. Extras 2 One star for the banners hanging from the rafters honoring legendary Royals of days gone by. A second star for the wide range of concessions here, including several unique to the local area. Banners Hanging from the Rafters at Santander Arena, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts When asked to name a professional hockey team in Pennsylvania, almost everyone would name either the Philadelphia Flyers or Pittsburgh Penguins. However, minor league hockey is alive and well in the Keystone State as well, with the Royals and several other in-state teams building up their own fan bases in mid-sized cities. Although Reading may not be the most desirable city to visit in Pennsylvania, and in fact may be towards the bottom of the list, a trip to see the Royals at Santander Arena is reason enough to come to town.

Photos by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Wheeler Sports Center 1200 Fulton St Newberg, OR 97132 George Fox Bruins website Wheeler Sports Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 2,700 George Fox Basketball Located on George Fox’s picturesque campus inside Wheeler Sports Center, Miller Gymnasium provides a great experience for college basketball. The gym holds 2700 fans who attend to cheer on the Bruins, who play in the NCAA III Division, Northwest Conference. Food & Beverage 2 Basketball games at Miller Gymnasium offer your typical stadium concessions. For food, hot dogs and popcorn are available, and Coca-Cola products are your options for drinks. While it is hard to compete with the incredible variety provided by the food trucks at Bruin football games , more options for food and beverages at basketball games would enhance the experience. Atmosphere 3 Miller Gymnasium offers a nostalgic, vintage feel while still being spacious and comfortable. Plenty of seating on both sides of the court offers great views of the action. While the bleachers extend far up to the top of the gym, the width of the building ensures you are not too far from the game. An energetic announcer, along with a well-placed scoreboard in the sight of every seat, keeps the crowd entertained and informed. Neighborhood 5 With downtown Newberg just a 10-minute walk away, Wheeler Sports Center is close to several great restaurants and local shops. Newberg itself has been ranked as one of the safest places in Oregon, and with it being extremely walkable, everything you need is within a few blocks. Newberg provides a wide variety of dining options. A few personal favorites include Thai the Knot (just down the street from the stadium) and Old Town Bar and Grill. Several fast food restaurants are located on the other side of town, which is just a short drive away. Besides great restaurants, Newberg has several local shops, which include antique and clothing stores. Velour (vintage clothing and decor) and Wine Country Antiques are two of my favorite places to shop. A movie theater as well as a drive-in theater can also be found in Newberg. If you are looking to drive a bit, Portland is about 40 minutes from Newberg and has endless options for entertainment, including the zoo, OMSI, as well as many restaurants and bars. Options for lodging in Newberg include a Best Western and a Holiday Inn. Fans 3 Fans typically dress in the Old Gold and Navy Blue George Fox colors to attend games and cheer on the Bruins. Students are passionate about their team and stay involved throughout the action. While it can vary between regular season and tournament games, the gym is usually at half to three-quarters capacity. Access 5 The layout of Wheeler Sports Center makes everything easy to locate. The concessions are located just outside the gym in the lobby, and restrooms are close by. The gym itself is spacious, with plenty of room for fans to sit on both sides of the court. While there is no longer public transit service in Newberg, the town is small enough to be easily walkable anywhere around the stadium. Uber and Lyft rides are available in Newberg. Parking is available just down the street from the stadium off Fulton Street. Other parking lots are available around campus off of Villa and Meridian. Street parking is also available near campus but usually fills up quickly. For easy access to the front doors of the gym, a bridge is located between the Fulton Street Parking lot and Wheeler. While season tickets are not available for Bruin basketball games, tickets can be bought at the door. Return on Investment 5 With ticket prices being $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 18, seeing a basketball game at George Fox is an affordable way to spend your evening. Parking on campus or in the neighborhood is free. . Extras 1 When attending a basketball game at Wheeler, be sure to check out the George Fox Hall of Fame, located just inside the lobby next to the concessions. Final Thoughts Wheeler Sports Center is a great venue to see local Bruin basketball. Newberg is a great community to visit, and the close proximity of the gymnasium to town makes everything you need within walking distance.

Photos by Dave Cottenie and Michael Rusiglnuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mirabito Stadium 211 Henry St Binghamton, NY 13901 Binghamton Rumble Ponies website Mirabito Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 6,012 Welcome to Rumbletown Established as the Williamsport Bills in 1987, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies found their home in Upstate New York in 1992 and became the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets.  Originally branded as the Binghamton Mets, the team abandoned the parent branding in 2017 and took advantage of a Minor League Baseball landscape where the more unique the identity, the better the situation.  Nodding to the city of Binghamton as the Carousel Capital of the World, a name the team contest yielded the moniker of the Rumble Ponies, referring to the horses found on a carousel.  Binghamton narrowly escaped the 2019 purge of 42 MiLB teams.  During their tenure in Binghamton, the Rumble Ponies have always been affiliated with the New York Mets and members of the Eastern League. Marking the move to Binghamton for the team [possible was the opening of Mirabito Stadium. Known originally as  Binghamton Municipal Stadium from 1992 to 2001 and NYSEG Stadium from 2001 to 2021, the city-owned stadium offers a capacity of over 6,000.  The naming rights were sold to Mirabito Energy Products in 2021.  Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene at Mirabito Stadium is strong.  The Pit Stop concession stands under the grandstand offer burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, chicken tenders, pizza, nachos popcorn, and pretzels.  A couple of other free-standing concession points are of interest including the Southern Tier Cheesesteak stand and the Carousel Creamery and Lupos stand on the right field side are worth checking out.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at Mirabito Stadium and a fairly decent beer selection featuring New Belgium products on tap can be found also.  A couple of signature items that fans should consider include the Grampwich Sandwich, a sausage patty sandwich with cheese, peppers, and onions, and local delicacy Spiedies (pronounced “speedys”).  Overall, there is just enough at Mirabito Stadium to satisfy just about everyone and not be overwhelming. Atmosphere 3 Mirabito Stadium has a bit of a unique exterior with light-colored tiles at the home plate side of the ballpark where the ticket windows can be found.   Attractive wrought iron fencing surrounds the ballpark and huge logos of the Rumble Ponies and New York Mets ensure that passers-by know who plays at the stadium.  A marker of note stands for Bud Fowler, who played for the Binghamton Bingos in 1887 and was one of the first players to integrate professional baseball.  He was also elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022. Although entering Mirabito Stadium from the home plate side is an option, many people will enter the right field gate on the east side of the stadium as it is closest to the parking lot.  Both spots have small plazas which are good for meeting spots.  Once fans have entered the ballpark, it begins to show its age a bit.  The main grandstand is a split-level, single bowl with an exterior walkway.  Some of the upper-tier seats are covered with an overhang.  Mirabito Stadium does not offer a 360 path around the ballpark.  Underneath the grandstand, it is fairly dark and does not offer an open view of the field as is found in many other ballparks.  The Rumble Ponies attempt to overcome this shortcoming with a full embracing of their brand and history.  The concourses are littered with Binghamton Rumble Ponies markings including murals with logos and slogans.  Of interest is the Binghamton Baseball Shrine, which is a mural including the royalty of Binghamton baseball, Bud Fowler, Steve Kraly, Thurman Munson, Jason Isringhausen, Whitey Ford and David Wright.  Surrounding the shrine are plaques commemorating the members of the Binghamton Baseball Hall of Fame.  As a longstanding feeder of talent to the New York Mets, many names are recognizable to fans.  Other pillars include banners featuring more recent Rumble Ponies to make it to the Show.  Surprisingly, there was no noticeable sign of one of the most famous members of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, former Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow.  Mirabito Stadium offers a variety of seating options outside of the regular grandstand.  Bar seating is found on the right field side and high-top tables on the left field side with a pavilion at the back corner of left field.  The right field side of the stadium, near the entry gate, features the kid zone complete with an inflatable play area and Rumble Ponies metal benches for waiting parents. The gameday production in Binghamton is fairly simple.  Mascots Rowdy and Ruby take part in the pregame festivities and can be found interacting with the crowd while the PA announcer chooses some interesting musical selections for visitors walking up.  It is not overproduced and not lacking, a good balance for fans.  Mirabito Stadium also offers an interesting backdrop with fans able to view passing trains from the railyard immediately north of the stadium and the rolling mountains beyond right field. Neighborhood 3 Mirabito Stadium is located on the edge of Downtown Binghamton, between the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers.  With a modest population of over 47,000, Binghamton does not have the most interesting of downtowns, but there are a few options for pre and post-game food and drink including Station 45 American Chop House, AMICI, Little Venice, Burger Monday, River Bistro and Rolando’s Diner.  There are a couple of other sporting options in Binghamton.  The Binghamton Bearcats  of SUNY Binghamton, aka Binghamton University, play basketball on campus.  The Bearcats  also play baseball and other NCAA sports.  The school boasts Tony Kornheiser of ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption as an alumnus.  Formerly an AHL city, Binghamton now offers the Black Bears of the FPHL.  Other tourist options in Binghamton include Phelps Mansion Museum, Ross Park Zoo, or finding one of the city’s numerous carousels, possibly the one at Rec Park.  For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Holiday Inn and DoubleTree are good options. Fans 3 There is room for improvement when it comes to Binghamton Rumble Ponies attendance.  In the 2023 season, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies averaged over 3,100 fans per game.  This ranked 73rd in all of Minor League Baseball and more specifically 11th in the 12-team Eastern League.  The fans in attendance at the game reviewed were pretty quiet and reserved.  It must be noted that the game reviewed was an early weekday game including a makeup doubleheader.  Attendance, as expected, spikes for the weekend, however, there is still plenty of room for improvement.   Access 4 Mirabito Stadium is located in Downtown Binghamton, between the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, at the corner of Henry Street and Fayette Street.  It is south of I-86 and west of Highway 363 and not difficult to get to.  There is plenty of parking on-site, which can be had for a nominal cost.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are buses on Chenango Street.  Fans should consult the Broome County Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Getting around the ballpark is not too difficult, although a big crowd could make moving under the grandstand could be more difficult.  Washroom facilities are acceptable for the fans in attendance. Stadium Journey recommends checking the Binghamton Rumble Ponies  website for the most up-to-date security info including prohibited items, gate opening times, and security protocols. Return on Investment 4 The Binghamton Rumble Ponies experience is very affordable.  Tickets for the Rumble Ponies run from $11 for the cheapest seats, up to $25 for the first row in the grandstand.  Concession prices are what one would expect and parking is a nominal $5.  The Rumble Ponies provide a solid environment for baseball and the Eastern League at the Double-A level provides, arguably, the best prospects for Minor League Baseball. Extras 3 An extra mark for the unique theme of the Rumble Ponies with the local ties to the Carousel Capital of the World. An extra mark for the display of team history found at Mirabito Stadium. An extra mark for the long-standing affiliation the Rumble Ponies enjoy with the New York Mets. Final Thoughts A trip to Upstate New York and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies is a great way to take in some Minor League Baseball.  Mirabito Stadium offers a solid facility for baseball.  There is plenty of fun in Rumbletown. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Iowa Speedway hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race, the Iowa Corn 350, on Sunday evening and to say it was anything other than a complete success would be an understatement. Fans showed up in droves not only for the Cup race on Sunday, but the stands were packed on Saturday for the Xfinity Series race and there was also a great turnout for the ARCA race on Friday. Last October when Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, Cup driver Brad Keselowski, and other NASCAR luminaries made the announcement that a Cup race was coming to the speedway, excitement of NASCAR fans in Iowa and surrounding states soared. Cup Series tickets sold out during the presale. The Xfinity race sold out as well and there weren’t many tickets left for Friday’s slate of Cup practice and an ARCA Menards race. For fans, there were little issues that could be expected for such a large influx of people. Lines to get in could move a little quicker, there could be a few more restrooms, and the logistics of leaving the area with 30,000-plus other people could have been a bit better planned, but all-in-all, it seemed to go very well. From the driver’s perspective, many spoke highly of the track, having run there in ARCA or Xfinity races. In fact, 10 drivers have previously won races at other levels in Iowa. There was some concern about a repave of turns 2 and 4 and the effect it would have on tire wear. The results and effects of the repave weren’t completely conclusive, but many drivers wanted to come back, including Iowa Corn 350 winner Ryan Blaney, whose mother is from Iowa. Blaney told the Des Moines Register , “…Honestly, it exceeded my expectations as far as race-ability. The crowd tonight was awesome. If that doesn’t make you want to come back, I don’t know what will.” There was some doubt whether this time would ever come. Iowa Speedway opened in 2006. Despite rumors of the top level of NASCAR coming to Iowa, nothing ever materialized. The speedway hosted numerous events including the ARCA Menards Series and Xfinity Series along with IndyCar series events. In 2019, the track was purchased by NASCAR and hopes once again surged that a long-awaited Cup race would be possible. Those hopes were quickly dampened by the Covid epidemic. Since Covid, an IndyCar weekend has returned. ARCA Menards Series races came back as well but were not well attended. Attendance wasn’t a problem this weekend. Fans showed up early to take in other activities before the races. At the NASCAR experience area, you could listen to a NASCAR podcast being recorded by driver Corey LaJoie, attend driver Q&A sessions, and get autographs. Drivers made appearances and signed autographs at other sponsors displays throughout the weekend and most fans seemed to leave with at least one item from their favorite driver or team from the numerous merchandise areas. All things considered, the weekend couldn’t have gone much better if you made the trip to Newton, Iowa and Iowa Speedway.. Will the Cup series race return in 2025 and beyond? Time will tell. But for one hot and steamy weekend in June, the “fastest short track on the planet” proved it can be a player on one of auto racing’s biggest stages.

