Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Gator Court 4701 N Charles St Baltimore, MD 21210 Notre Dame Gators website Gator Court website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 1,000 Gators In Baltimore Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1873. It is right next door to the “Evergreen” campus of Loyola University Maryland (which it shares a library facility). It was formerly an all-women’s college, but that ended in 2023 as it is now co-ed. The university has over 3000 students. The original name of the school was the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute. It also spent many years with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland name. In 2011, the school attained university status with the addition of several graduate-level programs. Notre Dame’s athletic teams are members of Division III of the NCAA. All sports but swimming compete within the United East Conference. Although the swim team does not compete within a conference, it participates in the yearly Old Dominion Athletic Conference swim championships. The university’s sports teams are known as the Gators. The 2023/2024 season is the first for the men's basketball program. Gator Court is home to Gators basketball and volleyball. It is located within the larger Marion Burk Knott Sports Complex. Food & Beverage 1 There is no permanent food stand at Gator Court. There is a small table set up near the entrance to the gym where candy and chips are sold. The prices are great, but you will want to plan for food. Atmosphere 3 This is a medium size gym that is very reminiscent of a high school gym. Because of the relatively small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. There is a small simple grandstand on the main side of the court. There are no seats on the other side of the court, behind the benches. A few people stand or sit in an area above the gym level where a balcony has a view of the game's action. These do offer a great view of the action, although this area is not meant for much of a crowd. Neighborhood 3 Notre Dame is in a very good part of Baltimore City. The problem is that there is just nothing much around the local neighborhood. Luckily Baltimore is a big city that is not too big to get around. Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane is noted for their great breakfast and down-home food. They are one of the closer options to campus. Also relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys is the closest hotel and has a lobby restaurant which is another option. Venturing further from the university, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Fans 2 As with most small college gyms, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. The men's team, although new, is still drawing relatively well since many of the players are from the local area. Access 3 The campus is located in a quiet north Baltimore neighborhood. That means that getting to the campus is not easy. The best route is to travel I-83/The JFX, south and get off at Cold Spring Lane. Other options include exiting I-695, the Baltimore Beltway, and driving south via York Road or Charles Street. York is the busiest route, but may be easier than the high-speed curves of Charles Street. If one is attending weekend games, there should be no problem finding parking. There is a big lot near the tennis courts and is just a short walk away from the Knott Complex. I have not attended a game here on weekday nights so I am not sure how filled that parking lot gets. You may want to arrive a little early just in case. The Knott building can be accessed in one of two main ways. The main entrance is on the south side, while if coming from the parking lot, there is a small unmarked door from the north. The north entrance is better anyway as it takes you right to the gym level, whereas the main door brings you to the balcony area. Return on Investment 4 You are not going to be watching the highest level of basketball competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out. . Extras 1 The Notre Dame campus is small but quite pretty. Take a quick walk around before the game. There is a small trophy case with some athletic trophies and accomplishments right at the main Knott entrance. Final Thoughts There is not too much to see at a Notre Dame of Maryland University men's basketball game. But the gym is still a pleasant place to see some intercollegiate action.

Photo Credit Randy Bergeron, Sports Information Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 University Center W University Ave. Hammond, LA 70402 Southeastern Louisiana Lions website University Center website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 7,500 Get a Room at the University Center In Washington, D.C. there’s the Pentagon. Located in Hammond, LA there is an octagon where Southeastern Louisiana University basketball teams play their games in an arena called the University Center. The University Center opened in 1982 and seats a little over 7,500 fans. But, on my visit there I’d lose money to bet if over 500 people attended the game. Despite being a small university, competing in the Southland Conference, SLU lays it out for its fans to enjoy a basketball game. The SLU mascot is called Roomie the Lion. With a name like that it’s obvious the school likes to make things comfortable for its fans. The Lions aren’t really known for much, other than being the alma mater of Good Morning America anchor, Robin Roberts. However, through the use of the University Center, the Lions can charm you. Food & Beverage 2 The University Center doesn’t have any concession items that will amaze you, but the choices they have to offer are what you’d minimally expect anywhere. You get the basics: nachos, hot dog, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. Your drink selections are Coca-Cola products. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere here is really relaxing. Almost to the point to where you might dose off for a quick nap. However, it wasn’t necessarily dull or boring because the university’s band entertains during media timeouts. The band plays traditional basketball music and you’ll hear the school’s fight song often. The setup is pretty unique. There is a courtside section for the “Top Cats” where the area is set up like a lounge bar and has a couple bar tables with high chairs. There is a platform with two lazy boys on it and not to mention the courtside seats that put your toes almost on the court. I’m pretty sure that area is for the prestigious season ticket holders. It looked worth the investment though. Neighborhood 4 Hammond may not be a famous city in Louisiana or the United States, but the downtown area is very unique and offers a lot. There are some really good bars and pubs there that serve good beverages and food. I’d recommend going to the Cate Street Pub, you might even catch them on a karaoke night and really have a good time. The University Center is a little over a mile from the downtown area and I highly recommend going to check it out. If you are looking for more of a sit-down restaurant, go to a Mexican restaurant called La Carretta and you’ll be in for a real treat there as well. If the downtown area is too much for you then there are other spots you can go that are even closer. You can choose between pizza, seafood, and barbecue within a reasonable distance. Fans 1 I was really disappointed with the fan support. The courtside fans were older people who were probably alumni. Maybe it was because the students were out on break that attendance was so low when I visited the University Center. However it was a conference matchup and I thought it would have some good support, but I was wrong. The Athletic Department tried to make the game entertaining with games like: test your TV show knowledge and shooting contests, but the fans never hyped up much. Access 3 Finding Hammond and the University Center was very easy. I hopped right off the interstate and drove straight to it from the exit. You can’t miss running into the campus with the arena sitting to the left and the campus to the right. It’s a huge green octagon! The parking was free, which always deserves an extra star. The parking lot is plenty spacious and convenient. I parked front row after showing up for the game a few minutes late. There weren’t many fans in attendance, but still even when the lot is full the walk to the arena isn’t a workout. Return on Investment 3 Southland Conference competition isn’t bad, especially the game I went to because it was two teams from south Louisiana going at it – a little pride on the line. The tickets, of course, aren’t expensive at all. You can get a seat for about $8. This is easily a $15 night if you’re out by yourself, but I really recommend taking that extra mile or so to the downtown of Hammond. Extras 1 I was really impressed with the “Top Cat” area and how it was set up. Next time I go, I will make sure to get a seat there and experience the Lions game from there. I feel that would be worth the investment. Final Thoughts All in all, the University Center is a clean, home-feeling arena that can really make you feel comfortable. Maybe even as comfortable as Roomie the Lion.

