Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 GW Softball Field 2100 Foxhall Rd NW Washington, DC 20007 Map It! George Washington Revolutionaries website GW Softball Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity : 500 Colonial Softball Note: In June 2023, George Washington University changed its team name from the Colonials to the Revolutionaries. Located on George Washington University’s Mount Vernon Campus, three miles from the main campus in Foggy Bottom, the GW Softball Field is part of the university’s Mount Vernon Athletics Complex. The Complex also includes GW’s soccer field and tennis courts, and the campus itself includes several academic buildings which serve as an auxiliary to the main campus. The Colonials’ softball program has enjoyed success in recent years, capped off by a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2021. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at the GW Softball Field. There is a coffee shop next door in Ames Hall that may or may not be open depending on when you visit, but it is not part of the stadium and keeps its own hours. Fans can bring in outside food or beverage, with the exception of alcohol. Atmosphere 3 The GW Softball Field has a quirky, unusual layout. Instead of the bleachers being located behind home plate, as they are in most venues of this size, they are located on a hill beyond the right field fence. To access them, you will need to walk around the front of Ames Hall, then up a staircase and finally back down the hill to the bleachers. Some fans like to bring chairs and sit at the top of the hill, or just stand along the bottom of the hill off to the side so as not to block the view of the fans in the bleachers. It all comes down to personal preference. A few fans may be able to stand along the deck in front of Ames Hall as well, but this is mostly reserved for video equipment and may not be possible. There is a digital scoreboard built into the fence in left-center field which shows the linescore and count, as well as a smaller scoreboard down the third baseline, although the latter was not working when Stadium Journey visited. Other than the game, there is not much going on here. The team plays soft music over the PA system between innings but not generally between batters. The field is on the flight path into Reagan National Airport, so jets will pass directly overhead throughout the game. The unplanned flyovers during the national anthem seem to be a running joke among GW fans. It’s not quite the same when it’s commercial aircraft instead of military jets, and it’s completely unplanned, but when the timing works out, it’s still impressive to watch. Neighborhood 4 GW Softball Field and the Mount Vernon Campus are located in Northwest Washington off Foxhall Road. Although there are several scenic parks and trails in the vicinity, as well as the German Embassy, your best bet for dining is to head elsewhere in the District. A seafood place and an Italian restaurant are located west of the campus near the Potomac River, and some other places up MacArthur Boulevard, but most of your options will be closer to downtown, not further. The Tenleytown and Georgetown neighborhoods are a short drive or Uber ride away and offer numerous dining and entertainment options. You can also head downtown and visit the many historic sites. monuments, and memorials along the National Mall. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to book in advance. Fans 2 Attendance at GW softball games is mostly limited to friends or family of the players. Most of them are regulars and attend just about every game and are incredibly knowledgeable about the players and team. They can get loud at big moments, but there will seldom be much more than a hundred of them in attendance at any given game. This is pretty typical for college softball in the northeast, where the sport isn’t as big as it is in some other parts of the country. Access 3 Depending on how you are arriving, the Mount Vernon campus can either be significantly easier or significantly harder to get to than the main campus in Foggy Bottom. While it is not Metro-accessible, it is a lot easier to drive to this campus in outer Washington than it is to drive downtown to the main campus. There is a parking garage on campus right across from the stadium. Parking is free all day on weekends or for up to three hours on weekdays. It can get very pricey if staying for more than three hours on a weekday, starting at $16 for up to four hours and going up from there, so try to go on a weekend or time your visit accordingly. Once you manage to park, accessing the stadium is trickier than it needs to be. After exiting the elevator lobby, fans will need to walk across the road towards the outfield fence, then up a staircase to the front of Ames Hall, up another staircase along the side of the building to the top of the hill, then back down the hill (either the hill itself or a staircase on the far side) and up the bleachers to sit down. If you bring your own chair and sit at the top of the hill, it’s slightly easier but your view may be blocked by trees. It’s less complicated than it sounds, but still more complicated than it needs to be. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Colonials games is free, and if you go on a weekend, parking is free as well. If going on a weekday, you will have to time things carefully to avoid paying a ridiculous amount for parking, so we would recommend going on a weekend if possible to maximize value. Extras 1 There are free programs available in a bin by the entrance to the stadium. Final Thoughts GW Softball Field is a typical northeastern college softball venue. The unfortunate reality is that the sport isn’t as popular here as in some parts of the country, and nothing George Washington does will change that. The stadium here has a quirky and unique layout and a small but loyal group of regular fans, but this is still a very basic experience.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Camelback Ranch 10712 W. Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85037 Map It Glendale Desert Dogs website Camelback Ranch website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 13,583 Desert Dogs The Glendale Desert Dogs are members of the Arizona Fall League, a yearly instructional league that features baseball’s top prospects every October and November. The Desert Dogs play their games at Camelback Ranch, built as the spring training home for the LA Dodgers and Chicago White Sox in 2009. During the summer, the rookie league ACL Dodgers and White Sox play at the facility. Camelback is a good-looking ballpark with a 5-acre lake and river system, fantastic landscaping, and easy-to-walk trails to take you around the area. Major league prospects from the White Sox, Dodgers, Cardinals, Phillies, and Reds round out the Desert Dogs roster this 2024 season. The major league affiliates change throughout the years. The Desert Dogs have won six league championships in the past but haven ’t captured one s ince 2008.  Will 2024 be the year? Food & Beverage 2 One concession stand is open, and that’s enough for attendance at a Desert Dog game.  Fans can bring bottled water and small snacks or sandwiches into the stadium. The food choices are limited: A hot dog ($6.75), sausage dog ($9.99), and cheese and pepperoni pizza slices ($7).  Snacks include nachos ( $ 6.25), soft pretzels ($5.75), popcorn ($4.75), candy ($4), chips ($4), and Dippin’ Dots ($8.49). Soft drinks are 20 oz bottled Pepsi products ($5.75), 20 oz bottled water ($4.75), and coffee ($3). Alcohol choices are 16 oz cans of domestic and premium beers of Bud, Bud Light, Michelob, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, Modelo Chelada, and Hop Knot IPA ($10.25 - $11.25).  Trul y Seltzer is $11.25, and wine costs $9.25.  Atmosphere 4 Seating at Camelback Ranch extends down the baselines. For day games, shade covers the first base side first, while the third base side is in the sun most of the game. The seats are a golden color, which blends in well with the copper-colored support structures and earthtone stonework. They’re comfortably wide and are mostly staggered, so you’re not sitting directly behind another fan’s head. That’s generally not a problem for Desert Dog games because of low attendance. The seating area does not have cup holders. Fans enter at the top of the concourse and then walk down to the seating areas. Plenty of accessible seating is available on the top row of the concourse.  Bring a small towel, in case you need to wipe off the seat. The batter’s eye is pleasantly landscaped with trees surrounding the area. Fans can easily read the scoreboard which shows the line score, the time, and th e batter’s nam e and photo. Balls, strikes, and outs indicators are yellow dots, while the runs per inning are blue. Those colors are a striking and refreshing contrast. The music volume between innings is too loud to converse with your neighbor.  The music person shuts it off during play , with an occasional blast when a Desert Dog executes a good play. Sundays are Fundays this 2024 season at all Fall League venues.  This promotion is geared towards kids, where staff hand o ut baseball cards (to kids) and toss a few t-shirts into the crowd.  Kids get to run the bases after the game. Neighborhood 3 Camelback Ranch is in an expanding residential area. No choices for lunch, dinner, and other entertainment are available within walking distance. Three miles away is the Westgate Entertainment District. It has many restaurants, all of which are very different from each other in price and menu. Numerous shops and boutiques, a movie theater, a pottery painting studio, arcades, and breweries are part of the amenities in the district. Places in the district for a pre-game meal or drink include Yard House, State 48 Funk House Brewery, and Fat Tuesdays. Be sure to check Westgate’s   website  for happy hour specials; some restaurants do not include a happy hour on event days or weekends. First Watch (breakfast/lunch), Manna Korean BBQ, Opa Life (Greek), and Salt Tacos y Tequila are a few other worthwhile places to eat. I always enjoy Yard House , which has a fabulous beer selection and good food; this one has outdoor seating for those comfortable fall Arizona days and evenings. Many chain hotels are in and around the Westgate Entertainment District. The two closest hotels to the ballpark are a Comfort Inn & Suites  and a Holiday Inn . Other nearby sports during the Fall League season include the Arizona Cardinals  (next door to the Westgate Entertainment District). The two other Fall League teams in the West Valley are the Peoria Javelinas  and the Surprise Saguaros . And, if looking to go downtown Phoenix, sports fans can usually catch a Suns  game when in town. Fans 3 Numerous scouts attend Desert Dog games, filling much of the seating area behind home plate.  Other fans in attendance are what one would consider baseball purists  – fans who attend for the game itself and not all the extras that occur in minor and major league parks throughout North America.    However, as the pop ularity of the Arizona Fall League increases, more casual fans (the ones who don’t know baseball etiquette) attend games now. The Desert Dogs average around 300 – 400 fans per game, with weekend and later season games getting higher attendance numbers. This is comparable to other West Valley Fall League teams. Access 3 Getting to the stadium is most conveniently done by vehicle (unless you’re a nearby neighbor and can walk). Valley Metro  does provide bus service. The closest sto p is 1.1 miles from the stadium, so there’s still some walking involved if taking public transportation. The stadium is 2 ½ miles west of the Loop 101 Agua Fria Fwy on Camelback Rd. Only the gate behind home plate is open for Fall League games. Plenty of free parking is available close to that entrance. The stadium of fers benches to sit on and wait for the gates to open or for late-arriving friends. It has a huge, clean, artfully landscaped plaza area outside the home plate entrance where fans can gather. Getting through security is easy.  Clear sports stadium bags (12” x 6” x 12”) are allowed.  A smaller purse or bag is permitted; security will ask you to open it for inspection if it is not clear.    The restrooms are clean and have an extraordinary number of stalls (at least the ladies’ room). Walking around the stadium and concourse is wide open, making it quite an enjoyable place to stroll. Return on Investment 3 As with everything else, ticket and food prices have increased.  Single-game tickets are $13 (seniors 55+ and teens 11 - 17 are $11). Kids 10 and under get in free. If you live in the area or plan on attending 12 or more games, a season pass is a less expensive way to go.  A single admission season pass is $155; a double admission pass is $185 (both are less if you are 55+). Concession prices are at the expected higher stadium amounts.  There’s no charge for parking (none of the Arizona Fall League stadiums charge for parking). Attending a baseball game on a warm fall day or evening for the game is worth the price. Extras 3 A small merchandise stand is just to the right when entering the stadium. Printed starting lineups, rosters, and game notes are available there too. The Arizona Fall League is testing a ‘pitch challenge’ at some of its ballparks, including Camelback Ranch.    The batter, catcher, or pitcher can challenge a ball or a strike (usually by tapping the top of their helmet or cap) immediately after the umpire’s call.  Each team is allowed/permitted three challenges per game, and if the player wins their challenge and the call is overturned, the team maintains their number of challenges. A graphic replay of the pitch is shown on the video board to determine the call.  It all happens within 15 seconds or so and does not delay the game. Pitch Challenge, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The landscaping and exterior features are beautiful.  The structure is made of natural stone and resembles a desert landscape perfectly.   The architects painted the support structures to look rusty and aged.  Though unusual, even the golden-colored seats fit the natural desert design. Final Thoughts Camelback Ranch is the prettiest Fall League stadium in the West Valley.  If you’ve got a few extra hours in the fall and want to see a ballgame, head to Glendale, AZ, catch a Desert Dog game, and enjoy!

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Rickwood Field 1137 2nd Ave W Birmingham, AL 35204 Birmingham Barons website Rickwood Field website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 10,800 A Historic Palace for Baseball in Birmingham The Rickwood Classic is played annually in late May at the world’s oldest ballpark Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. It was constructed by owner Rick Woodward for his Barons baseball club in 1910. The team would play until 1961 before returning as a Southern League member in 1964. In 1987 the Barons would play the final season at the historic ballpark and relocate 18 miles south to the suburb of Hoover to a $14 million sleek new ballpark. The $75,000 stadium was modeled after Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field and designed by Southeastern Engineering Company of Birmingham. There were more than 10,000 fans in attendance when it played its first game on August 18, 1910 many businesses were allowed to close early to allow workers to watch the game. When it played its last season in 1987, it was the second oldest ballpark, only six weeks newer than Chicago’s Comiskey Park. The stadium was home to the Black Barons (1925-1930, 1937, 1940-1960) of the Negro Leagues, Alabama Crimson Tide football (1912-1927), and was the spring training site for the Philadelphia Phillies (1911 and 1920) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1919). The major motion pictures Cobb , Soul of the Game , and 42 were filmed here at Rickwood. The majority of why Rickwood Field is still standing is due to the work of the Friends of Rickwood, the volunteer group of baseball purists and historic preservationists who have worked profusely on restoring the stadium to its former glory. At the time of the Barons departure, the stadium required much-needed repairs. The electrical system was on its last legs, water pipes underneath the field were broken, lights would go out during games, and a two-by-four plank held up the ceiling in the cramped manager’s office. Steadily, improvements were made to the grandstands, press box, locker rooms, light, roof, and main entrance. They are responsible for the overall revitalization of the ballpark, including the scheduling, marketing, fundraising, and implementation of the restoration project itself. There are over 200 events held per year at Rickwood, and it’s the home to high school, semi-pro, police, and travel baseball. Miles College plays its home games at the historic stadium. One of these events is the Rickwood Classic which began in 1996. The Barons play annually against another league member, don period uniforms, and play underneath the sun in the afternoon. The proceeds from the game help with the maintenance of the facility. Rickwood Field is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Food & Beverage 3 There is a main concession area underneath the grandstand on the main concourse, and two portable areas are set up down the first and third base lines. The basic ballpark food is here: hot dogs, soda, peanuts, and nachos. The grill down the third base side offers Italian and Polish sausage, chicken fingers and fries, and cold Miller Lite and Yuengling. A Papa John’s pizza cart on the third baseline sells personal pizzas, and a giant grill serves hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats on the first baseline. However, bring cash, since Rickwood Field does not accept credit cards. In case you are light on dollar bills, there are several portable ATMs located outside the stadium on the first base side. Atmosphere 5 Rickwood Classic is a nostalgic trip back to a time when the game was played differently. All the modern comforts at nearby Regions Field are replaced with vintage ads on the outfield walls, a hand-operated scoreboard, large foul territory, and narrow concourses and walkways. They don’t build them like this anymore, and thankfully there is the chance to experience this living museum once a year. “The place looks the same as it did when I played here, but it sure was a lot of fun to play at this stadium, said former Negro League player Russell “Crazy Legs” Patterson, one of the many former players who make the trip annually to take in the game. The players are dressed in retro uniforms, along with umpires, staff members, and fans in attendance who also dress their part for the game. This particular afternoon game harkens back to the mid-1950s when the club was a farm team to the New York Yankees, but other games may have featured the mod styles of the late 1960s or formal designs of the Roaring Twenties. Just in case you wanted to know, you can’t smoke cigarettes or cigars in the stadium. The players seem to relish their time at the old ballpark, many sit on top of the dugout, take practice on opposite ends of the outfield before the game, and pull up their socks to their knees. The game begins with a former major league player throwing out the first pitch; today’s pitch was former All-Star and World Series MVP Bucky Dent. The atmosphere might remind many of the minor league experience during their childhood a few decades past. The concessions are limited, and not varied by today’s standards, and only a small booth sells paraphernalia that includes t-shirts, caps, posters, and balls. There are no promotions on the field between innings, no zealous announcer yelling his head off, and the score is kept by hand by a small staff up above the right-field fence. The seats are covered and wrap around the right field wall, which at one time was segregated seating for Barons games. The main entrance has been restored to its 1940’s era design, and those are the original light towers from 1936 on the roof. Still, watching a game is comfortable from your seat, even though the home plate is much further out from current ballparks. Neighborhood 2 Rickwood is in an old residential neighborhood west of downtown and not within walking distance of restaurants, bars, or retail. You will need to have a car to get to and from the ballpark. The Baron's current home Regions Field is 3.1 miles. The city offers a few places to visit including the Civil Rights Museum, Vulcan Park & Museum, Birmingham Zoo, and Birmingham Museum of Art. Saw’s Barbecue and Eugene Hot Chicken are two local restaurants that are favorites among locals. Dreamland Barbecue is also a popular destination and features numerous locations. El Barrio and Carrigan’s Public House are two other great establishments in town for dining. Good People Brewery, TrimTab Brewing Company, and Ghost Train Brewing Company are three well-established places for craft beer, and each offers an eclectic setting for beers and good times. Good People benefits being located across the street from Regions Field. Fans 3 The annual game draws average crowds between 5,000-7,000 at the stadium. The facility is filled with local Barons faithful and many visitors who are here just for the game itself. Today’s game was threatened with inclement weather, but that did not stop many from waiting in line for the skies to clear. Access 3 Rickwood Field is almost 120 years old and features elements of its days and many that we don’t miss at today’s ballparks. The main concourse is narrow and features a chain link fence separating the lower box seats from the upper box seats; maneuvering them can be tricky since the entrances are limited. The steps to the upper seating area are wide and take some stretching of the feet. The main concourse offers a terrain that features concrete, gravel, grass, and some uphill walking. However, it’s spacious enough to ease through traffic, except if you are at the main concession stand in line for food or a souvenir hat or cap. This section of the ballpark is congested, at times, and wait times can be longer. Return on Investment 5 The price of a ticket to the Rickwood Classic is $10, one heck of a bargain to be able to travel back in time to enjoy a baseball game. Public parking is $5 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis adjacent to the stadium. Space is limited, and fans tend to arrive early. If you want to save money, there is street parking in the neighborhood surrounding the field. Extras 4 One star for the Friends of Rickwood, who through hours of dedication and service, have made the Rickwood Classic possible. There have been over $2 million worth of renovations at the stadium in the past 26 years that have included improvements to the press box, seats, roof, field, and many other areas. A second star is for the hand-operated scoreboard in left field. It is a replica of a version that once stood in the stadium during the 1940s. A third star is for the vintage ads that are painted and weatherproofed on the outfield walls. They include real and past businesses in town and were designed with a 1920s look and feel. There is also hand-painted signage for both the Barons and Black Barons pennants, during their existence at Rickwood Field. A fourth star to the Negro League players who make the annual trip and are accessible to talk to about their experience and Rickwood. These men are accessible, pose for photos, and offer plenty of stories to tell about their days here in Birmingham and beyond. Final Thoughts The word unique gets used a lot in writing, but attending the Rickwood Classic is a one-of-a-kind event that attracts ballpark hunters like myself and legions of fans who appreciate that a minor league game is still held in such a palace. The world’s oldest ballpark looks good and hosts up to 200 events each year. It is a ballpark, a museum, a history lesson, and a trip back in time. Rick Woodard is probably smiling somewhere, knowing his ballpark is still being used for its intended purpose-baseball. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 The Flair Airlines Hangar at the Edmonton Expo Centre 7515 118 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5B 4M9 Canada Edmonton Stingers website The Flair Airlines Hangar at the Edmonton Expo Centre website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,000 Stinging In Edmonton The Edmonton Stingers are a Canadian professional basketball team based in Edmonton, Alberta. They compete in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and play their home games at the Flair Airlines Hangar at the Edmonton Expo Centre. The Stingers' mascot is Buzz, a hornet, inspired by the CF-18 based in Cold Lake. The team logo has a CF-18 going through a capital E to make the body of the hornet. The Stingers played their first game in 2019 and won league championships in 2020 and 2021. The CEBL began play in 2019. and currently consists of 10 teams from six provinces, with four from Ontario, two from Alberta, and one each from British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec, making the CEBL the largest professional sports league based entirely in Canada. CEBL teams play 20 regular-season games from May to August. The league has stated that they would emphasize offering a "party wrapped around a basketball game" with "a ton of value for the fans" to attract spectators, including outdoor pre-game events, in-arena entertainment, autograph sessions, and other features. In 2020 they started using the Elam Ending under which the game clock is turned off near the end of the fourth quarter, and teams play to a target score to determine the winner. The Edmonton Expo Centre was formerly known as the Northlands AgriCom and is officially the Edmonton Exposition and Conference Centre. It originally opened in 1984 and was expanded and remodeled in 2009. The venue is it is located in Edmonton's Montrose neighborhood, across the street from the now-closed Northlands Coliseum, the former home of the Edmonton Oilers. The center's operations are now operated by the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation Food & Beverage 4 There is a very good amount of food options both in the arena itself and in the food court of the Expo Center. This is one of those venues where you can probably skip a pre-game meal as you know there will be some good options at the venue. It seems like most all options are $7 or less. There are game day specials listed around the venue. The game we attended had $3 hot dogs, $4 pizza slices, and $2 popcorn. Atmosphere 5 The league mentioned that they wanted to make a CEBL game a party. The Stingers have done a good job in this regard. The entrance hall outside the arena itself is filled with activities for kids and adults, with numerous things to do before and during intermissions. Once inside the arena, the game is more lively and more fun than a typical basketball game. The arena itself is a simple affair with a lower bowl and an upper section along each sideline. There is not a bad seat in the medium size arena. The Elam Ending makes the atmosphere at the ending game much more electric than a typical game. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood near the Edmonton Expo Centre is not that exciting. The hulking shell of the old Northlands Coliseum offers a unique view but offers nothing more for fans attending the Stingers games. There are also many old and abandoned businesses in the area. The closed Northlands Park horse track is also nearby. if you’re looking for some pre- or post-game entertainment or dining, you’ll be much better off heading elsewhere. We would recommend Edmonton’s Little Italy as a good option if you choose to eat before or after the game. Fans 4 The Canadian Elite Basketball League has been a success in Edmonton. The fans pack the venue, arrive early, and stay engaged in the game. As mentioned before, the Elam Ending keeps the fans excited until the end of the game. Access 4 The Edmonton Expo Centre is easy to get to off of Wayne Gretzky Drive NW. It should be easy to get there from different directions such as Yellowhead Highway, Anthony Henday Drive, and Manning Drive NW. There is plenty of parking for Stingers games as the center has plenty of parking. Return on Investment 4 Parking is free, at least at the game we attended near the end of the regular season. We did see it listed as $10 in other publications. Single-game tickets range from $25 to $89, which is a good value for any level of professional basketball. Extras 5 The games and attractions in the entrance hall are a great extra for all fans. One should arrive early and enjoy the experience. Team mascot, Buzz, and the Swarm Hype Team will be on the concourse all game. The team offers free courtside haircuts and shoe shines during the game. After each game, the Stingers players have a 15-minute post-game autograph session. There is a well-stocked team store in the entrance hall, along with smaller, temp stands around d the arena. Final Thoughts The Stingers games offer one of the most fun and fan-friendly atmospheres we have seen in a long time. It might not be for the most serious basketball fan, but it should be experienced if you are in the area.

Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Chicago White Sox will no longer play at Guaranteed Rate Field but at the newly named Rate Field. The name change was made to coincide with the mortgage company Guaranteed Rate changing its name to Rate Field this past year. The team announced the name change on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday evening. The Southside ballpark had been called Guaranteed Rate Field since November 1, 2016, when the company purchased a 13-year naming deal. The ballpark was known as U.S. Cellular Field (AKA “The Cell”)  from January 2003 until November 2016 and Comiskey Park from 1991 until 2003, like its predecessor that stood across the street from 1910-1990. Meanwhile, the ball club is contemplating a relocation to a proposed new stadium in “The 78” development on the South Loop, a 62-acre parcel of land that offers stunning views of the city skyline and what hopes to be the 78th official community area of Chicago. Stadium Journey has visited the stadium on multiple occasions in the past few years and has provided favorable reviews of the home of the White Sox. The ballpark experience includes a wide selection of regional foods, over 100 craft beers, social areas, and tailgating space before the game. Read more about it here . ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Capital One Park 1600 Scotts Crossing Road McLean, VA 22102 Capital One Park website Georgetown Hoyas website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 300 Hoyas Baseball in Northern Virginia Located in Tysons, Virginia, bounded by elevated metro tracks and a highway interchange, Capital One Park is Northern Virginia's newest baseball stadium. Opened in 2023, the ballpark is located in Capital One Center, a mixed use development adjacent to Capital One Headquarters that also includes a hotel, a concert hall, shops, and restaurants. During the spring months, Capital One Park is the home of the Georgetown University Hoyas baseball team. The Hoyas have played in several different venues over the past few years, but in 2024, they will play most of their home games at Capital One Park. A few will be played in DC at the Washington Nationals Youth Academy . Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a window near the entrance to Capital One Park. Meal options include nachos ($6), soft pretzels ($7), chili ($8), hot dogs ($6), bratwurst ($7), cheeseburgers ($8), and a pulled pork sandwich ($7). Chips, candy, peanuts, soda, bottled water, and Gatorade are also available. Atmosphere 3 Capital One Park is a small, intimate ballpark, with 300 chairback seats located behind home plate. Some of the upper rows are in the shade. On a hot day late in the season, this will seem nice, but not so much on a chilly day in February or March. There are also some picnic tables located down the lines for groups. No matter where you sit, you will have a great view of the action. That being said, there is not much going on here other than the game itself. Music is played during breaks in the action, but that's about it. You'll have a good view of the action no matter where you sit, which is certainly a plus, but watching the game is about all you'll be doing. Neighborhood 5 Although Capital One Park has a McLean address, the area surrounding the stadium is more properly classified as Tysons, one of the fastest growing business districts in the country in the heart of Fairfax County.. Tysons is regarded as a classic example of an edge city - an area of the suburbs that feels more comparable to the downtown area of a city. In fact, due to severe restrictions on heights of buildings in the District of Columbia, this feels more like a classic downtown than Downtown DC does. As mentioned above, the park is part of Capital One Center, which also contains a concert hall, several shops and restaurants, the Watermark Hotel, and Capital One headquarters itself. The Perch is located on the roof of Capital One Hall and features food trucks, a beer garden, a putt-putt course, a pizza place, a taqueria, and more open space to hang out. There are plenty of other places to hang out in Tysons as well. The area is famous for not one but two giant shopping malls, Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria, which offer a wide variety of shopping and dining including the original Apple Store. Founding Farmers is a popular American restaurant, and Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse famous for its large salad bar. Whatever you want to do, you will probably find it in Tysons. Fans 2 Most of the fans are friends or family of the players on the Hoyas or their opponents, although there are some others who come to check out the team as well. The fans who do show up are knowledgeable about the team, as many of them come to most or all of the games. Access 4 How easy it is to get to Capital One Park depends on what time of day you are coming. Rush hour traffic in Northern Virginia is some of the worst in the country, and it is especially bad in Tysons, where numerous highways converge with not enough space to accommodate all movement between them. If you are coming any other time, traffic should probably be lighter, and you can take your choice of the Capital Beltway, State Route 267, or State Route 123, among others. We suggest using a GPS app such as Waze to take you around traffic and on the best possible route. Once you arrive, free parking is available in a lot next to the stadium, and if that fills up, you can park in the garage across the street near Wegman's. Parking is $5 if you're staying for under four hours or $10 if you're staying for longer. You can pay on your phone by scanning the QR code in the lot. The Silver Line of the Washington Metro runs right by the stadium, with the McLean station a short walk away. On a weekday, the lot may be used for parking by commuters using the Metro to head into DC, so plan accordingly. Restrooms are available, including a family restroom, and are of a sufficient size for the crowd, although the metal toilets and sinks are an odd touch that seems out of place here. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are just $5, with kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and over getting in for free. However, the cost of parking, which could be twice the cost of the ticket, does bring this score down a bit. . Extras 2 Look on the concourse for the statue of Bruno the Bear, the official mascot of Capital One Park. Bruno is based on a real bear who made headlines in October 2022 after he was spotted roaming the streets of Tysons and the surrounding area. Also look for the giant statue of a melting blue popsicle. It is certainly an interesting choice architecturally, but a unique one as well. Final Thoughts Georgetown baseball has had many homes over recent years, playing in Maryland, DC, and now, in Virginia. Capital One Park is a gorgeous new stadium, and one hopes the Hoyas can gain a permanent presence here, but that remains to be seen.

Photos by Andrew Maurins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Mackay Stadium 17th St. & E. Stadium Way Reno, NV 89501 Nevada Wolf Pack website Mackay Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 29,993 The Law of the Jungle The modern era of Nevada Wolf Pack football has had two constants for most of the last fifty years: Chris Ault and Mackay Stadium. From the very first game played there on October 1, 1966, when the young quarterback from San Bernardino guided Nevada to an upset of nationally ranked Santa Barbara, the two have been firmly intertwined. Ault went on to spend 41 years of his life at Nevada as a player, coach and administrator, nearly the entire lifespan of Mackay Stadium itself. In that time, both the stadium and the football program grew from humble beginnings further south on campus. Since moving into the “new” Mackay – named after mining magnate and university benefactor Clarence Mackay – the Pack has played in eight conferences across four divisions, winning eleven conference titles along the way. It’s even borne witness to two “miracles” with the Mackay name: the first in 1991, when Nevada overcame a 35-point deficit against Weber State to complete the biggest second-half comeback in NCAA history; and the second in 2010, when the #19 Wolf Pack came from behind to stun #3 Boise State in overtime. It even saw the birth of Ault’s famous “pistol offense” in 2005. Ault resigned in 2012, and the historic field on North Virginia Street he made his own was named after him the following year. In 2016, Nevada completed a slew of renovations to coincide with the facility’s 50th anniversary. These include a new club area, seven sections of chair back seats, loge boxes, patio areas, more ADA seats, a new video board and a new sound system. Even though the updates to the stadium lowered its capacity to around 26,000, it’s now much more in line with its peers in the Mountain West Conference. Food & Beverage 4 Mackay Stadium’s selection of food and beverages represent a good combination of quantity and quality, and are a few small complaints away from a perfect score. The attendants are friendly, and the stands all accept credit cards, but the lines can sometimes get long. Fixed concession stands in the two end zones have standard stadium fare like hot, jumbo and Polish dogs, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, popcorn and candy ($4-$6), and the north end zone stands also offer a large cheeseburger with a bag of potato chips ($10), tortilla chips with either queso or salsa ($4.75) and a large burrito with your choice of meat ($10). The pop-up stands in the south end zone offer more varied choices, like six-inch sub sandwiches ($7.50), chili cups, loaded baked potatoes, French fries, cheese fries, sweet potato fries, deep-fried pickles, tater tots, potato wedges and potato skins ($6-$9), pulled pork or chicken sandwiches with kettle chips, barbecue nachos, rib tips, rib platters, a full slab of ribs and barbecue sides like coleslaw, beans and spicy mac and cheese ($4-$24). Two more stands in that area also have kid-sized hot dogs, nachos and pretzels ($3-$4), cotton candy ($5.50) and a “healthy choices” menu that includes fruit skewers, red pepper hummus, a chicken Caesar wrap, beef sliders, Asian chicken wings and pork tacos ($5-$8) as well as whole pieces of fruit ($2 each). Our recommendation is the pulled pork sandwich and spicy mac and cheese from the Famous Dave’s barbecue stand ($8). For drinks, the sodas (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mug Root Beer and Sierra Mist) are primarily served in 20 oz. bottles ($4.50), but are also available in cans ($3) and souvenir cups ($5). Bottled water is sold in 20 oz. ($4) or 1-liter bottles ($6), while alcoholic beverages like beer ($8 for Budweiser and Bud Lite, $8.50 for “premium” drafts like Shock Top, Red Hook and seasonals from Sam Adams and Alaskan) and margaritas ($12) are also available. Atmosphere 3 An outing at Mackay Stadium represents a mostly typical experience for a college football game outside the power conferences. Metal bleachers comprise the majority of the stadium’s seats in four non-symmetrical sections around the field and its accompanying track, pitched at a good enough angle that all but the lowest seats afford a good view. Those bleacher seats can feel cramped for games with bigger crowds or anyone on the taller end of the height spectrum. The newly added sections of padded chair back seats, however, are much roomier, and include their own cup holders. The ones in the club level on the west sideline have their own closed circuit viewing screens and outdoor heaters for cold games. General admission seats in the south end zone and student seating in the north end zone go right up to the field, but the closest sideline seats are separated by the track. Mackay’s 36 foot by 64 foot video board is believed to be the only one in college football with a 12-millimeter display, and it replays all of the action with terrific clarity. In-game promotions are similarly typical for mid-major college football experiences, with t-shirt tosses and several “text to win” drawings among others. The Wolf Pack’s costumed mascots and cheerleaders move around for some of the game, but primarily stick to the end zone sidelines. The Pride of the Sierra marching band plays a nice selection of contemporary and older tunes, and the stadium’s new sound system and PA announcer are both in the Goldilocks “just right” zone, but the referees often have a difficult time being heard. Section D on the west side affords you the “dead center” view of the middle of the field, but usually doesn’t have single game tickets available. If you can afford one, any of the chair back seats are a great way to take in a game, but a seat in the east side’s upper deck offers a more complete view of the whole game day scene at the cost of a bit of stair-climbing. In general, seats on the west side will be in the shade and colder for most games, while every other section – especially the east side – will be in the sun. All areas except the suites and the sliver of east side loge boxes are exposed to the notoriously unpredictable northern Nevada weather. Neighborhood 3 Originally built at a time when there was little else on the north end of campus, Mackay Stadium now sits near the hub of university-related activity. It’s bordered by parking lots to its north, a parking structure and intramural fields to its east and west, and the rest of campus to its south, with Interstate 80 and downtown beyond that. A five-minute stroll from the stadium across Virginia Street will take you to Red’s Little Waldorf Saloon, known as “the Wal” to locals, and catering to the pre and post-game crowd. About a mile south of the stadium on University Terrace is GourMelt, a sandwich joint specializing in upscale grilled cheese creations with a devoted following in town from its days as a food truck. The third floor of the student union next door also has several chain restaurants for a quick bite, while downtown offers a greater variety of cuisines and price ranges. Speaking of that area, the Riverwalk District of the city has enough shops, restaurants and bars to appeal to a wide variety of travelers, along with several nice, green spaces like Wingfield Park. The National Automobile Museum on Lake Street also has an impressive array of more than 200 cars from the personal collection of former casino magnate Bill Harrah. Being a casino town, Reno’s other entertainment options can include concerts and performances that change with the seasons. Broadening out to the greater Truckee Meadows area, day trips up to Lake Tahoe or Virginia City are also fun options. Lodging choices are as varied as your wallet and personal preferences allow, with most of the area’s hotels clustered downtown. The University Inn is across the street from Mackay, and can satisfy a budget traveler, but we suggest saving up more for either the Whitney Peak Hotel next to the famous Reno arch or the Peppermill south of downtown. Fans 3 Mackay Stadium fans are sufficiently passionate and engaged in their team’s fortunes, but would benefit from a string of great seasons in order to really give them a jolt. An average game day on North Virginia Street is in the neighborhood of around 21,000 fans, putting them in the middle third of the Mountain West and slightly below the conference average. The “big ticket” games against UNLV and Boise State tend to draw some of the only crowds that approach sellouts. On that note, the fans are appropriately responsive for big plays, get loud on defensive third downs, fill the air with “Packfetti” after each Nevada touchdown, and finish the PA announcer’s calls of “And that’s another Wolf Pack…” “FIRST DOWN!” One particular segment that needs work are the students, who seem disinterested even though their section of the stadium starts off mostly full. Fans in all areas of the stadium often leave late night games in noticeable numbers, even if the game is still close. Access 4 Getting to Mackay Stadium is not generally a hassle, but once you’re inside, a few problems crop up. A public transit option to consider is the Sierra Spirit bus, which has several stops throughout the downtown and university areas on a round that takes about half hour and charges 25 cents per person, and also has free WiFi on board. Reno-Tahoe International Airport provides commercial flights in and out of the area, and is fifteen minutes away by car. Parking in the surface lots near the stadium requires a permit with an accompanying season donation ranging from $100 to $700. If you don’t mind walking, there are free areas in the Whalen parking structure (our recommendation) and the lots behind Peccole Park and the School of Medicine, as well as the aforementioned bus line, which has stops near a few of downtown’s free parking structures. After games, cars parked north of the stadium get diverted to McCarran Boulevard, and those south of the stadium go down to Interstate 80. Any of Mackay Stadium’s entrances will give you a fairly similar experience getting in: a quick search of small bags for any prohibited items. There are no ticketless entry options at this time, but Nevada’s athletic department informed us they’re hoping this will change in the near future. Moving around the stadium is mostly easy with a few big exceptions. Since the majority of the concession stands are located in the north and south end zones, that’s naturally where fans have the most room to spread out and mingle. It’s at field level on the east and west sidelines that things get dicey, as the new ADA seating (of which there is now much more) has greatly reduced the amount of walk-able space to as little as five feet wide in some places. The upper concourses – now diverted into a parking structure on the west side – are better, but can still get crowded for bigger games. Bathroom lines for most games are reasonable, and ADA parking is easily reached on the first level of the West Stadium garage next door. Return on Investment 4 Even after its recent renovations, tickets to a game at Mackay Stadium are consistent with Nevada’s peers in the Mountain West, and offer a number of options for prospective fans. Single game tickets are typically $19 for the plaza reserved sections (3, 7, 8 and 9), $25 for the south end zone and family areas (section A), $39 for the field reserved sections (G, I, L, 4, 5 and 6), $90 for premium field sections B and F, and $115 for premium field sections J and K. Season tickets in the above areas range from $99 to $550, and do not include a Pack Educational Fund donation for some of the more expensive sections. All of those prices often go up for “big ticket” games like UNLV, Boise State and power conference opponents. Discounts of $9-$10 off per ticket are available for large groups of 20 or more people, military service members, senior citizens (65 and over) and youths (8th grade and under), as well as 3-game mini plans ($51-$105), a “Pup Club” for youths with an adult season ticket holder ($55 for access to all home, regular season football, volleyball, women’s soccer, women’s basketball, baseball and softball games and other perks), university staff members ($20 off per season ticket for up to two tickets), and employees of Washoe County School District, Nevada System of Higher Education and the State of Nevada ($396 for four season tickets in select sections). Lastly, a game program will run you $3. Extras 2 If you’re attending a night game at Mackay, consider getting a seat in the upper deck on the east side. Provided you’re not averse to climbing some stairs, you’ll enjoy a very pleasant view of the downtown Reno skyline to go along with the action on the field. Slightly unusual but nonetheless welcome for a college football stadium is the line of trees in the north end zone. If you’re having trouble finding your way around, there’s a group of volunteers wearing white polo shirts, blue vests and white baseball caps that will happily answer any questions you might have. We also like that there’s a children’s play area with bounce houses in the north end zone free of charge. Final Thoughts Ultimately, Mackay Stadium is a fine place to watch a college football game made better by its recent renovations. What separates it from truly great experiences elsewhere in the country is better fan support and more deeply ingrained traditions of excellence. Right now, it’s something fun to do at a certain time of year, but it’s not what one would call “the place to be” on fall Saturdays just yet. A few consecutive seasons of stellar play from the Wolf Pack would do wonders to increase the number of people at their games and, by extension, enhance the rest of the Mackay Stadium gameday experience.