Does the NHL need expansion and what cities should be awarded?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bill Gies Recreation Centre 1401 Queens Bush Rd Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0 Wellesley Applejacks website Bill Gies Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 500 A is for Apple … J is for Jacks For people of a certain vintage, the lyric “A is for Apple … J is for Jacks” produces an earworm of a jingle advertising sugary breakfast cereal, Apple Jacks.  In Wellesley, Ontario, Applejacks has a bit of a different connotation.  The Wellesley Applejacks were established in 1987 and began play at the Junior D level.  Their name is derived from the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival which attracts thousands to the area each fall.  The Applejacks moved up to the Junior C level when Junior D was dissolved.  The Jacks currently play in the Provincial Junior Hockey League in the Doherty Division.  In their short time in Junior C, the Applejacks have already earned a Schmalz Cup in 2023 as the champions of Junior C hockey in Ontario. The Applejacks moved to a brand new home in 2023.  The Bill Gies Recreation Centre was built as a replacement for the outdated Wellesley Arena.  The Rec Centre was named after donor Bill Gies who was a home builder in the area.  Construction delays and funding issues forced the Applejacks to begin the 2023 season at the St. Clements Arena.  Wellesley is a township that includes the town proper and surrounding agricultural areas and small communities, with a township population of over 11,000. Food & Beverage 2 There is a very small snack bar on a temporary table in the upper level of the Bill Gies Recreation Centre that doubles as the Blueline Club.  Chips, candy and popcorn are available.  Pepsi products and coffee are the main soft drinks available, however if fans wish to try something truly local, then the hot apple cider will be the drink of choice.  A kiosk in the same area sells beer and other alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 3 Bill Gies Recreation Centre is one of the newest facilities in the PJHL.  The exterior is fairly simple with light siding above tinted glass and dark brick.  The main entry to the centre is on the east side.  It opens to a lobby with temporary tables selling tickets and 50/50 tickets.  Since the building is new, there is not much in the way of history or other interesting items about the community for fans to look at.  The lobby is at ice level and has windows allowing fans to see the game.  Fans will need to head up the stairs to access the Blueline Club and the seating area.  The Blueline Club is above the lobby at the east side and also has temporary merchandise tables. Inside the arena, entry is from the east side and the ice is oriented from west to east.  The spot to get that perfect centre ice logo picture is from the south.  All of the seating in the arena is on the south side, which includes five rows of plastic seats.  The sections closest to the ends offer wooden benches.  The seating area is elevated above the ice surface providing better sightlines.  The bottom row of seating is at about the same height as the top of the glass.  A bit of a unique aspect of this arena is the track that encircles the ice surface at the upper level.  On the west end and north side it offers the perfect view for fans who like to stand during the game, but for whom ice level is not choice.  The northwest corner offers a mini-stick arena which can keep the youngsters occupied as well as keep those pesky mini stick games contained.  A simple scoreclock hangs above centre ice and to the west are the Wellesley Applejacks championship banners, featuring the 2023 Schmalz Cup.  The Applejacks embrace their history also keeping banners for their Junior D titles. The gameday production at an Applejacks game is fairly simple.  The PA system is good and the announcer does a good job with announcements and promotions, not getting overly excitable and more difficult to understand.  His reference to the arena as the Wellesley Orchard is an original aspect of the team. Neighbourhood 2 Wellesley is a small community at the west end of Waterloo Region.  It is the epitome of a small town.  There are a couple of spots for pre or post game food or drink, however, fans may want to consider doing their research for gameday as Wellesley is very quiet at night.  Schmidtsville Restaurant and Olympic Pizza are the options in town.  Fans will have to head to Waterloo if they are looking for something else.  The Applejacks are definitely the only game in town, but Wellesley is close to New Hamburg, Tavistock and Woodstock so away games are not a challenge at all.  The area is known for the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, there are some B&B possibilities.  Heading to Shakespeare or Waterloo will be where fans need to go for a more traditional hotel. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the PJHL is difficult as some teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not compile and publish attendance statistics.  At the time of writing, for the 2023-24 season, the Wellesley Applejacks attracted around 230 fans per game.  The game being reviewed saw a good crowd of over 360 fans.  The previous season, the Applejacks attracted nearly 190 fans per game, however the Bill Gies Recreation Centre was just opened and the first 9 games of the season were held in St. Clements.  There is constant motion at an Applejacks game with kids running all over, one of the detriments of having a track around the rink.  The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive and due to the competitive nature of the division, there are always plenty of fans of the visiting team as well.   Access 4 Getting to the Bill Gies Recreation Centre is not difficult.  It is located west of the traditional town of Wellesley at the west side of Waterloo Region.  It is at the end of Queens Bush Road at Hutchison Road.  It is 12 km from Highway 7-8 and there is plenty of rural driving to get to Wellesley so proper planning during the winter months is important as snow can be a real issue.  There is plenty of parking on site.  At the time of writing, there were no public transit options to get to Wellesley or the Rec Centre.  Getting around the arena is not a problem at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the size of the facility. Return on Investment 4 PJHL hockey offers some of the best returns on investment possible.  Tickets for the Applejacks are $12 with discounts for students, seniors and children.  Tickets must be purchased at the door and cash or debit are accepted.  Children 5 and under are free.  Parking is free and the concession prices are good.  The quality of hockey is good and fans will have the opportunity to watch the action from an arena that is modern, clean, bright and comfortable.  Extras 3 An extra mark for the unique name and identity of the Applejacks that closely relates to the community. An extra mark for the Bill Gies Recreation Centre as a community hub. An extra mark for the Bill Gies Recreation Centre as a new, bright and modern facility. Final Thoughts The Bill Gies Recreation Centre is a new, modern, clean facility which is home to a Junior C hockey team that has the support of the community.  The Wellesley Applejacks offer a fun experience for fans and at the end, the “A is for Apple … J is for Jacks” jingle might just be stuck in their heads! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Peter Miles, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stelios Kyriakides Stadium Democracy Ave Paphos, Cyprus Pafos FC website Stelios Kyriakides Stadium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 9,394 Fun in the Sun Following Pafos FC Pafos FC were only formed as recently as 2014 following a merger of AEP Paphos and AEK Kouklia. It was a marriage borne out of mutual convenience. AEP, themselves a result of a merger of APOP Paphos and Evagoras in 2000, were in severe financial trouble in the second tier while Kouklia had just been relegated from the top flight. The aim was to form a more financially stable club competing regularly in the top division. The club were promoted into the First Division in 2016/17 as runners up to champions Alki Oronklini. Food & Beverage 4 Under the main stand is a small kiosk selling soft drinks, crisps, confectionery, and warm Cypriot snacks. The kiosk sells a good variety of snacks including fresh koupes (also known as kibbeh), a snack made of bulgar wheat and minced meat; it’s really popular in the whole Levantine region. The usual range of sodas like Coke and Fanta are available in plastic bottles. No alcohol is available. The flavorsome koupes with a cold drink are perfect on a balmy evening. Atmosphere 3 While the crowd is usually fairly modest, during my most recent visit the attendance was officially declared as 2,500, but in reality 800 was more accurate. Still, the vibe of the place is welcoming and a small section of younger fans wave flags and bang a drum. The stadium is essentially two sided with visiting fans housed in open seating on the far side. The main stand is well appointed and while the roof covers only the central section of seats there is an option to move undercover if there is any rain. Music is played before the game and during halftime with the PA announcer reading the teams out just before kick off. The season tickets holders and VIPs are allocated the central section of seats in the main stand and there appears to be no option to purchase a ticket for this area. The roof extends past this section at either end so it is possible to buy a standard ticket and be undercover if required. The tickets do have a row and seat number, but the seats are actually unnumbered so you can effectively sit where you like within that sector. Neighborhood 5 The stadium is located around a five minute drive from the main tourist areas of Alykes Beach and Pachyammos. The harbor area features a castle and stunning waterfront, it really is fully geared up for a sunshine break. There are numerous restaurants in the tourist areas offering both local and western cuisine. They come with a wide range of prices from middle of the road to high end. All have on street seating to make the most of the beachfront location and most restaurants will have outdoor heating available should the sea breeze turn a little chilly. Paphos Harbour and Castle are well worth visiting and are littered with interesting sculptures, notably the work of local artist Yiota Ioannidou. As an internationally renowned tourist resort you will never be short of something to do or see. Local companies offer trips all around the island including the famous Aphrodite’s Rock. The choice is endless for high class hotels to self catering apartments, there will be accommodation to suit any pocket. Fans 4 As a mass tourism destination, the local fans are more than used to English speaking guests watching their games and they are friendly and welcoming. Attendance data should be viewed with skepticism as there is no electronic counting and attendances are rounded up for reporting purposes. During my visit, the actual attendance in the ground was under 1,000 but was reported as 2,500. I suspect normal attendances are higher than the match I attended as for locals at 15 degrees this would represent a chilly evening! The younger fans have formed an “ultras” group and they are happy to sing and shout throughout the game and are armed with some flags and a big drum. Access 4 The stadium is on a main road, Democracy Avenue, which leads away from the main tourist areas and is around half way between the highway to Larnaca and the beach areas. It would take around 45 minutes to walk to the stadium from the tourist areas. Buses 1 and 2 stop very close to the stadium and the huge floodlights are easy to see from miles around. There is ample free parking outside the main stand and in surrounding streets. Tickets cost 15 euros and are available from concrete kiosks outside the stadium in the car park. There are no bags allowed in the stadium and body searches are made, although cameras are permitted. Once you are in your section you cannot move to another as the central sector is fenced off. You can, however, sit anywhere you like within your sector. The egress into the arena is about halfway up the main stand and I saw no specific areas for disabled supporters. The refreshments kiosk and lavatories are located at the mezzanine level of the main stand. Return on Investment 3 For the general standard of Cypriot football, 15 euros for a ticket seems a little expensive compared to comparable European nations. However, as an overall experience it is thoroughly enjoyable. Free parking and easy access offset the cost of the ticket and the price of snacks and drinks are reasonable. Only standard tickets are available. There appeared to be no tickets available for the central section of the main stand. Extras 2 There is a team sheet available from the main entrance, strangely the Greek players are shown in Greek alphabet and foreign players in roman script. There are no other souvenirs or merchandise of any sort available. Final Thoughts While the standard of play is not the highest you will ever see, I would still recommend Cyprus for a winter break for guaranteed football in pleasant warm temperatures surrounded by beguiling coastal and mountain scenery.

Photo Courtesy of Travis S. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.27 Warhawk Field Warhawk Way & Peyton Dr Monroe, LA 71203 UL-Monroe Warhawks website Warhawk Field website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 1,800 Warhawk Field: A Family-Friendly Ballpark The ULM Warhawk baseball experience at Warhawk Field provides a nice atmosphere in a traditional small college baseball environment. From bleacher seating in the main grandstand, to tailgating seating along the baselines and a kids playground in the courtyard, the Warhawk baseball experience is family friendly. Warhawk Field was constructed in 1983 and features a seating capacity of 1,800. Despite serving as home field for the Warhawks for over thirty years, the ballpark maintains a modern feel and clean look. The ULM Warhawks hail from the Sun Belt Conference in NCAA Division I. Food & Beverage 2 Warhawk Field provides the basic ballpark staples including hot dogs, nachos, and soda. Quality and Variety of Food Options . There are two concession locations built into the walkways leading into the seating areas. However, typically only the stand located closer to the first base side of the main grandstand is open. The main entree options include hot dogs, nachos, and Frito pie for $4 each. Chili and cheese are available on hot dogs at no extra charge. Snack items include peanuts ($4), popcorn ($3), pretzels ($3.50), candy ($2), and chips ($2). The concessions experience could be enhanced with a featured or more unique item on the menu, plus maybe local vendor food cart in the courtyard. However, your ballpark basics are covered. Variety of Drink Options . Warhawk Field features bottled Coca-Cola products for $3.50. Bottled Dasani water is available for $3, while Powerade options are $4. Alcohol is not sold at Warhawk Field. Recommendation . Featuring Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, you can’t go wrong with a good dog at a baseball game. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Warhawk Field is a great fit for baseball traditionalists and traveling families. Stadium Aesthetics . For a ballpark that’s over 30 years old, Warkhawk Field has certainly aged well. This is a credit to the university community for recent upgrades and upkeep. With permanent seating that wraps from first to third bases, the view of the main grandstand is impressive upon driving up. There will be little doubt that you’ve arrived to a legitimate college baseball ballpark. The main grandstand features a small awning which provides shade to the seats directly behind home plate. Warhawk Field features a natural grass playing surface and the outfield wall dimensions are 330-400-300. Behind the main grandstand adjacent to first base is a kid’s playground, which really adds to the family friendly environment at the ballpark. The playground sits in a grassy courtyard which wraps around the area behind the main grandstand. Behind the right field wall you’ll notice the Doe’s Eat Place sign. A free meal is waiting for fans if a Warhawks player smashes a home run into the sign. The scoreboard features a small video display in addition to a traditional board. You’ll notice four retired numbers on the center field wall memorializing past Warhawk greats. Also, you can’t miss the banners along the walkways behind the grandstand featuring past ULM baseball legends. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment . Expect to see a few on-field promotions (such as a kid’s base race) as well as games over the PA, including trivia. If you have the dirtiest car in the parking lot, you just might win a free car wash. Seat Location Recommendations . There are several different seating areas for you to take in a Warhawks baseball game. Obviously, the seats directly behind home plate provide an unmatched view of the field, plus the comfort a bleacher back seat and shade of the overhead awning. In the main grandstand to the left and right of the bleacher backs are regular bleacher seats. Down both third and first baselines are opportunities to plop a tailgate chair next to the brick wall. The area down third baseline is specifically set-up for tailgating with picnic tables and small overhead coverings. You can also grab a seat behind the left field wall. Neighborhood 3 Located in northeastern Louisiana, Monroe is the eighth largest city in the state with a population of about 48,000. Warhawk Field is situated on the northeast corner of the University of Louisiana-Monroe campus, adjacent to other athletics facilities including Malone Stadium , home to Warhawk football. The campus environment offers a safe and cozy atmosphere for visiting fans, while restaurants and other attractions are located within a couple of miles nearby campus. Where to Eat . There are plenty of restaurants in the greater Monroe area worth a visit. Some of the local favorites include Enoch’s Irish Pub & Cafe (507 Louisville), Pickle Barrel (1827 Ave Of America), and Danken Trail B-B-Q (7712 Desiard St). Not Just Pie (2117 Forsythe Ave) is a great local stop for a tasty assortment of pies, plus you can also order off their lunch menu (try the roast beef poboy). Attractions & Entertainment . Just across the Ouachita River in West Monroe is the headquarters for one of Louisiana’s most popular families, the Robertsons. Headliners of the now famous Duck Dynasty series, fans of the show should definitely make a stop at the Duck Commander Warehouse (117 Kings Ln), a location often seen on the series. The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo (701 Kansas Ln) is a pretty neat smaller zoo which allows you to get a little closer to the animals with smaller crowds. The zoo just opened a new splash pad which is great for the kids. The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum of Louisiana (701 Kansas Ln) is a free museum which honors the aviation and military history of northeast Louisiana. Another nice stop for traveling families is the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum (323 Walnut S). Where to Stay . The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel – Monroe Airport (4915 Pecanland Mall Dr) is located near the ULM campus and the Monroe Regional Airport. Fans 3 ULM fans consistently support Warhawk baseball. Typically, crowd sizes at Warhawk Field are on the upper end of the average attendance in the Sun Belt Conference. Typical Attendance . Weekend series at Warhawk Field pull in crowds which usually range between 700 – 1,500 in attendance. When the Warhawks are in the midst of a 40 win season, crowds usually swell around 1,500 or more. The Sun Belt has undergone a lot of change in recent years which has changed up the common weekend opponents. This has likely contributed to wide ranges in crowd sizes. No doubt, the biggest weekend series of the year will be against the arch-rival UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns. Crowd Noise & Engagement . ULM fans are vocal and support their Warhawks. Fans typically get into the game during big plays or blown calls. The crowd will clap in support of their pitcher closing out a team in the final inning. Access 4 Warhawk Field is very accessible, both getting to the stadium and moving around once inside. Transit to and from Stadium . Situated in the northeast corner of Monroe, Warhawk Field is easily accessed off I-20 from both the west and east. Take Highway 165 north and then exit east on Desiard Street / Highway 80. You can then turn left onto Warhawk Way which will take you to the stadium area. Parking . As you approach the stadium, you’ll notice a paved parking lot to the left going down third baseline. When this lot is full, there’s ample parking a little further down in the gravel/grass lot adjacent to first baseline. Parking is free around Warkhawk Field. Ticketing & Gate Entry . The ticket booth and main entrance is located directly behind the center of the main grandstand. Lines are typically short and you shouldn’t experience any issues getting your tickets. Credit cards are accepted here. You’ll also quickly breeze through the entrance into the courtyard behind the grandstand. Moving around the stadium . Getting around the ballpark is easy. Stairways are located at the ends of the grandstand and elevated walkways are accessible behind the grandstand. The main concourse is at the bottom of the seating area and wraps around. The concourse, aisles and rows are spacious and allow for good flow. Restrooms are clean and adequate for typical crowds. Return on Investment 4 The return on your investment for the ULM baseball experience at Warhawk Field is pretty typical. General admission for adults runs as low as $10. Concessions are a little higher than expected, but not much more than the average. Parking is free. Overall, you get to see a ballclub which is usually in the hunt for a post-season berth at a comfortable stadium which provides a traditional baseball atmosphere. Extras 3 The ULM baseball experience comes with a few “extra” components which enhance the overall experience at the ballpark. The retired numbers on the center field wall and banners around the exterior walkways add a nice touch. It’s always nice to see ballparks memorialize past accomplishments. For traveling families, it’s definitely a bonus to have a playground area where the little ones can take a break from the on-field action. If you are in need of some Warhawk gear, there’s an apparel trailer behind the main grandstand in the courtyard.

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Furst Gymnasium 2501 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY, 10033 Yeshiva Maccabees men’s basketball website Furst Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 1,000 The Marvelous Maccs In New York City, a town where professional sports rule, Yeshiva University basketball is soaring. The Maccabees are currently 21-1, their only loss being their opening game, an away tilt at Occidental in California. If they stay on course, the Maccs will be in the upcoming Division 3 NCAA basketball tournament, which the Maccs made in 2018. For elite college basketball, Yeshiva basketball offers it at a more than reasonable price: Free. Right now, it’s simply one of the best deals in college sports. Food & Beverage 0 Less is more. There are no concessions. However, fans may bring their own snacks. In the surrounding, bustling Washington Heights neighborhood, there’s no shortage of food options. Atmosphere 4 The Maccs are streaking, and the positive vibes are flowing. It’s D3, no athletic scholarships, so the amenities aren’t what you’d find at Madison Square Garden. It’s general admission and seats are benches. Everyone’s very close to the action. There’s an overhead track that circles the court Neighborhood 4 The Washington Heights neighborhood is on the rise, and there’s no shortage of food options, from slices to Mexican. Check out Where To East in Washington Heights for some of the best places to eat in the area. Fans 4 The Maccs are no secret to their student body, and they turn out to root for their classmates. They’re enthusiastic, as well as polite. If there was heckling, it would be frowned upon. Access 4 By public transportation, the Center is just a few blocks away from #1 subway stop. A ride from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden takes about 40 minutes. For drivers, you can hunt and peck for a space or pay too much for a garage. Yeshiva is close to several major thruways. Security is tight at the Center. Expect the airport treatment at the door, albeit more polite. Return on Investment 5 Again, it’s free, so the only investment is travel and your time. If you appreciate basketball, the Maccs are definitely worth your time. It’s high-level basketball in a small place. Extras 2 Former New York Knick, ex-Georgetown star Michael Sweetney is an assistant coach for the Maccs. Between breaks, Jewish music is played. Final Thoughts The Knicks are, well, the Knicks. St. John’s is rebuilding. Right now, Yeshiva is the best team in town. And it’s free, one of the best deals in college sports. Yeshiva basketball won’t be a secret for long. Jon Hart is @ManVersusBall

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hooker Field 450 Commonwealth Blvd E. Martinsville, VA 24112 Martinsville Mustangs website Hooker Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 3,200 The Stadium, Not The Speedway Baseball has a long and storied history in the city of Martinsville, Virginia. The city hosted the Martinsville Manufacturers of the Bi-State League from 1934-1941 and then the Martinsville A’s from 1945-1949. However, it would not be until 1988 when baseball returned to the city, with the Martinsville Phillies of the Appalachian League moving to the newly opened English Field, as it was known at the time. In 1999, the club became an Astros affiliate and changed its name accordingly, and the franchise stayed until 2003. Baseball was once again absent in 2004, but in 2005, the Martinsville Mustangs of the Coastal Plain League came to town. English Field later would change its name to Hooker Field in reference to a local furniture company. The Mustangs continue to play collegiate summer wood bat ball at Hooker Field today. Food & Beverage 3 There are several concession options at Hooker Field. The main stand behind home plate offers a number of options including hamburgers and cheeseburgers, hot dogs (including the option to get one with chili), chips, and drinks. Prices are reasonable with nothing costing more than around $5. Down the third baseline you will find a smaller stand up a small wooden staircase that looks like it is falling apart. This stand sells drinks, popcorn, hot pretzels, and Sno-cones, with the latter coming in a souvenir helmet. Further down the third baseline is a beer stand, unusual for the collegiate summer level, as well as a beer garden area for those of age. Although stands do take credit cards, the workers have to enter the numbers manually so it will generally be quicker to pay cash. Keep in mind the concession stand may shut down around the seventh inning so plan accordingly. Atmosphere 4 Despite being less than 35 years old, Hooker Field is already showing its age. There are a small number of chairbacks behind home plate reserved for season tickets and multi-game plan holders. For fans attending only a single game, there are bleachers without backs further down both lines. All seats offer an excellent view of the field. There is also a scoreboard in left-center field which shows the linescore and other basic information. Despite the rather run-down setting, the team does a lot to keep fans engaged with between innings contests and team staff roving the stands keeping fans engaged throughout the ballgame. As the team is called the Mustangs, horse sounds will often be played over the PA system. Although the team apparently has a costumed mustang mascot, he was not present when we visited. Neighborhood 2 Martinsville is a small city located in the middle of a very rural area of Virginia. There is not a lot to do here. A few restaurants, mainly chains, are located in town and there are a couple of small museums as well. The main attraction is Martinsville Motor Speedway, which despite the name is actually in nearby Ridgeway. In addition to hosting NASCAR Sprint Cup races, the speedway hosts various other races throughout the year and it is worth checking out if a Mustangs game coincides with a race of some sort. There are a few options in Martinsville itself along Main Street and the surrounding area, including Raina’s, a local Italian eatery, and Hugo’s, a popular sports bar. Ultimately though, while Martinsville residents will claim the city has small-town charm, there isn’t a whole lot to offer here. Fans 3 There were only a few hundred fans in attendance when we visited in a 3,200 seat stadium. Filling a ballpark to 10% capacity is generally not a good look. However, those fans in attendance were a passionate, engaged mix of seasoned fans and young families who cheered on the Mustangs, at least as long as they were at the game. Unfortunately, many of the fans left early despite the game moving at a fairly quick pace. It is nice to see engaged fans, but it would be even nicer if there were more of them and they stayed longer. Access 3 US Route 58 is the main road you will use to access Martinsville, although it actually bypasses the city itself via Ridgeway so you will need to take other roads for the last couple miles. This is not an interstate highway and does have traffic lights at various points but with little traffic on this stretch, you can make good time. Parking at the stadium itself is easy in a lot right next to the entrance, but keep in mind parking too close will put your car in foul ball territory. Also, some GPS apps seem to want to take you in the exit or out the entrance. Be sure to pay attention to all signs and follow them, not your GPS, if they contradict each other. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $6 for general admission seats and you can get steep discounts for buying multi-game packs or season tickets Holders of multi-game packs also have the option of buying reserved chairback seats behind home plate. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. All in all, a Mustangs game is a great value for baseball fans, whether they are solo travelers, seasoned fans, families, or groups. While fans coming from out of the area may spend a bit on gas to get here, that will depend on where you are coming from. Like the concession stands, credit cards are accepted at the ticket booth but also have to be entered manually. Again, it may be quicker to pay cash, particularly if it is close to game time and you are eager to get into the stadium. Extras 3 There is a SpongeBob-themed bounce house located down the first base line behind the bleachers for kids to play in. Meanwhile, there is an area in front of the third base bleachers for kids to play catch or cornhole in. Although there is a sign indicating it is not a kids’ play area, it seems to be widely ignored and the presence of cornhole boards would seem to contradict that message. A third and final star for all the friendly staff here at Hooker Field. Final Thoughts While it is hard to believe Hooker Field hosted affiliated ball less than 20 years ago, it seems to have found its niche as a collegiate summer league venue. While it would be nice to see more fans show up, those who do show up will find that a Mustangs game is a great experience. Although it is not located close to much of anything else, if you’re in the Martinsville area over the summer, be sure to check out a Mustangs game. It will be worth your while.

Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Old Forge, Pennsylvania, is also a short 5-minute drive from PNC Field  and the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza  in Northeast Pennsylvania. The town is also the self-proclaimed “Pizza Capital of the World." To the 8,000-plus residents, that is just about the right. It is a style of pizza that is probably not like anything you’ve had before. “If you go to Pittston (a few miles away, it is New York-style, but not in Old Forge,” said one customer who was ahead of me in line at Revello’s, one of the dozens of pizza cafes on Main Street. The type of pizza is as different in taste as the terminology. The styles are either red or white, a slice is a cut, and a pie is a tray. The pizza is cooked in metal pans that make the crust crisp on the edges and soft and chewy in the center. If you prefer, you can get a few places to cook your pizza a little longer to crisp it up. How did this type of pizza come into existence? It is believed that Ghigiarelli's was the first to originate this style of pizza in 1926. Grandma Ghigiarelli served the pizza to the local miners at the bar she owned with her husband. The rectangular cuts would be served to them while they played cards and became so popular that other restaurants began putting them on their menus. The cheese is also unique to other styles across the country. It is a blend of mozzarella, white cheddar, and white American. It melts a little differently and oozes out of the white pizza, a style that is its being. “No two places have the same cheese blend; there is always a different spin on it,” said another customer. “The same for the sauces, every place in town does something different.” The white pie has no tomato sauce and is covered with a top layer of dough. The top is buttered with a few seasonings, and the inside is usually served with either broccoli or spinach. If you are a fan of melted cheese, then this one might be for you-however-I dipped mine in tomato sauce, which might be sacrilegious around these parts. There are various spots along Main Street offering their spin on this style of pizza, and each one uses a slightly different cheese blend or spices in the tomato sauce. Also, most of the businesses offer more than just pizza, customers can dine in and enjoy ravioli, spaghetti, chicken wings, meatball and sausage sandwiches, and another local delight, pierogies. There is a strong camaraderie among the different pizza makers in town. They don’t compete with each other, and many owners and workers will eat at competing cafes after work. It is that strong bond resulting in the branding of the term “Pizza Capital of the World." Old Forge is a small town, but worth a visit to taste this style of pizza, which is quite different from other kinds in the area. If your plans allow you to visit Main Street, order by the cut or tray. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Lime Rock Park 60 White Hollow Rd Lakeville, CT 06039 Lime Rock Park website IMSA Weekend website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 75,000 IMSA at the Bullring Despite the best efforts of the track’s neighbors, Lime Rock Park is a historic and popular racing facility hidden away in northwestern Connecticut. Nestled in a small valley and surrounded by stunning forests, this New England center of speed is small yet fierce, attracting race fans from around the globe to its secluded curves. When IMSA comes to town every summer, it presents the perfect opportunity to get out and experience some racing under the sun in New England. Food & Beverage 4 The small size of Lime Rock Park means you are never too far from anywhere, which makes finding food easy. From food trucks to small vendors at various corners around the track, getting food is easy for fans. The track also features a paddock food stand that has ice cream, a wide selection of burger options, and more to satisfy the appetite of any race fan. The main food booths are in the paddock area and at the top of the Turn 2 hill, from where the majority of fans watch the race. A burger or impossible burger costs $10, while a chicken tenders and fries basket costs $11. Hot dogs range from $7 to $8 depending on the toppings you want, while drinks range from $2 for a coffee or juice to $4.50 for soda or Gatorade. Snacks like cookies, brownies, candy, chips, and pastries range from $2.50 to $3. For 2023, the main concessions stand now features a newly paved queue area, as opposed to the rocky pathway that was there before. Atmosphere 5 The beauty all around Lime Rock Park is simply stunning – the vibrant green mountains that border the track help make the car colors pop even more than normal. The smell of campfires also fills the air, as some of the best race fans in the country take up residence at the track for the weekend. With a paddock that is open to all fans during all race weekends and a victory lane located at the bottom of an amphitheater-style hill for fan viewing, there is almost nowhere on the track you cannot find a great view. In addition, drivers frequently toss out hats to fans after celebrating their wins. Autographs are easy to get here, while a fan walk before the main race always brings out the fans. Perhaps most overlooked are the main paddock restrooms, which are always spotless and fully air-conditioned. Neighborhood 2 If you want to feel unwelcome by the residents of a town in which your sporting event is being held, just travel to Lime Rock Park. Weekend homes for New York City residents dot the streets around the track, and almost every single one has a large yellow sign outside their home that reads “SUNDAY NO RACING!” in protest of the track’s noise. Though the debate has raged for years, it nonetheless makes new fans and visitors to the facility feel rather unwelcome in the small New England town. Easily the biggest downside of Lime Rock Park is its location and its lack of any large towns nearby. Quite literally located off small one-lane roads, the track is bordered by homes and farm fields, mixed with dense New England forest. The nearest hotels are the Interlaken Inn and Wake Robin Inn, both a good 15-minute drive north into Lakeville. Food options in Lakeville, the nearest town, include Black Rabbit Tavern and The Woodland Restaurant. For sightseers, Haystack Mountain State Park offers great hiking trails, while the Saville Dam area is a favorite spot for photo takers. Fans 5 The fans at Lime Rock Park are diehard racing fans. They follow IMSA, SRO, SVRA, WEC, Trans Am, and more, making them extremely sports-knowledgeable. They’re also passionate about their favorite drivers, fly the flags of their preferred manufacturers, pack the hillsides for every headliner, and support race during a given race weekend. From club racing to vintage and pro weekends, Lime Rock Park is rarely empty whenever a race is in town. Access 2 Parking on-site at Lime Rock Park is plentiful, both inside the track and out. However, that is where the convenience ends – located over an hour from the nearest interstate highway, Lime Rock Park is in a very secluded part of Connecticut, relatively speaking. The nearest major city, Hartford, is equally as far. Located between US-7 and US-44, Lime Rock Park is easy to drive past if you don’t catch the small signs that point you toward the facility. Its distance from anywhere with sufficient lodging or dining is also inconvenient for those traveling to the track from out of state, who don’t like to venture far from the action. Return on Investment 5 Lime Rock Park is one of those tracks in North America that everyone knows about and says you should visit once. The compact nature of the track makes this the sports car racing equivalent of a bull ring, which makes the on-track product quite exciting to watch. Add to this the car-lovers dream that is the open paddock, and you have the perfect mix of beautiful surroundings and quality racing that motor-heads crave. Tickets for the IMSA weekend are incredibly affordable as well, with Saturday-only tickets at $80 and full-weekend tickets at $90. Parking passes are available inside, with plenty of free parking just outside the main entrance. Extras 4 The track features autograph sessions for fans throughout each race weekend. The main midway is also home to vendors and displays, showing fans the latest tech and offering great giveaways at the races. In addition, the track’s victory lane is located at the bottom of the hill by Turn 2, creating an amphitheater-style winner’s circle that makes you feel like you’re part of the celebration. Before the races fans are welcomed onto the grid for a pre-race grid walk, where they can get up close to the cars and stars racing at the track. Final Thoughts Lime Rock Park is secluded, to say the least, and whether this is good or bad depends on the fan. What isn’t up for debate is its status as a shining star in the racing world for over 60 years and the natural beauty that surrounds it. If you’re a racing fan, this track is a must-see on anyone’s bucket list. The track is constantly trying to improve the fan experience, and unlike other stops on the calendar, it doesn’t seem to age poorly, meaning you’ll be comfortable whenever you’re there.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Queen’s University Athletics and Recreation Centre 284 Earl St. Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Queen's Gaels basketball website Queen's University Athletics and Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,900 Tri-Colour Hoops On February 6, 1904 Queen’s University played McGill University in basketball. It would be the first ever basketball game played in what is now known as USports. Formerly Canadian Interuniversity Sport, USports has a long tradition with basketball and especially the tri-colour Queen’s Gaels. Queen’s maintains one of the deepest set of traditions in athletics. Located in historic Kingston, Ontario, Queen’s was established in 1841, before Canada gained independence and currently boasts an enrollment of over 24,000 students. Queen’s plays in the Ontario conference of USports known as Ontario University Athletics or OUA. The current home for the Gaels is the fairly new Athletics and Recreation Centre. Replacing the Bartlett Gymnasium in 2009, the ARC, as it is commonly known, is a bright, shiny home for the Gaels. It is not a stretch to say that Queen’s is a football-first school with the Gaels faithful providing one of the most unique and traditional experiences in all of Canadian football. On the other hand, basketball has not seen a ton of success over the years. The Gaels have claimed five Wilson Cups over the years as Ontario champions, with their last one coming in 1957. The deep-set traditions that fans find at Gaels football games are vacant from the basketball scene, however a Tri-Colour basketball game is an enjoyable affair in one Food & Beverage 2 Concession options at the Athletics and Recreation Centre are not earth shattering. However, if you are looking for a snack, you will be just fine. There is one concession stand at the south end. There you will find hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, pizza from Pizza Pizza, chocolate bars and chips. Slushies and frozen lemonade are also available. Soft drinks available are Coca-Cola products and are in plastic bottles. Powerade is also available. There are some vending machines close by as well if the selections at the concession are not good for you. Prices are decent and there are combos available combing pizza, hot dog or popcorn with a soda. Quality and selection won’t blow you away, but if you are someone who needs to munch during the game, then you will be satisfied. Atmosphere 3 The Athletics and Recreation Centre is a fully functional recreation centre for the students of Queen’s University. The main gym in the ARC is the host for Queen’s basketball. The ARC is inside the Queen’s Centre. From the exterior, the Queen’s Centre is a little difficult to find. Signage is not overwhelming from the exterior and some research is necessary for newcomers to the Queen’s campus. Upon entry to the ARC fans are welcomed by inflatable Queen’s promo items including the giant Q and inflatable tunnel. Entry is on the south side of the ARC and fans are welcomed to the north-south configuration of the basketball court. In the south concourse is where fans will find Queen’s trophy cases and walls honouring Academic All-Canadians and Athletic Award winners. There are a couple of lounges at the south side as well under the watchful eye of a large mural of the iconic Queen’s tri-colour flag and Queen’s fans. The seating area in the main gymnasium is bright and clean. There is seating on the east, west and south sides of the court. Seating on the east and west sides are plastic contoured bleacher benches with four rows of plastic seats on both sides of centre court. There is ample standing room behind each of the three seating areas as well. On the west side of the gymnasium, above the grandstand, hang all of the championship banners for all sports. Included in that group is the basketball banner honouring the 1924, 1926, 1930,1936 and 1957 Ontario Conference Championships which resulted in the Gaels bringing home the Wilson Cup. Unfortunately, the Gaels have yet to bring home a National Championship in basketball. On the east side, above the grandstands, hang banners honouring the 1922, 1923 and 1924 Grey Cup Champions and recognizing Richardson Stadium as the site of the 1922 Grey Cup. These show great history for Queen’s athletics, but are football related and seem a bit out of place in the ARC. On the north wall is the scoreboard, which is decent, but pretty standard for this level of basketball and does not feature a videoboard. The game day production at Queen’s is far different for basketball than football. At Richardson Stadium, football game days are steeped in Queen’s traditions which have been handed down through the generations. There are no such traditions with basketball. Overall, the basketball production is fairly modern, with modern, student-chosen, music during the down times and student run promotions and contests. The Queen’s Competitive Dance Team performs between the quarters and helps distribute promotional items in the crowd. The Queen’s mascot Boo-Hoo did not make an appearance at the game that was reviewed. Neighbourhood 5 The ARC is located at the north end of the main campus of Queen’s University. Queen’s is located just west of downtown Kingston, one of the most interesting and vibrant neighbourhoods that you will find. Head towards the river and Princess Street to find just about everything you could want. A number of national restaurant chains can be found all along Princess, Queen and Brock Streets, but there are also a ton of independent spots that will peak your interest. Woodenheads Gourmet Pizza, Sir John’s Public House, The Merchant Tap House, Chez Piggy, The Toucan and Grizzly Grill are all worth checking out. Kingston is a fantastic spot to be, especially in the summer. The Haunted Walk is interesting and Confederation Park is along the Rideau Trail right by the waterfront. The ferry to Wolfe Island is right there also. Across the river, at the top of the hill is Old Fort Henry, which has a number of activities during the summer and fall. Bellevue House was the home of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Fans looking for other sporting options within the city will not have to look far. Queen’s fields a full slate of athletic programs including their legendary football stadium that plays at Richardson Memorial Stadium . The Queen’s hockey team plays a few blocks away at the Kingston Memorial Centre. The cross-town rivals for the Gaels, the RMC Paladins play just across the water at Constantine Arena . Also, the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL play right downtown at Leon's Centre . There are a number of places to stay if you are staying in Kingston. By the waterfront you can find the Confederation Place Hotel, Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront and Delta Waterfront Hotel. All are good spots to stay. Fans 3 Assessing fans at USports basketball games is challenging. Usually, attendance numbers are not published, and discerning league attendance averages is almost impossible. That being said, USports basketball fans would assuredly be measured in the hundreds and not thousands. At the game that was reviewed there were over five hundred fans in attendance, all of which were corralled on the east side of the gymnasium, which makes for more of an event feel, but doesn't make for great pictures. The fans that are in attendance are decent supporters of the Gaels but are not over the top crazy. There is a decent percentage of students in the crowd, but not nearly as significant as universities south of the border. Access 4 Getting to Queen’s and the ARC are not too difficult. The ARC is located on the main Queen’s campus and a significant distance south of the main highway into Kingston, Highway 401. Getting to Queen’s from out of town will require a significant drive through the city . For fans interested in public transportation to the ARC there is a bus stop on Earl Street at University Ave, right by the ARC. Check out the Kingston Transit website for schedules, fares and maps. The Kingston Trolley may also be an option for you to head to the ARC. Check out the Kingston Trolley website for details. Right by the Earl Street entrance to the ARC, there is a large underground parking garage. Parking can run up to $6 which is on the pricy side for university basketball. Pay and display on nearby streets is also an option. Having a plan is a pretty good idea when heading to a game. The markings for the underground garage are not very good as are the markings for the ARC. The Queen’s University and Gaels athletics websites are pretty good at filling in the gaps. Getting around the ARC is not a problem considering the number of fans in the stands. Washrooms are also adequate for the crowd numbers in attendance. Return on Investment 5 There is great value in a Queen’s Gaels basketball game for little investment. Adult tickets purchased in advance will run $8 or $10 at the door. Discounts are available for students and youth. Children under five are free as are Queen’s University students. All tickets are doubleheader tickets with entry into the women’s game included. Parking prices aren’t the greatest but concession prices are okay. The product that Queen’s puts on the floor is high quality and exciting and absolutely worth the very insignificant investment a fan is asked for. Extras 3 An extra mark for Queen’s playing in the first ever interuniversity basketball game in Canada. An extra mark for the Gaels players and coaches linking during the singing of O Canada. A definite nod to the Oil Thigh, which is a deep-set Queen’s tradition. An extra mark for the Public Address announcer for the Gaels. During the play the name of the opposing player who scores is not announced, only the team name. A unique feature that nudges up the home court advantage just a bit. Final Thoughts Although Queen’s Gaels basketball does not offer the vast array of traditions that can be found at a Queen’s Gaels football game, basketball does have some tri-colour history. The Athletics and Recreation Centre is a wonderful facility that should help with recruiting for years to come. Tri-Colour Hoops is well worth checking out when in Kingston. Che Gheill!! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos courtesy of Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Vaught-Hemingway Stadium All-American & Hill Drive Oxford, MS 38677 Mississippi Rebels website Vaught-Hemingway Stadium website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 64,038 Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam! It's been called the Literary Capital of the South, as Grisham, Faulkner, and Willie Morris have all lived here and used the small Mississippi town as a setting for many of their novels. It's Oxford, Mississippi, and after coming here, it's easy to see why, as the scene here is something straight out of a novel. At The Grove, you'll find tailgating like you've never seen before – it's as grand and upscale as you can get, with chandeliers hung from a sea of tents and people eating off fine china. Students wear their Sunday Best, with men in slacks and women in dresses and boots, backdropped by beautiful Greek column buildings and hundred-year-old oaks. This is Ole Miss Rebels football, and the unique blend of Southern culture, charm, and historic tradition combined with one of the most storied programs in all of college football makes coming to an Ole Miss football game a must-do in the fall. The Rebels began playing football at Ole Miss in 1893 as the state's first football team; as one of the founding members of the SEC in 1932, the Rebs won six SEC titles and won three National Championships (1959, 1960, and 1962). Since 1915, the Rebs have played at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the country's fifth-oldest FBS College Football stadium, which, as of 2024, has a capacity of 64,038, making it the largest stadium in the state of Mississippi based on capacity. The stadium is named after Judge William Hemingway, a former law professor at Ole Miss, and former Head Coach John Vaught, who coached the Rebels from 1947-1973, including the three National Championship teams. Coming to an Ole Miss game is an experience like no other and perhaps the most raucous atmosphere in not just the SEC but across all of college football.   Food and Beverage   4 You can find plenty to eat and drink inside the stadium if you don't fill up pregame in The Grove or on The Square. In 2019, Ole Miss updated the concessions inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to give you plenty of options – in addition to over 20 different basic stands built into the concourse, you'll also find several custom-themed options. Fergndan's Wood Fire Pizza has two locations for fans to purchase brick oven pizzas, and there is also a sausage and hot dog cart located on the southeast side of the stadium. Burger Me, a spot to get custom-themed burgers, is located on the southwest concourse, while Chop's BBQ has two locations to get anything BBQ-related, from nachos to pulled pork sandwiches. Chops has its signature item called Totchos, which includes pulled pork, tater tots, and jalapenos, The Healthy Rebel features grilled chicken wraps, fruit cups, and other healthy snacks. Lastly, Great American Cookie and Nuts 4 offers spots in the stadium to get candy, funnel cake, and cookies. For drinks, Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of Ole Miss athletics – if you purchase the souvenir cup for $7, you can get $1 refills throughout the game. Also, a cool promotion they have is if you take your signature Ole Miss cup to any Blue Sky convenience store in Oxford, you can get a 65-cent refill. But for those who want to drink alcohol, there are 15 stands inside The Vaught, where you can buy alcoholic beverages. The usual domestic beer is sold, as well as some premium beers such as Suzy B, a local beer, and Henry's Hard Sparkling Water, a locally brewed seltzer. A cool spot to hang out and have a drink is Blue Moon Brewhouse, located on the west concourse; this location is a cool little beach-themed bar with TVs, but it is kind of hidden so as not to get in the way of people walking through. I found myself here at Blue Moon Brewhouse during halftime, watching some of the other games on TV.   