One of the most influential basketball conferences in College Basketball was the Big East Conference and the origins of the Big East run directly through Rhode Island. The Providence Friars are one of the cornerstone franchises of both the original and current Big East Conference and their experience at Amica Mutual Pavilion is top notch. Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave as they talk some NCAA basketball from New England. You can find Stadium Journey's review of the Amica Mutual Pavilion and the Providence College Friars basketball game day experience here.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 5300 Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517 SpeedTour website Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 Vintage Atlanta Power While synonymous with the 10 hour Petit Le Mans endurance classic , this facility has become a perfect location to kick of your spring of racing through the hills of northern Georgia. Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. This track offers plenty of great viewing areas and camping, helping the Atlanta SpeedTour rise quickly as one of the best events of the year for fans in Trans Am and SVRA. Food & Beverage   3 There aren’t a lot of concession stands at this track – one lies in the outer paddock behind the Michelin Tower, where you can find burgers ($8.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($8.99), hot dogs ($6.99), chicken tenders ($9.99), and more standard fare. Fries ($5.99) and drinks (soda, water, beer, and energy drinks) are also offered. Another stand is located in the infield near the Turn 5 area, and various food trucks populate the fan zone midway. Atmosphere   3 The event is like many on the SpeedTour schedule, with three days of support races as well as practice sessions for the main event, to fill the entire slate at Road Atlanta. Fans have access to both paddocks with their event ticket, allowing you to get up close to all the drivers and cars in between track sessions. On Saturday and Sunday before the Trans Am headliner races, the cars roll out to pit lane and grid up to their starting positions. Here, fans can walk the grid freely, getting up close to the cars, meeting their favorite drivers, and snagging some free swag from some of the teams. While the track lacks modern facilities throughout, the fans make up for those deficiencies. And while low for many races at the track, the attendance is respectable for an SVR event. Neighborhood   3 The main downside to Road Atlanta is its location – an hour north of Atlanta proper, this track isn’t near much. Aside from a few small hotels and fast foot locations a few miles down the road, Road Atlanta is very much dominated by rolling hills, suburbs, and farmland. A 15-minute drive south gets you to Buford and the big Mall of Georgia, however, where you can find plentiful hotels and restaurants. Also nearby is Chateau Elan resort and golf course for a more high-level resort experience; recreation can also be found outdoors in nearby Lanier.   Fans   3 The fans at Road Atlanta show up for many events throughout the year, and the SVRA and Trans Am SpeedTour weekend is no different. Camping is plentiful around the circuit, and fans pack the fan walk during pre-race. That said, the numbers still come nowhere close to those of th e IMSA   and HSR events at the circuit.   Access   5 To get to Road Atlanta, Exit 129 on I-85 or Exit 17 on I-985 will both get you to the track in the most direct manner – being located equidistant between these two interstate exits means that getting in and out is easy. Once at the track, parking is plentiful, and the facility also offers a tram that takes fans around the track to the various viewing areas.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for SpeedTour weekend at Road Atlanta, and even for a weekend pass, you’re going to pay measurably less than what you’d pay if you go watch IMSA’s Petit Le Mans event   at this same track.   Extras   4 SpeedTour Weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta sometimes includes autograph sessions, for all fans to attend for the various series in attendance, completely included in the price of admission. In addition, fans are invited into victory lane for the Trans Am Series during the event. You can also see the improvements at the circuit over the past decade, including a new tower at Turn 1. In addition, the fan midway offers various sponsor displays and interactive activations that offer plenty of giveaways. Final Thoughts While known for bigger races, the SVRA SpeedTour event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is well worth the price of admission – the circuit is iconic, fan friendly for viewing angles, and offers great action on track. No doubt a highlight of the Trans Am season schedule, Road Atlanta is a must see for any sportscar diehard.

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

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 John Thurman Field 601 Neece Dr Modesto, CA 95351 Map It Modesto Nuts website John Thurman Field website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 4,000 Going Nuts for Baseball in Modesto The Modesto Nuts baseball team are currently the Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners playing in the California League. They have been affiliated with many major league teams, mostly recently the Colorado Rockies (2005 – 2016) and the Oakland Athletics (1975 – 2004). The team changed their name in 2005 from the Modesto Athletics to the Modesto Nuts when they switched affiliations to the Rockies. The name is derived from the several types of nuts that are grown in the Central Valley region of California. The Nuts play at John Thurman Field, built in 1955, which holds 4,000 fans for baseball. It is owned and operated by the City of Modesto. The Nuts most recently won the California League championship in 2017. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are behind the grandstands and the seating bowl (one can’t see the field from the concession area). Except for an ice cream / treat truck (which does not remain open long if there is minimal business), the concession stands offer the same items. Based on attendance not all concession stands may be open. Lines generally are not an issue. Food choices look decent and include sausage, burgers, pulled pork, cheesesteak, quesadilla, chicken strips ($8 – $9.50). For real hungry fans try the triple play sandwich (3 meats) or the two-meat sandwich ($10). Add a soda and either French fries or onion rings for an addition $5.50- $6.50. Traditional foods like nachos, corn dogs, hot dog, pretzels, pizza, cracker jack, etc. are all available ($4 – $5). Soda runs $4.25/$5 and Snapple tea, slush puppy, bottled water, coffee and hot chocolate are the soft drinks at the concession. Beer runs $6 – $10 and includes domestic, premium, and craft brews. The concession stands not only sell the domestic beers but also the local craft brews. Wine, margarita, and hard lemonade are also for sale. A separate beer-only stand is behind home on the concourse. Atmosphere 3 The game day experience at John Thurman Field is blah but this probably depends on which game is being attended and how many fans show up. Two levels of six sections of green stadium seats are behind home – five rows then a walkway then an upper level. The lower five rows extend down the baselines. Bleachers with backs are the rest of the seating (general admission). A drink rail is scattered along the walkway. Plenty of places are available for handicapped seating. Nets span across the entire seating area causing zero net-free seats. A group-party picnic area is along the third baseline between the visiting dugout and their bullpen. Similarly, on the opposite side of the diamond is another open space, this side without picnic tables. Instead, it’s where kids tend to congregate as it is near the playground ($5) and the Nuts’ bullpen. This area is particularly unique because the relief pitchers sit facing the field a few feet above the same paved area where people can stand and watch the game net-free. The stadium seats have average width and legroom. Zero legroom provided in bleacher sections (except the first row). And, the seats behind the dugout have exceptional room (hall of fame box seats labelled by the season ticket holders who have purchased them). A really nice video board shows up-to-date player stats, line score, and uncommon in the California League, the pitch count and pitch speed. The merchandise shop has just a few items hats, shirts, a few trinkets but no hat pins. Traditional non-intrusive minor league between inning contests, games, and trivia are provided such as name the cereal and a beer batter. All good fun. Neighborhood 2 Nothing is in the way of shopping or eating in the immediate neighborhood, John Thurman Field sits in a city park. Just beyond the outfield wall is a grove of trees hugging the diamond providing a nature look and feel. The closest neighbor to John Thurman Field is the Modesto Municipal Golf Course and it creates a nice setting. Also nearby are soccer fields, filled with pickup games and picnic areas with built-in barbecues. The closest major neighborhood is across the Tuolumne River and it is all industrial; bottling facilities, meat-packing plants, etc. A mile and a half away from the ballpark is downtown Modesto (separated by a major highway) where drinking, dining and shopping are more readily available; just a five-minute drive. Check out Surhla’s for fresh California cuisine and Raw Sushi Bistro for sushi. Commonwealth, a gastro pub, also comes recommended. For places to stay, a Double Tree is less than 2 miles from the ballpark. A Best Western and a Motel 6 are also in that same area downtown. For things to do if staying in the area, check out E & J Gallo Winery or McHenry Museum and Mansion. Other sports teams somewhat nearby during baseball season are the Stockton Ports (about a 40 min drive) or maybe take a drive down to Fresno and visit Chukchansi Park (about an hour ½ drive). Fans 3 The Nuts are struggling with attendance. So few fans were at the game of this review one could hear conversations on the field and personal conversations in the stands. The average attendance the last few seasons has been a tad above 2,000 per game putting them close to the bottom in the California League. Those that are there do appreciate the game and applaud good plays. Access 3 Getting to the park is not too difficult as it is less than ½ mile off Highway 99. It is $6 to park, cash only. No public transportation to the ballpark is available. Two entry gates are on the first and third base side. The concourse is attractively wide, plenty of handicapped access and seating is available. Buying game day tickets and security access is effortless. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $9 – $15. AAA members should remember to ask for a discount when purchasing a ticket. The parking price seems to be about what is expected in the California League. And, concessions seem to be on par with other stadiums in the league. The Nuts do offer specials throughout the week like Wiener Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays. It’s an affordable way to spend a summer evening out. Extras 3 The starting lineup for the Nuts is photos posted on concourse wall, another unique feature at the ballparks. The concourse is attractively landscaped. Two numbers are retired above the right field wall: 1, for former owner Fred Anderson who funded much of the renovations; and 26, for former Oakland Athletic and Modesto native Joe Rudi. Lastly, the uniqueness of the home bullpen location truly should be considered an “extra.” Final Thoughts The Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field provide a traditional minor league baseball experience and one families should take advantage. It’s pretty bare bones but the fans that attend do have a pleasant summer evening out. Here’s hoping more fans will stop by and enjoy a game in the future.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 Map It Palm Beach Cardinals website Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 Sharing Roger Dean Originating in 2003, the Palm Beach Cardinals are the Florida State League (FSL), Single-A affiliate of the MLB St Louis Cardinals. The team won the 2005 FSL Champion ship and shared the 2017 Championship with Dunedin when the series had to be cancelled because of Hurricane Irma. They share their home, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, with the St Lucie Hammerheads (Single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins ) . Roger Dean Stadium is best known as the spring training facility for the St Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. The facility hosted the 2000 and 2019 FSL All-Star games. In 2012, the WBC (World Baseball Classic) used Roger Dean Stadium for qualification rounds for the 2013 WBC. Roger Dean Stadium has a beautiful exterior with palm trees, other Florida foliage, and bushes in a park-like setting. The grounds have benches in the shade to sit and enjoy the spring and summer Florida months. Roger Dean Stadium celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The Cardinals provide a decent selection of food and drink at lower tha n typical spring training prices. Two concession stands are open for a Cardinals game. The Island Grill, a semi-permanent cart, sells stadium jumbo dean dogs and Italian sausages, and some snacks including a hummus snack pack. Their Italian sausage is loaded with peppers and onions and is worth a try. It’s big enough for two people. A permanent, built-in stand called Pizza & Dogs sells more than its title. It offers hot dogs (Nathan’s), crispy chicken sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and snacks such as buckets of popcorn, candy, pretzels, peanu ts, Cracker Jack, and chips. Prices range from $3.50 to $9.95 + tax. Concession stands sell Pepsi products ($5.75 - $6.75 + tax), canned beer (16oz and 25oz), and canned cocktails ($9.95). Beer choices include Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Stella Artois, and a powerful Neon Hug Double IPA ($8.95 - $13.95 + tax). The venue offers a Thirsty Thursday promotion where you can buy a koozie for $5, then bring it back throughout the season and get discounted beer prices. Lines form at the concession stands so get your refreshments early to avoid any wait. Atmosphere 3 The game day environment doesn’t vary much based on which team home team is playing. While the exterior of the stadium is beautiful, the interior is drab. The venue doesn’t display a whole lot of Cardinals imagery (banners, posters, history , etc . ). Two levels of green stadium fold-down chairs with a small walkway between the two levels makes up the infield and baseline seating. A set of bleachers is down the third baseline. Canopies provide some shading for the second level seating areas. The first base side gets the sun (until it sets). Roger Dean Stadium Awning, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Remember to bring bug spray. Game day operations play music over the PA announcements. Fans ca n’t understand what the announcer is saying as the music overpowers his voice. My recom mendation is to turn down the music volume three or four notches when the announcer is talking. The ballpark has two scoreboards just beyond the outfield fence. One shows the line score, pitcher stats, and batters due up; the other is a video board and shows a photo of the batter and his stats. It’s quite convenient and helpful for those who keep score. The stadium has a kids play area with bounce houses down the first base concourse. The game day staff offers lots of promotions and activities between innings, typical at minor league games. These include lip sync contests, flex cam, trivia contests, and a cookie race. Other promotions throughout the season are Star Wars Night, Military & First Responders Night, Dog Days, Baseball and Brews, Pride Night, and more! Neighborhood 5 Jupiter is on the southeast coast of Florida. The stadium sits right next door to Downtown Abacoa , a renovated commercial and entertainment district. It has restaurants, shops, bars and breweries, salons, art galleries, spas, and much more. The district has an amphitheater and the town often has concerts and other events on Friday evenings. Recommended places to eat are Stadium Grill (American), Jumby Bay Island Grill (Steak, Seafood, Pasta), and Copacabana ( Cuban/Caribbean). For adult beverages, check out Civil Society Brewing (independent brewery – no food) and Das Beer Garden. The Brick and Barrel Gastropub in Downtown Abacoa is a place for post-game meals and beverages. There is plenty more in Abacoa to choose from, and it’ s all within walking distance of t he stadium. A Courtyard Marriott is right across the street from Roger Dean Stadium. A Homewood Suites is a mile away and is a tad less expensive. Another activity to enjoy in Jupiter is taking a stroll on the Jupiter Riverwalk where several points of historic, environmental, and scenic interests are available to enjoy. Jupiter has several beaches to enjoy the sun, the ocean, swimming, and other park activity. The FSL St Lucie Mets are 40 miles north, also worth a visit when in the area. Fans 2 The fans attending a Palm Beach Cardinals game are there just having a good time. Lots of families with kids, some retired folks, and some fans who just enjoy baseball attend the games. A good mix of both Cardinal and Hammerhead fans attend games at Roger Dean Stadium. Visitors enjoy the between-inning activities and just being at the ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Roger Dean Stadium is relatively easy. It is a mile off Interstate 95 if arriving by automobile. Free parking is available on the street and in the Abacoa parking garage. The closest commercial airport is Palm Beach International, about 20 miles south. It provides flights to and from a few eastern US cities. FLL (Fort Lauderdale Airport) is an hour and a half south and offers more flight choices. The town offers bus services, Route 10, th ough there is no service on Sundays. And it looks as though ret urn service for an evening game is not an option. Once arriving, fans walk through a metal detector. Even though the website says NO bags, I was able to bring in my clear stadium sports bags (12” x 6” x 12”) with no questions asked. The team should remove that entry from its website as it probably prevents many families and other fans from attending games. Fans walk up a flight of stairs to get to the seating area. The venue has ramps all the way down each baseline to get into the seating area. Restrooms are drab but clean. The men’s, ladies, and family restrooms have changing tables for families with young children. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12 and all seating is general admission. A game day program is available via QR code or as a magazine. Food prices are acceptable. Parking is free. Best of all, the team has all kinds of promotions throughout the year. Silver Sluggers, Thirsty Thursdays, Kids Club. Every Friday home game is Friday Fireworks. Extras 3 The game day staff deserves recognition for the efforts they take in making the game enjoyable and entertaining for all fans. The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, and batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is th e only park in the minor leagues to house two teams . Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is a great option for families, large groups, and individual fans alike. If you want somewhere to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while watching some quality baseball, consider taking in a Palm Beach Cardinals game. You can stay, shop, eat, and watch the game without having to walk more than a few hundred yards in any given direction.