Photos by Bradlee Ross, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 Taft Stadium NW 27th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Oklahoma City Energy FC website Taft Stadium website Year Opened: 1934 Capacity: 7,500 Energy FC at Taft Stadium Owned by Oklahoma City Public Schools, Taft Stadium was built in 1934 as part of the New Deals programs introduced by Franklin Delano Roosevelt to combat the Great Depression. Its capacity was around 18,000 up until 2013, when renovations reduced the capacity to around 7,500. In addition to the OKC Energy of the USL (United Soccer League), Taft Stadium also hosts Northwest Classen High School and John Marshall High School teams. It has also played host to various other professional and semi-professional teams in the past, including the Oklahoma City Plainsmen of the Continental Football League in the 1960s. Oklahoma City Public Schools granted a lease on the stadium to Pro Soccer, LLC in 2013, and the Energy began playing there in 2015. Food & Beverage 3 Food options in Taft Stadium are not as varied in larger venues, but there is more offered here than one might suspect at first glance. There are two primary concession stands on each side of the stadium. These stands have the basics along with a few specialties that you will not find anywhere else. The prices here are reasonable, especially for the typical concession stand fare; specialty items cost extra. There are also a couple of food trucks at the north end of the stadium. One sells sno-cones, another Modelo beer. There is also one Mob Grill truck that sells the grilled items you’d find at any sporting event. A popsicle stand and a Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade stand are a fan’s only real options for any kind of dessert. The one food item you cannot miss is the Free Kick Nachos, which consist of BBQ pork, jalapeno, shredded cheese and diced red onion over chips. Pair it off with a beer and you’re good to go. Atmosphere 2 Taft Stadium has one of the most unique atmospheres you’ll find in Oklahoma. While it does appear catered to families, there is a large element of young adults as well. There’s a video screen at one end of the field that is easily seen, though the only scoreboard. The PA system plays some music, but it doesn’t really have any affect. There’s a lot of activity, both toward the action on the field and aside from it, but it is somewhat chaotic. It has the same sort of feel as high school football games do in the area. Neighborhood 1 There’s very little close to Taft Stadium that will get any prospective fan excited. The only food place within walking distance is a Taco Bell, and the neighborhood near Taft is not the safest in the Oklahoma City area (though certainly not the most dangerous either). A few other establishments fairly close by (within a few miles) are a Wendy’s, Patty Wagon Drive-In Restaurant and a public indoor karting place called Pole Position Raceway. For a much better neighborhood experience, make the drive to the Bricktown section of OKC, where you’ll find all kinds of restaurants, museums and further attractions. But to get there, you will have to drive 6 or 7 miles. Fans 2 The fans are made up of mostly young families and young adults. The stadium is usually at least three-quarters full. Most of the crowd is disinterested in the action on the field, but there is a hardcore fan section on one side of the stadium. However, this loudest section (which can be heard from any part of the stadium) is also extremely profane and is not a place where a fan with children will want to be. The rest of the crowd is loud at times, but very inconsistent. There also are many seemingly unaccompanied children running around during the matches. Access 2 The bathrooms are clear and spacious, which may surprise some given that the venue is over 80 years old. It is basically a large high school football stadium with bleacher seating only, no chair backs. The seating is pretty uncomfortable. It is fairly easy to get around, and one can walk under the stands which provides even more space for the crowds. There is also an old concrete track that runs around the field, which fans can walk around on to the other side of the stadium. Parking is extremely tough to find. The closer parking appears to be available for season ticket holders only. Free parking can be found, but be prepared for quite a walk. Return on Investment 2 Tickets to OKC Energy games are not expensive for most fans, and this is the only option for soccer fans in the OKC area. So in that sense, it is a decent return on the price. However, the Energy cannot escape comparison with their rivals to the north, the Tulsa Roughnecks, whose stadium experience outshines them in every way. All in all, going to see the OKC Energy at Taft Stadium provides a mediocre return on the ticket price, even considering the low cost of a ticket. Extras 1 There’s not much at this venue that you can’t find elsewhere. One extra point for the face painting stand at the north end of the stadium.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stade Océane Boulevard de Leningrad 76600 Le Havre, France Le Havre AC website Stade Oceane website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 25,181 The Stadium by the Sea! Stade Océane is a modern multi-purpose arena on the outskirts of Le Harve. It has a capacity of just over 25,000 and is home to Ligue 2 side Le Havre AC. Opened in July 2012 it replaced the aging Stade Jules Deschaseaux’ which is still standing, just across the railway line from its shimmering replacement. By day, the new stadium resembles a petite Allianz Arena. At night, its deep ‘sea’ blue polymer and synthetic shell illuminate its exterior in stunning style…. It is a sight to behold for stadium lovers. Visiting for a 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup match, Le Havre is alive, with locals keen to showcase their port city and futuristic stadium to waves of visiting fans. Stade Oceane is the largest stadium in the Normandy area. As the name indicates it sits close to the Seine River. Head southeast and you can sail to Paris or west to the entrance to the English Channel. Founded in 1517, Le Havre which translates as ‘the port’ or ‘the harbour’ has always been synonymous with the sea. Recent years have seen a renaissance of maritime activity with an enlarged port bringing renewed prosperity to the city. This is the second largest port in France. With a population of less than 200,000, the city however feels compact and accessible. After heavy bombing towards the end of WW2, the rebuilding was thoughtful and innovative, led by architect Auguste Perret. In 2005 the city centre area became a UNESCO World Heritage status. Football in Le Havre is dominated by Le Harve Athletic Club the oldest surviving football team in the whole of France. Their most famous recent player is Paul Pogba who played in the Le Harve youth system before moving across the channel to Manchester United. Food & Beverage 3 Within the footprint of the stadium, there are not too many food outlets to be seen. The immediate area also lacks options. Inside, the concourse kiosks provided the usual football fayre. Your best option is to get your sustenance back in the central area of the city. Numerous outlets can be found in the promenade area, the quartier St Francois, and in and around the iconic the Volcan cultural building. For a quick fix, there is a McDonalds back along the Boulevard de Leningrad by the Hotel Kyriad. Atmosphere 4 The stadium, designed by SCAU and KSS attempts to achieve an ‘English style’ football atmosphere with steep inclines and the fan's closeness to the pitch. This multi-purpose stadium has also hosted rugby matches and music concerts. Three stands have the same size and dimensions with an imposing main stand and curved roof which is the centre piece of this intimate feeling arena. Entrance gates are listed from A-G with away fans entering their section via Gate F. The legroom for all seats is good and as with most modern venues, there are no ‘bad’ seats in the whole place. Neighborhood 5 Within the immediate vicinity of the stadium, there isn’t a great deal to do or see. Lodged between a dual carriageway and train lines almost all visitors will base themselves in the centre of town. If you prefer to stay in the local neighbourhood you could book in at the (quite expensive) 1872 Stadium Hotel’ built into the west stand of the ground. You won’t get closer than that! Aside from watching a game, you could also visit the old Le Havre stadium ‘Stade Jules Deschaseaux’ just across the main road to hear the faint echoes of past glories in this now-decaying ground. The main road that links the centre of the city to the stadium is called the Quai Colbert which becomes the Boulevard de Leningrad. This main road also leads to the railway station, bus station, and ferry port. Once you find this road you have your bearings. Landmarks to see in the town centre itself include the amazing installation called Catane De Containers a colourful sculpture that can be seen from the ferry as you arrive. Le Volcan conceived by Oscar Niemeyer, is an eye-catching library and auditorium which must be seen. Other landmarks to see are the Saint-Joseph’s Church, the city hall, and the hanging gardens. For refreshments, the Au Bureau is a good place to start which can be found on Rue Bernardine de Saint Pierre. Food and a good choice of beers are available at a reasonable price. Outdoor seating is also available for those balmy early or late summer afternoons. A couple of doors up from the Bureau there’s an excellent chocolate shop called Chocolaterie Auzou des Halles, then on the corner of Rue Louise Brindeau finish with ice cream or waffle to die for. You could also visit the Docks shopping centre located just off the Quai Colbert in some refurbished old wharf buildings. As well as various outlet shops you can find food here to suit a variety of tastes. Fans 4 The club has friendly links with the Brits from across the channel owing to its early years. Le Havre AC has English founders who visited from Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The city is also twinned with Southampton. There are at least four separate fan groups who testify of their love and devotion to the club, Havrais Barbarians, HAC Supporters Federation, Kop Ciel et Marine, and Kop Oceane 1872. Fans are well organised and have good influence within the club nicknamed Les Ciel et Marine (sky and Navy) after the club's colours. The average home attendance in the 2018/19 season was 6,161. Previous seasons a 1000 or so more than that. ‘Forever the First ’ is the club anthem which was launched at a derby match v local rivals Caen early in the life of the new stadium and is sung to the tune of the English national anthem. The fans have seen periodic success with Le Havre winning five Ligue 2 titles, the most recent in 2008. They also have one Coupe de France win back in 1959. Access 3 Le Havre is located in Normandy, a picturesque region on the northern coast of France, west of the Parc Naturel Regional des Boucles de la Seine Normande. This busy port city is easily accessible by rail, sea, and road. Paris is just over two hours away from the Intercites train service (from Paris Saint Lazare) to Le Havre railway station. The low-budget travelers’ friend ‘Flixbus’ offers a coach service from Paris taking a similar amount of time. From the UK, Brittany Ferries run a twice-daily service from Portsmouth. The crossing takes 5.5 hours and single passengers on foot can pay as little as £60 for a return ticket. Le Havre and nearby Caen both have local airports, but international travellers should head for Paris and continue from there. From the city centre it is a 5k walk to the stadium. Free shuttles are available by the Havreville – Le Harve Seine metrople. If you are arriving by car, the Stade Oceane sits adjacent to the D6015 (Boulevard de Leningrad), the main route in and out of the port. From here you can join the A29 for roads to the east, west, and down to Paris. Parking is available at the stadium and in the local neighbourhood; check the excellent Stade Oceane website for more details. There are also two parks and rides available. Once at the stadium like most modern venues access is relatively stress-free. Entry is by bar code tickets and inside the concourse areas are flat and easy to traverse. (Although there are steps to get up to the main stadium footprint outside the entrance). Return on Investment 4 £60 for return ferry tickets from Portsmouth, 100 Euros for the hotel, 9 Euros for the match ticket, and 8 Euros for the official program. Add in the food and refreshments and overall this trip represents decent value for money. Accommodation could generally be found cheaper in the future, the FIFA Women’s World Cup coming to town caused inflated charges on this occasion. Extras 3 Largest stadium in the Normandy region. Oldest surviving football club in France. The hotel was built into the side of the stadium. Final Thoughts The Stade Oceane, home of Le Havre AC, is hosting the 2019 Women’s World Cup matches. Take the time to visit this enjoyable city and venue.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Bill Aker Baseball Complex at Friendship Field Johns Hill Rd & Kenton Dr Highland Heights, KY 41099 Northern Kentucky Norse website Bill Aker Baseball Complex at Friendship Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 500 Watching Baseball from the Hill A few miles south of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, is Bill Aker Baseball Complex at Friendship Field on the campus of Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky. The field is located on campus and is built into a hill that creates a natural grass berm for fans in the outfield. It is currently undergoing renovations that will be completed in two phases. The field is symmetrical left-to-right, with a 320-foot fence down the lines and a 365-foot distance into the center field wall. The infield features a synthetic turf, while the outfield consists of natural grass. The only dirt on the field is on the pitching mound. The second phase of the renovations will increase the seating capacity and improve the dugouts. Food & Beverage 1 There is food served on the weekends for baseball games on top of the hill from local restaurants. However, during weekday games, there is no food or beverages to be found. Fans are allowed to bring in their food products. Many fans who watch games from the hill will bring Subway, Qdoba, or coneys from Skyline or Gold Star to eat during games. Atmosphere 2 When the weather is nice, there can be up to hundreds of people sitting on the hill. The atmosphere is lively, and patrons are known to heckle opposing players and cheer for the home team. The small stands in the back of the home plate may seat up to 50-60 people, and a couple of small aluminum bleachers are located behind the fence on the first baseline. The small row of seats behind the home plate does not feature any seating and could be uncomfortable if you attend without a seat cushion or chair back. Another area of concern is the entrance to the stadium itself; there does not seem to be a main entry or a great way to enter the stadium. The parking is on top of the hill, and fans have to descend the grassy slope or pathway to the main entrance; fortunately, there is a better way to watch the game. The best way to watch an NKU Norse game is to bring out a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the game from the outfield hill overlooking the outfield walls. It is probably the best section at the complex to watch the game and, perhaps, the most fun. There is ample room to house a few hundred spectators, and you are not too far away from the game itself. Some fans park their car on the hill and enjoy the game from the seat of their reminiscent of the old Albuquerque Sports Stadium. It’s the baseball equivalent of a drive-in movie theater. Neighborhood 3 The complex is on campus in the suburbs of Northern Kentucky. Downtown Cincinnati and Newport, Kentucky, are just minutes up I-271. To the south, there are plenty of retail and restaurant options to choose from when leaving the game. A few recommendations are Pompilio’s for home-style Italian food, Hofbrauhaus in Newport, and Buckhead Mountain Grill in Bellevue. The Newport Aquarium is a nice way to spend the afternoon with the family, and there is plenty of nightlife at Newport on the Levee. A nice bonus: fans can cross the Ohio River on the Purple People Bridge. Fans 3 On the weekends, the student population can be heard loudly from on top of the hill. The revelers usually come by the hundreds and give the small baseball complex a much-needed kick of excitement. When there is only a small handful of faithful fans, the crowd tends to be somewhat melancholy but will show signs of life when Northern Kentucky scores or makes a great play on the diamond. Access 3 It is rather simple to attend a game at Foundation Field. A drive is minutes down I-271 from Cincinnati, and the campus is easy to locate once you exit. The parking is free and plentiful during weekend contests but may take a little maneuvering during day games on the weekdays. Return on Investment 3 NKU does not charge a fee to attend a game. This may sound like a great deal. However, seats in the back of the dugout feel a little archaic. Your best bet is to bring your chairs and something to eat to make up for the lack of amenities at the ballpark. . Extras 1 The best part of the complex is being able to watch games from atop the hill, either in your car or on lawn seats. It’s a different and fun way to watch college baseball. Final Thoughts The Hill makes this a great venue for watching baseball. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena 2900 Stadium Dr Fort Worth, TX 76109 TCU Horned Frogs website Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 8,500 Riff, Ram, Bah, Zoo … Give ‘Em Hell, TCU! There is no denying that Texas Christian University is a football school. With the 2022 season finding the TCU Horned Frogs in the National Championship game, as of this writing, Fort Worth and the Metroplex are going a little Frog Wild. However, one should not sleep on TCU hoops! Favorite son of TCU and former basketball letterman Jamie Dixon has returned to TCU after a number of successful seasons guiding the Pitt Panthers and the product on the court is getting better and better. Home for the Horned Frogs is Walsh Family Court @ Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena right on the Texas Christian University campus. The Frogs have played basketball since 1908 and have played in Schollmaier Arena since 1961. Texas Christian University is a private university affiliated with the Disciples of Christ church which was established in 1873. There are approximately 12,000 students at TCU. In 2012, the Horned Frogs made a big step up by joining the Big 12 Conference. As for basketball, a massive renovation to the former Daniel-Meyer Coliseum in 2015 gave TCU the current Schollmaier Arena. The arena is named after the lead donors, Ed & Rae Schollmaier and the court is named after the family of oilman and philanthropist, Howard Walsh Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at Schollmaier Arena are fairly routine. Pizza, wings, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and popcorn are all available. Different concession stands have different specialty items including cheeseburgers, chopped beef sandwiches and brisket nachos. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice in Schollmaier Arena and there are some alcoholic options. The beer selection includes Miller Lite, Coors Light, Shiner and 817 Blonde. Atmosphere 5 The campus of Texas Christian University is gorgeous and Schollmaier Arena is no exception. Located adjacent to Amon Carter Stadium, Schollmaier Arena has the same light brick that can be found around campus. The building fits right in with all of the others. The main entrance to the arena is on the east side of the building and has a long open plaza for fans to wait at before the doors open. There are bronze statues off to the right of key members of the TCU athletic family. Some bronze statues of interest for basketball fans include former player James Cash and former football coach, basketball coach and athletic director Dutch Meyer. The Horned Frog statue immediately in front of the arena is the perfect photo op for all fans visiting TCU. Upon entering the main gate at the northeast side of the building, fans are immediately struck with the attention to detail found in Schollmaier Arena. Everything is bright and clean and beyond professional looking. The use of purple is a theme throughout the concourses and simple details like finished floors and walls make Schollmaier Arena top notch. There is no exposed concrete at all. On the immediate left is a spot no fan should miss, the June and John Justin Hall of Fame. With large mannequins upon the entry displaying the uniforms for each varsity team to cases filled with trophies and national championships to the enshrined members, this is a spot even fans unaware of TCU’s athletic history will want to spend some time at. Other spots of notice in the circular concourse include the various murals and the framed jerseys of the six retired basketball numbers. Continuing to go the extra mile, TCU gives a brief explanation for the honoured players rather than just hanging their number. Darrell Browder, Dick O’Neal, James Cash, Kurt Thomas and Sandora Irvin and Janice Dziuk are all honored both in the concourse and in the main seating bowl. The main seating bowl is where it is clear that the venue was built long before the entry and concourses. The circular bowl design is common and cozy, yet not the design of choice when new venues are built. It is just as clean inside the seating bowl as out in the concourses. The color scheme remains purple as the dominant accent with purple seats and light colors throughout. The cable supported ceiling gives vibes of Madison Square Garden. The seats are essentially one main level with conference championships and retired numbers enshrined on the back walls. The court runs from southeast to northwest and sitting on the northeast side will give fans the perfect center court picture. The Walsh Family Court features an interesting, reptile skin design and the four-sided videoboard with LED ring is effective and hangs above center court. The gameday production is what one would expect from a college facility. The band sits behind the southeast goal and the cheerleaders have a place as well as flagbearers and the mascot, Superfrog and the TCU Showgirls. Overall, there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of improvement on the atmosphere that TCU could possibly do. Neighborhood 4 The campus of Texas Christian University is located in the southwest portion of the city, also southwest of Downtown Fort Worth. There are a number of establishments in the immediate area that cater to the college crowd that fans may be interested in stopping at for a pre or post game meal or drink. The Purple Frog, Buffalo Bros, and Fat Shack are all worth considering. For other sporting options, Amon Carter Stadium, home of the TCU Horned Frogs football team is right next door to Schollmaier Arena and the baseball team out of Lupton Stadium are quite popular and accomplished. Panther City Lacrosse of the NLL play out of Dickies Arena as well. There are a host of rodeo spots in Fort Worth and even for the novice rodeo attendee, it is worth a trip. The most historic and most consistent is found in the Fort Worth Stockyards area at Cowtown Coliseum. Rodeo runs every Friday and Saturday night, all year round and are worth checking out. The Fort Worth Stockyards is an essential tourist destination and a must for all fans. Outside Fort Worth, keep in mind that Dallas, Arlington and Frisco are nearby and all have plenty of sporting and tourist options. Fans who wish to stay near TCU can find a room at the nearby Hyatt Place Fort Worth. Fans 3 TCU is definitely a football school and years of basketball taking a back seat have taken its toll on the fanbase. The Horned Frogs generally attract less than 6,000 fans per game, which ranks last in the Big 12 Conference. Keep in mind that the venue is one of the smallest for a Power 5 school. TCU fans are generally reserved. The student section, Frog Army, sits near the court near the band on the southeast end. It will be interesting to see what changes to fandom at TCU happen as a result of the expected increase in basketball success to accompany Coach Jamie Dixon. For now, the fan score remains at a strong three with an expectation of an increase in the near future. Access 4 Texas Christian University campus is located in the southwest portion of Fort Worth. It is surrounded by the Chisholm Trail Parkway to the north and west, Interstate 20 to the south and I-35W to the east. Each of these major arteries are a fair distance from campus and some traversing through Fort Worth will be necessary to get to campus. There are a number of parking garages on campus near Schollmaier Arena. The most economic option is the garage on the opposite side of Amon Carter Stadium, which is free. For fans wishing to access public transit, there are buses that traverse University Drive and Berry Street and will require a brief walk through campus to get to the arena. Fans should check out the Trinity Metro website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the arena is not too difficult and the washroom facilities are adequate for the number of people in attendance. With security policies in constant flux throughout College Basketball, Stadium Journey highly recommends that before heading to the game, fans consult the TCU Horned Frogs website for the most up to date security and prohibited items information. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the TCU Horned Frogs can be costly. All conference games start at $50 per ticket and $40 for youth. Tickets can be found for less for non-conference games, as with most college basketball experiences. Parking can be found for for free and concession prices are about what one would expect for a college basketball game. Although Schollmaier Arena is gorgeous, the fans don’t quite bring enough to the table to make this a top tier college basketball experience. Perhaps with more success and excitement, the full experience will warrant the ticket prices. Extras 3 An extra mark for the June and John Justin Hall of Fame. It is truly unique and a must see for TCU and college athletics fans. An extra mark for the Horned Frogs hand signal, which although is not seen as much at basketball as football, it is still a unique bonding item for Frog fans. An extra mark for the TCU branding with one of the most unique team names there is and a purple scheme that is embraced throughout athletics. Final Thoughts The Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena on the campus of Texas Christian University is one of the nicest college basketball facilities there is. The attention to detail is second to none and fans will enjoy the experience of a Horned Frogs game. With the addition of Coach Jamie Dixon and more success on the horizon, Fort Worth will hear a lot more “Riff, Ram, Bah, Zoo … Give ‘Em Hell, TCU!” to go along with the squeak and swish of College Basketball. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Red Auerbach Arena 415 South Street Waltham, MA 02453 Brandeis men's basketball website Red Auerbach Arena website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 2,500 Here Come the Judges   Brandeis University is a private research university located in the Boston suburb of Waltham. Founded in 1948 as a Jewish-sponsored secular institution, it is named after Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish Justice of the Supreme Court. The school has a total enrollment of just under 6,000 students and is best known for its research, neuroscience, and economics programs. Brandeis has numerous notable alumni, including multiple Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners.   The Judges (an appropriate nickname for the athletic squads considering that the school is named after a Supreme Court Justice) play at Red Auerbach Arena in the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center. The Boston Celtics used Brandeis as their preseason and practice facility from 1991-1999, and the Auerbach Arena remains a reminder of these days. The larger Gosman Center contains indoor training facilities for many of the school’s athletic teams.   Eight Brandeis men’s basketball teams have qualified for the NCAA Division Three tournament, reaching the Elite Eight in 2008 and 2010. Four women’s teams have also played in the tournament. The program is notable for the fact that three former Boston Celtics (K.C. Jones, Bob Brannum, and Chris Ford) have served as head coaches for the Judges.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions sold at Brandeis basketball games. There are a pair of vending machines in the Gosman Center lobby, but neither one was operational during Stadium Journey’s visit. Fans are welcome to bring in their snacks to enjoy during the games.   Atmosphere 2   The Red Auerbach Arena is located inside the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center, which also contains many of Brandeis’ athletic training and fitness facilities. The basketball court is placed in the middle of an indoor track and several tennis courts. Curtains are hung from the ceiling to eliminate the large open spaces beyond the basketball court and to create an arena setting. Despite the comfy enclosure, the court feels empty and cold.   