Atmosphere   5 You cannot find an atmosphere that embodies the Southern culture and personality more than a trip to the Ole Miss campus on a game day. At the center of campus lies The Grove, a 10-acre greenspace that is transformed into the SEC's ultimate debutante ball on gamedays – a sea of tents takes over The Grove, stretching as far as the eye can see, all under the shade of hundred-year-old oaks and magnolia trees, for which The Grove got its name. It is an upscale affair here, with many tents decked out with elaborate décor, including people drinking wine and eating off fine china. It is also not uncommon to find chandeliers hanging from the tents here. A common misconception is that you have to dress up to come to games here, but that is mostly for the students. Ole Miss has a large student population in Greek life who dress up in suits and ties, but most people will be wearing casual attire, as it can be particularly hot in Mississippi in September. I would go with khaki shorts in the heat and khaki pants in the cold. The ladies will particularly dress up more than the men; you'll find many women wearing fancy dresses and boots while wearing glitzy hats. Just blocks from campus are the famed Square, the downtown area, and the cultural heart of Oxford. The Square is just as much a part of the Ole Miss gameday experience as The Grove – The Square is about a 15-minute walk from The Grove, so many fans will walk back and forth between the two before the game. 2 1/2 hours before kickoff is perhaps the most cherished gameday tradition at Ole Miss, the Walk of Champions. During the Walk, the football team walks from the student union down a brick-lined path through the Grove and into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This tradition began in 1983 when coach Billy Brewer wanted the players to experience the atmosphere of The Grove before the game. There is also another cool tradition here, where fans will lock arms and rock back and forth as the team runs out onto the field – this is called "Locking the Vaught." The stadium sits at the center of campus, a short quarter mile from The Grove – the facility is surrounded by buildings, so it's kind of hard to see as you approach. On the west side of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is SBJ Pavilion , which opened in 2016 and is home to the Rebels basketball team. The Pavilion is open on football gamedays and hosts a small fan fest inside and outside of the building. On the south side sits Manning Practice Facility, named after the Manning Family (Archie, Eli, and even Tennessee  grad Peyton have their names engraved on the plaque). Outside the venue, near the student entrance, is a giant statue of former coach John Vaught. Once inside the stadium, the seating bowl is in a perfectly shaped oval around the field, which faces north and south. The facility is not very high up or steep like some stadiums are, but instead, all 64,000+ seats fit into the oval-shaped bowl and are slanted at a 45-degree angle, so you'll have great views no matter where you sit. At the top of the east grandstand is the Rebel Club, a climate-controlled luxury seating area, while at the north end is a huge video board measuring 48 x 105 feet. My favorite spot to watch the game from is a standing-room-only concourse below the Rebel Club – here, you'll get excellent views of the field and also a great view of the fireworks that go off after every Ole Miss touchdown. For night games, they'll do a pretty impressive light or drone show at the start of the 4th quarter, which is best seen the higher up you are. The students take up the entire north end zone, and there is no way to get into that seating area from elsewhere in the seating bowl. Students and fraternities will start filling up the student section hours before kickoff, and you'll hear plenty of "Hotty Toddies" throughout the day. This saying is synonymous with Ole Miss, and when you leave the game, you'll have the official rallying cry stuck in your head for days – “Heighty! Tighty! Gosh A Mighty! Who in the [Heck] are we? Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam! Ole Miss, By [Darn]!”.   Neighborhood   5 This small town of 25,000 swells to over 100,000 on Saturdays in the Fall. About a 3-block walk from campus is The Square, centered around the Historic Lafayette County Courthouse, which was built in 1872; local shops and restaurants make up the businesses around the courthouse. Oxford's favorite son, William Faulkner, used The Square as a setting for many of his books, renamed the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, while Oxford was called Jefferson in his novels. Some of the more popular shops on The Square include the South's oldest department store, Neilsen's, which has been in operation in the same location since 1839. Another must-visit if on The Square is Square Books, one of the largest independent bookstores in the country – You never know who you might run into in the famed bookstore on gameday, whether it be John Grisham or one of the Mannings. There are four Square Books stores located on the block, with each store featuring a large selection of local and national authors, from kids' books to history books. Some of the restaurants on The Square include Ajax Diner, voted the Best Plate lunch in Mississippi, as well as City Grocery for local Southern fried foods and Boure Restaurant for Creole or Cajun. South Depot Taco Shop offers tacos and Mexican dishes, but if you want to venture out a little, world-renowned Taylor Grocery is about a 15-minute drive from Oxford and is famous for its fried catfish. A visit to this hole-in-the-wall is almost a rite of passage for Ole Miss fans and something you must see if in Oxford – note that the place gets extremely busy on Sundays after gamedays, however. Oxford also has a popular live music scene; the Delta Blues combined with Memphis rock ‘n roll has produced a unique jam band scene. Proud Larry's, The Lyric, and Rooster's Blues House are a few of the popular places on The Square to check out live music, while End of All Music is also a popular place to buy vintage records and vinyl albums. The Lyric's building was once used as the stables for William Faulkner's horses – Faulkner lived nearby at the historic mansion Rowan Oak, which makes for another must-visit if in Oxford; the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer wrote five novels while living inside this two-story 1840s mansion. Rowan Oak is located just off campus and is open for public tours, and there is even a cool trail that goes from campus through the woods and to Rowan Oak. Besides all of the above, for outdoor stuff to do during the weekend, there is the South Campus rail trail, a paved bike trail over a former railroad, as well as Sardis Lake just north of Oxford, which is a great place to take a boat or do any other water-related activities.   Fans   5 This season, fan support is at an all-time high, with every game selling out. In fact, the game I most recently saw broke the attendance record with over 67,000 fans in attendance – this was also the highest-attended college football game ever in the State of Mississippi. Head coach Lane Kiffin has brought prestige back to the program to the likes of how it was in 2014 when the Rebels rose as high as Number 2 in some polls. There is just something special about generations of families gathering together in the same place in The Grove on Saturdays in the fall for decades. Ole Miss fans are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable of any fan base you will find – The Grove has a bad reputation for not being very welcoming to visiting fans, but I did not find that to be the case, as I saw many opposing fans walking around in The Grove. The only visiting fans who might get hassled are Mississippi State  fans. Most of the fans here are knowledgeable about the history and traditions of the program – you'll find old-school fans who can remember names like Archie and Eli Manning, Deuce McAllister, and Patrick Willis, as well as a new generation of fans who remember guys that made an impact on the program in the past 10-15 years like Bo Wallace, Chad Kelly, AJ Brown, DK Metcalf, Laremy Tunsil, and Robert Nkemdiche. You’ll also find the longtime Colonel Reb logo everywhere in The Grove, emblazoned on everything from tents to shirts. The real Colonel Reb mascot can also be seen walking around The Grove, taking pictures, and you will even find people dressed up as the Colonel.   Access   3 Getting to Oxford may seem fairly simple, although it might seem like kind of a rural drive to get here, as it is located about 25 miles from the closest interstate. If coming from the west, take I-55 until you get to Batesville, which is about an hour south of Memphis, then go east on Highway 278 for about 20 minutes, and you'll run right into campus. If coming from the east, the closest big city is Tupelo, about an hour away – from there, take Highway 278 west, and you'll find the university. Once in Oxford, due to the small size of the city and the limited parking, it can be quite hectic finding a place to park. To park anywhere close to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium or near The Grove, you are going to have to have an Ole Miss Athletic Foundation-issued parking pass – these are hard to get unless you are a season ticket holder or park of the Rebel Club. Instead, if coming to a game as a regular fan, there is one lot on campus called Insight Park near the soccer stadium. There is also parking at Oxford High School, a nearby shopping center, and at the local community college, where they’ll shuttle you over to campus if you park at any of these three. For non-conference games, parking is $35, while for big SEC contests, you’ll pay between $50 and $75. If parking at Insight Park, I recommend purchasing your parking pass in advance, as this lot sells out quickly. Once inside the stadium, with overfill capacity, you'll find moving around kind of difficult. Also, all the seats are bleacher seating, except for the south end zone, so you'll be kind of crammed in here. However, there is also a lack of ushers checking tickets, so you can move around.   Return on Investment   4 Coming to an Ole Miss game is an experience like no other and something all fans of college football should experience. Should you come to Oxford for the weekend, you will not be disappointed. The only drawback is the expensive parking and the somewhat expensive ticket prices – you get what you pay for, though, which is the only way to put it, as you are getting to see SEC football at its best and experiencing some of the best tailgating in all sports, here at an Ole Miss football game. For the beginning of the season non-conference games, you can get tickets for as little as $20 to $30. As the season progresses, however, ticket prices will fluctuate depending on how the team is doing, for example, for conference games, you may see tickets on the Ole Miss athletic site for between $50 and $60. This season, every game sold out by week 3, though, and so some conference games started selling on secondary sites for $200 to $300. If you come into Oxford for the weekend looking to stay the night, you better book your rooms well in advance – Oxford doesn't exactly have many hotels and the few they do have often sell out quickly or are really expensive during game weekends. Instead, I recommend staying about 25 minutes away in Batesville, where there are more and cheaper hotel options.   Extras   5 If you do happen to drive on campus, make sure you drive 18 mph, the official speed limit on campus. The reason is that # 18 was Archie Manning's number at Ole Miss; this is perhaps the only college in the country that has an official speed limit based on the number of a former player. One extra for The Grove, being the Holy Grail of Tailgating for College Football – this is one of the best experiences and atmospheres in all of sports. College GameDay even broadcast from The Grove in 2014 with Katy Perry as the guest picker. The Rebs upset # 3 Alabama  that day and rushed the field, after which the students, with Katy Perry in tow, then proceeded to carry the goalposts from the stadium to The Square (the goalposts ended up at the fraternity houses). Besides Ole Miss football, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium has hosted the Mississippi High School Football Championships on two occasions (2017 and 2023). The facility has also hosted two concerts, one by Hardy in 2023 and one by Morgan Wallen in 2024. With a capacity of 64,038, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is the largest stadium in Mississippi – the extra 38 seats are in honor of Rebel star Chuck Mullins, who suffered a devastating injury in a 1989 game that left him a quadriplegic. Even though he would pass away in 1991, Mullins left a lasting impact on the Ole Miss community. The road to the west of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is named after Mullins, and every year, the football presents the Chucky Mullins Courage Award. As of this season, over 250 former Rebs have been drafted into the NFL, with 29 Ole Miss alums currently on active NFL rosters. Ole Miss has also produced 12 College Football Hall of Famers and 3 Pro Football Hall of Famers (Patrick Willis, Bruiser Kinard, and Gene Hickerson, as well as soon-to-be Eli Manning). The Conerly Trophy, given to the top football player in Mississippi, is also named after former Ole Miss quarterback Charlie Conerly – 11 former Rebels have won the prestigious award.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Momentum Bank Ballpark 5514 Champions Dr Midland, TX 79706 Midland RockHounds website Momentum Bank Ballpark website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,669 Rockin' in the Midlands Since 2002 Momentum Bank Ballpark has been home to the Midland Rockhounds, the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics . Located in West Texas on the border of the Chihuahuan desert and the Panhandle Plains, the Midland-Odessa area is most famous for two things: oil and high school football. The ballpark is an oasis in the landscape that has brought visitors from the days it was built – the Rockhounds are anticipating hosting their 10 millionth fan at some point during the final few games of 2024, or early in the 2025 season. Before this stadium was built, the team played in Christensen Stadium as the Cubs (1972-1984) and Angels (1985-1998) before rebranding as the Rockhounds in 1999. A rockhound is a nickname for a geologist, in honor of the oil and gas industry, which is responsible for approximately 30% of the Permian Basin’s workforce. The Rockhounds and their predecessor names have won 7 championships in their history, most recently in 2017. They were also leading their division by 2 games late in August when I last visited on a warm Sunday afternoon. Food & Beverage   4 Upon entering the ballpark gate you are met with a plethora of aromas, including the smell of grilled sausages, burgers, barbecue, Mexican food, popcorn, and more wafting through the air. Multiple concession stands and kiosks are spread from foul pole to foul pole; in addition to traditional ballpark fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and pretzels, the Rockhounds also offer foods such as Philly cheesesteaks, PB & J hot dogs, supreme nachos, and grilled chicken sandwiched. Momentum Bank Ballpark also offers numerous beer offerings beyond the standard market brands, including local craft beer Tall City  in 4 different styles, Yuengling, and the Texas beers Karbach and Saint Arnold's Lawnmower .   Atmosphere   3 The slightly smaller-than-life-size catcher statue on a large home plate-shaped cement pad welcomes visitors to Momentum Bank Ballpark as you walk up from the north. Displayed on the cement in front of the catcher are bronze plates recognizing championships and other team accomplishments through their history, which sets the tone for an enjoyable experience. Fans are treated to a beautiful view of the field from directly behind home plate as they enter the gate, and head toward the team store, concession stand of choice, or their seats. There is a large video scoreboard beyond the right field fence, which displays player information as well as advertising, and between inning challenges and quizzes – video ribbon boards above the seating on both baselines display current player statistics and line scores. There are also three pitch clocks, one on the outfield berm which is visible to the crowd, batter, catcher, and home plate umpire, as well as two on the backstop visible to the fielders and field umpires. Like most MiLB franchises, the Rockhounds promote their sponsors well – during most home games of the 2024 season they offer either an advertised promotion, giveaway, or discount. For example, every Tuesday game promises 2-for-1 tickets, Wednesdays call for half-price hot dogs, Saturday games end with postgame fireworks, and fans are given free ice cream for all Sunday games. In addition, Thirsty Thursdays have drink discounts and Fridays are usually when cap, t-shirt, and jersey giveaways take place. It seems that no matter which game you might choose to attend, value is added to your ticket purchase.   Neighborhood   4 Located off Loop 250 in northwest Midland, the area around Momentum Bank Ballpark is home to newer homes and businesses, as well as open land plotted for future development and growth. There are numerous quality hotels across the street from and within walking distance of the ballpark – these accommodations include Tru by Hilton , Townplace Suites , and Residence Inn   among others. No matter what your palette desires, you should be able to find a restaurant within a few miles of Momentum Bank Ballpark to satisfy you; eating establishments within a long line drive include Raising Canes, Osaka Japanese Steakhouse , Clear Springs Seafood and Steaks , and   La Mision Mexican Food . Or, if you’re looking to have a drink and relax after the game, Fair To Midland  Kitchen and Bar or The Hemingway  are two excellent options just a short distance away.   Fans   3 Momentum Bank Ballpark, and Midland in general, have been home to a consistent fan base since baseball was introduced to the Permian Basin in the 1970s – this is well documented by the average of over 250,000 fans per season, or over 3500 per game. The game I most recently attended was a late summer Sunday afternoon the week before school started, so attendance was lower than normal. Fans in attendance cheered for between-inning game participants and made noise when the Rockhounds snuffed out a late-game rally from the opponent; you can tell that regular fans are very knowledgeable about the game here and want to have an impact on its outcome.   Access   4 Getting into the ballpark is easier here than at many other stadiums – Momentum Bank Ballpark is located in Scharbauer Sports Complex, which houses Grande Communications Football Stadium as well as competition soccer fields, ensuring plenty of parking lots within less than 100 yards of the ballpark’s gate. The Rockhounds also offer free parking, which makes for a wonderful first impression. Public transportation is available to most games, but is not an option as a way to get back after the game ends, since the rides end at 7:30 pm – Uber  and Lyft  are much better options and are typically available when needed. Mobile tickets are required at Momentum Bank Ballpark, and the process was effortless using the MiLB ticketing software. Gates open only 30 minutes before the first pitch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, but an hour prior for games on other days. Clear bags are required, but you are allowed a 20-ounce water bottle if you desire. The concourse is large enough for multiple grill kiosks, a bar down the third baseline, a safety tent, and an information table without hampering movement at all. Lines move fast due to concession options in all areas of the stadium. My suggestion is to take time to walk the concourse around the ballpark and enjoy the view from every angle. If you are fortunate enough to attend a night game, you’ll want to catch the west Texas sunset behind the first base stands from the left-field berm.   Return on Investment   4 Attending Rockhound games is an affordable event. Ticket prices range from $8 for general admission berm seating to $12 for reserved seats in sections well down both baselines, up to $22 for premium reserved seats in the sections behind home plate. While there are no bad seats at Momentum Bank Ballpark, the added price for premium reserved seating is worth the added cost. You can also find other opportunities to save through promotions such as 2-for-1 tickets on Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, free ice cream Sundays, and half-price hot dogs on Wednesdays. Concession prices here won’t break the bank either – non-alcoholic drinks are $4.50 to $6, and most beer and wine cost between $7 and $9 depending on your selection. Adding food items, a person can enjoy a meal at the game for less than $20 and easily feel satisfied, which is very much in line with other Double-A experiences in the minor league system.   Extras   3 An extra point is given for the splash pad – only those who’ve experienced the Texas summer heat would understand this. Points are also added for the friendliness and accommodation of the staff, as well as for the free parking.   Final Thoughts Midland Rockhound Baseball is the only professional baseball option within 250 miles. As such, the leadership and game presentation could easily become stale, with the staff here counting solely on their monopoly to sell tickets and bring in crowds. Instead, they have chosen to offer an experience that is fun for all ages and different levels of baseball acuity. Whether you are spending one night in Midland or an extended time, attending a Midland Rockhounds game should make the to-do list.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Joe Cannon Stadium 7611 Ridge Chapel Rd Hanover, MD 21076 Coppin State Eagles website Joe Cannon Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 1,500 Fly Like An Eagle Coppin State University plays baseball nearly 25 miles away from its Northwest Baltimore campus, as an on-campus facility does not exist. They use Joe Cannon Stadium, located at Harmans Park in suburban Hanover, MD. The stadium was designed for the use of amateur baseball teams in the region and is named after the man who pushed very hard to get such a field developed. Coppin has not really been one of the more successful schools in baseball, but it did have the late Baltimore Orioles great Paul Blair serve as their Manager from 1998 to 2002. Recent years have seen some better success with the team. When Joe Cannon Stadium was opened in 1990, the area was not very developed. Since then, this area has been the center of rapid growth and development. The large Arundel Mills Mall and Maryland Live Casino are nearly across the street from the stadium. BWI Airport is also located nearby, and the sight of airplanes taking off is not uncommon. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options available for a Coppin State baseball game. A concession stand exists at Joe Cannon Stadium but is not used during Coppin games.  No soda nor snack machines are located here either. Atmosphere 2 The seating section sits pretty high off of the field, which limits fan participation. And that is if there are fans at the game. The atmosphere is almost non-existent, although a PA announcer does keep you into the game with announcements and music played between players. The seats are metal bleachers with no backing. It may be worth it to go all the way to the top of the stands so that you will have a back to your seat, but you will be a bit further from the action. Many of the fans do not even sit in the stands, but bring their own chair to sit along the chain link fence along the foul lines. This may offer a bit more interesting view than in the main grandstand. The stadium did have a recent renovation that added an artificial turf field and other player amenities. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located back in the woods but is across from a thriving development. Arundel Mills Mall is very popular, so much so that parking can be difficult at times. The addition of the Maryland Live Casino adds to the popularity of the area. Luckily, the casino has added a large parking garage to alleviate some parking problems. Food options are varied. The closest options are within walking distance across parking lots. Subway and The Greene Turtle are close and offer options for both carry-out and eat-in. The Greene Turtle has a diverse menu, offering more intriguing options, including everything from Raspberry Turkey Flatbread down to a more usual bar food menu. They also offer many happy hour foods and drink specials at the bar. There are so many other food options in the area, from standard fast food fare to upscale restaurants at the casino. There are a few hotels also in the area, with ALoft and Element located within walking distance of Joe Cannon Stadium. Fans 2 The fans at the stadium are clearly family and friends only. I would doubt there are ever many student fans in attendance unless they know someone playing. The stadium is too far removed from their campus. The stadium did seem to draw a large group of fans from the opposing team. Once again, it was mostly family members and other friends, but the location near Arundel Mills may be a draw for these games. Access 3 Joe Cannon Stadium is near most of the large highways in the area, such as I-295, I-95, and Maryland Route 100. So access is technically very good. The abundance of highways does not tell the whole story. The traffic around Arundel Mills Mall can be stifling. You can expect to sit through many lights just to make simple and small turns. Weekend games will be worse than weekday games. Plan your trips accordingly, as you may need to be patient for the most simple of rides. Parking at the stadium is plentiful and free. Return on Investment 4 Games are free to attend, and there are no other costs associated with the stadium, so the value for the fans is very good. If a good local team is in town, or one of the powerhouse programs is playing, fans will be rewarded with some good baseball skills with very little investment. Extras 1 The large water tower located beyond the left field wall is an interesting sight to see at a baseball game. It may not be the Green Monster or the Camden Yards Warehouse, but it gives fans at Joe Cannon Stadium an interesting view. Final Thoughts The stadium is an enjoyable place to watch a game, especially for being free. You will not be wowed by the field, nor probably the talent level, but it can offer a good option away from the crowded shopping environment located nearby. A good option for many fans is to drop those of their party who wish to shop at the mall while others take in a game.

Photos by Matt Finnigen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sam Suplizio Field 12 St and North Ave Grand Junction, CO 81501 Grand Junction Rockies website Sam Suplizio Field website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 10,000 Getting it Right in Grand Junction Minor league baseball should provide fans with a fun experience in a pleasant atmosphere at a reasonable cost. The Grand Junction Rockies achieve all of these aims, enabling fans on Colorado’s Western Slope to enjoy short-season, Class-A, Pioneer League baseball in a naturally magnificent setting. The team’s parent club, the Colorado Rockies, purchased the Casper (WY) Ghosts in 2011 and relocated the team to Grand Junction’s Suplizio Field before the 2012 season. Since then, Grand Junction has served as a first stop for several players who advanced to play Major League Baseball, such as David Dahl, Jon Gray, Kyle Freeland, and Ryan McMahon. The ballpark is part of the city’s 42-acre Lincoln Park, which also features a 9-hole golf course, an outdoor swimming pool, picnic shelters, a playground, and horseshoe pits. Colorado Mesa University sits just across U.S. 6 from Suplizio Field. CMU’s NCAA Division II baseball team also uses Suplizio Field for its home games and its football team plays adjacent to Suplizio Field, at neighboring Ralph Stocker Stadium. Notably, Suplizio Field has hosted the National Junior College World Series every year since 1958. Suplizio Field sits in the shadow of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flattop mountain at approximately 500 square miles. Grand Mesa provides a stunning backdrop for the Rockies’ home games, as well as a key part of the team’s primary logo. Before the Rockies’ inaugural season, Suplizio Field received $8.3 million in renovations that included new bleachers on the stadium’s first base side, a new press box, and a new wheelchair-accessible mezzanine section. These renovations enhanced the experience at Suplizio without compromising its many positive attributes. Food & Beverage 4 Suplizio Field has high-quality food and drink options. Although the fare is what most people would expect from a sporting event, it is fresh and delicious. Hot dogs ($4), Polish dogs ($5), hamburgers ($5), cheeseburgers ($6), and grilled chicken sandwiches ($5) can all be complemented by a side of French fries ($3), which are actually thinly sliced strips of starchy perfection and a must-try for anyone attending a game in Grand Junction. Pepsi products are offered, with a souvenir cup of soda costing $5 with $2 refills. The Rockies also have an ice cream stand, where soft-serve vanilla and huckleberry ice cream are available in mini-helmets for $5. The Rockies have a small concession stand, the Rockaritaville Cantina, on the concourse beneath the right field grandstand where fans can enjoy limited Mexican fare. Nachos ($7), burritos ($7), and tacos ($6) are offered along with margaritas ($6) and Estrella Jalisco beer ($4). Beer lovers will appreciate Suplizio Field’s selection and prices. Fans can enjoy 16-ounce draft beers for just $4, including not only Budweiser products, but also the Rockies’ house brew, GJ Brew; Goose Island IPA; and the local Palisade Brewing Company’s Dirty Hippie wheat beer. Atmosphere 4 The Rockies have created a very pleasant atmosphere at Suplizio Field. The team’s mascot, a coyote named “Corky,” interacts with fans throughout the game. The team also stirs fans’ interest by designating an opposing player as the “Beer Batter;” if that player strikes out, fans enjoy $2 beers for the ensuing 10 minutes. Seats along the first baseline offer not only the best views, but some protection against the sun during late afternoon and early evening games. The recently built press box towers over the stands and provides ample shade. The Rockies have extended the protective netting along each baseline but fans in the stands can watch pitchers warm up in bullpens in the left field (visitors) and right field (home) corners. Some of the metal bleachers have seat backs. To access the dugouts from the teams’ respective clubhouses, players must walk across the concourse. This enables fans to obtain autographs from and take photos with the players before and after each game. Neighborhood 3 Suplizio Field sits along a busy, commercial corridor near both downtown Grand Junction and Colorado Mesa University. Fans can park next to Suplizio Field and enjoy the rest of Lincoln Park before a game with a picnic, a round of golf, pickleball, tennis, or swimming. Downtown Grand Junction offers a wide variety of dining options just a five-minute drive from the ballpark. Pablo’s Pizza and the Rockslide Brewery offer good food along Main Street in downtown. Several hotels are also located downtown, including Marriott’s Fairfield Inn and Springhill Suites. Fans 3 While the crowds at Suplizio Field are not large, they are loyal and engaged. The stadium has capacity of approximately 10,000 and crowds range between 2,000 and 3,000. Access 3 With free, close, abundant parking, fans should plan to drive to Suplizio Field. Fans using a navigation system to travel to the ballpark should note that parking is behind center field, although iPhones will direct fans to the home plate entrance (where there is no parking). The stadium does not display obvious signage to direct fans where to park. The local Grand Valley Transit does have a bus stop on 12th Street for fans wanting to take mass transit. Return on Investment 4 A night at Suplizio Field is a great value. Tickets are available at either $11 for a club seat behind home plate or $9 for a reserved seat along either baseline. Parking is free and concession prices are quite reasonable. Extras 3 The Rockies offer high-quality promotional items. On one night, all fans received Kyle Freeland bobbleheads and free, post-game fireworks. Players from both teams are accessible, gladly signing autographs and posing for photos with fans after the game. The Rockies also provide free game programs with rosters and photos. Fans should consider a late-season visit to Grand Junction for a game. Palisade, Colorado, is just a 10-minute drive east of Grand Junction and is an agricultural hub where some of the best peaches in the country can be found, beginning in August. Final Thoughts The Rockies work very hard to provide fans with a great experience, and it shows. A night at Suplizio Field promises a fun time and beautiful views for even a casual baseball fan. With an abundance of outdoor activities in and around Grand Junction, Suplizio Field is a summertime highlight for fans on Colorado’s Western Slope.

Photo Courtesy of Pacific Tigers Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Klein Family Field Pershing Avenue At Larry Heller Drive Stockton, CA 95204 Pacific Tigers website Klein Family Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,500 The Klein Family’s Gem Klein Family Field has been home to UOP (University of Pacific) baseball since 2006 when they moved from the longtime and former home of the Stockton Ports, Billy Hebert Field. The Ports played at Billy Hebert Field from 1953 until 2005 when they moved into their new home, Banner Island Ballpark . Bud Klein, the namesake of the Stanford Cardinal’s Klein Field at Sunken Diamond , is also a member the honored family in Stockton. His father, Sol Klein, began many Stockton youth leagues and the baseball club that would eventually be known as the Ports. Many members of the Klein family have been Tigers and their support continues with the donation of this beautiful new facility for the baseball program. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands, one serving the main items like hot dogs ($3), polish sausages ($4.50), baked potato ($4), burger ($4.50) and various sides like cookies ($1.50), peanuts ($2.50), bottled water and soda ($3), and malts ($3). The other concession stand only serves the side items. There is a third mini area that serves bottled beer and glasses of wine. It is in a section sort of separated from the rest of the seating area. It was unclear to me whether you needed a special ticket to enter this lounge area or some sort of wristband acknowledging you are of age. Atmosphere 4 Klein Family Field is a great place to watch a game. There are lots of seating options that you can choose from that include chair back seats, grass seating, high tops under canopies, and lounge chairs near a fireplace. Fans aren’t terribly loud but do have a good turnout. At this game, the energy level certainly dipped when Cal State Fullerton started the game by scoring 7 runs in the first 2 innings. The sight lines are great all around the park and there is plenty of room for the little ones to run around and keep themselves occupied. Klein Family Field and the surrounding scenery provides a top atmosphere for college baseball. Neighborhood 3 Klein Family Field is adjacent to the home of Pacific basketball, the Spanos Center. The area surrounding the ballpark is largely upscale residential, including parts of the UOP campus. There isn’t much in way of good hangouts in the immediate area but you can be sure you’re in a safe neighborhood, unlike the perception of other parts of Stockton. Though bars and restaurants within walking distance to and from the venue aren’t very available, downtown Stockton, as well as the Miracle Mile, is not far away. I’d recommend going to Valley Brewing Co about two miles away. They serve their own micro brews, good pub food, and you can take in sports memorabilia from all over Northern California as well as Stocktonians who made it to the big leagues. Lastly, the Stockton Ports play two and a half miles away on the Stockton waterfront. Fans 3 At the game of this review, much of the wind was taken out of the fans’ collective sail because of the onslaught by the visiting Titans. They were however engaged with the ballgame throughout. It certainly feels like a community of friends in the stands as I would imagine many of them go to all of the games together, much like the experience across the way at the Spanos Center. The Pacific Tigers also must compete with Stockton Ports and their new ballpark as well. On this particular day, baseball fans needed to choose between the two teams as the Ports were in town playing the Lancaster Jethawks. Access 4 Klein Family Field is located just a few blocks from highway 5 and two miles from 99. Getting from the freeways is easy through safe city blocks. Take main drags Pershing or Alpine to the convenient (and free on weekends) parking lot. You enter the ballpark between Klein Field and the Spanos Center where you’ll pass mementos of past donors to UOP athletics and through the charming gates to the field. Once inside, the promenades are plenty wide and the restrooms are clean and spacious enough for the field’s capacity. Return on Investment 4 General seating starts at just $6 for this 80 degree May afternoon. With parking free and concessions affordable and plentiful, Klein Family Field provides a great value to fans. Unfortunately Ed Sprague’s squad has struggled the last few years and is currently in last place in the Big West Conference. On the flip side, I got to see the top team in the conference in Cal State Fullerton, who has plenty of tradition beyond their successful 2012 season. Extras 2 The Spanos Center showcases all the banners for all sports at Pacific so there aren’t many acknowledgements of baseball successes at Klein Family Field. Extra points go to the array of seating you can choose from as well as the fireplace (yes, fireplace) down the right field line. The fireplace has lounge style chairs to kick back in. Final Thoughts I really enjoyed my trip to Stockton and would recommend a trip to Klein Family Field. I didn’t know what to expect as I had only been to the snazzy Banner Island Ballpark and couldn’t imagine that the UOP ballpark could measure. It measured up very nicely. Note: The University of Pacific will be joining the West Coast Conference (WCC) for the 2013-14 academic year.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Sam Boyd Stadium 7000 E Russell Road Las Vegas, NV 89122 UNLV Rebels website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 36,800 What Happens At Sam Boyd… Sam Boyd Stadium is named after Sam Boyd, a notable figure in the Las Vegas hotel & casino industry. Built in 1971, the venue has been renovated multiple times, most recently in 2015, and now has a capacity of 35,500 (a horseshoe design with no fixed seating on the north side). Besides hosting the UNLV Rebels, the stadium has been home to several (short-lived) professional football teams, and is also home to the annual NCAA Las Vegas Bowl. Temporary bleachers can be erected in the north end zone as needed to add capacity, and the venue has held over 40K on several occasions, most notably in years when BYU played in the bowl game. Food & Beverage 5 Sam Boyd Stadium has a wide variety of food and beverage options, including plenty of alcohol; concession stands offer everything you would expect at a game and then some, including pizza, burgers, hot dogs, brats, smoked sausage, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and Blings!, as well as snacks such as popcorn, churros, cotton candy, pretzels, and several varieties of nuts (salted, cinnamon glazed, and chocolate covered). Main dishes range in price from $4-$9, while snacks cost $3-$6. Adult beverage options at Sam Boyd Stadium include several stands that have full (or at least semi-full) bars, as well as stands that only sell beer, and even specialty stands that sell Guinness products. You can also buy beer for $7 at the main stands (Bud Light, Coors Light, or Miller Lite). Non-alcoholic choices include Coke products in bottles or from the fountain, Powerade, bottled water, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Atmosphere 4 The crowd is not very large at UNLV games lately, but the venue is still worth a visit. The decor at Sam Boyd Stadium really plays up the Vegas angle, with poker/casino-themed icons surrounding the distance markers on the field, the slogan “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” painted in each end zone, and even images of the Vegas skyline behind the north end zone; they also play the song “Viva Las Vegas” before every game. Besides the Vegas imagery, you will also see the mascot, Hey Reb, being chauffeured around in a red and black car decorated with Rebels logos. He drives around the parking lots before the game to help rev up the crowd, and rides around again just before kickoff when he leads the team onto the field – the second time is much better, because this time there are actually five cars, the first one sporting a giant UNLV flag, and the others bearing flags with the letters U, N, L, and V. These flags won’t be seen again, though – while at most stadiums, the cheer squad runs around with their flags after every home team score, here at Sam Boyd Stadium, they shoot off red and white confetti instead. The best thing about Sam Boyd Stadium is that all of the seats have chair backs – specifically, all the seats are bleachers with chair back rails. This is much more comfortable than most stadiums (which only have chair backs on the alumni side, if at all). Neighborhood 5 The stadium is located in Vegas – what more could you ask? While there are fewer choices near the stadium itself (south of city center, near Henderson), there are plenty of great restaurants in Vegas, too many to even begin naming them. The best ones are the buffets, where the food is very high quality, but the prices are low (because the hotels make their money off the gambling). There is plenty to do in Vegas besides dining out – in addition to the myriad casinos, there are plenty of clubs you can visit or shows to take in at The Mirage or at similar venues. You may also want to visit Hoover Dam, located just a few miles south of Las Vegas. A hotel in Vegas can easily cost over $100 per night (plus resort fees), but it is definitely worth it to be close to the action, especially if you can find something close to the strip – that place is bustling all night long! Lots of the hotels run specials, and try to get it back from the gambling, so you should be able to find a good rate. Remember that Vegas is located in the middle of a desert, however, so you won’t find much except coyotes if you stray too far from the city limits. Fans 2 The Rebels fans who show up are passionate, loud, and wear school colors, but there aren’t that many of them. In fact, you might see just as many visiting fans as you see UNLV fans. Officially, attendance is listed at 20K per game, but the actual attendance is a lot lower, more in the 10K to 15K range. They do sell team gear in the stadium, if you forget to bring your own. Access 4 There are plenty of ramps in Sam Boyd Stadium, parking is free behind the south end zone, and while there are not a lot of bathrooms, there are more than enough to accommodate the size of the crowd. Depending on where you are coming from, getting to Vegas could be a long lonely drive through the desert, so you may prefer to make the trek in the daytime. The parking on the south side is in gravel lots, and the area is actually one continuous zone with entrances on either end, so pay attention to the numbered posts along the fence to remember where you parked. There is no tailgating in this area; for that you will need to park in the grass on the north side, which will cost about $10. There are gates on the east, west, and south sides, but the main entrance is on the south, which is closest to the parking for most fans. This is also where the ticket booths and will-call are located. The concourse under the seats is plenty wide, but there are numerous pillars you have to navigate around, so watch for those – at least they are painted in Rebels colors. There are concessions stands on both sides of the aisle, however, so it should be easy to find what you want – the main stands are on the inside (closer to the field), and the satellite stands are along the outside. Return on Investment 4 Like most college football venues, ticket prices at Sam Boyd Stadium vary by game, with the cheap seats starting at $14 for some games, up to $20 or more for other games. However, since UNLV games rarely sell out, you should be able to find tickets on the secondary market, and you can always buy cheap seats and move to a different section. I didn’t notice any promotions, like free t-shirts or rally towels, but programs are free, as is parking, and concession prices are reasonable, so seeing a Rebels game is definitely worthwhile from a cost perspective, given the unique imagery and fun antics of the mascot. Plus, it gives you an excuse to see Vegas – as if you need one! Extras 3 Enjoy the view of the Rockies – people always seem to rave about the mountain views, I guess because they are a rarity in college football, since most teams are near the coasts. We should also mention all the Vegas imagery – the only thing lacking is a slot machine. A third point for the other events held here, such as the annual Las Vegas Bowl, which provide additional opportunities to visit this modern, fun venue. Final Thoughts UNLV may not have the most competitive team lately, but their stadium is definitely worth a look, and the location cannot be beat. And if you pick the right opponent, you just might witness a Rebel victory.