Photos by Chris Green and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 Map It Jupiter Hammerheads website Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 MiLB on the Florida Coast Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is best known as the spring training facility for the St Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. After March each year, two FSL (Florida State League) Single-A clubs, the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads, share the stadium. Founded in 1998, the Hammerheads are the Single-A affiliate of the MLB Miami Marlins. Just a few notable Hammerhead alumni are Tim Raines, Miguel Cabrera, Martín P rado, and Giancarlo Stanton. Roger Dean Stadium has a beautiful exterior with palm trees , other Florida foliage , and bushes in a park-like setting. The grounds have benches in the shade to sit and enjoy the spring and summer Florida months. Roger Dean Stadium celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. The facility hosted the 2000 and 2019 FSL All-Star games. In 2012, the WBC (World Baseball Classic) used Roger Dean Stadium for qualification rounds for the 2013 WBC. Food & Beverage 3 The Hammerheads offer a satisfying selection of food and drink at lower than MLB prices. Two concession stands are open for a Hammerheads game. A permane nt, built-in stand called Pizza & Dogs sells more than its title. It offers hot dogs (Nathan’s), crispy chicken sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and snacks such as buckets of popcorn, candy, pretzels, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and chips. Prices range from $3.50 to $9.95 + tax. The Nathan’s hot dog for $5.50 is a decent selection. The Island Grill, a semi-permanent cart, sells stadium jumbo Dean dogs and Italian sausages, and some snacks including a hummus snack pack. Pepsi products run $5.75 - $6.75 + tax. Concession stands sell canned beer (16oz and 25oz) and canned cocktails ($9.95). Beer choices include Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Stella Artois, and a powerful Neon Hug Double IPA ($8.95 - $13.95 + tax). Lines form at the concession stands, so get your refreshments early to avoid any wait. Atmosphere 3 While the exterior of the stadium is beautiful, the interior is bland. Two levels of green stadium fold-down chairs with a small walkway between the two levels makes up the infield and baseline seating. A set of bleachers is down the third baseline. Canopies provide some shading to the second level seating areas. The first base side gets the sun (until it sets). Third Base Seating with Canopy at Roger Dean Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Remember to bring bug spray. Game day operations play music over the PA announcements. Fans can’t understand what the announcer is saying as music overrides his voice. My recommendation is to turn down the music volume three or four notches when the announcer is talking. The ballpark has two scoreboards just beyond the outfield fence. One shows the line score, pitcher stats, and batters due up; the other is a video board that shows a photo of the batter and his stats. It’s quite convenient and helpful for those who keep score. The stadium has a kids play area with bounce houses down the first base concourse. The game day staff offers lots of promotions and activities between innings, typical at minor league games. These include lip sync contests, flex cam, trivia contests, and a cookie race. Instead of handing out a game day program, the team now offers the program via a QR code. For the first game I attended, they put the QR code on the video board but left it up for just 10 seconds or so; not enough time to get your phone out and take a picture. At another game, they put the QR code up on the video board as dusk approached (fifth or sixth inning), and most phone cameras (at least mine) got a white blob as a photo, so the QR code wasn’t readable. Finally, they placed the QR code on the customer service booth on the concourse for easy scanning. I am told they now hand out printed copies. Good for the game day staff for finally figuring it out! Neighborhood 5 Jupiter is on the southeast coast of Florida. The stadium sits right next door to Downtown Abacoa , a renovated commercial and entertainment district. It has restaurants, shops, bars and breweries, salons, art places, spas, and much more. The district has an amphitheater, and the town often has concerts and other events on Friday evenings. Recommended places to eat are Stadium Grill (American), Jumby Bay Island Grill (Steak, Seafood, Pasta), and Copacabana (Cuban/Caribbean). For adult beverages, check out Civil Society Brewing (independent brewery – no food) and Das Beer Garden. But there is plenty more in Abacoa to choose from , and it’s all within walking distance to/from the stadium. A Courtyard Marriott is right across the street from Roger Dean Stadium. A Homewood Suites is a mile away and is a tad less expensive. Another activity to enjoy in Jupiter is taking a stroll on the Jupiter Riverwalk where several points of historic, environmental, and scenic interests are available. Jupiter has several beaches to enjoy the sun, the ocean, swimming, and other park activity. The FSL St Luci Mets are 40 miles north, which is also worth a visit when in the area. Fans 2 The fans attending a Hammerheads game are there just having a good time. Lots of families with kids, some retired folks, and some fans who just enjoy baseball attend the games. There is a good mix of both Cardinal and Hammerhead fans. Visitors enjoy the between-inning activities and just being at the ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Roger Dean Stadium is relatively easy. It is a mile off Interstate 95 if arriving by automobile. Free parking is available on the street, in the Abacoa parking garage, or in th e garage right across the street, next to the hotel. The closest commercial airport is Palm Beach International, about 20 miles south. It provides flights to and from a few eastern US cities. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is an hour and a half south and offers more flight choices. The town offers bus service. Route 10 makes a stop near the stadium. The town does not provide service on Sundays. And it looks like return service for an evening game is not an option. Upon arriving, fans walk through a metal detector. Even though the website says NO bags, I brought in my clear stadium sports bag (12” x 6” x 12”) wi th no questions asked. No bags allowed for a single-A baseball game?!!?#! What’s up with that? Fans walk up a flight of stairs to get to the seating area. The venue has ramps all the way down each baseline to get into the seating area. Restrooms are drab but clean. The men’s, ladies, and family restrooms have changing tables for those families with young children. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12, and all seating is general admission. Tickets are two bucks less if purchased in advance. The game day program is available as a QR code, but the print is too small to read on your phone. Food prices are acceptable. Best of all, the team has all kinds of ticket promotions throughout the season: Silver Sluggers, Thirsty Thursdays, and Kids Club. Every Friday home game is Friday Fireworks. The Hammerheads hold theme nights like Star Wars and Space Night, and they offer giveaways throughout the season. Extras 3 The game day staff deserves recognition for fixing things quickly like the placement of the QR code and slowing down a scrolling food menu so fans can read it. The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, or batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. Roger Dean Stadium is the only park in the minor leagues to house two teams . Final Thoughts Roger Dean Stadium and the Jupiter Hammerheads provide an enjoyable game day experience at a reasonable price. With all the promotions and game day activities, families and fans of all ages should enjoy their time at a game .