A scoreboard hangs at the center court which displays basic game information. There is no pep band, cheerleading squad, or dance team present at Brandeis games, and a meager turnout from the student body. While there is a good turnout from local fans and family members, any noise created by these fans is swallowed up by the vast emptiness of the facility.   A highlight of a game at Red Auerbach Arena is the presence of the Brandeis mascot, a judge (who kind of looks like Carl from the movie Up), who wanders the court wearing a proper judicial robe and carrying a large gavel, which he uses to bonk the occasional fan on the head. There are portable speakers on the far side of the court that play music during play stoppages. The PA announcer goes about their work unobtrusively, avoiding the over-the-top antics so common today, even in smaller gymnasiums.   Neighborhood 4   Waltham is a suburban city located 13 miles to the west of Boston. It was an early center for the labor movement in America and a focal location for the Industrial Revolution. Today the city has a population of 65,000 residents and is a center for research and higher education. Waltham was ranked as the 13th best place to live in America by Money Magazine.   For visiting fans, nearby Moody Street contains a collection of international shops and restaurants, as well as the Embassy Cinema and Charles Riverwalk. The Waltham Tourism Council  has an extensive listing of nearby food and lodging options. Of course, if visiting from out of town, you may be considering a trip to nearby Boston, where the list of options is nearly endless.   Fans 2   A perusal of the box scores from Brandeis’ 2023-24 season shows the listed attendance at every home game to be exactly 175. Every game. All season. What a coincidence! Seriously, since Brandeis doesn’t charge admission, there’s no reason for an exact head count at their games. A look around the gym during Stadium Journey’s visit showed this number to be a pretty good estimate.   The crowd at Judges games is certainly what we call here at Stadium Journey to be a “friends and family” type of crowd. Most of the fans in attendance seem to have a personal connection with the players on the court and are knowledgeable about the team and enthusiastic in their support. The fans in attendance make up for the lack of support from the student body. Surprisingly, despite the wide geographic footprint of the UAA, there was a big turnout of visiting fans during the day of Stadium Journey’s visit.   Access 4   The Gosman Center is fairly easy to get to, especially by Boston standards. The campus is located in suburban Waltham, 13 miles to the west of downtown Boston. Located near the intersection of Interstates 95 (also known as Route 128) and 90 (the Mass Pike), the Brandeis campus is easy to find whether driving or accessing public transportation.   The Brandeis/Roberts T station is under a half mile from the Gosman Center via the MBTA’s Fitchburg Commuter Rail. The 553 bus has a stop right outside the athletic complex. If visiting Brandeis on a weeknight, be sure to give yourself a little extra time to arrive no matter what your chosen transportation method.   Red Auerbach Arena is located inside the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center, located alongside Brandeis’ other athletic facilities on the southeastern edge of campus. Fans will enter into a small, but bright lobby. The basketball court will be located to your right.   Seating is on one side of the basketball court, consisting of molded plastic bleachers. Fans will enter at the top of the bleachers and walk down to their seats. There is some standing room at the top of the bleachers. Restrooms located in the lobby are small but clean.   For fans who are interested in seeing where the Celtics used to practice, the Shapiro Gymnasium is down the hallway behind the bleachers. There are no signs that the Celtics ever played here except for Red Auerbach’s name on the court.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for admission to Brandeis basketball games. During conference play, you can watch both the men's and women’s teams compete. That’s two games for the price of none!   Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the Gosman Center, meaning you will not have to reach for your wallet even once when at a Judges basketball game.   Extras 2   Banners hang inside Red Auerbach Arena honoring NCAA tournament appearances from all of Brandeis’ athletic teams. National Championship teams (1976 men’s soccer and 1983 men’s cross country) have their banners hanging over the seating area, along with Brandeis’ first basketball team to qualify for the NCAA tournament, in 1958.   The Brandeis Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the hallway behind Red Auerbach Arena, adjacent to the Shapiro Gymnasium.   The fact that the Boston Celtics used this facility as their practice facility from 1991-1999 and retains the name of NBA legendary coach and general manager Red Auerbach is worth an extra point.   Final Thoughts   Fans visiting Red Auerbach Arena expecting to get a history lesson about the Celtics teams who frequented the facility in the 90s will be disappointed, but it remains a solid, if unspectacular, place to catch some quality Division Three basketball. -----   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Canlan Ice Sports York 989 Murray Ross Parkway Toronto, ON M3J 3M4 York Lions hockey website Canlan Ice Sports York website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 1,200 The Lion’s (Ice) Den In 1959 York University was established in what was then North York, Ontario. A lot has changed since then. York opened their Keele Campus in 1965, which is now the main campus. The hockey team hit the ice for the first time in 1970 under the moniker York Yeomen. Also since then, York has ballooned to an enrollment of over 55,000 students making it the third largest university in Canada. North York has since been amalgamated to become part of Toronto. The Yeomen, named after the famous British guards the Yeomen Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters, were very successful early on, winning four Queen’s Cups before 2003 as well as three University Cups as National Champions. Changes continued for York. In 1996, York moved to the new Beatrice Ice Gardens on campus. The Ice Gardens replaced the York Ice Palace, which was built in 1968. The Beatrice Ice Gardens have been home to numerous events, including various NHL training camps. In 2003, in an effort to de-gender their sports teams, the era of the York Yeomen and Yeowomen ended and York rebranded all of its athletic programs as the York Lions. The arena was purchased by Canlan Ice Sports in 2007 and renamed Canlan Ice Sports York. The facility houses five NHL sized hockey rinks and an Olympic Sized ice surface where the Lions play. Success for the Lions continued with two more Queen’s Cups after 2003. At a capacity of 1,200, Canlan is the perfect size for an OUA hockey venue and provides a solid experience for university hockey fans. Food & Beverage 4 Supporting six ice surfaces in a busy hockey city like Toronto definitely has its advantages. The concession options at Canlan Ice Sports is much better than many other OUA hockey venues. In the bustling main concourse, there are two main concession areas to go along with a plethora of vending machines. The Pizzaville stand provides a wide variety of pizza options and not just the standard cheese or pepperoni slices. The other main concession stand is a Wild Wing Express stand, which ironically does not serve chicken wings. However, hot dogs, chips, candy and a variety of baked goods are on the menu. Coffee, hot chocolate and a variety of Coca-cola products are available soft drinks. For those that feel disappointment for the lack of chicken wings on the menu, fear not! Upstairs from the main concourse is a full-fledged and fully licensed Wild Wing restaurant. The is the perfect pre- and post- game spot, especially since other spots in the neighbourhood require a drive to get to. The opportunity to see the ice from Wild Wing is also there. Atmosphere 3 Canlan Ice Sports is a huge hockey complex, as one would expect with six ice surfaces. The exterior is definitely out of the eighties with not a terrible amount of consideration to the outside aesthetics. The flat roof, concrete walls and lack of windows give Canlan more of a warehouse look to it than a hockey arena. The main entrance is fairly nondescript and is nothing if not functional. Once inside, patrons will probably notice the bustling nature of a very busy facility. Concession stands, vending machines, pro shop and custom t-shirt stands are all found in the concourses which has that distinct aroma of used hockey equipment. York fans will need to head to the right upon entry to Rink 1 Centre, which is the home ice for the Lions. The York logo medallion and advertising outside the main arena, along with the York painted doors are all helpful to give the arena a little bit of a home feel. Inside the home arena, it is a fairly generic setup. The ice surface is oriented from east to west and the entire grandstand is on the north side. The south side does offer some media risers if need be, but the student-led media production takes place from behind the grandstand. Twelve rows of blue, plastic, stadium-style seats make up the seating area and are more than adequate for a league that does have some pretty uncomfortable venues. The west side wall above the ice surface has the score clock, which is very simple and only offers goals, period, time, penalties and shots. However, unfortunately, the shots are not tracked, which would be welcomed by most fans. To the right of the score clock hangers the retired number 18 of Mark Cross for the Lions. Cross was a member of the York Lions from 2011 to 2016 and went on to continue his hockey career as an assistant coach with the Humboldt Broncos and was killed in the infamous bus crash in Saskatchewan in April of 2018. York retired his number in 2018. Unfortunately, other than Mark Cross’ retired number, there is very little in the arena to scream out home to the Lions. There is some signage, but what is really lacking is any sort of acknowledgement of the six Queen’s Cups and three University Cups York has captured. A program this decorated absolutely must put up some banners at the very least. The gameday production is a simple, student-led affair. Students are at the door past the main doors to welcome fans with a smile and free programs and other promotional items. The Public Address announcer for the 2019-2020 season is female, which is fairly unusual in the hockey world. She does a very good job, but is hampered by the extremely outdated audio system at Canlan as well as the terrible acoustics of the building. There is little in the way of sound absorbing material around the arena and the sound bounces all over the place. Most of the announcements and music are at a volume that is way too loud and therefore everything is difficult to understand and enjoy. Neighbourhood 3 Canlan Ice Sports is located at the north end of the York University Keele Campus. The campus itself is located at the northern border of the City of Toronto. The campus is fairly huge and as a result walkable options for pre and post game meals are few and far between. However, a five to ten minute car ride will produce some rewards. Heading on Steeles Ave east towards Dufferin will produces some decent spots. Montana’s, Max’s and Cora are recognizable chain restaurants around that area. Some more unique spots include La Risata, Cuscatian, Hoops, and Randy’s Sports Bar and Restaurant. The north end of the city is not a terrible spot to be with regards to other entertainment options. Heading just north of Steeles will bring fans to the City of Vaughan. Here Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre can be found with a whole host of shops and restaurants. Also, a little further north will bring fans to Toronto’s premier amusement park, Canada’s Wonderland. Of course, the opportunity to head downtown with all of the options, is, of course, a fantastic idea. Other sporting options on campus include a full complement of athletic teams that is fielded by York. The football Lions play at Alumni Field @ York Stadium and the basketball Lions play at the Tait McKenzie Centre, both of which are within walking distance of Canlan. The Canadian Premier Soccer League has a presence at York Lions Stadium with the York 9. The university also hosts some of Canada’s premier tennis events at the nearby Aviva Centre. Downtown Toronto offers a massive number of sporting options. USports is well represented with the Toronto Varsity Blues (football, basketball, hockey) and Ryerson Rams (basketball, hockey). Of course the most famous Toronto teams are also found downtown. These include the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Rock, Toronto Argonauts, Toronto FC, Toronto Marlies and Toronto Arrows. Fans looking for a spot to stay near the York campus are also in luck. The Best Western and Staybridge Suites are close by and great options. Fans 3 Although York only attracts a couple hundred fans per game, they have an advantage over many other programs. The small capacity of Canlan makes the building seem far more full than it really is. Games against Ryerson and Toronto have the opportunity to attract more fans, however, York students seem to be more likely to travel downtown to their opponents rather than the opposite. That being said, the odd acoustics for the arena carries over to the crowd, which also sounds larger than it really is. Access 4 Getting to Canlan Ice Sports, for the most part, is not too difficult. Located on the Keele Campus of York University, along with the other sport facilities, Canlan is located close to major streets and major highways. The campus is located near the Black Creek and Jane and Finch neighbourhoods of Toronto, south of highway 407 and east of highway 400. The northern border of the campus is Steeles Ave. Unfortunately, Steeles and highway 400 are among the busiest spots in all of Toronto. Travelling a short distance can take a very long time, especially on a Friday. Coming from out of town may require taking highway 407, which is an expensive toll road, rather than taking highway 401 and 400. The Pioneer Village stop on the TTC subway has been completed and access to the university is much easier than it has been in the past. GO Transit, York Region Transit and Brampton Transit also have presences on campus and may be options depending on the point of origin. Fans should check out the Toronto Transit Commission , GO Transit , York Region Transit and Brampton Transit websites for fares, schedules and maps. For fans that are driving to campus, there is plenty of parking available near the athletic facilities. Lots may be attended, but parking for Canlan Ice Sports should be free of charge. The ticketing area is a temporary table in front of Rink 1 Centre and credit and debit options are available. Getting around Canlan is not too difficult depending on how many other teams and games are at the complex and there are plenty of washroom facilities available for patrons. Return on Investment 4 Canadian University hockey offers a great return for a very small investment. Tickets for Lions hockey run between $7.50 and $10. Seniors, alumni and non-York students receive the discount. Children thirteen and under and York students are free of charge. The gameday production is simple, yet effective and the product on the ice is strong. York can be counted on to provide a good team in most years and the opportunity to really hear the sounds of the game up close are worth the very minimal investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Lions honouring of former hockey player and Humboldt Broncos assistant coach, the late Mark Cross. An extra mark for the success that the Yeomen and Lions have found on the ice with 6 Queen’s Cups and 3 University Cup championships. An extra mark for the local rivalries that York has with the Ryerson Rams and University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Final Thoughts Taking in a York Lions hockey game is a great way to get the most out of your sporting dollar. The Canlan Ice Sports York facility is appropriately sized for university hockey and offers a good experience. The bonus of having so many eating options in the facility doesn’t hurt either. Take some time when in the area and check out the Lions’ (Ice) Den. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Bojangles’ Coliseum 2700 E Independence Blvd Charlotte, NC 28205 Charlotte Checkers website Bojangles’ Coliseum website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 8,600 Checking out in Charlotte The Bojangles Coliseum opened in 1955 as Charlotte’s first dedicated sports and concert venue. It has gone through various names over the years, including the Charlotte Coliseum, Independence Arena, Cricket Arena, and Bojangles Coliseum. It has operated as Bojangles Coliseum since 2008. When it opened it was the largest unsupported steel dome Coliseum in the world. It has a capacity of 8,600 in its ice hockey configuration. The Bojangles Coliseum was the first sports facility in the Deep South to serve as the home for a professional ice hockey team. The story of hockey in Charlotte is a story of fire and ice. The Baltimore Clippers of the Eastern Hockey League were left without a home rink with several games left in their 1956 season after their home rink burned down. The team moved to Charlotte on an emergency basis to play its last 5 games. Charlotte went wild over this new sport in the South, with 10,000 fans turning out for the initial game and 40,000 fans turning out over the five-game span. The Clippers owner was so impressed that he decided to keep the team in Charlotte permanently. It was an immediate success, as the Charlotte Clippers won the regular season and playoff championships in their first full season in Charlotte. After the first two seasons, a contest was held to rename the team. Maurice “Rocket” Richard was brought in to announce the name change to the Charlotte Checkers. Over the next 20 years, there were several changes in league affiliations with the Eastern Hockey League and the Southern Hockey League both going out of business. Finally, the Checkers would move on to the ECHL and eventually to the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2010. The Bojangles Coliseum hosted professional hockey from 1956-1977 to 1993-2005. The Checkers eventually returned to Bojangles Coliseum permanently in 2015 after several years at the Spectrum Arena in downtown Charlotte. In 2019 the Checkers took home the Calder Cup as the champions of the American Hockey League. The team serves as the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers of the NHL. Food & Beverage 5 Bojangles Coliseum offers a well-rounded set of concession offerings along the concourse level of the facility. Kelly’s East Side Diner offers a Bojangles chicken menu, plus hot dogs, popcorn, and craft beer. The Route 74 Grill serves a roadhouse menu of pizza, hot dogs, nachos, and brats. Charlotte’s Local Tap features a City BBQ menu of pulled pork sandwiches, pork/brisket tacos, and nachos, along with several craft beers. Goalie Guacamole features Latin-influenced street food, including chicken or pork nachos, chips and salsa, and chicken/pork Mexican rice bowls. Beer enthusiasts can head to the Beer Garden to sample more than 16 different craft beers. Each of these vendors features Coca-Cola brand products and operates on a cashless basis. The Red Line Club is a premium dining offering at the ice level of the Coliseum. It is positioned between the Checkers locker room and the rink. This offers patrons the opportunity to high-five the players as they enter and depart the ice between periods. The Red Line Club does accept reservations. Atmosphere 4 Checkers games at the Bojangles Coliseum are very well done. Each game provides some type of promotional giveaway. The stands are usually 70-80% full regularly. Even if you are seated in the balcony area of the arena, you’ll have a great view of the action on the ice. The Coliseum made several improvements in its facilities in preparation for the Checker's return in time for the 2016 season. These included the installation of wider seats in a reconfiguration of the seating bowl surrounding the ice. The electronics package also was enhanced with a new scoreboard, sound system, and sports lighting at the facility.            Neighborhood 3 Unfortunately, the area immediately around the Bojangles Coliseum is very transitional. We encourage you to park only in the arena’s parking lot or to take a ride share to and from a game. There are some spots worth visiting within driving distance of the Coliseum. Vaulted Oak Brewery is a favorite for before and after-the-game drinks. The Mint Museum is highly recommended for any trip to the Queen City. Fans 4 Charlotte has the savviest hockey fans in the southern region of the AHL, as the city and the Coliseum have hosted a hockey team off and on since 1956. This predated the arrival of pro basketball and pro football by three decades. It has allowed the team to build a couple of generations of hockey fans. Bojangles Coliseum and the Checkers have a talented team on hand to keep the fans energized throughout the game. The team includes mascot Chubby, PA announcer TJ Chillot, organist Jason Atkins, aka “Greazy Keys” and the team’s cheer and dance team the CheckMates. The fans can create quite a din on powerplays or after a Checker’s goal. Their cheers are amplified by the Bojangles Coliseum’s tin roof, which tends to reflect the noise down into the seating bowl. Access 4 Bojangles Coliseum is easy to get to, as it lies along one of Charlotte’s main thoroughfares on Independence Boulevard (Highway 74). The parking lot is adjacent to the Coliseum, and it opens two hours before puck drop. The parking is built into your ticket price, which makes the parking process go much faster. Recent renovations have added additional entry points into the arena, and the doors open one hour before the puck drops, giving you plenty of time to find your seats. There are three main entrances to Bojangles Coliseum. The doors open one hour before the puck drops. This leaves you plenty of time to find your seat, get something to eat, or watch warmups. This helps keep lines from growing too long and the flow into the arena runs very smoothly. The concourse runs 360 degrees around the ice and is wide enough to handle the typical Checkers crowd without significant bottlenecks. The most recent renovations at Bojangles increased the number of restrooms by 33%, a much-needed improvement over the long lines, especially between the periods. Return on Investment 3 You will need to pull out your checkbook when purchasing tickets to a Checkers game, as they are quite pricey. There are five different levels of tickets in the seating bowl. The cheapest seats are known as balcony seats. They cost $25 and are located on the sides above the concourse. Attack seats ($28) are in the corners above the concourse. Gold seats ($35) are located on the sides just below the concourse. Platinum seats ($45) are in the lower levels on the sides of the rink. The two highest-priced ticket levels are Rinkside ($55) and Glass ($150). Glass seats are the first row of seats adjacent to the glass, while Rinkside seats are the rows immediately behind the glass seats. The parking fees are covered in the ticket price. Concession prices are well priced. Extras 3 Over the years the Charlotte Checkers have won several championships in the leagues they have played in. These include the 1956 Eastern Hockey League titles in 1956, 1971, and 1972, as well as the 1975 and 1976 titles in the Southern Hockey League and the ECHL title in 1996. In 2019 the Checkers were crowned as the Calder Cup champions of the AHL. The Checkers played their first regular-season outdoor game in January 2024. The Checkers Outdoor Classic was held at Truist Park, the home of the Charlotte Knights minor league baseball team. The banners from the various championships the Checkers have won over the years ring the perimeter of the seating bowl. Final Thoughts The original home of the Charlotte Checkers is still going strong nearly 70 years later. Bojangles Coliseum has undergone numerous renovations over the years to remain a viable home for one of the first southern ice hockey posts in the country.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium Gold Coast Rd and Shark Street Brookville, NY 11568 LIU Sharks website Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 6,000 The New Shark Tank Long Island University has two campuses: one in Brooklyn, and the other in Brookville, which is known as LIU Post. Up until this year, each school had their own athletic program, with the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds playing in Division I, while the LIU Post Pioneers were in Division II. This past summer, however, the university combined the two programs, and rebranded as the Sharks. With the unification, all programs would now be Division I, including football. This made the Sharks the newest members of the Football Conference Subdivision (FCS), and they became the fifth Division I gridiron team in the greater NYC area, along with Columbia, Wagner, Fordham, and Stony Brook. As such, in order to maintain Stadium Journey’s complete list of Division I football venues, we paid a visit to their gridiron, Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single fixed concession stand offering basic items such as hot dogs, nachos, and pretzels, each for $3. Candy and chips are $2, the same price as bottles of soda (only Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite). Coffee, hot chocolate, and tea are also $2, while Powerade is $3. There are also vending machines inside the Pratt Recreation Center with a larger variety of drink (Coke Zero for example) that is also 25 cents cheaper. During homecoming, food trucks are located outside the stadium where you can get something a bit more substantial such as grilled cheese sandwiches. There is no evidence that these trucks would be at every home game. Alcohol is not available inside the stadium. Atmosphere 3 Outside the stadium, there is an active tailgate scene as well as a small amusement park with 3 or 4 rides. Again, I believe this was a special occasion for the homecoming game, but it did add to the festivities. You walk through a small gate to get to the stadium itself. There are two seating stands, but only one was in use, specifically the one behind the Sharks bench, which is somewhat protected from the sun. There is no covering on either stand, so if it is raining, you will need a poncho or umbrella. The middle three sections are chair backs, while the rest of the seating area is general admission. Rosalie Nuti Memorial Park at the north end of the field has several tables and chairs for fans who want to relax away from the crowd, and is a good place for kids to expend some energy. You can also stand near the end zone here if you prefer that vantage point. There is a dance team at one end, and cheerleaders at the other, which makes the GA sections a bit livelier. There were a few promotions such as a potato sack race for kids, but as this was an FCS game not on television, very little dead time. On a beautiful autumn day, this is a great place to spend a few hours watching football. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is located on the campus of LIU Post, which is in the town of Brookville on Long Island, about 25 miles east of New York City. The Steinberg Art Museum is on campus and is open from 11-3 on Saturdays up until Columbus Day. The closest hub is next to the Greenvale Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Station, which is about 3 miles west. Here you can find a few pubs and eateries such as the Barefoot Peddler. Another mile west is the Nassau County Museum of Art, which has a nice outdoor sculpture garden that is ideal on a sunny afternoon. There are no hotels close to campus and you would be best advised to find lodging that suits your other reasons for visiting New York. In general, there is nothing within walking distance of the campus, so a car is necessary if you want to explore the area. Fans 3 The game I attended was only the Sharks second home game in Division I, but there was a crowd of nearly 5,000 on hand to celebrate homecoming. This was double the showing for their first game. Fans were knowledgeable and respectful and having a good time despite their team getting blown out. It will take some time to see if they can maintain this level of support as the team will struggle for their first few seasons in FCS. Access 3 Getting here in a car from NYC is fairly straightforward, as you will take the Long Island Expressway to Glen Cove Road, go north to Northern Boulevard, and then east to the campus. It’s only 25 miles but it will take at least 45 minutes on a Saturday morning. There will be staff on hand to guide you to the parking lots, which are free. Get there 3 hours early if you wish to tailgate. If you are limited to transit, the Nassau County NICE bus is your only option. The N20h bus from Hicksville or Great Neck LIRR stations is the one to catch, but with limited runs on weekends, you will need to plan your trip in advance. It is possible to walk the 3 miles from Greenvale, but this is not recommended. Uber or Lyft do pick up on campus and a ride to Hicksville is about $15. Once inside, there is no problem moving about the stadium, or waiting for concessions or restrooms. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are $10, with the chair backs going for an extra $5. Coupled with the cheap eats and free parking, this is a very affordable afternoon for Division I football and a great way to escape the city for a while. Extras 2 The Pratt Recreation Center is to the west of the stadium and includes several display cases with trophies, including some commemorating national titles in Division II women’s lacrosse. Another point for the hard ticket, which shows the two helmets atop a background of shark fins, along with the date and a unique number. Every school should endeavor to provide similar souvenirs to their fans. Final Thoughts The unification of LIU’s athletic programs was a welcome surprise as it resulted in another Division I football program in the area. Few sports fans visiting NYC will bother to make the trip to Brookville, but that is their loss as the experience is well worth the trip. As the team gets better, expect the overall game day presentation to improve as well, making a game at the Shark Tank a Saturday afternoon to remember.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Kia Center 400 W Church St Orlando, FL 32801 Orlando Magic website Kia Center website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 18,500 Quietly Impressive in Orlando Take an NBA team, plant it in a beautiful vibrant growing city, and build them a beautiful facility with modern touches that never seem to go out of style, and you have yourself Kia Center, home of the Orlando Magic. Chock-full of quality concessions, comfortable seating, great restaurants and bars nearby, and friendly patrons, you would be hard-pressed to find a venue as enjoyable and inviting for a game of professional basketball. While many may think of Orlando as a city meant for tourists, it is quietly becoming a central hub for sports. Food & Beverage   5 The concessions at Kia Center are impressive. The home of the Magic combines standard stadium concessions and local favorites with known brands from around the country. Among the popular spots are PDQ Chicken ($15.99-$19.99 for chicken tenders, $15.99 for chicken sandwiches) and Pappa Johns ($10.99-$11.99 per personal pizza). Local favorites come in the form of 4 Rivers BBQ ($15.99 for BBQ Chicken Nachos, Pulled Pork Nachos, or Carved Turkey Sandwiches) and Gringos Locos Tacos ($12.99-$15.99 for nachos, $6.99 for tacos). Stadium favorites like popcorn ($6.99), jumbo pretzels ($4.99), hot dogs (9.99), and even Brazilian meat bowls and burritos ($14.99) are available. Drinks include soda ($6.49-$7.99) and beer ($11.99-$13.99). Smaller food vendor carts are also scattered around the arena, including coffee stands and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. Perhaps the coolest thing about the concessions at Kia Center, though, is the Ultra Club bar, an outdoor location which overlooks the downtown skyline, while also providing a beautiful gathering space for some fresh air, good drinks, and TVs that show the action inside. Another great spot is the Big Storm Brewing location on the event level near the main entrance – this bar and restaurant is open from 11am to 7pm on weekends as well as during Kia Center events, and features its own entrance to the arena for fans with tickets. Atmosphere   4 Kia Center is stunning; from the vibrant and colorful concourse lighting that extends to the main entrance lobby, to the unique arrangement of the court’s flooring – everything here is visually beautiful. The arena looks like it is a new facility, not one that has been open for over seven years. The acoustics are also great, making the crowd roars loud and noticeable. Orlando Magic’s seats are routinely full when it comes to ticket sales, meaning you always have the feel of a big game. But perhaps the best thing is that Magic games feel like they are a family affair; there are young fans at every game, and the team works to engage with younger fans like few others. The family-friendly atmosphere penetrates everything you see and do at Kia Center, making it a draw for anyone looking to take in a night of professional basketball that everyone can enjoy. Neighborhood   5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? Kia Center is steps away from Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years; with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City SC and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic, the City Beautiful loves sports. The immediate area around Kia Center includes suburbs to the west and the downtown city center to the east. There are tons of hotels nearby, and since the arena sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. Fans can easily stay at the Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, or the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown, and still walk to the arena with ease. For local restaurants, AC Sky Bar is one of the most popular sports bars in the Church Street area. Fans also visit Aku Aku Tiki Bar, World of Beer, and Tin & Taco. And if you want to see the sights, Lake Eola Park is just a few blocks away; this park is an Orlando landmark that is also home to a weekly farmer’s market on Saturday mornings. Being in Orlando, you are also just a short drive from Walt Disney World, Sea World, and the Universal Studios theme parks.   Fans   4 The fans at Kia Center are loyal and known to pack the house, regardless of the Magic’s record or opponent. From the first game of the year to the final game of the season, an admirably full house can be found for matchups against all teams in the standings. Another one of the positives is the friendliness of the fans at Orlando Magic games; everyone is there to have fun, and that is reflected in the attitude of the fans. The only downside may be Orlando’s hub as a tourist destination – while the team has marketed itself in some ways as a tourist attraction in and of itself, advertising with billboards that say “come see an NBA game in Orlando” make it seem more like a visiting show than a regular occurrence for loyal local fans. This approach, as well as Orlando’s natural tourist appeal, has made it a popular stop for visiting fans that can sometimes fill up a large part of the arena.   Access   5 How much easier can an arena be to get to? Driving on I-4 you pass within a few yards of Kia Center itself, so not finding the venue is quite arguably an impossibility. But if you do somehow get lost, signs all around downtown point the way to the facility, and both the South Street exit and the South Street Express Lanes exit drop you off right next to the arena. Also, when leaving there is an I-4 express lanes entrance on South Street on well. Once you get to Kia Center the Geico Garage is your best option for parking, and the best part is that the garage connects to the arena through a sky bridge across the street. There are also numerous other parking options nearby in parking lots and garages in the area; the only downside of late is the continuing construction in and around the I-4 corridor throughout the greater Orlando area.   Return on Investment   5 Taking in an Orlando Magic game can be a great event, and while some seats are pricier depending on the seating level, seats in the upper deck start at just $25. With what you get for the price you pay, Kia Center gives lots of entertainment value and a quality, comfortable experience – an Orlando Magic game is a definite option for someone looking to see professional sports in Central Florida.   Extras   4 The Ozone bar located at the top of the upper level (behind one of the backboards) gives you a bird’s-eye view of the action, while also offering a great place to hang out and watch the action. Fans can also enjoy the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame and other team memorabilia on the main concourse – these displays pay tribute to some of Orlando’s sporting heritage, community connections, and their best players of years past. Finally, Kia Center has also partnered with Disney, meaning there are various displays and nods to the Orlando theme park throughout the facility, including large painted Mickey statues in the main lobby and an entire suite inside sponsored by the theme parks.   Final Thoughts Kia Center remains one of the best basketball experiences around the league. The facility is stunning, clean, and always comfortable; the surrounding neighborhood means you have plenty to see and do before and after the game; and getting to the arena is a breeze. Kia Center should not be missed by any sports fan, be they casual visitors or hardcore sports enthusiasts.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Milton Wheeler Field 432 County Dr Hattiesburg, MS 39401 William Carey Crusaders website Milton Wheeler Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 498 Welcome to Baseburg, Mississippi Baseburg is a fitting nickname for the baseball-loving city of Hattiesburg – the Hub City has won more Dixie Youth World Series than any other city in the country, and in 2023 will host the Dixie Youth World Series. Additionally, year in and year out the Southern Miss Golden Eagles are one of the top teams in the country. Playing in front of packed houses at beautiful Pete Taylor Park , it's easy to see why this is one of the top baseball programs in the country; with a trip to Omaha in 2009 and countless regional appearances, most people think the Golden Eagles rule the roost in the Hub City. But there is a 'little brother' about 3 miles down the road, that also has an impressive list of accomplishments, that being William Carey University. Nicknamed the Crusaders, the small, private Baptist school has competed in the Southern State Athletic Conference of NAIA since the 2010-11 school year, after competing in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference since 1981. Since the start of the Carey baseball team in 1955 the Crusaders have become a national powerhouse in baseball every year – as of 2023 the Crusaders have won 20 conference championships, advanced to NAIA Regionals 26 times, played in 4 NAIA College World Series, and won a national championship in 1969. The college originally moved to Hattiesburg from Poplarville, MS as a women's college, in 1906. The school became co-ed in 1954 and changed its name to William Carey College, named after the Christian missionary. Despite the small school nature of the college, it is quite large compared to most of the schools in the conference, with an enrollment of 3,200 and spread out over 120 acres in a neighborhood in south Hattiesburg. Food & Beverage 2 There is one small concession stand at the main entrance; the basics are sold here, with prices about average. Hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, peanuts, and candy round out the menu, with bottled Coke products as the soft drinks provided. The one plus is the fact that they have a grill set up behind the concession stand, cooking the hot dogs and hamburgers fresh. Atmosphere 4 The Crusaders play on campus at Milton Wheeler Field, which opened in 2006, replacing a smaller field located on the property. The beautiful ballpark is a part of the Larry W. Kennedy Sports Complex, which also includes the Joseph and Nancy Fail Softball Complex and a beach volleyball court. Named after a long-time President of the University, the sports complex was dedicated in 2007. The Crusaders play at one of the finest facilities in all of NAIA – when you enter the grounds you walk right under a large brick archway that has the name of the sports complex, with the ticket office located underneath. For weekend games they have a tent set up at the main entrance selling William Carey merch. As you enter you walk up a paved sidewalk with the softball field to the right and Milton Wheeler Field to the left. When the softball field and baseball field were built, they were built as mirror images of each other, so they look exactly alike. A large brick building that houses the press box, one suite, and the concessions looms over the baseball field. A small plaque with all the members of the 1969 National Championship team hangs on the brick press box as you walk up, as well as a plaque dedicated to Milton Wheeler, a long-time professor at the University. The field is sunken into the ground, so when you walk up on the concourse you then walk down to your seat. The field faces southeast, and behind home plate is a nice little grandstand that extends down the first and third base lines; the grandstand has 318 red chairback seats and 180 metal bleacher seats. The concourse on the first baseline features three picnic tables with umbrellas, from which you can view the action on the field. Milton Wheeler Field also has a small-town feel to it, as along the outfield are wall signs for all the local Hattiesburg businesses, while the view beyond the outfield is hundreds of tall virgin pine trees, found throughout south Mississippi. Neighborhood 3 The William Carey campus is located in a residential neighborhood right down Highway 49 – there is one small bar called Shenanigans located the highway about a mile away, but other than that, there is nothing within walking distance of the college, so you'll have to go into town to see anything. Hattiesburg is a typical large college town, with plenty to do for all ages; there is a zoo nearby, a mall with plenty of shopping, and plenty of restaurants spread out throughout the city. If you are into the outdoors, the Okatoma River provides an excellent place for canoeing, while the Long Leaf Trace is a popular 44-mile trail that runs through the city. For places to stay there are a ton of hotels located closer to the interstate, and Paul B. Johnson State Park and the Elks Campground nearby remain popular spots for camping if you are coming to town for a weekend in the spring. Fans 4 Many of the Carey students live on campus, or the apartments right off campus. The Crusaders are also very competitive in baseball year in and year out, with the Crusaders constantly ranked in the NAIA Top 25 every year – the 2023 team ended up finishing the regular season ranked #12 in the country and advanced to the 2023 NAIA World Series in Idaho. This works out great for William Cary, as many of the students live nearby, and winning brings fans to games. It also helps that 'The Milt' is one of the nicest facilities at the conference, and could easily rival a small D1 college's facilities. It is hard to get an official attendance count, but I would say each game averages about 300-500 people. However, even though almost every game reaches the seating capacity, you should have no problem grabbing a seat in the chairbacks, as many people are scattered about the complex; you can even find many people standing on the concourse, particularly near the picnic tables. You can also find a good number of fans sitting down along the first and third base lines. For a small school, fans turn out and stay from start to finish – if you didn't know any better, you wouldn't know you were at an NAIA baseball game. Access 3 Hattiesburg is conveniently located less than an hour and a half from New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, Mobile, and Jackson, so getting here should be no problem. William Carey University is located right off Highway 49 about 3 miles south of the Southern Miss campus; the small campus is located in a neighborhood east of the main highway. You should have no problem finding a parking spot on campus, as there are plenty of parking lots available. Return on Investment 3 A lot of times they will not even charge for admission to baseball games. Unfortunately, though, at some games, they do charge for tickets, and it is hit or miss which games they will charge for. For most Saturday games they tend to charge, as well as on nights when the softball team is also playing at the same time. Regardless, ticket prices are reasonable, costing only $7 and you are free to sit wherever you want. Attending a game here is also a perfect experience for the baseball purist – it has a small-town, neighborhood feel where everyone knows everyone at the ballpark, and you are also getting to see some of the best small college baseball in the country. Extras 3 In over 60 years of baseball, William Carey has had 30 players drafted into MLB, with one player making it to ‘The Show’; in 1963 catcher John Stephenson wrapped up a four-year career at Carey, then went undrafted by the Mets in the 1963 Draft. By 1964 he had made the Met's opening day roster and was in the lineup for the first-ever game at Shea Stadium. Stephenson had a 10-year career in the big leagues for the Mets , Cubs , Giants , and Angels . On Sept 11, 1966, Stephenson was the starting catcher and batting mate for a rookie pitcher making his big league debut – that pitcher's name was Nolan Ryan. Stephenson would later coach the Crusaders from 1974-1985, and then Southeastern Louisiana from 1985-1990. The Crusaders are now coached by the legendary Bobby Halford, entering his 38th season as of 2023. Halford coached 8 seasons under John Stephenson before succeeding him in 1986. Halford holds a 61% win rate in over 2,000 games coached, and he also played at William Carey in the early 1970s. At the main entrance to the stadium, a small rock with his name inscribed sits with a makeshift garden constructed around it – this is a nice tribute to the legendary head coach. The small college would face its biggest test in the early morning of January 21, 2017, when an F-3 tornado ripped through South Hattiesburg and went right through the Carey campus. There were multiple injuries on campus, with all 59 buildings on campus receiving some sort of damage, including 6 that were destroyed. Milton Wheeler Field escaped with minimal damage other than some destroyed lights, forcing the Crusaders to play their first two months of games on the road and at various junior college ballparks. The Crusaders would have their second-best season ever that year, advancing to the NAIA College World Series and finishing third in the country that season. If you have time to walk around the campus before the game, you will see the campus buildings look new despite the college being over 100 years old – that is because many of the buildings have been renovated following the tornado; almost every building received a new roof after the tornado damage.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Memorial Field 4 Crosby St Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green football website Memorial Field website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 11,000 The Hill Wind Knows Their Name Football has been played at Dartmouth College on the site of Memorial Field since 1893. The current concrete-and-brick grandstand on Crosby Street was constructed in 1923 as a memorial to students and alumni who perished in World War I (that’s not a typo, World War ONE). Over the years the stadium has seen many changes, including the addition of permanent stands on the east side of the field and a complete demolition of the main grandstand and press box while keeping the grandstand’s historic outer shell intact. The Field Turf playing surface, the 8-lane Tartan Track surface, and the adjoining Leverone Field House and Floren Varsity House are all of more recent vintage than the stadium’s classic ivy-covered façade. The Dartmouth Big Green compete in the Ivy League and boast a storied tradition that includes a National Championship in 1925, a record 19 Ivy League championships and 11 alumni inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. 43 Dartmouth alumni have played in the National Football League. Food & Beverage 2 There are a pair of concessions stands operated by Dartmouth Dining as pop-up tents in opposite corners of the facility. A basic menu is served, comprising of hot dogs, burgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches and assorted snacks. Coca-Cola products are featured at Memorial Field. Alcohol is not sold at this facility. On the plus side, the quality of concessions is good, and no item costs more than five dollars. Atmosphere 3 There’s something special about going to a game far from the bright lights of big-time college football. The atmosphere is laid-back, the pressure is minimal, the fans are friendly, and everyone seems to be having more fun. This is true at Dartmouth, where, while the stuff happening around the game may seem silly, the students certainly seem to be enjoying themselves. During play stoppages students come onto the field to kick field goals, participate in trivia contests and race across the field while putting on a football uniform. The small band performs before the game and at halftime, complete with a repertoire of really bad jokes and choreography designed to show just how wacky and anti-establishment these Ivy League students are. For those fans looking for a more traditional game day presentation, there is a video scoreboard in the south end zone which is put to good use with game information, promotions and entertainment during play stoppages. There is a cheerleading squad which performs throughout the game and participates in the entertainment with t-shirt tosses and pizza giveaways. Hawkers roam the stands selling programs. Neighborhood 5 The campus of Dartmouth College dominates the landscape of the small town of Hanover. The small-town feel is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, particularly if you visit later in the fall while the leaves are changing color. The small downtown, with its public Green as the focal point, is perfect for exploring before or after the game. On a typical fall Saturday you’ll find no shortage of people walking around the downtown enjoying the weather before settling in for a long New Hampshire winter. Main Street bustles with a wide variety of places to eat. Check out Murphy’s on the Green or Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery for a true taste of Hanover. If you’re looking to stay in town, the Hanover Inn has rooms that overlook the Green. Memorial Field is located on the southeast corner of the Dartmouth campus, alongside other athletic venues including Thompson Arena , Red Rolfe Field , Leede Arena , and Scully-Fahey Field . It’s a short walk to both the Green and Main Street. Fans 3 Attendance at Big Green football games can fluctuate wildly, depending on the opponent. Typically, the Big Green average around 6,000 per game, which places them just under the overall Ivy League average. Considering that Dartmouth is the smallest school in the Ivy League, along with having the smallest stadium and the smallest area population base, these figures are not too shabby. Your typical Big Green crowd is laid-back and friendly. You’re not going to see rabid, drunken fans here in Hanover, and that’s how it should be at a facility like this. Locals, alumni and students combine to make the atmosphere at Memorial Field almost scholarly, as one might expect at a stadium covered in brick and ivy. There doesn’t seem to be a large turnout by the student body, which may hold back the overall noise level. Ivy League fans traditionally travel well, so it’s not unusual to see a significant number of visiting fans in the stands on any given Saturday. Access 4 The town of Hanover, New Hampshire is located in New England’s Upper Valley on the shores of the Connecticut River and the New Hampshire-Vermont border. Although the area may be off the beaten path, it’s easy to get to. Interstates 89 and 91 meet a short distance from Dartmouth, making the trip here an easy one. Busses run from nearby Manchester, an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston, a two-hour drive away. There is a train station on the other side of the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. The town of Hanover boasts a population of just under 12,000 residents, which swells when the 7,000 or so Dartmouth students show up. The small town is easily navigated, with numerous parking lots and ample on-street parking in the area on game days. All parking lots are a short walk to the stadium, with shuttles available for those parked a bit further away. Memorial Stadium is the smallest football venue in the Ivy League, as recent renovations reduced capacity to 11,000. These renovations improved the safety and comfort of the old grandstand, allowing for more room and accessibility. Unfortunately, the track which runs around the football field pushes the grandstands back a bit, but all seats feature good views of the action. The new rest rooms are clean and large enough to accommodate a Big Green crowd. Lines to concessions and rest rooms are minimal. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Big Green football games are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for youths. Parking is free in the parking lots within walking distance of the stadium, and there is ample on-street parking in the neighborhood. Even if you have to feed the meter for a while, it won’t cost more than three dollars for your spot. Concessions are moderately priced, with no item costing more than five dollars. Extras 3 The stadium was built as a memorial to the 3,407 Dartmouth students who served in World War I, including 112 who lost their lives. The memorial was subsequently expanded to include students who fought in the Korean War, Civil War, and World War II. There are several plaques honoring their sacrifice near the main entrance. Dartmouth honors their football history with banners commemorating their league championships lining the front of the stands and with flags flying across the top of the old Crosby Street grandstand. Another extra point is awarded for the major renovations to the stadium that managed to keep the historic flavor of the venue (most notably the Crosby Street façade) while upgrading the facility to modern standards. Final Thoughts If you were to imagine what an Ivy League football stadium would look like, you would probably imagine features like an old-timey looking brick façade with ivy vines climbing it, a main-street full of small shops and eateries, a walkable campus with interesting architecture, and a stadium full of laid back, but invested fans. In tiny Hanover, NH, you have all these things. They add up to a Stadium Journey that may be far off the beaten path, but one well worth taking. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.57 Joseph J. Jaroschak Field 200 Lincoln Hwy Jersey City, NJ 07306 Saint Peter’s Peacocks website Joseph J. Jaroschak Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 500 Nothing to Strut About Saint Peter’s baseball field is part of the Joseph J. Jaroschak Field “complex”, which is located in the southwest corner of Lincoln Park in Jersey City, NJ – the complex also includes the Saint Peter’s softball and soccer fields. Lincoln Park, opened in 1905, is a large urban park operated by Hudson County, and is divided into two sections, with multiple athletics fields on the east side (closer to the city), plus a golf course and Joseph J. Jaroschak Field on the west side (adjacent to the Hackensack River). Funds to build the complex were donated by Mary Lou Jaroschak in 1990, and the field was named after her late husband, a wealthy Hudson County resident. Food & Beverage 0 No food or beverages are sold at the stadium, so you will need to bring your own. Atmosphere 1 The baseball portion of Joseph J. Jaroschak Field is not much more than a community field, and what facilities they have are a bit dilapidated. There is no scoreboard and no stadium lighting, with just two small sets of quasi-temporary metal bleachers – one for the home fans and one for the visitors. The press box consists of a small wooden shack that can only fit two people, and the bathrooms consist of Port-A-Johns, which are shared with the soccer and softball fields. The field is natural grass, and the dugouts and press box are badly in need of paint and roof repairs – the dugouts also don’t seem to be large enough, so the coaches sit on folding chairs, and some of the players sit on empty buckets in front of the dugout during the game. Rumor has it both the baseball and softball fields used to have scoreboards, but they were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy – it is possible some of the other damage occurred then as well. For a quick tour of the venue see the video: Neighborhood 3 Joseph J. Jaroschak Field is bordered on the west side by the Hackensack River, with Highway 1/Highway 9 on the south side, and the rest of Lincoln Park on the east and north. The neighborhood near the park appears pretty sketchy, and does not feel very safe. However, if you are looking for something to do in the area, New York City is only 6 miles away, just across the river from Jersey City. There are also myriad hotels and restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the athletic complex, way too many to name, due to the urban sprawl around NYC – you can pretty much find any kind of food you want, but the traffic is of course terrible. On the plus side, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are on the same side of the Hudson River as Joseph J. Jaroschak Field, so should be easy to get to from here. Fans 2 Despite the super-high population in the area, the baseball stadium at Joseph J. Jaroschak Field does not draw a huge crowd (only 100-200 on average). This is probably due in part to the lack of facilities, but also the traffic and difficulty getting here. About half or more of the fans are here for the visitors; in fact one of the two sets of bleachers is practically reserved for them. The Peacock fans who do attend cheer pretty loudly when there is a great play, but are pretty blasé the rest of time; about one-third of them sport Saint Peter’s gear, which is not sold at the stadium. While most of the fans sit in the stands, there are a good number who stand along the fences, which are chain link all the way around, so you can watch from anywhere. Access 2 Joseph J. Jaroschak Field is inside Lincoln Park in Jersey City, NJ, and is a little hard to get to, first because of the very heavy traffic in the area, but also because of the bridges, which always add congestion – recall that Jersey City is flanked by the Hackensack River on the west and the Hudson River on the east. But Lincoln Park does have a couple major freeways that go by it, and the park has several entrances. Once you get to Lincoln Park, to find the baseball field just head toward the southwest corner of the park by following the one-way quasi-circular road that goes around it (depending on which website you use this curvy road could be called either Lincoln Park, Lookout, Lakeview, or Tennis Court Drive). Once you get to the blue track (the kind people run around), turn right and follow that road until it dead ends at a parking lot, then walk toward the river and you will see Joseph J. Jaroschak Field – the baseball portion is on the other side of the soccer and softball fields. On some websites this dead-end road will be called West Park Drive, but there is no sign actually posted. There are no standing restrooms, just Port-A-Johns, but at least parking is free, although you do have to walk a bit from the parking lot to get to the baseball field. Return on Investment 1 Even though it is free to attend Saint Peter’s baseball games, I cannot recommend it, due to the severe lack of facilities and the difficulty in getting here. There are several other schools nearby, so even if you want to see your team play on the road, I would suggest visiting one of those stadiums instead. Extras 2 If you do attend a Saint Peter’s baseball game, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are nearby and well worth a visit, so one point for those. Another point for New York City, which is just across the river with all its myriad attractions, so if you choose to stay the weekend, maybe take in a whole series, you will find plenty to do if you can handle the traffic. Final Thoughts Saint Peter’s is a very small school, so I can understand the lack of facilities due to the lack of budget. However, there are plenty of other options in the area if you want to see a baseball game – heck, there are even better baseball fields inside Lincoln Park itself.