Photo by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Estadio de Mestalla Avenida de Suecia, s/n 46010 Valenica, Spain Valencia Club de Futbol website Estadio de Mestalla website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 55,000 Viva Valencia It all started in 1919 when two friends were at Bar Torino in Valencia having a drink. They talked about football in Spain and found it very unfortunate that Valencia had no football club. During the following conversation the idea was born to start a football club and so arose the Valencia Club de Fútbol (Valencia CF). The first games were played in the old stadium Algiros, but the club was increasing rapidly and gained more and more popularity in the Orange city (nickname of the city of Valencia). It was decided to build a new stadium in the district of Mestalla. Estadío de Mestalla was opened on the 20th of May 1923 with a friendly match between Valencia and local rivals UD Levante (1-0). At that time the Mestalla stadium was the largest stadium in Spain. It could initially hold 17,000 fans but the popularity of the club was still rising so the stadium was expanded a few years after opening to 25,000 places. Since then, the stadium has been expanded many more times. Nowadays the Mestalla Stadium holds up to 55,000 places. The stadium is very steep, which gives spectators a feeling that they are always close to the action on the field. In 1982, the stadium was host for three group matches during the World Cup. Back in August 2007, the club started construction of a new stadium called ‘Nou Mestalla.’ Unfortunately for the club the completion of the new stadium has been delayed due to financial problems. Now sufficient funds have been found, the 2020/2021 could be the final year of Mestalla! Food & Beverage 3 There are many small food and drink counters inside the ground which sell different sodas (Coca-Cola is Valencia CF’s main sponsor). Beer is also sold inside the stadium, you can buy a local Spanish beer by the name of Estrella Damm for just € 2.50, this beer is served in a plastic glass. When you are hungry you can buy yourself a hamburger or a pre-prepared sandwich. Atmosphere 5 The Mestalla Stadium has everything for a groundhopper like myself. It is the oldest football ground in the Spanish Primera Division. Only the main stand is covered, it has an old rusty roof which gives the stadium its old charm. The other three stands have no roof and have been rebuilt many times. This is something which you can clearly see as additional tiers were added on existing ones. I have visited many stadiums in the Primera Division, for me the Mestalla Stadium is the second best ground in the country. It can only be topped by the Santiago Bernabéu , the stadium of Real Madrid. Neighborhood 4 Mestalla Stadium is located less than 2 kilometres (1 mile) east of Valencia’s historic city centre in the Mestalla district. This part of the city is a dense urban neighbourhood with many narrow streets with high apartment buildings. In the area around stadium there are plenty of tapas bars, cafés and restaurants. We ate at the ‘Q de Barella-restaurant’ (Address: Calle de Finlandia 7) and had a good pre-match three course meal for a reasonable price. Fans 4 The Valencia supporters gather hours before the match in the tapas bars and cafés. When these are loaded they gather in the streets around the stadium. When we were at the ground the police blocked the main street in front of the stadium for traffic because the Valencia supporters took over the street. Most of them drink beer and hold pre-match analyses talks with fellow supporters. The Valencia supporters are very loyal supporters. The last three years the club has an average gate from around 40,000 each season. Valencia’s attendances are among the top 5 highest in the league. Access 4 From the city centre the Mestalla Stadium is easy to reach. It is located less than 2 kilometres (1 mile) east of Valencia’s historic city centre. When you walk from the Plaza de Toros in the historic city centre it takes you no longer than 20 minutes. You can also take the metro line 5, there is a metro station (Aragón) just next to the stadium. Metro line 3 is less than a 5 minute walk from the ground. There are also several busses which can bring you to the Mestalla Stadium. Valencia’s international airport is also connected to the Valencia metro network, so when arriving by plane you can travel in less than 35 minutes to the ground. I think travelling by car to the grounds is not really an option as I haven’t spotted many parking places around the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Valencia, just like many clubs, operate a category scheme for ticket prices. Ticket prices for lower and mid-table opponents vary depending on the opponent and range from € 25,- to € 90,-. The most popular games against top teams or against local rivals are the most expensive to watch. We enjoy the passionate atmosphere made by the Valencia supporters and we enjoy the old Mestalla Stadium very much. When you visit a match in Spain just treat yourself to a bag with pipas (sunflower seeds) because everyone in the stadium is eating those. Extras 3 Just want to sit in the dugout, walk around in the VIP area, watch the stands and the field, the presidential balcony, trophies or see the dressing rooms? Discover one of the oldest stadiums in Spanish football. This all can be done during a tour, the Mestalla Stadium offers self-guided tours with the name: ‘Mestalla Forever Tour.’ Adult ticket price € 10,90 and for children € 8,50. For more information, check the club’s website. Final Thoughts All the sights in the city like the cathedral, the bullfight arena, the Lonja de Seda (silk house) and the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias are worthwhile visiting. But when you can add a home match of Valencia CF in the old Mestalla to your trip, it would be really the icing on the cake. Make sure you hurry up before this historical stadium will be demolished, I’m sure it will make your trip to Valencia even more memorable.

Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center 1050 Panther Drive High Point, NC 27268 High Point Panthers website Qubein Center website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 5,000 The Panthers’ New Arena Reaches a High Point High Point University is a private University located in High Point, NC. It was founded in 1924 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school has an enrollment of 5,850 students. High Point University offers seventy undergraduate majors and eighteen graduate majors. The athletic teams at High Point University are known as the Panthers. They belong to the Big South Conference of NCAA Division I. High Point does not have a football program, so the basketball program is the primary sport during the late fall and winter months of the academic year. The Panthers basketball program has been around since 1927 when it played at the NAIA level through 1998. During its NAIA years, the team was a powerhouse, winning fifteen regular season titles and thirteen tournament championships. The home of High Point basketball is the on-campus Nido and Marianne Qubein Arena and Conference Center. As the name suggests, the facility is a complex composed of a 5,000-seat athletic arena, a conference center, and a small hotel. For brevity’s sake, we will use Qubein Center in this review, as this is the portion of the facility we visited and reviewed. The Qubein Center is named for Dr. Nido Qubein, the longtime president of High Point University. The arena opened in September 2021, just in time for the basketball season. Both the men’s and the women’s basketball programs play in the Qubein Center. The arena also hosts concerts, speakers, and school-wide events for the university. Food & Beverage 4 There are eight concession stands, with five located along the concourse and three more at the suites level. The stands take both cash and credit cards. Four of the concourse level stands carry identical merchandise, including pizza ($9), chicken tenders ($7), hot dogs ($4), nachos ($9), pretzels ($4), popcorn ($4), fries ($4) and candy ($3). Drinks include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($4), bottled water ($4), beer ($5), and wine ($7). There is one stand that sells sandwich combos, including Philly Cheesesteak/chips ($13), Pulled Pork sandwich/chips ($13), Angus beef sandwich/chips ($13), Beyond Burger/chips ($14), and Chicken Breast sandwich/chips ($12). We were unable to check out the stands at the suite level. The concourse is enclosed in some sections and open to the court in others. There are monitors along the concourse, so you should not miss any of the action while you are getting your food. Atmosphere 5 It will be obvious to you when you arrive in front of the Qubein Center that it is a one-of-a-kind facility. The circular drive goes around a large fountain with a 20-foot-tall bronze panther statue gracing its center. The building behind it has very dramatic lighting and lots of brick and glass along its front face. As you enter the building you will be on the first level of the building. The first level houses the ticket offices, dressing rooms, and other support areas. The second level is the concourse level. It is very polished and has lots of artwork related to High Point University. There is a team store called the HPU Team Store and Panther Boutique located at this level. You will then go down into the seating bowl. The suite level is on the third level and is restricted to season ticket holders and major donors. The concourse will take you 360 degrees around the court. A majority of the seats in the arena are below the concourse, while the suite level is above the concourse. The aisle markings along the concourse are easy to follow. If you have time, it is well worth it to walk around the concourse. There are informational stations along the way with displays on the history of High Point basketball, the top scorers in school history, trophies won by the various teams, and major upsets the Panthers have inflicted on major teams. If you had not figured out what the Panther’s team colors were…. you will after you see the seating bowl. There is purple as far as your eye can see. The seating in Qubein Center surpasses anything we have experienced on our visits to college basketball arenas. The seats are all fold-down seats, with nicely padded areas to support your back and bottom. The seats are all purple. There is not a bad seat in the house, as the pitch of the seating area is gradual enough that you are not looking at the back of someone’s head. Most of the seating is below the concourse, but there is a smaller set of seating at the third level of the arena known as the suites level. As you descend the steps going down towards the court, make sure to check out the video board over the center of the court. You are looking at the second-largest video board in the state of North Carolina. It has screens on all four sides and provides very clear graphics no matter where you are in the seating bowl. It can project game statistics and replays all at the same time. The video board can also project images down onto the playing court, a feature typically found only in professional sports arenas. The seating bowl also includes not one, but two levels of ribbon boards that continuously carry updates throughout the game. High atop the arena and the seating bowl is a dome ceiling constructed totally of wood, giving the facility a very classic look. The court below the videoboard is known as the Tubby and Donna Smith Court. Tubby Smith is a graduate of High Point University and coached the High Point University basketball team for several years. It is a very deserving honor for a coach who also led teams at the University of Georgia, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Memphis. The court also has nice graphics featuring the High Point University logo at midcourt. Neighborhood 5 High Point University is in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. The Triad includes the cities of Greensboro, NC, High Point, NC, and Winston-Salem, NC. High Point is located 20 minutes from both Winston-Salem and Greensboro. High Point’s claim to fame is the Home Furnishings Capitol of the World. There are more than one hundred furniture stores and outlets located in the city. One of the city’s major attractions also relates to the furniture industry, as High Point is the home of the Largest Chest of Drawers in the World. The art piece is more than thirty-two feet high and is famous for the large number of people from all over the world who have their photo taken in front of the dresser. Another nearby point of interest is the statue of jazz musician John Coltrane, who was a native of High Point. Both the Chest of Drawers and the Coltrane statue are located on Hamilton Street, just a few blocks from the university. If you are traveling with children, the Nido and Marianne Qubein Children’s Museum is well worth a visit. There are a wide variety of national hotel chains located near the former Oak Hollow Mall. The Courtyard Marriott High Point offers special pricing for High Point University events. Austin’s Steakhouse and Brewery is located near the school and has a wide selection of craft beers. Fans 4 Qubein Center has been quite a draw with both the students at the school, as well as the local population of High Point. There is a close relationship between the school and its neighbors, and they welcome the community to events held at the school. High Point basketball is the major sports event in the community unless you travel to the other cities in the Piedmont Triad. The student section at Panthers games is known as Purple Reign. They are vocal and they attend home games in large numbers. More than 95% of the High Point student body lives on campus. The arena is within walking distance of many of the dorms and residential buildings on the campus. Students can attend sports events on campus for free through the student activity fee. The student section at High Point home games is strategically located behind the baskets at each end of the court. By splitting the student section in this way, they can ensure a loud crowd will always be adjacent to the free-throw line to distract the visitors throughout the game. The High Point University Pep Band and Prowler the Purple Panther work closely with the Cheer squad and the Dance team to keep the energy level high throughout the evening. Contests and giveaways take place during breaks in the action. Access 4 The Qubein Center is easily accessible from anywhere in the Piedmont Triad area. From Greensboro: Take I-85 South to Business 85 headed towards High Point. Take the South Main Street/High Point exit and turn right onto Main Street. Turn right onto College Drive. Turn right at Lexington, then take the first left into the campus via Panther Drive. Parking personnel will then direct you to the University Parkway lot. From the South: Travel north on I-85. Take Business 85 North. Take the South Main Street/Archdale exit off Business 85 North and turn left. Turn right at College, then left onto Lexington. Turn into campus on Panther Drive. Parking personnel will direct you to the University Parkway lot. From the West: Take I-40 East to Highway 311 South (Exit 196). At High Point take the North Main Street exit (Exit 65). Turn left at Hartley Drive Hartley becomes College Drive at the Oak Hollow Mall. Continue on College Drive, then turn right at Lexington. Take the first left onto campus via Panther Drive. Parking personnel will be on hand to direct you to the University Parkway lot. There are a limited number of parking spaces immediately outside the Qubein Center. These spaces are reserved for season ticket holders and major donors. All other fans must park in the University Parkway lot down the street from the arena. Shuttles run throughout the evening to ferry people to the arena before the game and take people back to the parking lot afterward. There is no charge for parking or the shuttle. Once you arrive at Qubein Center, five entry doors are adjacent to the front driveway. Doors to the arena open 90 minutes before tipoff, leaving you plenty of time to get something to eat and find your seat. There are seven ladies’ rooms and five men’s rooms located along the concourse. You will only encounter a line for them shortly before the game and at halftime.   