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Clover Park 525 NW Peacock Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 Map It St. Lucie Mets website Clover Park website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 7,347 Mets Territory - Port St. Lucie The Single-A St Lucie Mets play their baseball games at the newly renovated Clover Park in Port St Lucie, FL. Clover Park is better known as the spring training facility of the New York Mets. As soon as you see the ballpark (even before entering the parking lot), you know you are in Mets territory. The vibrant shades of Mets orange and blue decorate the exterior of the building, Mets signage and championship years are displayed, and former Mets greats have billboard-sized posters on the outer walls. A palm tree-lined plaza contains plaques with a brief bio for many famous Mets players. And the Mets prominence continues in the interior of the ballpark. Pictures, photos, and murals line the corridors, and the organization painted the cement walls with the likes of David Wright, Jose Reyes, and others. New York Mets retired numbers and championship banners line the façade of the press box. Clover Park Press Box, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Clover Park opened in 1988 and has gone by various names based on sponsorship, but it has always been the Mets home. The stadium holds 7,160 for spring training, but that number is greatly reduced for the Single-A St Lucie Mets games as portions of the seating area are closed off in the summer. The St Lucie Mets originated in 1988 and are members of the Florida State League (FSL). They have won the FSL championship six times, most recently in 2022. Notable alumni include Pedro Martinez, Jacob deGrom, and Mike Piazza. Visitors and fans have a fun time catching a Mets minor league game at Clover Park. Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand is open for the St Lucie Mets games, and that’s enough. An additional cocktail cart is open if you all want is an adult beverage. Another cart selling lemonade and frozen Italian ice is also on hand. The Home Plate Grill concession stand offers the basics: chicken tenders & fries, grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, Nathans hot dogs, and Italian sausages ranging from $4.75 - $8.50. Gluten-free buns are available on request. For healthier food, fans can purchase cauliflower pizza or a garden salad. Snacks include popcorn buckets, peanuts, pretzels, Cracker Jack , ice cream, and chips ($3 - $5). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand sodas, bottled water, and traditional domestic beer brands like Michelob Ultra and Budweiser. Atmosphere 3 Palm trees, a few benches, and plaques of many retired Mets greats line the main entrance plaza. The plaza has an impressive 9/11 memorial created from a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. Clover Park 9/11 Memorial, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Seating is two levels of traditional blue fold-down stadium seats. Most have cup holders. The rows do not have a lot of legroom between them. The third baseline has tables and chairs. Some seats are covered and not used during the FSL season, and the paths to the outfield concourses are blocked off. A medium-thick net extends down both baselines; there’s no place to sit net-free for the Single-A games. For the most part, they don’t play music over the announcer. The game day staff mostly play music between batters and innings (not pitches), except towards the end of the game when they annoyingly play it between almost every pitch. The music volume is louder on the second level. If you like jamming with the tunes, that’s the area in which to sit. Sit in the first level if you want to enjoy the sounds of the game. The sc oreboard shows the name of the player at bat and his stats, the team line-up, and the line score . The game day staff provides the traditional minor league between-inning activities like trivia contests and a smile cam. Trees adorn the area behind the outfield fence, providing a pleasant view. The St Lucie Mets dugout is on the third base side. Both bullpens are behind the left field fence. Neighborhood 3 Several chain hotels, restaurants, and shopping are a mile+ from Clover Park. Places to stay include a Hampton Inn, SpringHill Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and more. Shop around as prices differ. A shopping mall is a mile away and has plenty of choic es for eating b efore or after a game. Thirteen or more restaurants are in the area, including Duffy’s Sports Grill, Chili’s, and Pueblo Viejo. The area has a myriad of fast food places. For breakfast or lunch, I recommend Berry Fresh Café . Hopheads can enjoy a local brew at Hop Life Brewing . A food truck with yummy meals is at this brewery. The Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens is worth a visit on the cooler mornings or afternoons. Other sports in the area include the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals about a 45-minute drive south. Fans 3 Lots of Silver Sluggers are in attendance (even on a non-Tuesday), as well as plenty of retired fans. The St Lucie Mets have a decent season ticket holder base. A good number of families with kids attend the games as well. The fans ar e vocal, a nd you will hear an abundance of New York accents from the crowd, as it should be. S o far, t he 2023 attendance numbers have ranged from approximately 700 to 2,300 per game, with the higher attendance on Saturdays. Admirably, most fans throw their own trash away. Access 4 Getting to and in and around Clover Park is easy. The ballpark is less than a mile off Interstate 95. Parking costs $5 (credit card only) and is mostly on paved lots for FSL games. Grass lots extend past the pavement. Several small regional and private airports are nearby. The closest commercial airport is Melbourne (MLB), an hour's drive north. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is one and a half hour’s drive south. The county offer s local ART bus service to the ballpark. However, service ends at 7 pm and is not operational on weekends, so it is not conducive for 95% of the St Lucie Mets ball games. The ballpark gates open only 40 minutes before the first pitch. For stadium journeyers and those visiting for the first time, that’s too little time to check out the venue and all it has to offer. Getting through the security check-in is slow, though certainly not intrusive. Standard clear sports bags and small clutches are allowed. After going through security, fans climb a large staircase to get to the concourse. The venue has an elevator to the right of the staircase. Several sets of wheelchair-accessible restrooms are open for a St Lucie Mets game and a separate family restroom is along the concourse. Return on Investment 5 The St Lucie Mets offer a good value for your sports entertainment dollar. Refreshment prices are comparable to other FSL venues. Tickets are $12 on game day, and seating is general admission. It’s unfortunate the team charges for parking. Those over 55 years old can spend $35 and get a variety of perks as a Silver Slugger : A t-shirt, lower ticket prices, free admission on Tuesday games, and a free hot dog and soda on Tuesdays. That’s a great deal. I wish I lived in St Lucie. Fans can purchase a ten-game flex pack ($80). The team offers all kinds of promotions throughout the season: kids crew night, fireworks, dollar nights, family 4-pack nights, military appreciation nights, and the list goes on. Extras 3 The stadium has a sizable team shop to the right of the ticket booth – go to this one. The one inside the stadium doesn’t have as much merchandise. Something I haven’t seen before is chalked lines by second base. I suspect these are visual reminders to the infielders on where they can (or cannot) stand based on MLB’s new rules. Clover Park Chalked Lines by Second Base, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, and batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. It’s fantastic the Mets organization holds both its spring training and Single-A games in the same facility. Final Thoughts Clover Park is a well-branded NY Mets facility. The Single-A version is an enjoyable, cost-effective way to spend a few hours experiencing our national pastime. Visit it if in the area.