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 GCS Credit Union Ballpark 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd Sauget, IL 62206 Gateway Grizzlies website GCS Credit Union Ballpark website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,000 Having Fun at GCS Ballpark Grizzlies Ballpark is the home of the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League The ballpark is in Sauget, Illinois, where the population is 156. It might be the smallest town in baseball to house a professional team, but game day crowds increase the population to close to 95% on game day. The Grizzlies began operations in 2001 and moved into the new ballpark the following year which features reserved box seating, outfield lawn seating, party suites, and two hot tubs. There is also an abundance of food options featuring Baseball’s Best Burger. It is a bacon cheeseburger served in between a glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut in place of the bun. The ballpark is located in the St. Louis metropolitan area, providing fans with additional opportunities to enjoy baseball. The organization has done a more than admirable job of entertaining its guests for the past two decades at a comfortable park that kept up quite well in its appearance. GCS Credit Union and the Grizzlies announced that GCS Credit Union will be ending its naming rights agreement with the Gateway Grizzlies on April 16, 2023. Food & Beverage 5 The food options are at the end of each baseline. The Country Bob’s Grill House is a giant shed in the right-field corner, and the Baseball’s Best stand is near the left-field corner. Beer options are available in the middle of the concourse of the stadium. It is easy to go for Baseball’s Best Burger, but there are much more options to choose from if you feel a little adventurous. The ballpark also features Baseball’s Best Nachos, which are topped with steak, cheese, grilled onions, and peppers. They are big enough to share for two little fans, but dinner for a much older fan. The nachos are delicious, and the grilled toppings are hard to beat at many ballparks in the nation. The savory mix of toppings instead of neon cheese and jalapenos is a nice change of pace. The burger is quite unusual, but don't be fooled by its doughnut bun. It is a sweet and salty taste that works quite well together. The crispy bacon, the glaze on the fried doughnut, and the sharp cheddar cheese are a welcome trio of flavors. Baseball’s Best Hot Dog is topped with three slices of bacon and pulled pork. Bob’s Chicken Sandwich has two slices of bacon, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, and a pork fritter sandwich. If you like nachos and fries, fans can top it off with pulled pork, cheesesteak, or Buffalo chicken. The ballpark also offers the classics of hot dogs, nachos, burgers, brats, and pizza slices. You can wash it down with Pepsi products or national or local beers. Desert options include frozen custard and frozen bananas. Atmosphere 3 Grizzlies Ballpark is sculptured in a manner where the playing field sits below the main grandstand providing an open view form no matter where you are in the building. Fans get a view of the nearby interstate and the SIHF Healthcare building behind the left-field wall. There is only one entrance into the venue on the third-base side near the box office and team shop. The shop has an array of merchandise that includes a build-a-bear station for anyone who wants a stuffed grizzly bear. The scoreboard is on top of the lawn seating area in the right field. Fans get to enjoy the game from a nicely sloped strip of grass and are up close and personal with the right fielder. The visiting outfield played catch with a young fan standing on the grass near the wall. The right-field flagpole is also home to the two hot tub suites, which were closed during our visit to the ballpark. Adjacent to the suites is the Country Bob’s Grill House, a giant shed serving almost everything the stadium has to offer to eat. There is a kid's play area located on the opposite foul line of the ballpark that offers two spaces where kids can play. Fans will also find table stool chairs behind the backstop with ledges for their food and drink. All draught beer is sold through the bottom-up method, and the staff does the Macarena after the 8th inning on the dugouts. Izzy and Lizzy Grizzlie are the official mascots that make their way through the stadium. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing of note around the ballpark, even with the St. Louis skyline within distance from the massive parking lot. It may appear you are in the middle of nowhere, but Busch Stadium is less than 4 miles away, closer than CHS Field to Target Field in the Twin Cities. St. Louis will be your destination for entertainment that includes everything from award-winning barbecue, free museums, beer tours, and historic neighborhoods. Of course, you can check out a Cardinals game or visit their Hall of Fame in the Ballpark Village for starters. The city is known for its great museums which include the City Museum, St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, National Blues Museum, and the National Museum of Transportation. There are also a few oddities that include the World Chess Hall of Fame and the Moto Museum. If you are interested in brewery tours and want to do something outside the Budweiser Brewery Experience, check out Schlafly Brewing, 4 Hands Brewing, or Urban Chestnut Brewing Company. If you are hungry, Pappy’s Smokehouse has award-winning Memphis-style barbecue, but get there early since it sells out. The Soulard Farmers Market is the oldest operated market dating back to 1779. The Soulard neighborhood is worth checking out for its diverse architecture, churches, and small restaurants and bars. The same could be said for Laclede’s Landing along the river which is made up of cobblestone streets with restaurants and bars. Fans 4 Grizzlies fans have been coming out to support their team for two decades and were an FL organization to attract 200,000 fans on the season. There is a dedicated audience that wears its pride on its sleeves when voicing its opinions toward the umpire. There are many out for a good time, but there is quite a bit of keeping score and hoping for a Grizzlies victory. Access 4 The ballpark is directly off the interstate, the parking lot is vast, and getting around inside is not a hassle at all at most games. The wide-open concourse that wraps almost around the ballpark provides more than enough room for fans of all ages. Return on Investment 4 It depends on the night you are at the game since ticket prices vary from time to time. Field Reserve Box Seats are $14, Bleacher Seats are $9, and General Admission Lawn Seats are $8 the day of the game. If they are bought in advance, there is a dollar discount. Still, these are not bad prices for tickets. There are two price points under ten bucks, and the parking is free for all cars. However, there are Super Show Nights where the team offers fireworks, guest appearances, and other promotions. Ticket prices for all three options increase by $4 apiece. That means the most expensive ticket is $18, while a lawn seat is $12. There are 5 Super Show Nights during the season, two of them around Independence Day. Extras 3 The Grizzlies earn a point for Baseball's Best food options that have pushed the boundaries of what can be served at a ballpark. The club also earns a second point for the lawn seating behind the right field and for offering fans free parking for all home games. Final Thoughts It is a marvelous, little ballpark that has become one of the better ones in independent baseball. The ticket prices are affordable, the food is creative and fun, and promotional nights should attract fans to the stadium. When in St. Louis, there is more than one option for a baseball game. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Swinney Recreation Center 5030 Holmes Street Kansas City, MO 64110 Kansas City Roos website Swinney Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 1,600 Roo-Roo-Roo(t) for the Home Team You have to love a team that’s comfortable in its own skin. The Kansas City Chiefs are omnipresent in the City of Fountains, and had a noon home game the day I visited University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) for a 1 p.m. men’s basketball tipoff. Confused as to why the athletic department would want to go head-to-head with the defending NFL champs, it quickly became apparent that the Roos march (punch?) to the beat of their own drummer.   And why shouldn’t they? Opened in 1933 as the University of Kansas City, the local university predates the local NFL team by 27 years. The Kangaroo became its mascot in 1937, a nod to the Kansas City Zoo's acquisition of two baby kangaroos. In 2019 – prior to the school’s sports team moving from the WAC to the Summit League – that name was shortened to Roos (no apostrophe) and the athletics department rebranded to Kansas City Athletics.   The PA announcer at my late December game even leaned into the Roos’ friendly rivalry with other area sportsmen, introducing them as “Kansas City’s tallest team!”   1954 was the first year of men’s basketball in these parts, competing at the NAIA level before transitioning to NCAA Division I in 1987. The Roos have hopped around to a number of Kansas City home courts over their six decades, including Municipal Auditorium, Kemper Arena, Hale Arena, and the Independence Events Center before a move back to the on-campus Swinney Recreation Center in 2019-20 as part of the aforementioned brand refresh. Opened in 1941, the venue has undergone numerous renovations and now accommodates up to 1,600 fans. What fans will immediately notice upon entering Swinney is the yellow court with dramatic blue silhouette of the KC skyline along the south sideline. Looking up, no real estate is wasted as two large videoboards flank the baskets at both ends. Swinney Recreation Center Full Court, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey A true multi-purpose facility, under one roof Swinney Recreation Center holds weight rooms, five multipurpose courts (one visible behind the west stands), racquetball and squash courts, three fitness studios, and a 25-yard indoor lap pool. An indoor track “runs” above the court, within touching distance of the top of the east stands. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Swinney are impossible to miss, located on the left wall of the venue’s entry lobby; there are no other entrance points. Menu offerings are fairly robust for an arena of this size, including hot dogs ($6.25), hamburgers ($6.25 or $6.75 with cheese), nachos ($6.25), Dippin’ Dots ($5.25), assorted chips and candy ($3.25 each), and popcorn ($3.75), or an option to upgrade to something called Velvet Crème Popcorn in a variety of flavors ($6). On the beverage side there’s bottled water ($3.25), Coca-Cola soft drinks and iced tea ($3.50), domestic beers ($6.75), local offerings from Boulevard Beers and Quirk Seltzer ($7.75 each), and red or white wine ($6.25). Atmosphere 3 You know you’re at a college basketball game the moment you step foot inside Swinney, with floor-to-ceiling window panels separating the lobby from the court just beyond. In front of the glass is where you can find the spirit table – where a friendly staffer was handing out free gameday posters – and a merchandise area featuring several types of Roos-branded scarves, a nod to Kansas City’s recent prowess in college soccer.   The Athletic Department really packs a lot into this relatively small lobby, including a blue wall with “Kansas City Athletics Points of Pride,” a coloring and crafts station for kids, and another with bios of the three head coaches currently prowling the sidelines in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball.   To get to their seats, fans either head right for the east grandstand or left for the west. A hard left from the west entrance leads you to the restrooms, which are in a unique configuration; the men’s room has two doors, one at each end of a “U” configuration, and since the women’s restroom doors are immediately next to those, I have to assume they form an even wider, surrounding “U.”   Fans moved freely pregame and at halftime, although with just two doors leading to seats, I could see this getting bottlenecked a bit if approaching capacity.   One facility enhancement suggestion is to curtain off the small windows that run above the length of the east bleachers. Being a day game, I found the light pouring in from them to be a distraction while sitting on the west side. Neighborhood 4 UMKC is located just to the east of Country Club Plaza, designed in the 1920s as the first planned suburban shopping center designed for automobile access. The area certainly feels historic, with European-style apartment buildings interspersed with businesses, fountains, and waterways.   In the Plaza you’ll find a branch of the legendary Jack Stack Barbeque , while other famous names in KC BBQ include Arthur Bryant’s , Gates , and Joe’s . That said, don’t overlook modern, craft barbeque establishments like Q39  or Wolfepack which serve mean cocktails as well as burnt ends.   Just southeast of campus, along Troost Ave., are a couple spots that work well for a pregame bite and beverage: Tiki Taco  and Gaels Public House & Sports . Combine a Roos' game with a visit to   The College Basketball Experience , located inside downtown Kansas City's T-Mobile Center arena. The top floor is chock-full of interactive hoops stations where you can work up a sweat, while downstairs hosts the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for children. Fans 3 Given its intimate confines, there is no bad seat in Swinney, with the top row being just 12 rows above the court. And despite going head-to-head with the beloved Chiefs, and Roo students being on holiday break, the stands filled in respectably. Only a few red-and-gold shirts with the trademark arrowhead logo and/or faces buried in phones were spotted among the Roo faithful.   The designated Rowdy Roo student section is in the corner of the east stands, but was indistinguishable from other seating areas on my visit due to the university break. The furry KC Roo mascot makes the rounds and tries to hype up the crowd on the court, as do cheer and dance teams. Access 4 Swinney Recreation Center is located less than 10 minutes south of Kansas City’s downtown core, and about 30 minutes south of MCI airport, which recently opened a gleaming new central terminal. Take I-25 south until it becomes U.S. 71, then exit at Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and hang a left. Another left at Rockhill Road will lead you onto campus. Swinney Recreation Center is atop the hill next to the Student Success Center. Free parking is available on levels 5 and 6 of the Cherry Street Parking Garage (50th and Cherry Street, just off Rockhill). With my game falling on a Saturday and Roo students on a holiday break, parking was also free in the lot facing the Student Success Center. Public transportation aficionados should check RideKC or Google Maps, for optimal routes to campus. Swinney’s ticket booth is just to the left of the entrance doors, and there is no security screening to pass through. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices at Swinney Recreation Center are as follows: Sideline reserved seats: $17 Courtside seats: $50 (includes access to the Boulevard Courtside Club  which includes two drink tickets, a pregame buffet and chalk talk with an assistant coach, and halftime snacks, located in an area of tables behind the west bleachers.) Free Parking in the Cherry Street Garage – with closer options in lots 38 and 4 for $6 – coupled with fairly reasonable ticket and concession prices means a visit to Swinney won’t break the bank. . Extras 3 Swinney Recreation Center is named after a Kansas City banker who raised $250,000 to build a recreational facility for students.   Flocks of Canadian Geese can be found on campus during the winter, especially near the intersection of Locust and Cherry Streets. UMKC Geese, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Combine a Roos’ game with a fun, educational experience; the highly-rated National Museum of Toys and Miniatures  is located in the southwest corner of the UMKC campus, accessible from Oak Street. Final Thoughts Limited to a 1,600-seat arena embedded within a larger recreational facility, the Kansas City Roos certainly “do more with less” when it comes to the gameday basketball experience. From the efficient use of lobby space with respectable concessions to the unique blue and yellow court design with large screens flanking the basket to the VIP experience available for just $50, there’s a definite fan-first approach. After all, the Roos are competing for butts-in-seats with the sports behemoth in town. Swinney Recreation Center Court Graphics, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall 701 N Pine St Florence, AL 35632 North Alabama Lions website CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 2,233 CB&S Bank Arena One of the newer additions to NCAA Division I, the University of North Alabama Lions joined the ASUN Conference in 2018. The jump from Division II has come with several renovations to the nearly 50-year-old Flowers Hall, with maybe the biggest change being the addition of CB&S Bank Arena to the building’s name. Some of the upgrades have included replacing the wooden seating, the addition of large video boards, a new donor’s suite, and many behind-the-scenes upgrades that are unseen by most fans. Food & Beverage 3 The only concessions stand in the arena is in the main lobby, and it serves typical concession stand items. Hot dogs and nachos are the primary concessions, to which cheese and chili can be added for an additional $1.50 each. Hot dog combos are available for an extra $4.50. There is also a wide choice of candy and snacks such as chips, popcorn, and pretzels. Beverages include bottled Coke products, Powerade, and Monster energy drinks. Alcoholic beverages are not available for purchase at the concessions stand. Lines tend to get backed up at half time, so try to grab a bite during a timeout or just before the end of the half. Atmosphere 3 CB&S Arena has a rather retro appearance. It has a refreshing simplicity to it that is a throwback to pit gymnasiums where most of the fans sit above the benches, looking down onto the court. Upon entering the arena, fans with floor seats can enter up either of the ramps on the lobby level, whereas ticketed general admission seats will need to use the stairs on either side. If getting court level seats behind the bench, try to sit toward the back of the section, as players on the bench tend to obstruct the view of the game. There is no overhead scoreboard – rather there are several smaller scoreboards around the arena. Court level scoreboards give basic time and score, along with running player point totals and fouls, while a larger scoreboard with added team and player foul information hangs at each end. Two large video boards hang on either side of the basket at the home end of the court. Both boards are mostly used to show the video feed of the game, which seems a bit redundant. So while there are plenty of scoreboards around the arena, it would be nice to have more specific individual and team stats on one of the video boards. The in-game promotions and entertainment does a lot to highlight the spirit of college basketball. Most of the pre-game music is from the in-house DJ, but in-game stoppages in play are primarily run by the pep band and cheer squads. All-in-all, UNA does a good job at providing a well-balanced mix of modern and more traditional in game entertainment. Neighborhood 3 Located on the southern side of Florence, not far from the Tennessee River, the University of North Alabama and CB&S Arena are less than a mile from the city center. There, visitors can find a wide variety of shopping and dining options. One of the highly recommended establishments in this part of town is Willwood Tavern, known for its specialty hot dogs and vast menu. Not far from downtown Florence is Wilson Dam; this area offers hiking, camping, and some of the best smallmouth bass fishing around. Nearby is the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa, which is also home to the 360 Grille, Alabama’s only revolving restaurant. The 300-foot-tall tower resembles Seattle’s Space Needle and provides views of Wilson Dam and the surrounding area. Just across the Tennessee River from Florence are the towns of Sheffield and Muscle Shoals. Fans of classic rock might recognize the former from the Lynyrd Skynyrd song, “Sweet Home Alabama.” It was here Skynyrd recorded his first demo and sang of “Swampers” from Muscle Shoals, the local studio band that has provided studio backup for some of the largest names in music through the 70s and 80s. The studio has since been converted into a museum to recognize the role 3614 Jackson Highway played in music history. Fans 4 The University of North Alabama fans do a very good job at creating an extremely fun basketball atmosphere. Students show up early, hand out pom-poms, and get their whiteboards ready with ever changing messages to support their Lions. Their intensity hardly wavers throughout the game, and seemingly wills the team into defensive stops and important baskets at the most opportune times. While weekday games tend to have smaller crowds, conference weekend games are very well attended. Accessibility 2 There is no easy way to get to Florence, as it is located well off any of the major interstates that run through northern Alabama, southern Tennessee, or eastern Mississippi. If coming from out of the area, most fans will take I-65 to any of the various US highways or state roads that feed into Florence. Parking is available in the lots adjacent to the practice fields, where the UNA Athletics sign is, or in the lot behind Flowers Hall off Circular Drive. Return on Investment 3 Reserved court level seats start at $18, while general admission tickets run $12. An initial look at ticket prices might seem to be a bit on the higher side, but considering there is no fee for parking and that concessions are pretty affordable, the overall price is consistent with the rest of the conference. Extras 3 North Alabama has done well in utilizing the dead-space behind their endline bleachers – UNA has turned the area into the Treehouse Kids Zone, where kids run, jump, and play on inflatables during the game. The main lobby area gives a rather extensive look at the successes of UNA athletics. Featured are the several National Championships and other awards the school has won, along with a corner dedicated to All-Americans who have played at North Alabama. Final Thoughts What the University of North Alabama is trying to do by updating a 50-year-old arena is no easy feat. Many of the upgrades that have been made have worked well to fill a need, but have come at the expense of convenience in some areas. Overall, however, the upgrades have modernized and provided amenities that are useful when considering a jump from Division II to Division I. Even though Florence and North Alabama might not be a destination location for most, it is a basketball environment that the average fan should enjoy. Between the game presentation and the atmosphere created by the fans, pep band, and cheer squads, it has just about everything that is right about college basketball.

Photos by Cameron Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Dayton Raceway 3100 Needmore Rd Dayton, OH 45414 Dayton Raceway website Year Opened: 1934 Horses Fly Too Dayton Raceway in Dayton, Ohio features a horse racing track attached to a casino. The track features live harness racing from September to December, and includes a slew of food and dining options at the facility. The track itself is sparsely attended, but on the plus side you can get very close to the action. Food & Beverage 4 There are multiple restaurants and snack stands on the premises – the Sportsbook restaurant is only open to those 21+, but Skybox Sports Bar is open to all, and have tables next to the window so you can watch the racing action while you eat. The menu at the sports bar is limited, but there are a couple of other snack stands on the same floor if you are looking for a little variety. There are also a couple of snack stands next to the track itself, but not all of them are open on certain race days. Atmosphere 1 The big draw of course at Dayton Raceway, or most horse tracks for that matters, is the gambling. Dayton Raceway only has one live attendant on the clubhouse level, at the far end of the floor, but there are plenty of betting machines, and a slew of TVs all around where you can watch simulcast racing from other tracks. If you head down to the track you can watch the action from the rail, and even get a photo of the winning horse in the winner’s circle. Neighborhood 3 There are a few restaurants near Dayton Raceway, which is located north of downtown – Old Dayton Pizza is probably the closest one that is not on the casino’s property. There are also plenty of hotels to the north, closer to I-70. If you are interested in college or high school football, the horse racing and football season overlap, so you may be able to take in a game at nearby Welcome Stadium , home of the FCS Dayton Flyers as well as multiple high school teams who share the stadium. By far the most popular attraction in the city, however, is the Air Force museum at nearby Wright-Patterson Field, a large museum with multiple hangers showcasing planes and other aviation history. There are also additional sites in town you can visit which honor Wilbur, Orville, and their work. Fans 1 Not very many fans watch the racing at Dayton Raceway – the facility is pretty empty, although there are plenty of different seating options all over the place. On the first floor, only 40-50 feet from the track railing, you can sit indoors and watch the action from comfy couch-like chairs, or from regular wooden chairs set up in rows. You can also watch from one of the aforementioned restaurants while you eat, or from the railing itself if you don’t mind being outdoors. Note that the first post time is at 4 pm, so be aware you will be watching night racing, and it can be a little chilly outdoors then, in the fall and winter in Ohio. Access 4 There is free parking right next to the facility – the customer service is not the best in terms of giving directions, but just walk around the back of the casino and you will see the track; the clubhouse is right next to the track, and you can get up to the club level via the elevator or the stairs. Moving around the facility is very easy given the small crowd. The only challenge might be the traffic in downtown Dayton, especially if you are going racing on a weekday – since the first post time is at 4 pm, you may end up getting stuck in rush hour traffic. Return on Investment 2 There is no cost to attend the races at Dayton Raceway, but there are also no real amenities to speak of unless you there for the gambling. The restaurant food is also a little on the high side – otherwise I would recommend watching the races from the Skybox Sports Bar, so you don’t have to sit or stand outside. Extras 2 The casino next door is a plus if you are into that sort of thing, and being able to see harness racing is a unique feature, as most horse racing tracks have flat racing. Harness racing seems to be more common up north. Final thoughts If you have never seen horse racing or harness racing I would recommend trying it at least once. Dayton Raceway doesn’t have anything in the way of amenities, however, so is not the most fun experience. However, it is very easy to move around, and won’t cost anything either (except for your wagers, of course).