Return on Investment 5 Tickets for all Panther games are priced at $25. The concession stands offer a wide variety of items at reasonable prices. Parking is free for fans parking in the University Parkway lot. The shuttle between the parking lot and the arena is also free. Extras 4 There is a great deal of public art throughout the Qubein Center. There is a series of prints located along the concourse entitled “Art of the Possible.” Each of the twelve prints features an illustration and a few words to outline the many ways High Point University can prepare students for a successful life. There is a great photo opportunity awaiting you along the concourse. You will encounter a full-sized fiberglass version of Prowler, the team’s purple panther mascot. There is a chair for you to sit in for the photo, and the wall serving as a backdrop has some wonderful graphics to complete a very well-composed shot. The Princeton Review rates High Point University as # 1 in the Country for Best College Dorms and # 9 for the Most Beautiful College Campus in the United States. The Qubein Center hosted the 2024 Big South Conference Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament. Final Thoughts The Qubein Center is a stunning addition to the High Point University campus. The arena offers fans a professional level of amenities, including comfortable seating, an above-average video board, and an impressive set of dining options. Qubein Center also serves the High Point community through concerts, appearances by notable speakers, and other events throughout the year.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Jadwin Gymnasium 800 Faculty Rd. Princeton, NJ 08542 Princeton Tigers website Jadwin Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 6,854 Jadwin is an Ivy League Gem The L. Stockwell Jadwin Gymnasium is a multipurpose athletic facility that has a combined floor space of approximately 250,000 square feet with seating for 6,854 spectators for various indoor athletics that include men’s and women’s basketball, track and field, fencing, wrestling, and squash. The venue is also large enough to house an indoor baseball diamond that is utilized during the truculent New Jersey spring weather. Opened in 1969, it is the second largest on-campus basketball arena in the state of New Jersey featuring an aesthetically pleasing roof consisting of three interlocking shells designed by prize-winning American architect and Princeton alumnus Walker O. Cain, who also designed the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of History and Technology in Washington, D.C. The eye-popping design of the structure is adjacent to both the home for football, Princeton Stadium, and baseball diamond, Clarke Field. It is a memorial to Leander Stockwell Jadwin who captained the track team during his senior year and passed away in an automobile accident eight months after graduation. Four decades later after his mother died, she left the university an unrestricted bequest of $27 million, the trustees decided to use part of the funds to complete the $6.5 million athletic building under Jadwin’s name. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession booth underneath the roof in the main lobby. The concession stand offers the basics in food choices including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, popcorn, nachos, and chicken sandwiches. If you have sweet tooth there are assorted candies, cotton candy, and Italian ice varieties. Coca-Cola products are served by the fountain in three sizes. The selection is similar to many other college hoop venues in the area. Atmosphere 4 The design of the gymnasium definitely strikes the fancy and captures the imagination of many who enter the main playing court. The roof is made up of three interlocking shells that create an arch around the building, but also adds a lot of vast space beyond the basic set of movable bleacher stands. The bleachers look as if they would fit adequately in your standard middle school gymnasium and are situated around three sections of the court; permanent orange theater style seating is slightly above the fourth section in the upper concourse. This section sustains a Broadway-like quality of viewing for the fan and, on a smaller scale, similar to the seating structure to Assembly Hall on the campus of Indiana University. What the arena offers is a very up close and personal relationship between fans and athletes. Fans can easily stroll up near the end courts where camera crews set up shop or directly behind both home and away benches. It is an experience that is somewhat unusual in Division I college hoops that also includes players heading to the locker room at a handshake distance. Up above the playing court is a basic scoreboard that is enveloped by glorious orange colored banners that showcase the program’s rich history, including a Final Four Appearance (1965), an NIT Championship (1975), 24 tournament appearances, and 26 Ivy League Championships. There are also two banners for two prominent members of the program – Bill Bradley’s retired number and one for Pete Carril who coached the Tigers for 31 seasons and whose name also dons the playing court. Jadwin has two primary levels beneath the roof formed by the three interlocking shells. The first shell covers the entrance lobby featuring the concession stand, ticket booth, restrooms, and a rather impressive collection of memorabilia including Dick Kazmaier Heisman Trophy. A makeshift souvenir stand is also located in the lobby next to the bronze tiger that was donated by the Class of 1943. The outside exterior resembles a concert hall with a tall, narrow glass entrance welcoming fans indoors. Neighborhood 5 Perhaps the best part of attending any Princeton collegiate game is the campus and neighborhood. The population of the area exceeds 30,000 and offers a mix of suburban sprawl and voluminous open space; this area of the state seems miles away from New York City and Philadelphia. The fourth oldest university in the country offers historic buildings, open gardens, beautiful walkways, and spacious grounds throughout the 500-acre campus. It is easily accessible by bike, car, or walking. The downtown section of Princeton is worth an endeavor before or after the game; shops, bars, and restaurants along Palmer Square provide visitors numerous opportunities to enjoy the ambiance of the city. The Alchemist & Barrister offers 28 beers on tap and is located in a historic building that dates back to the 19th century. There are open air and sidewalk seating where one can enjoy a drink or something to eat. If you are looking for just a quick bite, Hoagie Heaven is noted as one of the state’s best places for a sub sandwich. The Sanchez, a chicken cutlet with cheese, mozzarella sticks, fries, and Sanchez sauce is a local favorite. The Infini-T Cafe is a small, quaint little restaurant offering vegan options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are plenty of lodging options in town and the surrounding area. The Westin, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn are just a few of the hotels a visitor will find when staying in the vicinity. Fans 3 The men’s basketball program ranks above the league average of attendance drawing close to 2,000 spectators per game. The fans are focused throughout the contest and don the colors of orange and black. These are not uproarious fans, but rather refined and confident that their Tigers will take care of business on the court. The Jadwin Jungle is the official student section located near the scorer’s table. Access 3 It is not difficult to get around Jadwin Gymnasium. The facility is sectioned off into upper and lower balcony sections that are labeled and well spaced out for patrons. Bathrooms are clearly labeled and the concession stand and fan shop are adjacent to one another in the main lobby. The only problem with access is traveling to the game from the two main routes of US-1 and Route 27 into Princeton. The traffic could be heavy depending on the time of day and signs to the gymnasium are not clearly marked. However, a basic GPS will correct that in an instant. There is plenty of parking, but at times could fill up depending on the matchup. It should be also noted that the campus is an equal distance in miles between Philadelphia and New York City, but much more direct and faster from Philadelphia including no tolls for roads or bridges. If you happen to be visiting these two cities, you may ponder a fantastic day drive to Princeton. Return on Investment 3 All adult tickets for the game are $12, and kids tickets are $8, making an extremely affordable night of college sports in the prominent town of Princeton. However, one should bring cash, since they do not accept credit cards at the ticket booth. Also, having to sit in what amounts to be roll-out middle school wooden bleachers feels a little uncomfortable when you are squeezed in during heavily attended games. Fortunately, the upper balcony seats are comfortable and posh to enjoy the game. Parking is free for all games. Extras 3 The history of Princeton athletics is vibrant in and out of the gymnasium. Two lifelike bronze statues of its two most prominent athletes Bill Bradley and Dick Kazmaier greet fans near the entrance of the building. There is also Kazmaier’s Heisman trophy encased in the lobby along with a bronze Tiger statue, retired numbers, trophy cases, and other memorabilia on display. The facility design is somewhat spectacular and perhaps unexpected on the campus of Princeton University. It definitely makes for great acoustics and clear sightlines from the seats. It is also vibrant with an abundance of lighting arching up and down the curvy shelled roof. Final Thoughts Jadwin Gymnasium is a hidden treasure to discover among the basketball venues on the campuses of New Jersey. The second largest on-campus facility has an affection that should be applauded and relished by both students, fans, and alumni living in the area. I don’t have to witness a collegiate game in Princeton to enjoy the town and campus, but attending a game at the Jadwin Gymnasium complements any visit to the town of Princeton.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 7721 Steam Corners Rd Lexington, OH 44904 IndyCar Weekend website Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 65,000 Packed Hillsides in Central Ohio Put simply, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during big-time racing feels like an Ohio State football game. Not only are the fans loud, proud of their favorite drivers, knowledgeable, and loyal, but the food is great, the scenery is beautiful, and the facility is top notch. Now if only the traffic and getting to the track weren’t as bad as they are, then there would be little keeping Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course from being among the best around. Food & Beverage 5 Living in Ohio, or visiting Ohio, brings with it a culinary world of wonders. From Cincinnati to Cleveland, there is no shortage of places to find great food – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is no different. With numerous places to find food and drinks at food stands around the course, quenching your thirst or getting a bite to eat isn’t hard to do. The food here ranges from the standard burgers and hot dogs to fresh and authentic Polish sausage sandwiches. The best part? It won’t break your bank. Food ranges between $5 and $10 for main meals, including chips or fries. Drinks (soda and water) are standard as well, costing only a few bucks. And if that doesn’t do it for you, then get some pizza from one of the numerous traveling pizza servers. Yes, I said traveling servers – driving around the property on ATVs and off-road vehicles that feature warm pizza onboard, you can purchase your lunch and something to drink without losing your spot on the hillside, while watching the action on the track. Atmosphere 5 Ohio sports fans know how to hype up the energy, even at a car race. Whether they’re cheering their native son to victory, like Graham Rahal at the Honda 200 in 2015, or rooting for the driver of their favorite Porsche, McLaren, or Audi in a sports car race, they let the world know who they are rooting for. And in an act of impressive ability to cheer, you can hear them roaring for their favorite drivers over the sound of the roaring engines. In addition, the camping on-site is on the same level as the best sports tailgating in the country. Dare I say, the views from the trackside camping are also among the best. The view you can get with a camper parked at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is not like other courses, where you are separated from the actual race course and in your own parking area. Instead, here you can see the actual track itself from your campsite, with your tent right up next to the trackside barrier and fences – it’s hard to find a place with a better place to stay at the track, where you can camp while seeing the race as well. In addition, for those who enjoy the group aspect, camping is also available in the forest. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - Trackside Camping, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t in a major city, nor is it near a thriving metropolis. Instead, it is quite literally in the middle of farm country outside of Mansfield. The biggest town near the track, Mansfield, is also not that big of a place, but has its own mall and several places to eat and stay. While nice, the track is separated from civilization, giving a bit of an isolationist feel to the facility. One of the track’s entrances actually features a driveway that goes through a farm field, while another road leading to the front entrance goes through Lexington, a small town with a 35-mile-per-hour speed limit – this small town does embrace race weekend however, with local shops and restaurants putting on their best for race fans who pass through. For food, driving into Mansfield will bring you to Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, two popular stops for drivers and teams. For hotels, Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield South and The Inn on Smith’s Hill are also popular stays. For sights, the Ohio State Reformatory, located outside of Mansfield, was the filming location of the popular “Shawshank Redemption”, and even offers tours. Another popular stop is Cedar Point theme park, an hour north in Sandusky. Fans 5 See the Atmosphere section! The fans at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are pure awesome. Even if they don’t know the drivers on the track, they’ll pick their own favorite car and cheer for that team, whether they’re first or last on the track. In addition, if you get lost, most are more than willing to help you find your way – this is midwestern hospitality in its best form. Access 3 Getting to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t exactly easy; it’s in the middle of nowhere. It is also a fair driving distance from the highway, all down one-lane roads with speed limits that average about 40 miles per hour. Once you get to the track, all the parking is in grassy or dirt fields, with some spots on the hills. Your rarely-used parking brake will come in handy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as many parking areas are on hillsides with noticeable slants, that will become slippery if it rains. Needless to say, getting out after the races takes a lot of work and patience, as traffic is quite an ordeal. The one lane road coming in and out, as well as the single bridge leading from the infield to the outer portions of the facility, mean you may spend hours walking or driving out before you even reach the main gates. Return on Investment 4 While it may take some travel to get to the track, going to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a track steeped in history and sporting tradition is worth the trip. There are plenty of places to see big sections of the track, and the beautiful hillside scenery makes for a great backdrop for a NASCAR, IndyCar, or sports car race. That said you also have to bring your appetite, as the food will be hard to resist once you smell its sweet scent wafting through the air. Extras 5 There are many extras at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course that set it apart from others. First, the social media interaction helps engage fans while at the track – Instagram posts with the race’s hashtags show up on the monitors and big screens during the weekend. Another bonus is the great weather the track usually enjoys – even in the summer, it gets no warmer than the low 80s. How can you argue with that? Something else that gets the fans engaged is the large fan zone at the interior of the track. With displays, shopping for souvenirs, and driver interaction events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams. Autograph sessions throughout the weekend stretch down the hill and around a few trees…literally! Fans can also wander throughout the pits and garage areas to see their favorite teams at work, preparing their cars for the on-track action. Perhaps the most unique thing about Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is that the garages feature a fan walkway above that looks down on the old-fashioned wooden and open-air rooms. This gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the IndyCar and NASCAR teams working on their machines, a view that few other tracks offer. Final Thoughts If you want a quick, action-packed racetrack that features great camping, a beautiful backdrop, some of the loudest and most passionate fans in racing, and is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the place for you. You won’t leave hungry, you won’t leave disappointed, but you may leave in a long line of traffic (fair warning).