The Low-A division of Minor League Baseball consists of the Carolina League, the Florida State League, and the California League. The 2024 Low-A season has just wrapped up, and the playoffs have started. Stadium Journey writers have visited all Low-A ballparks, and we present you our 2025 rankings based on our FANFARE ranking system. This scale takes into consideration a venue’s concessions, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, return on investment, and more. Therefore, our rankings are much different than many others, and often our scale creates much debate. However, that is the main reason to make lists like this to create debate and discussion, right? Our rankings are based solely on our FANFARE score. However, as you read through the list, you will see quite a few ties. In the case of a tie between several venues, a council of Stadium Journey elders is consulted to break the tie. We encourage you to share your input on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. The Tampa Tarpons are not on our list as they are playing temporarily at Community Field, which is located next to their normal home of Steinbrenner Field. The Tampa Bay Rays are in residence at Steinbrenner, making the Tarpons' move necessary. We do not yet have a review of the Tarpons' temporary home. 1. Pelicans Ballpark – Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4.71 Steve Ohnsman - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have called TicketReturn.com Field their home since 1999, and it is an excellent minor league facility. Located across the street from a large entertainment/dining/shopping complex named Broadway at the Beach, anyone could make an entertaining day of the two properties. The City of Myrtle Beach is heavily oriented to tourists and families, offering many hotels/resorts/golf courses/restaurants, and the Pelicans staff appear to do a great job of attracting local residents and tourists. 2. Atrium Health Ballpark – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 4.43 Gregory Koch - The Kannapolis franchise was known as the Intimidators from 2001 to 2019, in reference to Kannapolis native Dale Earnhardt's nickname. However, legal issues with Earnhardt's widow over the rights to the name forced the team to rebrand in 2021. At the same time, the franchise, now known as the Cannon Ballers, moved into their gorgeous new downtown stadium after spending the prior years at the aging Intimidators Stadium. The Cannon Ballers nickname reflects Kannapolis's racing history, with the team logo depicting a stuntman with a mustache similar to Earnhardt's. 3. Joseph P. Riley Park – Charlestown RiverDogs 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park has served as the home field for the Charleston RiverDogs since 1997. It is located along the banks of the Ashley River. The 6,000-seat stadium (known locally as The Joe) is named for longtime mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Riley served as mayor for 10 terms, serving from 1975-2016, and was best known for guiding the city through the recovery from Hurricane Hugo. 4. Segra Park – Columbia Fireflies 4.14 David Welch - Professional baseball would make a return to the South Carolina capital in 2016 when the Savannah Sand Gnats would leave coastal Georgia for a newly built stadium in Columbia. Initially, the South Atlantic League Class A affiliate of the New York Mets. The 2021 restructuring of minor league baseball saw changes for the Fireflies – not only did their affiliation change from the Mets to the Kansas City Royals, but they also moved from the South Atlantic League to the Carolina League, but would remain a Class A affiliate. 5. LECOM Park - Bradenton Marauders 4.14 Lloyd Brown - LECOM Park offers you a unique opportunity to check out a ballpark that has seen players like Willie Stargell, Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron, Bill Mazeroski, and Ted Williams play on its field. Its Spanish Colonial architecture and the roof-protected shade over much of the grandstands all bring you back to baseball as it used to be. 6. LoanMart Field – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 4.14 Andrei Ojeda - California’s Inland Empire is a great market for minor-league baseball. In less than 90 minutes, fans can stop by the stadiums of three minor league franchises. Perhaps the most storied of all of these franchises calls the city of Rancho Cucamonga its home. 7. BayCare Ballpark – Clearwater Threshers 4.00 David Welch - Shortly before the MLB season begins, spring training comes to a close, and training facilities transition from hosting Major League Baseball’s stars to preparing for the upcoming season and welcoming the game’s future stars. To that end, minor league baseball’s Florida State League kicks off its season just after the MLB season starts. 8. Virginia Credit Union Stadium – Fredericksburg Nationals 4.00 Joseph Oakes - After years of playing in the decrepit Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, VA, the Potomac Nationals were set to move 30 miles south to Fredericksburg and become the Fredericksburg Nationals in 2020. Since the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19, the move to the new ballpark was delayed by a year. 9. Excite Ballpark – San Jose Giants 4.00 Chris Green - Take a historic stadium that oozes memories of the past greats with architecture that harkens back to baseball’s golden age. Mix in a loyal fanbase that is among the best in the Bay Area. Sprinkle in some stellar weather and add a pinch of minor league magic. This may well be the recipe that one would use to create the magic that is the San Jose Giants. This gem of a ballpark features everything that makes minor league baseball the wonderful draw that it is. 10. SRP Park – Augusta Greenjackets 3.86 Lloyd Brown - SRP Park and the GreenJackets continue to generate buzz in the minor-league baseball community. The facility offers amenities that are not usually found in Low-Class A-level stadiums. These amenities include theatre-style seating, a 360-degree concourse, a top-of-the-line video board in the outfield, and terrific views of both the field and the Savannah River thanks to the TaxSlayer Terrace in right field. 11. Banner Island Ballpark – Stockton Ports 3.71 Meg Minard - The Stockton Ballpark, affectionately referred to by locals as Banner Island Ballpark, sits on what no longer is an island in Stockton, CA. The inlets have mostly been filled in, but the name lives on. 12. Joker Merchant Stadium – Lakeland Flying Tigers 3.71 Chris Green - Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium is a beautiful facility thanks to its latest renovation, and the Flying Tigers are a team that tends to get lost in the shuffle of Florida’s bustling sports world, but is no less deserving of a visit. Easily one of the best facilities in the Florida State League, things are looking up for the Flying Tigers. 13. Lake Elsinore Diamond – Lake Elsinore Storm 3.71 Andrei Ojeda - One of the biggest draws to The Diamond is the ballpark’s aesthetic appeal along with its natural surroundings. Over the last several years seating capacity has decreased to create a more intimate and sociable ballpark experience. 14. L.P. Frans Stadium - Hickory Crawdads 3.71 Gregory Koch - Minor League Baseball in Hickory, North Carolina has a long and storied history going back to 1936. However, after 1960, the city did not have a baseball team for over 30 years, until the Hickory Crawdads came to town in 1993. Named for a local crustacean, the team plays their home games at L.P. Frans Stadium, named for a local Pepsi bottler whose daughters helped fund the construction of the stadium. 15. Arthur W. Perdue Stadium – Delmarva Shorebirds 3.71 Richard Smith - Arthur W. Perdue Stadium is a great stadium, and the Delmarva Shorebirds go out of their way to make the stadium a place where both casual and hardcore baseball fans can be entertained and enjoy a quality game experience. 