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bragg Memorial Stadium 1500 Wahnish Way Tallahassee, FL 32310 Florida A&M Rattlers website Bragg Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 19,633 Something to Bragg About Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public historically Black land-grant university (HBCU) in Tallahassee, Florida. It was founded in 1887 and is the third-largest HBCU in the country, with an enrollment of more than 10,000 students. The school offers 54 Bachelor’s degree programs, 29 Master’s programs, and 12 doctoral programs. The Florida A&M football team is known as the Rattlers. The football program started early at the school, as it first fielded a team in 1907. The Rattlers are one of the most successful teams in HCBU (Historically Black College and Universities) football, as they have won 16 Black College National Football Championships, 29 SIAC titles, 8 MEAC titles, 1 SWAC title and one 1-AA National title. The team is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The home of Rattlers football is the on-campus 19,633-seat Bragg Memorial Stadium. It opened in 1957 and is named for J.B. and Eugene Bragg, a father and son duo that served as head coaches for the Rattlers in the 1930s and 1940s. The field is named for Ken Riley, an All-American football player at Florida A&M, who went on to be a coach and athletic director for his alma mater. Riley was also a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. This is the second incarnation of Bragg Stadium on the FAMU campus. Its short-lived predecessor opened in 1947 in a cow pasture near the campus. It did not even have restrooms, so fans had to use the facilities in a nearby dormitory.   Food and Beverage 5 Before you are even inside Bragg Stadium, you are likely to be full. That’s because more than 50 food tents set up business along Perry Street next door to Bragg Stadium before each home game. These vendors sell various foods, including BBQ, okra, chicken wings, pork chops, seafood, grits, ribs, turkey wings, frog legs, and cheesesteaks. Dessert items include cakes, cookies, ice cream, smoothies and pies. If you are still hungry, Bragg Stadium has two concession stands along the concourses on each side of the Field. They all sell off the same menu, which includes a Brisket meal package (brisket, mac and cheese, cole-slaw, and cornbread). Individual items available include Brisket sandwiches, mac and cheese, hot dogs, nachos with cheese, boiled peanuts, potato salad, coleslaw, and pickled sausages. Dessert items include candy, pickles, and chips. FAMU stands offer Pepsi brand sodas as well as fruit punch, lemonade, tea, and water. The stadium stands to accept both cash and credit cards.   Atmosphere 3 A major aspect of the atmosphere at HBCU football games is its marching band, and the Rattlers are no exception. The Florida A&M band is known as the Marching 100, and they play nonstop throughout the games. Many fans attend the games just because of the band, as their halftime performances are legendary. The band has performed at Olympic Games, Super Bowls, the Rose Parade, and presidential inaugurations. Bragg Memorial Stadium has gone through several renovations in recent years to improve the fan experience. The seating bowl has been completely refurbished with new aluminum bench seating, a new press box has been built, and additional luxury suites and boxes have been added. A new electronics package, including the sound system and the video board, has been installed to better inform fans of the game statistics. The on-field improvements include a new AstroTurf playing surface and a renovation of the Gallimore-Powell Field House behind the south end zone. This enhanced both the home and visiting team’s locker rooms, training areas, and coaches’ offices. Neighborhood 4 The Florida A&M campus and Bragg Memorial Stadium are located just south of downtown Tallahassee and the Florida State government complex. Attractions near the stadium include the Railroad Square Arts District and the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Two restaurants of note near the campus are E and J’s BBQ and Dick Mondell’s Burger and Fries. Proof Brewing Company is also nearby, with a large offering of craft beers. Several lodging options are near campus, including the Hotel Indigo Tallahassee Collegetown and the Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol University.   Fans 4 The Rattlers have a strong fanbase made up of current students, alumni, and Tallahassee residents who have adopted the school as their own. They dress in the designated colors announced by the school for each home game at Bragg Stadium. The PA announcer at Bragg is more of a DJ than your typical stadium announcer, as he hypes up the crowd in addition to announcing game statistics. New coach Willie Simmons pleased fans with a Celebration Bowl win and yet another Black College National Championship in his inaugural season of 2023. Rattler fans always look forward to two featured ball games each season. The Florida Classic pits Florida A&M against Bethune-Cookman University, and the Orange Blossom Classic offers Jackson State University as the opposition. However, the 2024 game was the last game of this matchup due to conference realignment. Access 3 Getting to a Rattler football game is relatively easy. Other than a few lots dedicated towards season ticket holders/major donors, most of the parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans arrive well before the kickoff to set up their tailgating feasts. There are four sets of entry gates set aside for fans at Bragg Memorial Stadium.  These gates open two hours before kickoff. Return on Investment 3 There are two levels for single-game tickets at Bragg Stadium. General admission seating is available for $45, and reserved seats are $50. Parking is available on campus for each home game. Parking on campus lots is available on a game-by-game basis for $22.95. The parking lot adjacent to Bragg Stadium is reserved for season ticket holders only. As we have mentioned before, the concession prices inside Bragg Stadium are quite reasonable. Extras 2 There are plans to build a 35,000-seat stadium elsewhere on the campus, but no starting date for this project has been announced. The stadium would feature three tiers of seating, 360-degree access to the concourse, and several luxury suites and lounge boxes. Many elite players and coaches have been a part of the Rattler's heritage. Legendary coach Jake Gaither won multiple National Championships during his time with the teams. Star players for the Rattlers who went on to NFL glory include Gene Atkins, Ken Riley, Willie Galimore, Bob Hayes, and Nate Newton. Final Thoughts There was great anticipation before the game at Bragg Memorial Stadium, the historic home of the Florida A&M Rattlers. The roar of the crowd grew louder as the Rattlers took the field, their band providing a powerful soundtrack to the game. This venue is a great visit for sports fans.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Brave Gym 803 W Indian Creek Dr. Trafalgar, IN 46181 Indian Creek HS Braves Brave Gym website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 2,300 Keep Your Eye on the Ball at The Creek Indian Creek High School was created in time for the 1967-1968 academic school year and was the result of three local schools of Nineveh, Morgantown, and Trafalgar all consolidating into one larger school. The district had purchased 79 acres of land two years prior near the southwest corner of SR 135 and 252 to begin construction of the new $1.5 million school. The school’s new name was picked by 8th grader John Wilkerson who chose it due to a few reasons that included that Indian Creek ran through all three towns, it did not have a connection with any of the three towns, and no other school in the state had this name. For his efforts, Wilkerson received a $50 savings bond. The new school also needed a new gymnasium and chose Ralph Legemen’s sunken gym design that, at this point, was nearing its end of popularity in the state. Indian Creek’s new home, sometimes known as Braves Gym, would be the second to last of this patented design ever built. All of the elements from the octagonal-shaped seating bowl, arched roof, exposed beams, and wrap-around concourse are present for a game of basketball. The Braves would capture its first sectional championship in 1978 after a hectic schedule that was affected by the Blizzard of ‘78. The school did not have to wait long for its next few sectional tournament championships as the program secured wins in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987, and 2000. Indian Creek’s lone regional championship occurred in 1983. The gym is also home to 3A sectional tournaments on an annual basis where it hosts Beech Grove, Herron, Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, Indianapolis George Washington Community, and Speedway. The Braves have not won a sectional since 2000 and with two decades in between, fans would love nothing more than to hang a banner at its only home for basketball. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is outside of the main seating bowl and offers do usual items found in other high school gyms. There is not one item that is more than $3 and everything makes for a nice little snack while watching the game. Fans can enjoy hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and even soft pretzels. The Brave Dog features chili and cheese on top and during this game, ice cream and Kona Ice are served on the main concourse. Atmosphere 4 There have not been a lot of changes to the Braves Gym since it first opened in 1967 but two years ago it did receive a splash of paint and was reminded that should last until the end of the decade when the floor will need to be replaced. The bold and bright school colors and the oversized center logo of the interlocking “IC” pop off nicely against the ceiling lights and add a touch of pizazz to the old venue. Another thing that has not changed is the number of people that pack the gymnasium regularly. The last game of the season was Senior Night which brought a near-capacity crowd to the 2,400-seat building that offered an atmosphere that was the norm when the place first opened. Players are introduced behind a lighted Braves logo on the wall and an energetic PA announcer. The 10-foot wide concourse had various tables manned by graduating seniors who offered autograph books and bowls of fun-sized candy bars and a few other snacks and treats. There are also tables from local businesses, Girl Scouts selling cookies, a full-size merchandise stand (closed due to most of the school merchandise having been sold this year), and a Kona Ice machine. The walls are covered with framed championship photos of various teams, regional and sectional title banners, Hall of Fame members, and other school memories. The highlight though is the corner exhibit that honors the three former high schools that consolidated to become Indian Creek in 1967. Trafalgar, Nineveh, and Morgantown High are memorialized with photos, letter jackets, yearbooks, senior chords, game balls, and the old mascot head that is all behind lighted glass cases. This might be the best display in any high school gym in the state. The front-row seats underneath the baskets make for an interesting game-day experience in that they are within a few inches of the gameplay. You have to pay attention to any loose balls, falling players, and throw-ins because chances are the visitor is in the way of the play. There is not much legroom in between and it even leads to two padded coverings directly under the basket to act as a cushion (both included with advertisements). Neighborhood 2 For the size of the town, there are a few interesting places to eat including the Crowbar Restaurant which offers appetizers or chicken wings in signature sauces and frog legs as well as burgers, sandwiches, and flatbread pizza. Southern Comfort features fried chicken and waffles along with other items including catfish dinners, burgers, and pies. Small Town Pizza and Sub Company is one of three locations serving pizza, pizza rolls, subs, and strombolis at this family-friendly eatery. Also, the Johnson County Museum of History is in nearby Franklin, and Johnson County Park is in Nineveh. A short drive south is Nashville, Indiana, where the small town is alive with shops restaurants, bars, and nearby hiking trails and parks for a fun time for the entire family. Fans 4 Indian Creek has an enrollment of 610 but attracts large crowds to games regularly. The student section dresses up in theme outfits and holds oversized heads of celebrity figures in an attempt to distract opponent foul shots. Tonight the students were decked in fraternity wear complete with empty red Solo Cups that were raised during Braves foul shots and sipped when each shot was made. Oddly enough many of these kids will experience a frat party sometime in the future but the cup-raising should be something used for every game in the future. The rest of the fans are just as involved in the game as they are focused on the action on the court. A collection of family, friends, alumni, and fans of the game cheer loudly during excellent play and display jeers during calls that favor the visiting team. It was a close game in the first half that kept everyone on their toes, but the Braves pulled ahead in the third to the delight of the thousands in the stands. Access 3 The high school and gym are a little out of the way and several miles from the I-65 exit but part of the journey to many Indiana high school gyms is the journey through small towns on state roads. The gym itself is easy to move around thanks to its sunken bowl design and wraparound concourse. As with many of these styles of gyms, there are plenty of doors allowing for an easy exit after the game but that is not the case with Brave Gym. It is surrounded but other buildings of the school and there are not as many doors in comparison with other gyms of this kind in Edinburgh , West Vigo , and Southridge . Return on Investment 4 The small sunken gym costs $5 for a ticket and not one item at the concession stand is over $3. Trafalgar is a small town with a few places of interest to enjoy a bite or drink before or after the game. The town is within a small drive of area attractions but the game itself is enough to attract someone to the gym. It can be a lot of fun to enjoy a game with a frenzied crowd on hand. Extras 4 The Braves earn one point for the wonderful exhibit honoring the three former high schools that merged to become Indian Creek in 1967. There are a lot of memories from photographs, varsity jackets, and even old senior chords that are beautifully displayed in the corner of the concourse. The team earns a second point for the introduction that features a lighted mascot head against the wall of the gymnasium. The gym is darkened and the PA announcer gets hyped up before the start of the game. The third point is for the wheelchair lift that was added to the gym a few years ago. The fourth point is for the maneuvering one has to do if they are sitting in the first row underneath the basket. The fan is inches away from the action on the court where you need to pay attention unless you’ll be hit in the face with a basketball or a falling player. Final Thoughts Brave Gym is a classic sunken basketball arena that is full of life and excitement during the basketball season. The community comes together to honor its players on the court and provide a wonderful backdrop for any visitor looking for that old-fashioned Hoosier Hysteria. The small town offers a big game day atmosphere that’s not too far off the beaten path for anyone to experience for themselves.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Hard Rock Stadium 2267 NW 199th St Miami Gardens, FL 33056 Orange Bowl website Hard Rock Stadium website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 74,916 Orange Bowl The Orange Bowl Game is the second-longest running college football bowl game, and the history of the game runs deep in sports. Now, played in a changing Hard Rock Stadium, the game is one that cannot be missed by die-hard sports fans, regardless of who plays in the game. Food & Beverage 4 Food and beverage at Miami sporting events is already pretty good, due to the heavy Latin influence. Now, the new renovations have made the actual food booths at lot easier to navigate and the patio seating areas to eat at a lot nicer. What used to be just corridors of concession stands are now mini food courts. On the suite level, a massive indoor food court is located along the massive windows that give fans a grand vista of South Florida. The new lower-level suite areas include full-scale restaurants that help fans smell glorious tastes throughout the halls from the media room to the ticket offices.​ Alcohol is ever-present (it is college in Miami, after all) in large bars that also sport HD TVs for fans to catch some of the other sports action that may be going on that day.​ Prices aren't completely out of range, but they aren't cheap either. A half-pound burger and fries runs $13, not including a drink, while a personal pizza from Papa John's will run $8.75, be it cheese or pepperoni. There is a refillable popcorn bucket available for $10 and a bottomless drink costs $11 (a regular soda is $4). Draft beer averages about $8.​ Atmosphere 5 The feeling at the Orange Bowl game can be described as electric and nothing less. Fans cheer for their team louder than most games the stadium sees (yes, I am talking to you UM fans...), and during the band performances, they sing along and chant with the melodies. The Orange Bowl game also sells out every year, leading to a full house, making the oohs and aahs even louder. The entire place shakes when a touchdown incites the roar of the crowd. The whole day leading up to the game is also full of partying fans in the parking lot, and the college atmosphere is noticeable throughout. It is hard to find a better bowl experience in the country. Neighborhood 3 Miami Gardens isn't exactly a prime location in which to showcase the city of Miami and all it has to offer. Sure, across the street from Hard Rock Stadium is a very nice shopping center. Inside is a giant Walmart. There is a bank as well, with a beautiful brand new Sonic Beach that has a ton of fans before and after the games. The outside patio setting is mixed with the bar inside that opens up to the outdoors and has several TVs, making it an ideal setting in which to relax before or after the game with the family and other fans.​ But the immediate neighborhood BEYOND that first block is not the same. There isn't anything wrong, per se, with the neighborhood, but it isn't exactly a crown jewel of Miami-Dade County. The homes are average. The people are just...there. Think something akin to the first Fast and the Furious movie, everyone in the middle of lower-middle-class suburbia cooking out on an old grill. That's the same setting. Not a bad place, but I could think of nicer locations to be walking through in the evening.​ Traffic is also a rough go, considering Hard Rock Stadium is next to a highway. As far as where to stay, Sun Life Stadium only has one hotel next to it, and it's out of date. It's better to experience what Miami has to offer and stay in the city or South Beach if you're staying overnight. Additionally, the stadium isn't anywhere near the University of Miami campus.​ Anywhere else is at least a 10-15 minute drive away towards the metropolis of the city.​ Fans 5 The fans at the Orange Bowl know what is at stake; a win in one of the biggest bowl games in the nation, let alone a college football playoff game every few years. This means they are going to do everything they can to get their team going with a loud cheer. The teams respond in kind with hard play on the field. The Orange Bowl also brings out some of the coolest fans in football. There is a small but aged group of fans who have seen the greats play, all the way back to the days of the Miami Orange Bowl, and they show up to the games being played now. To say the least, the fans at the Orange Bowl are loyal, energetic, and sport knowledgeable. It is one of the truest college football experiences you can find during bowl season. Access 3 Hard Rock Stadium is right off the Florida Turnpike. But a well-placed exit ramp does not an easy drive make. This is Miami, and traffic here is awful on a perfect day at midnight. Add to that the game day traffic and terribly spaced lights all around the stadium, and you're liable to be stuck there for hours, unless you arrive really early. The stadium is far from the beach and downtown city center. Essentially, it's pretty far from everything. This has been a complaint of fans in many places for all teams at Hard Rock Stadium. For a fan in a population center like Homestead or Cutler Bay to the south, a trip to the Orange Bowl game can be an hour's drive each direction, depending on traffic. Parking can be pricey, costing upwards of $30 at the stadium and nearby parking lots. The only solution to fans as of 2015 is the addition of several free parking lots nearby, due to the construction on-site related to the stadium renovations. Return on Investment 5 Getting to witness history is what happens every year, regardless of who plays and what the score is. This is the Orange Bowl Game! Being played on New Year's Eve, the event is more than just a football game, but a way of life for many fans in South Florida and around the country. The history behind the game adds to the allure. Sure, tickets aren't the cheapest, and no, the parking isn't free. But you are going to get to see one of the premier sporting events in the entire country. With the addition of the game as one of the College Football Playoff semifinals every three years, the value of going to the Orange Bowl has only grown that much more. Extras 5 The Orange Bowl is always known for a killer halftime show. From the likes of Dierks Bentley to John Fogerty, you will be treated to a great concert between halves. Another plus is the pre-game festivities in the fan zone. Additional concerts, meet and greets, College Gameday on ESPN, and even monster truck shows. One of the cooler things at Hard Rock Stadium is also a statue of the great Dan Marino. Fans can take a photo next to one of the best players in NFL history right outside the team store at Sun Life Stadium. Another extra is the pre-game activities inside the stadium. This year, in addition to the National Anthem, a field-sized flag was displayed during God Bless America, followed by military skydivers parachuting into the field with the game ball and flags for the two teams represented. Arguably one of the neatest things the Orange Bowl has over other games is the trophy. The giant glass bowl on the trophy is presented to the winning team filled with actual oranges. Players will throw them onto the crowd for the cheering fans, making for an interesting memento if you catch one. Final Thoughts The Orange Bowl Game...what else comes close? You cannot argue the pageantry of the game. The history, the excitement, and the sheer enormity of what is on the line all make this one of the best college bowl games to go to. A definite must-see for die-hard sports fans, let alone college football fanatics.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Crown Coliseum 1960 Coliseum Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28306 Fayetteville Marksmen website Crown Coliseum website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 8,500 Making its Mark in Fayetteville While not built specifically for hockey, the Crown Coliseum has been home to minor league hockey since it first opened its doors in 1997. Until 2001, the Fayetteville Force kept the Coliseum full and the fans made it loud. Unfortunately, the novelty of hockey wore off with the locals, and the team folded along with many when the CHL condensed. The next year, the FireAntz came to town and several years later, the team continues to rank in the upper half of Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) attendance. The club acquired its current nickname after the 2016-2017 season when new ownership changed the name of the FireAntz to the Fayetteville Marksmen. The change reflects the city of relationship with the local United States Army post, Fort Bragg, as well as the native Carolina red fox. “The fox identifies with the Marksmen, as it is indigenous to the area, but is also wild, cagy, and ferocious characteristics showcased on the ice. And, much like the team, the fox exhibits a softer, cuddly side for kids, school events, and non-profit atmospheres,” team President Jeff Longo said. “With the community involvement, our mascot will be a role model for kids in Fayetteville, help bring attention to fundraising initiatives and provide entertainment at every game.” Food & Beverage 4 Crown Coliseum has an impressive spread of concessions. Just about anything you would want to find at a sporting event, the Coliseum is bound to have it. There is a huge, open area that the staff affectionately calls “the food court.” The food court features four different stands along with numerous carts. Coca-Cola is the beverage choice. Outside of the usual concessions, there are nuts, pastries, smoothies, and BBQ sandwiches. If you can’t find something you like at Crown Coliseum, you probably aren’t looking hard enough. Atmosphere 4 Even when the fans are into it, the Coliseum is bigger than most minor league arenas and it tends to drown out some of the energy. The Marksmen bring in an above-average amount of fans, yet it feels like less because the Coliseum is so big. The emptiness aside, the club knows how to make fans happy. There are theme nights, promotions galore, and many other ways for fans to get involved. The theme nights are all listed on the team’s website. There is scout night, military appreciation night, star wars night, and kids night, which is when I attended. For kids' night, each kid that bought a horn is invited to come onto the ice at intermission and blow as loud as they can. The promotions and games are generic (chuck-a-puck, dance-off, etc.). One issue the Coliseum has is the lack of multiple cameras. During games that focus on individual fans, it is hard to see them due to the lack of cameras. The Marksmen only have one camera, and it cannot focus on any one fan. In 2013, the Marksmen added an area for fans that is called “The Pub.” A simple idea, an open spot on the club level features a bar, a TV, and several tables. This offers fans a different perspective on the game at no extra charge to them. Neighborhood 1 The coliseum itself is part of a much larger complex called the Crown Center. Much like the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, the Crown Center has a small arena, ballroom, expo center, theatre, and the coliseum itself. The only problem with the Crown Center is the lack of business around it. The area offers ample parking, but few options for post-game festivities. The team tries to combat this by organizing post-game hangouts at Carolina Ale House, located not too far from the Crown Center. Fans 4 Although you may not believe it at first, these fans know a thing or two about hockey. They are loud and behave like some of the best puck heads around. The only problem is that there aren’t enough fans to fill the Coliseum. The fans that do come are excellent, banging on the boards, starting their cheers, and wearing the team’s jerseys. The only thing that detracts is the fact that the fans don’t fill the Coliseum. The Marksmen rank near the top of attendance numbers in the SPHL, yet the Crown Coliseum makes this rather large fan base look relatively small. Access 3 Fayetteville, North Carolina is part of the state’s I-95 corridor, making it an easy city to visit from anywhere on the east coast. The Crown Coliseum is only about 15 minutes off of the highway, an overall easy drive. Once inside the complex, the availability of parking is subject to what else is happening at the Crown Center. The night I attended, Bill Cosby was performing at the theatre making parking a little challenging. When the team is the only event of the night, parking is much easier. It may be a good idea to check schedules and see what else may be going on before you head out to a Marksmen game. Return on Investment 3 Even though it’s about on par, I can’t help but feel like $14 is a bit much for an upper-level ticket to a minor-league hockey game (a lower-level league as well). The story is the same with concessions. While not much more expensive than the average concessions, it just feels like you’re paying for more than what you are getting in return. Extras 3 The management goes to great lengths to try and get the town involved. These events happen about once a month and are simple ways that the team interacts with the city. There are post-game hangouts at the local Carolina Ale House, pre-game pep rallies at Hooters, meet and greets at Fazoli’s, and post-game on-ice meet and greets. One thing that amazes me about the Marksmen fans is the number of jerseys in the crowd. Normally, you expect to see a few of the team’s jerseys, but many other professional teams mixed in (especially with the Carolina Hurricanes being so close in Raleigh at PNC Arena ). I don’t think I saw a single jersey that wasn’t a Marksmen one. I felt almost out of place not wearing one. The Marksmen name and logo tie in well with the local area and is a very sharp-looking design in the world of minor league hockey, When other clubs in the SPHL offer hokey and goofy designs, Fayetteville makes its “mark” with its jerseys and logos. Final Thoughts The Fayetteville Marksmen are an example of what minor league sports should be about. With a pro team only an hour away, the team knows that they have to be different from them. They embrace the city of Fayetteville and in turn, it seems the city has embraced the team. No minor league arena (or major league arena for that matter) is without its flaws, but the Crown Coliseum is an overall great place to see hockey, even if it’s not in a typical hockey market. The Crown Coliseum may not be the greatest hockey venue, but it is certainly one of the SPHL’s best.