Photo courtesy of Getty Images If you’re a sports fan, which you have found our site, you no doubt are, are fully aware of how much ticket costs have climbed each year. The complex correlation between athlete salary costs, the financial realities owners face in running a team, and the state of the overall U.S. economy are all entangled, with fans caught in the crossfire. Supporting your team and checking off bucket lists, big events have to be weighed based on their financial burden. Online gaming site VegasInsider   recently did a study of just how expensive the average ticket cost was for fans for the 15 most popular sporting events in the United States for 2024. Coming in at by far the most expensive as, not surprisingly, the king of pro sports in the U.S., the NFL Super Bowl LVII, which was a classic between the Kansas City Chiefs  and the San Francisco 49ers . The biggest sporting event in the country was exponentially the priciest ticket to get for fans, with the average single ticket costing $8,600. Coming in second was Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix at $2,167, followed by The Masters Golf Tournament  at $2,111. The Kentucky Derby, at $1,774, and UFC 300, at $1,567, rounded out the top five most expensive sporting events. Two of the more surprising events found on the list were WWE’s equivalent to the Super Bowl, Wrestlemania XL, which was held this year at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup cricket event held at venues in Florida, New York, and Texas. The ticket cost for one of cricket’s largest annual events was $675, while Wrestlemania tickets set fans back an average of $639 – with the latter event spanning two days, that added up to quite a chunk of change. Other big-ticket events this year were the NCAA’s Men’s Basketball Finals, held this year in Phoenix, which set fans back an average of $622 per ticket, and the upcoming boxing exhibition between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, which is priced at $717 per ticket. Rounding out the rest of the list were auto racing’s Miami Grand Prix ($1,110) and U.S. Grand Prix, held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas  ($820), MMA’s UFC 306 ($1,083), and the Copa America Final, which saw Lionel Messi return to form for the Argentinian national team ($750). Lastly, the two U.S. Open events for men’s tennis and men’s golf were $425 and $250, respectively. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Oland Stadium 1 West St Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Canada St. Francis Xavier X-Men website Oland Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 4,000 X-Men Football Competing in the Atlantic University Sport Conference (AUS) of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), St. Francis Xavier University has a storied football history. The X-men made several appearances in the Atlantic Bowl throughout the 1950’s and 60’s, prior to the arrival of the Vanier Cup in 1965. Their most successful season came in 1966 when they won the Vanier Cup, lead by Hall-of-Fame Fullback Paul Brule. Brule suited up for the 1964 through 1967 seasons and holds eight rushing records, which are still intact today. The X-Men came up short in their only other Vanier Cup appearance in 1996, losing to the Saskatchewan Huskies. Oland Stadium is home to StFX football, along with track & field, a rugby, soccer, and lacrosse team. The field first hosted football games in 1967 and underwent major upgrades in 2009, including a new field and stadium lighting. Food & Beverage 5 Normally the food selection at smaller sporting venues is very basic. Cheap processed food dominates the menu with less than desirable tastes. However, the food selection at Oland Stadium celebrates local businesses in Antigonish with two popular food trucks offering unique, high quality options. For the 2015 and 2016 seasons, the Waffle Bus Stop has been serving up their sweet and savory waffle sandwiches for $5.50-$8.50. This food truck is owned by a friendly local couple that also have a popular restaurant just off Main Street. Wood Fired Pizza is the other food truck parked next to the Waffle Bus Stop just beyond the north end zone. The plain white trailer with black lettering does not look like much from the outside, but step inside to see pizzas cooking over flames inside a grand oven. In front of you is a table full of fresh appetizing toppings and a menu of four traditional options, along with a “create your own adventure.” A freshly baked personal size pizza costs $10, while a family size pizza costs $20. As with any food truck, you will have to wait for your food; however, the location creates no barriers and allows a fan to take in every play of the game. Unfortunately, if the food truck option is too pricey, your options are limited. Kenny’s Pizza serves large slices of greasy pizza for $4.50. A number of fans also step inside Oland Centre to grab chips and candy from a vending machine. Alcohol is available underneath a large tent at a sectioned off area just north of the grandstand, near the food trucks. The beer selection includes: Bud, Bud Light, Alexander Keith’s, Labatt Blue, and Angry Orchard Cider, for a reasonable $4.50. Wine is also available by the glass for $5. You cannot return to your seats with alcohol, but you get a great view of game action from the beer garden. Soft drinks, bottled juices and water are offered for $1.75. Be sure to bring cash, as most of the vendors do not accept credit cards. It is refreshing going to a sporting event with alternative options other than the traditional hot dog and fries. Plus, purchasing items from the food truck gives the travelling fan a taste of Antigonish and an opportunity to support local business. Kudos! Atmosphere 3 The field at Oland Stadium may be modern, but the old grandstand provides a unique experience. Twenty-six rows of mostly old wooden bleachers line one side of the field, leaving the other sides open to views of the campus and landscaping. Unfortunately some sections of the wooden bleachers were replaced with aluminum, losing the appeal of the old-fashioned stadium. The metal replacements make you think about why the wood planks were replaced; did they break? This thought leaves one with an uneasy feeling about safety as you step on the old boards. Also, you must watch your step as you climb the bleachers, as the width of the steps are uneven and would not pass today’s building codes. Tickets are general admission, with the most popular seats located in front of the media boxes. These seats have great sight lines and are the only shaded areas to escape from the mid afternoon sun. If you get too hot, cool off inside the Oland Centre and discover the Hall-of-Fame sketches of all the famous former St.FX athletes, and old artifacts celebrating the school’s athletic past. The pregame events at Oland Stadium are a unique game day experience. Players storm the field through blue smoke with the Clay Thompson Pipe Band playing Scottish music and ‘Captain X’ pumping up the crowd. The pipe band re-enters the field to play after each quarter. Be sure not to miss a big play as the stadium lacks a video screen for replays. The public address announcer is heard throughout campus as he cleverly describes how a defense “gobbled up” the offensive player. Just outside the stadium on the northeast side of the field is “Cheapskate Hill,” where students gather on the grass to watch the game for free. A popular photo opportunity is located below Cheapskate Hill where the popular “Smile You’re at X” sign is located. After a touchdown by the home team, an alumnus rings the “Paul Brule Scoring Bell” located at the bottom of the grandstand. Neighborhood 4 Oland Stadium is located near the south end of St.FX’s beautiful campus. Walking around campus takes you back in time with strong Italian and Colonial architectural influences. St. Ninian Cathedral is a must see for any architectural history buff. Downtown Antigonish is a five-minute walk from campus along Main Street. A number of good local cafes and restaurants reside here with an old small town feel. The Tall and Small Cafe offers fresh sandwiches and coffee with work from local artist/photographers lining the walls. A good dinner option is the Townhouse, a community supported restaurant offering local craft beers and unique food items. Fans 4 Oland Stadium has an ideal location that allows the 4,700 enrolled students to come out in fairly large numbers. Students start “Go X Go” chants at varies times of the game. They cheer loud and are decked out in blue and white. Football games create reunions for alumni and citizens of Antigonish who make up the rest of the typical crowd. Attendance figures are commonly atop the AUS ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 the last few years. The large, near-sellout crowds add to the exciting atmosphere at the games. Access 4 Prepare for a scenic road trip to Antigonish, as the nearest major airport is a two hour drive away in Halifax. However, fall colours will be vibrant if you go in late September or early October. Getting to the stadium is straightforward. Highway 104 skims the south end of Antigonish and the StFX campus. Exit at Highway 7 (Exit 32) and after a few blocks turn right on Convocation Boulevard. Oland Centre will be straight ahead, with Oland Stadium right behind it. Parking is free but somewhat limited. Antigonish Community Transit is a viable option for fans coming from Antigonish County. Prices range from $6-$10 depending on where you board the bus. For more information, visit http://antigonishcommunitytransit.ca/ . Tickets can be purchased at the Keating Centre prior to game day, and at the north gate on game days. Entrance into Oland Stadium is possible from both north and south sides of Oland Centre, although the north side is known as the grand entrance. As you enter, get your hand stamped for re-entry and receive your free program. Merchandise stands are located just past the entrance. Staff hand out free bottles of water with the aim to curb the perception that alcohol is essential to enjoy a game. Access to the seating area is narrow but easily navigable. The sidewalk leads you underneath the bleachers to a series of portals, from which you can enter the seating area on one side, and the Oland Centre on the other. As a first time visitor, a feeling of uncertainty comes across as it’s unclear whether you are allowed in the building where the locker rooms are located. However, this is also where the washrooms are situated which are outdated and fairly small, although lineups are minimal. The grandstands are not a good option if you are in a wheelchair, as a railing disrupts your view. Alternatively, you may sit just to the side of the grandstand. See one of the many approachable usher/security staff for assistance. Return on Investment 5 Come out and enjoy a beautiful setting for football with friends and family. Tickets run $8 for an adult prior to game day, $12 on game day, or $30 for season tickets. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and youth 12 & under. St.FX athletics offers a 6 or 10 game pass for any sport to get a variety of athletic entertainment. For a devoted fan, an “all sport” pass is available for $195. St.FX has an exciting and competitive football program. Overall, witnessing a game is a worthwhile investment for your entertainment dollar. Extras 4 StFX football at Oland Stadium has several items worth an extra mention: Contracting local food trucks for games Passing out free water as you enter the stadium The tradition of the Brule Bell, honouring a famous alumnus The hall-of-fame, including individually framed head shots sketched by hand and the historic trophies, photos, and jerseys encased in glass.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium 4103 Granny White Pk Nashville, TN 37204 Lipscomb Bisons website Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 1,500 Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium – Lipscomb University Bisons Nashville is world renowned for its country music and neon-filled nightlife, but there is also a very wide appeal for baseball in the area – from the professional ranks with the Nashville Sounds (AAA- Milwaukee Brewers ), to the two-time national champion Vanderbilt Commodores , to the smaller, rival schools in the city, Belmont and Lipscomb universities. You do not have to venture far from the hustle-and-bustle of Nashville’s Broadway to find the quiet Green Hills neighborhood and the campus of Lipscomb University. Lipscomb has a deep baseball history dating back to the 1920s that includes two NAIA National Championships. The Bisons christened the current Ken Dugan Field in 1991, and have made upgrades to it as their program has grown. Since jumping from the NAIA ranks to NCAA Division I, Lipscomb has played as part of the Atlantic Sun Conference since becoming fully recognized members in 2003. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions here have many of the typical baseball items like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and sodas. The biggest game changer on the menu though, the addition of chili, opens a whole new world of possibilities. Hot dogs become chili dogs, nachos have more than just the usual suspect of a cheese cup, and a plain old bag of Fritos is now transformed to Frito pie. Beverages include a line of bottled Coke products; Lipscomb is an alcohol-free campus, so beer and seltzers are not available. Atmosphere 3 Upon initial approach, Dugan Field appears to be not much more than a small, brick and cinderblock press box, but after passing through the gates the stadium opens up to a concrete grandstand with alternating seat back chairs and backless bench seating. The bench seating serves more as a footrest than a seat, but can come in handy if the need for more seats should arise. There are a handful of umbrellaed patio tables around the top of the grandstand. While there is no shade in the primary seating area, trees on the grassy berm do provide relief from the sun. Any of the seats are good for taking in the action on the field. Day games make the first base side of the field preferred, to keep from having to face the setting sun all afternoon. Lipscomb plays on a well-manicured, natural grass surface with a synthetic halo surrounding the home plate area. The field plays to rather traditional dimensions: 330’ down each of the lines, 375’ to each of the gaps, and 400’ to dead center. A symmetrically curved, 8-foot fence is backed with trees from foul pole to foul pole. A simple scoreboard rests in right-center field and is crowned with the school’s gold and purple “L” logo. The scoreboard provides basic inning-by-inning scoring, hit-run-error, and ball/strike information. Restrooms are built into either side of the lower level of the press box, but are a bit on the small side. The doors to neighboring Allen Arena seem to be left open to provide fans with a second restroom option. Throughout the game there are not a lot of ad reads, but there are a handful of promotions to engage fans during the downtime between innings. Promotions include a “Let’s Make a Deal” type game that looks for a fan with a random item, Lipscomb baseball trivia, sing-along-karaoke, and a t-shirt toss. The remainder of the mid-inning downtime is filled with popular music. Neighborhood 4 The Lipscomb campus is a bit removed from the bright lights of Nashville’s entertainment district, but is just 2 miles from the 12 South neighborhood that is populated with several coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Though 12 South does not have all the lights and glitz of Nashville’s Broadway, the entertainment epicenter of Nashville is just five miles away. Lipscomb University itself is in Nashville’s Green Hills neighborhood, which is made up of several large, beautiful homes. Some of these homes are visible just over the right field wall. Nashville is a city ripe with sports entertainment, and much of it is not far from the Lipscomb campus. Belmont and Vanderbilt baseball teams play at separate fields, each just three miles away. On the north side of the city is First Tennessee Park , home of the AAA Nashville Sounds ( Milwaukee Brewers ). The Nashville SC of the MLS should just be starting their season as the Bisons are getting theirs going, while the Nashville Predators should be making a push just about the same time, in preparation for the NHL playoffs. Fans 3 Even though Nashville is a city that always seems to have something going on, Lipscomb does a fairly good job at drawing fans to baseball games, given the size of the university. Baseball attendance typically ranges from the mid 200s to the lower 400s per game. As might be expected, high profile programs do a lot to boost attendance to just over 1,000. On average, Lipscomb ranks in the middle of the Atlantic Sun conference when it comes to attendance. Students make up a decent amount of the total fans in the stands, but do not get overly rambunctious as students might at other schools. Fans are not necessarily loud, but they are actively engaged in the game and supportive. Access 4 The most direct access to Lipscomb is via Interstate-65 from the north or south, or from the I-440 bypass if approaching from the east, west, or from Interstate-24 (toward Murfreesboro). The campus is within 2 miles of either highway. Nashville has made a substantial investment in its public transportation, which does have a bus stop at the Lipscomb campus. Parking is available in either the Allen Arena East or West parking decks, and is just a short walk to Marsh Stadium’s entry gate. Even though there are entry points at the front of the stadium, the gate adjacent to Allen Arena is used for fan entry. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Lipscomb baseball are a single, general admission price of $5. With free parking and reasonable concession prices, the monetary investment in going to a game at Dugan Field is minimal. Given the wide number of choices for sporting events in Nashville, the time investment might be a bit more of the prohibitive issue. Nevertheless, Lipscomb does well to attract from their own student body and the surrounding community. Extras 3 Lipscomb’s conference tournament successes and NCAA Regional appearances are recognized with banners on the West parking garage's exterior. There is a fair amount of grassy area for kids to run and play catch, while not getting in the way of fans watching the game. Lipscomb runs many promotions and giveaways throughout the season, including “Sunday Fun Day” where kids can run the bases post-game. Final Thoughts Even though baseball at Lipscomb would not be considered a destination ballpark, it is an enjoyable time. Opponents from Power-5 conferences tend to give a significant boost to the stadium's attendance and overall atmosphere. While Lipscomb probably is not going to pull many fans from the other collegiate or professional teams in town, they don’t really need to. The amount of Lipscomb fans, combined with a thoughtful game presentation, makes baseball at Ken Dugan Field an overall fun experience.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Warrior Ice Arena 90 Guest St. Boston, MA 02135 Boston Pride website Warrior Ice Arena website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 700 The Pride of Women’s Hockey The Pride are one of the original four members of the Premier Hockey Federation, the only professional hockey league for women in North America. The team is the only franchise to have won multiple Isobel Cups, in 2016, 2021 and 2022. The Premier Hockey Federation began operations as the National Women’s Hockey League. Prior to the 2021 season the league rebranded to a new, more inclusive and independent title, the Premier Hockey Federation. The league continues to grow, adding a seventh team in Montreal for the 2022-23 season and signing a broadcasting contract with ESPN. The league has announced a doubling of their salary cap for the 2023-24 season, to $1.5 million per team. Warrior Ice Arena, located in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, has served as home to the Pride since their second season in 2016. The facility also serves as a community ice rink and is the practice facility of the National Hockey League’s Boston Bruins. The rink is named for its sponsor, Warrior Ice, which is New Balance’s hockey brand. Food & Beverage 3 The one concession stand at Warrior Ice Arena sells a basic menu, highlighted by grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders and pizza slices. An extensive selection of snacks are available, highlighted by Chipwiches, an ice cream sandwich brand which sponsors the PHF. Fans looking for a beverage will be interested to learn that the cola wars have skipped Warrior Ice Arena entirely. Instead of soda, a selection of water, juices, iced tea and lemonade are sold. Hot drinks including coffee, tea and hot chocolate are popular choices in this chilly rink. New for the 2023 season is a collaboration with Dorchester Brewing Company, which has produced two Pride-themed beverages, All In Golden Lager and Prickly Pear Hard Seltzer. A portion of proceeds from these drinks benefit the Pride Foundation. Other adult beverages available are draughts from Zero Gravity brewing, a selection of Nantucket Craft Cocktails and wine. Atmosphere 3 Over the course of their seven-year existence, the Pride have worked hard to carve out a niche in the local community. The attraction of local sponsors, the presence of youth hockey teams and LGBTQ+ organizations and even the occasional connection with the Boston Bruins show that their efforts have largely been successful. The Pride employ a PA announcer that really leans into his work. Warrior Ice Arena fills with music and noise from the youth groups which fill the facility during play stoppages. A new addition for the 2023 season is a mascot, named Roari (because lions roar, right?). Roari takes part in the between-period contests and games, roaming the crowd throughout the game. Youth teams take the ice during intermission, and the Shootout Challenge during the second intermission is a highlight for the young fans in attendance. Warrior Ice Arena’s status as a community rink means that fans will often have an opportunity to take the ice before or after a game, should the schedule permit. It’s a really entertaining game day atmosphere for such a basic facility. Neighborhood 4 Warrior Ice Arena is part of Boston Landing , a mixed-use development located in a former industrial area that once housed the city’s largest stockyard. Warrior Ice Arena serves primarily as the Boston Bruins’ practice facility and a public skating rink. Also located in Boston Landing are the Auerbach Center, the Boston Celtics’ practice facility, and the headquarters of New Balance. In addition to the office, residential and retail space in the area, a 175-room hotel is planned to open soon. Several local television and radio stations have their studios near Boston Landing. Visiting fans will find some excellent dining choices near Warrior Ice Arena. The Stockyard is one of Boston’s oldest steak houses. The Railstop, adjacent to the arena, offers craft beer and upscale pub dining. Flatbread Pizza offers specials to Pride fans and a variety of, you guessed it, pizzas. Mainely Burgers offers a variety of gourmet burgers and pub food. Downtown Boston is just a few miles from Boston Landing, and easily accessed by the MBTA’s Commuter Rail. While the nearby Allston neighborhood is not known as a destination location in a city full of them, there are many excellent restaurants, pubs and lodging options throughout the area. Fans 4 The Premier Hockey Federation does not release attendance figures, so we shall measure the fans at Boston Pride games by quality, not quantity. Still, you can expect a near-capacity crowd when you visit Warrior Ice Arena. The Pride have their share of dedicated fans, who show up decked out in the team’s black and gold jerseys. Given the fact that many of the players are local, there’s a significant number of fans in the stands who have a personal connection with the players on the ice. Also impressive in their numbers are the girls’ youth teams who often roam Warrior Ice Arena decked out in their uniforms and the visiting fans who travel following their favorite squads. Access 4 Boston traffic notwithstanding, Warrior Ice Arena is fairly simple to get to from most points in and around Boston. Located right off of the Mass Pike, the Boston Landing neighborhood offers both on-street and garage parking. A complete map of parking and transportation options in the area can be found here . As is the case with many Boston locations, public transportation is the recommended method to arrive at Boston Landing. The Framingham/Worcester branch of the Commuter Rail has a stop a block from Warrior Ice Arena. This line continues on to downtown Boston. In addition, several bus lines serve the area, including the #86 route, which provides access to the Red and Green MBTA lines. With shuttles available to Harvard and Kenmore and a Blue Bike rental station nearby, visiting fans have many options for getting to Warrior Ice Arena. Fans entering Warrior Ice Arena will find themselves in a small lobby, where you may bump into some of the players warming up before the game. The ice surface, locker rooms and skate rental are located on level 2, with the spectator area located on level 3. Stairs and elevators will help fans access the spectator level. Warrior Ice Arena is a modern, attractive facility. Fans will enter the arena (fair warning: it’s cold here, so dress appropriately) at the top of the seating area, which lines one side of the rink. Standing room (bar rails with some chairs), the snack bar and event room (where the merchandise stand is set up) are located along the concourse that runs the length of the rink. Fans will walk down to their seats, which consist entirely of bright yellow folding stadium seats. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Boston Pride games are priced at $40 for Center Ice seats, $30 for other sections, and $20 for standing room access. Stadium Journey recommends the standing room seats which line the top of the seating area, including the decks on either end of the ice. Be warned that space is limited, so get here early. Parking for Pride games at the Warrior Ice Arena will cost you an additional fifteen dollars. There is ample on-street parking in the area, which is free of charge on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons when the Pride play. Extras 4 Since Warrior Ice Arena is owned and operated by the Boston Bruins, it’s expected that you will find the facility heavy on Bruins touches. Banners honoring the team’s Stanley Cup championships and retired numbers hang over the ice surface, and the 17.5-foot Bruins logo that overlooks the Mass Pike is the arena’s defining feature. Along with the many Bruins banners that hang at Warrior Ice Arena are four Pride banners. Pride championship teams from 2016, 2021 and 2022 are honored (the Pride are the PHF’s only squad to win multiple titles). Another banner honors former player Denna Laing, a member of the inaugural Pride squad. Laing suffered a spinal cord injury during the 2016 Outdoor Women’s Classic that ended her career. The Pride have a well-stocked team store just off the concourse. Purchasing a player’s jersey or shirsey will give 15% of the purchase price directly to the player. In addition to picking up some Pride gear, you can get a Chipwich or a beverage here, too. A final extra point is awarded for the most important influence that the Pride and PHF have had on countless female youth hockey players. The impact that the league has had on the many girls who come to Warrior Ice Arena cannot be overstated. The Pride work tirelessly with the local hockey community to raise awareness and funding for girls’ youth hockey in the Boston area. Final Thoughts There are no shortage of choices for hockey fans in hockey-mad Boston. The Pride fill an important niche for local hockey fans. Judging by the reaction of the youth groups who line the player’s tunnel as the Pride enter and exit the ice, it is clear that the pros are indeed role models to the young female hockey players who fill Warrior Ice Arena. As the marquee team of the Premier Hockey Federation, the Pride offer an affordable, entertaining option for local hockey fans, regardless of gender. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.