16. Clover Park – St. Lucie Mets 3.57 Meg Minard - Clover Park opened in 1988 and has gone by various names based on sponsorship, but it has always been the Met's home. The stadium holds 7,160 for spring training, but that number is greatly reduced for the Single-A St. Lucie Mets games as portions of the seating area are closed off in the summer. 17. Jackie Robinson Ballpark – Daytona Tortugas 3.43 Chris Green - The idea of a baseball team playing in a beach city in Florida seems about as idyllic as one can imagine, and the stadium surely lives up to the image. With great views from the seats, fans in Daytona are treated to a great experience on game day. 18. Hammond Stadium – Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 3.43 Chris Green - Talking about minor league baseball stadiums, purists look for the old and historic stadiums, while others look for the newest and shiniest facilities. Hammond Stadium may not initially fit either of these categories, having been built in 1991. However, a closer look reveals that the renovations in 2014-15 have completely transformed this once hum-drum facility into a beautiful, tropical oasis in southwest Florida. 19. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Jupiter Hammerheads 3.43 Meg Minard - Roger Dean Stadium and the Jupiter Hammerheads provide an enjoyable game day experience at a reasonable price. With all the promotions and game day activities, families and fans of all ages should enjoy their time at a game. 20. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Palm Beach Cardinals 3.43 Meg Minard - Taking in a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is a great option for families, large groups, and individual fans alike. If you want somewhere to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while watching some quality baseball, consider taking in a Palm Beach Cardinals game. 21. San Manuel Stadium – Inland Empire 66ers 3.29 Meg Minard - Nothing special stands out about San Manuel Stadium. It does provide fabulous customer service and a decent game day experience. Go with family and friends on a Friday and get an inexpensive, enjoyable evening out. 22. TD Ballpark – Dunedin Blue Jays 3.14 Eric Hasman - TD Ballpark opened in 1990. It is the home of the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. The ballpark is built on the site of Grant Field, which was the original home of the Jays. The city of Dunedin and this location are the only home that the Blue Jays have ever had since their inception as a franchise in 1977. 23. Chukchansi Park – Fresno Grizzlies 3.14 Meg Minard - Chukchansi is a Native American Indian tribe in central California, known for their beliefs in and advocating early learning and giving students the tools they need to succeed. This also includes continuing education of their historic culture. The tribe owns and operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. That casino owns the naming rights to downtown Fresno’s Chukchansi Park. 24. Salem Memorial Ballpark – Salem Red Sox 3.14 David Welch - Baseball stadiums are different than those of other sports, in that the natural surroundings play an important role in how memorable an experience a visit can be. The views at Carilion Clinic Field provided by the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide possibly the most impressive backdrop in all of the Carolina League. 25. Segra Stadium – Fayetteville Woodpeckers 3.00 Jared Goodman - While Segra Stadium is unique in some areas, overall it’s a pretty plain vanilla ballpark. The team does a good job of drawing fans and entertaining them on game day, but the high prices and distant parking options are bound to turn some folks away. Hopefully, the revitalization of downtown Fayetteville will keep fans engaged, and it will be exciting to see what the final product will be. 26. The Bank of the James Stadium – Lynchburg Hillcats 3.00 Aaron Terry - The atmosphere can be somewhat laid back and down-home at the ballpark. A Hillcats game is comfortable and relaxing, but not over the top in excitement or exuberance. That said, there are other parks nearby you could visit with bigger crowds and better amenities. But if you do find yourself at The Bank of the James Stadium for a game, you will certainly have a decent time. 27. Five County Stadium – Carolina Mudcats 2.86 Gregory Koch - It seems like in North Carolina, there is a baseball stadium just about everywhere you look. Compared to many of those stadiums, Five County Stadium disappoints. Although it isn’t a terrible stadium by any means, it’s nowhere near as good as many other stadiums in the area, including in nearby Durham. 28. John Thurman Field – Modesto Nuts 2.86 Meg Minard - The Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field provides a traditional minor league baseball experience, and families should take advantage. It’s pretty bare bones, but the fans that attend do have a pleasant summer evening out. Here’s hoping more fans will stop by and enjoy a game in the future. 29. Valley Strong Ballpark – Visalia Rawhide 2.57 Meg Minard - Valley Strong Ballpark is a stadium one will like because of its quirkiness and affordable prices, or not like because of its accessibility and an unsafe neighborhood. It is in the ‘Gateway of Sequoia’, so if in town during the summer, consider checking out a game and let us know your thoughts.

It is truly a new era in the Alamo City, for both the city and the San Antonio Spurs . With a new generational talent in Victor Wembanyama fully entrenched as the new face of the historic franchise, the team recently announced an innovation to make the energy and excitement at the Frost Bank Center even greater. In time for the impending 2025-26 season, the team recently held open tryouts for a brand new fan section, dubbed the Spurs Supporter Section . The goal is to gather a collection of the loudest, rowdiest, most die-hard fans to fill up a new section and deliver on game days. Wembanyama was on hand for the event and is credited as being the brainchild of the new section; his goal was to mimic the supporter sections that are often found in European soccer stadiums. The tryouts were held in two groups to identify 5-10 “capos” (who are the most passionate fans) to lead chants and ensure that the energy inside Frost Bank Center  never stops. “If this group of Ultras reaches its full potential, it’s gonna help us win games in the future, for sure,” Wembanyama said in a video released by the Spurs. Members of the Spurs Supporter Section are required to attend at least 75 percent of Spurs home games during the 2025-26 season; membership in the section will cost $999 and include tickets and parking passes to all Spurs home games. Wembanyama himself has vowed to pay the membership dues for five of the liveliest fans. The fans will be divided into two sections during home games at Frost Bank Center : Section 114, as well as the standing room only area above Section 114, in the H-E-B Fan Zone.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Tylus Field 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Tylus Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 2,000 A Diplomatic Pitch Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836, it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. Tylus Field became the home of Franklin & Marshall’s soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse teams at the start of the 2007-2008 academic year. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food offerings at the stadium. We will give the stadium some credit in that a convenience store is about a 2-minute walk away if you find the need for food or drink. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is very nice, but it is a simple setup. As you enter the stadium, you will find two simpl,e small grandstands sitting along the pitch. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 1 Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Tylus Field is a nice, simple college facility, but it still offers a fun atmosphere for sporting events.