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Hespeler Memorial Arena 640 Ellis Road Cambridge, ON N3C 4N1 Hespeler Shamrocks website Hespeler Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 720 Shammies are Buzzin In Ontario, Junior C hockey is usually the domain of small towns, but for every rule there are exceptions.  The City of Cambridge has a population of over 138,000 but was amalgamated in 1972 from the towns of Preston, Galt and Hespeler.  Over fifty years later, those divisions are still felt in Cambridge.  Loosely considered the part of Cambridge that is north of Highway 401, Hespeler has a long history with hockey including being the former home of hockey sticks manufactured of the same name. The original Hespeler Shamrocks were founded in 1960 and began in the Central Junior C Hockey League.  The team moved up to Junior B in 1979 and were renamed the Cambridge Shamrocks in 1979.  Success did find the Shamrocks as they won their league in 1963, 1964 and 1970.  They also won the provincial championship, Schmalz Cup, in 1964.  The Shamrocks would move to Guelph in 1982 and return to Cambridge, in an ironic circular turn of events, in 2018 and continue in the GOJHL as the Cambridge Redhawks.  The current iteration of the Shammies began in Simcoe in 1959 as a Junior B team, dropping to Junior C two years later.  In 1965 Simcoe would bring home the Schmalz Cup.  Beginning as the Juniors and going through a host of different names, 2017 would mark the christening of the Simcoe Shamrocks and the following year would see the team move to Cambridge to begin again as the Hespeler Shamrocks in the Provincial Junior Hockey League. The original Shamrocks played in the original Hespeler Memorial Arena, built in 1947 and named to honour the veterans of World Wars I and II.  In 1990 the current arena was built and the name traveled from the old arena to the new one.  Eventually a second ice surface was built and added on to the Hespeler Arena.  The Shamrocks play in Rink 1, which boasts a seating capacity of 720.  The Shammies provide a solid hockey experience that fans will enjoy. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options in Junior C hockey rinks are really hit or miss.  The concessions at the Hespeler Memorial Arena are better than to be expected.  The main concession area is found between the two rinks.  Hot dogs, chicken strips, fries, onion rings and poutine are featured on the menu.  Pepsi products and bottled water along with coffee, tea and hot chocolate are the soft drinks available.  In the Blueline Club, essentially on the level immediately above the concession stand, fans are able to purchase alcoholic beverages and consume them within the club, which features windows that look out to the ice surfaces.  The Blueline Club is run by Duke’s Dugout and is in the upper southwest end of the rink. Atmosphere 3 The Hespeler Memorial Arena is a solid venue for Junior C hockey.  The exterior features light brick with green siding and is fairly low profile.   The second ice pad was built to the south of the original building and perpendicular as opposed to parallel.  Upon entering the lobby it is clear to fans that Hespeler Arena is a community hub and the home of the Shamrocks.  There are youth hockey pictures all over the lobby.  The Shamrocks do a good job of advertising their presence within the lobby with trophy cases dedicated to the team.  A framed collage dedicated to the arena from former NHL player and Cambridge native Kirk Maltby can be found in the lobby also.  A temporary ticket table welcomes fans and once a ticket is purchased it is up to the second level.  Nods to the Shamrocks continue on the upper floor with a trophy case featuring player profile photos.  Also of note is a framed print of the original Hespeler Memorial Arena. Inside the seating area, the ice surface runs from northeast to southwest and the elevated seating area is on the northwest side.  The seating area consists of nine rows of plastic stadium seats.  The southeast side of the arena features a ton of youth hockey banners.  In the west corner a selection of NHL jerseys from Cambridge locals is proudly displayed.  Honourees included Paul Woods, Ken Ellacott, Red Laurence, Tim Brent, Kirk Maltby and referee Bob Hodges.  The Shammies banner in the north corner announces the home of the team and a simple scoreclock is on the northeast wall.  A couple of other items of note for the arena itself include the need of a paint job and the significant temperature drop when entering the seating area.  Gloves are a good idea and selecting a seat under the gas heaters is also a good plan.  Championship banners or other recognition of either the original Shamrocks or current franchise would be good. The gameday production for the Shamrocks is fairly simple.  Music is played during breaks in the action.  Junior hockey staple promotions including the 50/50 draw and program raffle are also available.  Unfortunately the PA system in the seating area is not terrific and announcements are difficult to understand at times.  They are, however, crystal clear from the Blueline Club.  The one piece that is easy to hear is the encouragement of “Go Shammies” after nearly every announcement. Neighbourhood 4 Hespeler Memorial Arena is located in the Hespeler Village neighbourhood of Cambridge.  There are a number of places to stop for pre or post game food or drink that are within a very short drive.  Some spots include Ernie’s, Four Fathers Brewing, Freida’s, The New York and The Angry Oak. For fans looking for another sporting option in Cambridge, the Junior B Cambridge Redhawks of the GOJHL play in the Galt area of town.  Other tourist options in Cambridge include Hespeler Village, the Hamilton Family Theatre, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory and the McDougall Cottage Historic Site.  For fans who wish to stay close to the arena, the Comfort Inn and Homewood Suites are options. Fans 2 Hespeler Shamrocks games average between 150 and 220 fans per game.  While it is true that the Shamrocks play in a larger centre than many other PJHL teams, they do have plenty of sports competition in the Tri-City area.  It appears that Hespeler is in the bottom third in attendance in the PJHL, so there is plenty of room for improvement.  Fans in attendance are typical Southern Ontario fans, as in fairly quiet who get loud when something big happens   Access 5 The Hespeler Memorial Arena is located in the Hespeler Village neighbourhood of Cambridge.  The arena is on the south side of Ellis Road.  It is just north of Highway 401.  There will be a bit of traversing through residential areas to get to the arena, but that will not be a problem and traffic won’t be an issue.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are bus stops on Ellis Road and nearby Cooper Street.  Fans should check the Grand River Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not a problem, however, if there are two games going on at the same time, the concession area can get a little crowded.  Washroom facilities are adequate for the arena. Return on Investment 5 The investment in a Junior C hockey game is pretty low.  Adult tickets can be had for $10 and children and seniors can get in for $5.  Parking is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The premier time for Shammies hockey is Sunday afternoon, leaving plenty of time in the evening for other options.  The product on the ice is good and the investment is such that bringing the family won’t dent the pocket book.  Overall, a very affordable and solid experience. Extras 3 An extra mark of the community focus and embracing of history in Hespeler.  An extra mark for the bee motif that travels through Hespler.  A marketing strategy in the early 1900s, the image of the bee and beehive came with the slogans that Hespeler was a “honey of a place to live” and a “beehive of industry.”  The Shamrocks have embraced the bee with hive icons on their logo and the hashtag “boysbebuzzin”. An extra mark for the volunteers who help make the Hespeler Shamrocks run. Final Thoughts A unique Junior C experience, the Hespeler Shamrocks offer the small town vibe of Junior C hockey in a moderately sized city.  Taking in a Shamrocks game at the Hespeler Memorial Arena is affordable and an overall “honey” of an experience. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Chapman Field 6300 Ocean Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders website Chapman Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 750 Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Islanders – Chapman Field The history of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) on the baseball diamond is still relatively in its infancy. The Islanders didn’t start playing until the 2000 season, and they did so then as a Division III independent team. They competed at this level until moving into the Southland Conference in time for the 2007 season, and have been members ever since. Since 2002 both the baseball and softball teams have called Chapman Field home. The on-campus stadium features 500 seats in the bleachers behind the baselines and home plate, as well additional berm seating in the outfield. In 2011 the stadium received major upgrades to completely overhaul the playing surface, upgrade the drainage system, add new fences, and – most importantly – add lights to make night baseball a reality for the first time ever in program history. The team consistently made the Southland Conference Tournament and has had 14 of its players drafted by Major League Baseball clubs. Though the Islanders are still a growing program, they have a unique way to sell it with the setting of Chapman Field. Food & Beverage 2 The food and beverage scene at Chapman Field is decidedly limited, so you’ll need to keep that in mind when you take in an Islanders game. There is one food shack behind the home plate stands that sells a variety of traditional ball game fare, which includes hot dogs ($3 for plain) and chili cheese dogs ($4), Frito pie, nachos (both $4), and sausage wraps ($5). They also offer a South Texas favorite, Hot Cheetos and Taki’s smothered in nacho cheese (both also $4). For drinks, they sell bottled water, sodas, and sports drinks (all $2). It’s a good selection and the cost is priced right, however, with just the one stand, it does tend to cause long lines to form. Also, no beer or alcohol are sold, so keep that in mind. Chapman Field Concessions, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 It’s quite a surreal and serene experience to watch a baseball game with rolling waves in the distance, seagulls flying overhead, and palm trees swaying just beyond the foul lines – this is what Chapman Field has to offer its attendees, not to mention virtually every game played under rays and rays of glorious sunshine 10 months out of the year. In addition to the bleacher seating, there is a covered area behind the first baseline with tables. There is also the aforementioned berm seating area in the outfield, along with bleachers and picnic tables. Visitors can sit out on the grass with their own blankets or chairs, and fans are also able to drive their vehicles out onto the area for tailgating. The Islanders have also retired one of their players numbers – the late Casey Thomas – who’s #3 is on display in right-center field. The team also has a marketing/team store near the right field grandstands for merchandise. Neighborhood 3 As mentioned, Chapman Field is located right in the middle of TAMUCC’s campus, which itself is tucked away on an island away from the main part of Corpus Christi. This puts it at about a 20-minute drive from the popular North Beach area, which is pretty much the preferred spot for beachgoers and campers who visit the city. This is also the tourist hub of the city, home to the city’s two prime tourist attractions in the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium . This is also going to be your best bet in terms of dining and hotel options, as Ward Island, the site of TAMUCC’s campus, is pretty much bereft of everything but the school. You’ll be lucky to find anything besides a convenience store near the campus. However, once you cross over the causeway back into the city proper, you’ll be overloaded with dining and lodging options. A personal favorite dining option that my family and I have been going to for quite a while is Doc’s Seafood & Steak Restaurant . While not in downtown Corpus Christi (actually, it’s in the opposite direction on Padre Island), it is a local institution and has been recognized as offering up some of the best seafood in the area. Another is Catfish Charlie’s , which serves up (as its name implies) fried catfish, oysters, frog legs, and one of the best chicken fried steaks on the Gulf Coast. For lodging, there are a couple of options that aren’t too far from the TAMUCC campus. These include the Wingate by Wyndham Corpus Christi and the Best Western Paradise Inn . However, there are multiple other options that are sure to fit whatever your budget is. Fans 2 As you can probably intuit, the capacity of Chapman Field doesn’t lend itself to large crowds. In fact, for most of their big time games and tournaments, the Islanders play their games at nearby Whataburger Field . For Islanders games, the home crowds are made up primarily of students and either alumni or family members of the players. Unlike the Islanders hoops team, the baseball team doesn’t generally draw too many local fans – the ones that do show are die-hards though. Islanders Fans Watching the Game, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Access 3 Corpus Christi is a two-hour drive south of San Antonio and a little over three hours south from Houston. Once in the city, the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) , the area’s public transportation option, does offer a route to the TAMUCC campus. If you don’t want to drive around the city, this is a pretty convenient option. If you choose to drive parking is available in the Turtle Cove lot, which is outside the right field fence. For weekday games, fans who do not have a vehicle registered with the university must use their ParkMobile app to pay for hourly parking. On weekends starting at 8pm until 8am on Monday, however, parking is free. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets for Islanders games start at $8 per person. With concessions costs at such affordable rates coupled with free parking, this is a great way to catch some top-notch college baseball. The Islanders typically play a very competitive non-conference schedule, so with these prices you’re getting a great bargain for a low cost. It’s not going to rank as a classic facility, ultimately, but it will be a pretty good way to introduce young fans to the sport without spending too much. Extras 2 The Islanders don’t have a lot to offer in terms of Extras at Chapman Field. For fans, it really is all about the atmosphere. The sunshine, the palm trees, the salt air; Corpus Christi Bay is within walking distance of the field. This in and of itself makes up for most of the park’s deficiencies. One other highlight to point out is that the park is extremely pet-friendly. In addition to the numerous dogs that were seen running around with their owners in the outfield berm area, I counted no less than five dogs with their owners in the bleachers. Final Thoughts All in all, I have to say I had an enjoyable experience at Chapman Field. As I’ve mentioned, the atmosphere is one that can’t be beat. It won’t go down as a bucket list destination by any stretch of the imagination, but I think hardcore baseball fans will appreciate its aesthetics. For folks visiting Corpus Christi and looking for an affordable way to spend an afternoon, you could do worse than catching an Islanders game at Chapman Field. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 University of Dayton Arena 1801 Edwin C. Moses Blvd Dayton, OH 45408 Dayton Flyers website University of Dayton Arena website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 13,409 Dayton Gets LOWD for College Hoops Many say that it is one of the elite venues and toughest buildings to play college basketball. The University of Dayton Arena, commonly known as UD Arena, hosted its first game on December 6, 1969, and quickly developed into one of the best places in the nation for college hoops. The arena is currently undergoing a three-phase renovation project that is scheduled for completion by the arena’s 50th anniversary. The $72 million privately-funded effort will include the replacement of all 13,450 seats, a new four-sided video board above the center court, installation of air conditioning and new WiFi, a wraparound main concourse around the bowl, new club seating, updated bathrooms, new ticket office location, and new corner terrace suites. The renovations will improve the fan experience at the game and update the building to modern standards, but one thing is certain, the atmosphere will continue to be among the elite. The Flyer Faithful is known to fill up the arena and create an environment that ranks with the best college programs in the nation, ranking in the top 30 of average attendance figures on an annual basis. Food & Beverage 4 There is a surprising amount of variety at the UD Arena with prices that are more than reasonable. There are hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, bottled and fountain drinks, and craft and domestic beers. The prices range from $4 for a hot dog to $7.25 for a draft craft beer. However, there are a few other great choices that include Donato pizza, Lee’s chicken strips, and City Barbecue pulled brisket and pork. The pulled pork is also topped on nachos for $10. A few other interesting choices include cheddar peppercorn sausage, steak, shrimp tacos, and grilled chicken sandwiches ranging in price from $4.50 to $8. The beer choices are varied and fans can enjoy selections from local Warped Wing and Local 27, along with microbreweries from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. Don’t worry, there are Budweiser, Miller, and Coors selections to choose from as well at the arena. Atmosphere 5 The current renovations that are currently taking place have transformed the outer concourse of the building to make it easier for traffic flow during games that are near capacity a majority of the time. Visitors can now walk by walls decorated with the Dayton Flyer logo and photos and information about the team’s history which includes 21 years in the top 30 in average attendance, 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, 7 conference championships, and one Final Four appearance in 1967. About five minutes before the game the chanting begins and music blares over the arena’s sound system. The student section, dubbed the Red Scare, is one of the most spirited and loud student sections across the nation. The thing that sets Red Scare apart from other student sections is the people who make it up. There are three Blue Men/Women, who paint their bodies every game and embody the Flyer spirit and The Pilot who steers the section throughout the game and leads cheers. The place gets loud, or should I say LOWD, which is a term that can be described as the highest decibel that can be achieved in a college basketball arena. It helps if you are the home team needing a boost when you are down late in the game and can hinder the performance of any would-be opponent looking to escape with a win in the arena. The Flight Deck and BOESCH LOUNGE are two premium seating areas that offer a variety of luxury options to entertain family, friends, companies, or groups located at the upper ends behind each basket of the UD Arena. Neighborhood 3 The arena is located about two miles from downtown Dayton. There has been a serious amount of major investments this century that has resulted in residential, commercial, and transportation developments that have brought people back to the city. Seven million people visit the high-tech friendly downtown annually. There is a collection of breweries that include Warped Wing, Lock 27, and Toxic Brew which all offer their vibe and craft beer. The Dayton Beer Company is an ideal spot with over 36 different beers on tap that includes their own made on-site and a pizzeria on the first floor. Many of the places charge by the 4 and 8 ounces for more options of sampling award-winning beer. Most of the nightlife is concentrated near the Brown Street District, Oregon District, or Fifth Third Field (Webster Station). A few choices to enjoy a meal is The Pine Club (steaks), The Winds (farm to table), Jay’s Restaurant (seafood), Corner Kitchen (burgers), and El Meson (a vast array of American cuisine south of the border). The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, America’s Packard Museum, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame are all popular tourist attractions. The Oregon District has a nice balance of retail, bars, live music, restaurants, and several breweries. The architecture of the residential buildings dates back to the 19th century and is ideal for photos. Fans 5 The Flyer Faithful is one of the most loyal fan bases in the country. They are dedicated to the program and create an energy that is unmatched at many college facilities. The Red Scare is filled with a cast of characters who are unique to the building from fans painted in blue to a captain in full uniform steering the ship. The decibel levels are intense and it makes for a very tough place to play for any opponent. The rest of the fans in their seats do their part to create a powerful home-court advantage at the UD Arena. Access 4 The UD Arena is located west of downtown Dayton and directly off of I-75 near the school’s other sports facilities. There is a large on-site and off-site parking lot available for commuters and current renovations will make access around the outer and inner concourse areas a bit smoother. Due to the number of fans per game and renovation projects, the concourses can become congested before, at halftime, and after post-game. Return on Investment 5 Single-game tickets for Dayton games begin at $20-$25 for 300 to 400-level seating areas. Lower-level seats in the 100 to 200 sections are generally sold out, but there are certain games where student seating is available for $35. The concession prices are reasonable at $4 hot dogs, $7.25 craft beer pints, and $5 nachos. The parking lots located at the UD Arena (Lots A, B, C, and D) are for season ticket holders only and all parking passes for all lots are sold out at this time. There are on-site lots in the overflow lot (O Lot) that are available for single-game buyers which is $5 and includes a complimentary shuttle bus. The atmosphere is one of the best in college basketball and decibel levels increase immensely during certain times of the game. The price of a ticket almost guarantees a near-capacity crowd in an electric atmosphere. Extras 5 The UD Arena receives an extra point for its price points from $20 tickets in the 400 level to $4 hot dogs at the concession stand. The prices throughout the building are more than reasonable with one of the best atmospheres in college basketball. The UD Arena earns a second point for the Red Scare, according to its website, the largest student organization at the university. The Red Scare is the official group of students that facilitates cheers at UD varsity athletic events and is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to give the Flyers a home advantage during games. The UD Arena earns the third point for its impressive attendance figures which are currently averaging close to 13,000 fans per game and placing them in the top 30 of all NCAA college basketball programs. The UD Arena earns the fourth point by the copious amounts of terms that are used to describe the atmosphere and fans during the game. The Red Scare, Decibel Dungeon, Flyer Faithful, and the term lowd are all part of the UD lore and perhaps need an explanation to the common fan making a visit for the first time to the arena. The final point is for the Flyer Faithful who are a loyal group of supporters who create a challenging atmosphere for opponents and will travel in packs to support their basketball program. Final Thoughts The UD Arena is quite the experience for college basketball and goes somewhat underneath the radar to most fans. However, you will never have to tell a Dayton fan, alumni, or student what an experience is like during a home game. UD Arena is as advertised, it gets LOWD. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com