Accessibility is something that many fans take for granted, but which is an important consideration for many fans. We are joined by Heather Schey from the Ocean State Center for Independent Living to discuss accessibility issues faced by sports fans with visual impairments. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv .

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Steinbrenner Field One Steinbrenner Road Tampa, FL 33614 Tampa Bay Rays website Steinbrenner Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,386 The Pride of the Rays...sorta The Tampa Bay area was impacted by two significant hurricanes in 2024: Hurricane Helene in September and Hurricane Milton in October. Hurricane Helene caused record-breaking storm surge and widespread flooding, particularly in western North Carolina and East Tennessee, as it made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region. Then, Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm at its peak, brought catastrophic damage to the Tampa Bay area with winds exceeding 100 mph and intense flooding. The dual impact of these storms left the region in a state of recovery, with extensive damage to infrastructure and property. During Hurricane Milton, Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, suffered major damage to its unique domed roof. The translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass roof was largely shredded and ripped to shreds by the powerful winds, exposing the interior of the ballpark, including the field and catwalks, to the storm. While no one was injured, the stadium, which had been considered as a potential staging area for emergency services, was severely compromised. The damage has raised questions about the team's ability to play at the stadium for many seasons, and repairs are projected to cost tens of millions of dollars, creating a complex situation given the team's previous plans for a new ballpark by 2028. The Tampa Bay Rays needed to find a temporary home for the 2025 MLB season. They ultimately secured an agreement to play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the Yankees' spring training facility. This was a logical choice as it was considered the best-prepared facility in the region to host regular-season games, with a seating capacity of approximately 11,000 and already undergoing renovations to its player facilities. The move means the Rays, who have played in a domed stadium since their inaugural season in 1998, are now playing their home games outdoors, a new experience that has led to an adjusted schedule to minimize games during the hottest and rainiest summer months. The relocation is a significant logistical feat, and it has also created a new dynamic for local businesses across the bay, with some in St. Petersburg losing out on game-day revenue, while others in Tampa are seeing a boost. Steinbrenner Field has been the home of the New York Yankees' spring training since 1996. It was originally known as Legends Field, but the name of the stadium was changed in 2008, as the late Yankees owner had become very ill, and the team wanted to honor him while he was still alive, so he would know about it. The stadium has a capacity of 11,026 and is the largest stadium in the Grapefruit League, but very small for the major leagues. Steinbrenner Field is also the only spring training facility in the city of Tampa. The stadium underwent a $40 million renovation in 2017. The Tampa Tarpons of the Florida State League also play here, although they have been temporarily relegated to a smaller field due to the Rays' residency. Food & Beverage 4 Recent renovations at Steinbrenner Field have significantly improved the food and beverage experience for fans. The expansion of the stadium's concourses has allowed for more concession stands and carts, leading to a wider variety of options and faster service. This increased number of service points has also helped reduce congestion on game days. Fans now have a greater selection of food and dining options. While traditional stadium favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers are still available, the offerings have expanded to include more diverse and non-traditional items. The stadium also caters to fans with larger budgets, offering two distinct dine-in restaurants and bar areas, located above the right and left field foul lines, respectively. Additionally, fans can enjoy service at rounded tables and drinking rails in the outfield sections, providing more casual dining experiences. These changes have collectively enhanced both the variety and quality of the food and drinks available at the ballpark. Prices are a bit too high for food. Atmosphere 3 A Tampa Bay Rays game at Steinbrenner Field has a unique atmosphere, as the team has relocated to the spring training home of a rival. The crowds are typically smaller than for a full-fledged MLB team, with attendance often feeling more akin to a minor league game than a major league one. A significant portion of the audience is often made up of visiting fans, particularly when popular teams like the Yankees or Red Sox are in town, which can make it feel like the Rays are playing a road game at their own home field. The smaller capacity and open-air layout, while a change from the domed Tropicana Field, contribute to a different fan experience, but the temporary nature of the venue means it lacks the established identity and fan traditions of a permanent home ballpark. The experience at Steinbrenner Field, while functional, doesn't quite feel like a true home for the Rays. The stadium's architecture and amenities were designed for spring training, not a full regular season, which can be seen in the limited seating and concourse layout. As a result, the "home field advantage" that a team normally enjoys is often diminished, and the atmosphere can be less energetic. For many fans, the game-day experience feels more like a logistical workaround than a celebration of the team, reinforcing the temporary and transitional nature of the Rays' situation as they await the completion of their new permanent stadium. Neighborhood 2 Navigating the Tampa area can be challenging due to heavy traffic, and it's important to plan your trip to Steinbrenner Field accordingly. For those traveling to Tampa, there are several attractions worth visiting. Busch Gardens, a popular theme park known for its extensive gardens and thrilling rides, is located just seven miles from the ballpark. In addition, visitors can find a variety of hotels and restaurants throughout the city to suit their preferences and budgets. Fans 2 The atmosphere at a Tampa Bay Rays game at Steinbrenner Field often feels less like a home game and more like a neutral-site contest, or even a de facto road game. A significant and often overwhelming presence of visiting team fans tends to dominate the stands, with opposing team jerseys, hats, and chants being far more common than Rays gear. This is particularly evident when teams with large national fan bases like the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox come to town; the roar of the crowd after a visiting team's home run can be deafening, while the cheers for a Rays highlight are often muted and scattered. This dynamic can make it difficult for the home team to build momentum, as the energy in the ballpark consistently favors their opponents. For Rays fans who do attend, the experience can be a frustrating one. They are often outnumbered and out-cheered, making it hard to create a sense of community or home-field advantage. The temporary nature of the venue, combined with the apathetic local attendance, has created an environment where the most passionate fans in the stadium are often rooting for the other team. This unusual dynamic underscores the challenges the Rays face in a new, temporary home, where they are not only rebuilding their stadium but also fighting to maintain a consistent and energized fan base against the backdrop of more nationally recognized franchises. Access 3 Getting to Steinbrenner Field is straightforward. From I-275, take the Dale Mabry Highway exit and head north for three miles. The stadium will be on your right. Parking is available in the large grass lot on the left side of Dale Mabry Highway, adjacent to the football stadium. After parking, fans should use the pedestrian bridge to safely cross the highway and reach Steinbrenner Field. For those with mobility issues, a drop-off area is located directly at the stadium, though drivers must still park in the designated grass lot across the street. Steinbrenner Field is only three miles from Tampa International Airport. Return on Investment 2 The price of admission is often disproportionately high, particularly for marquee matchups against teams like the Red Sox or Yankees, with some tickets soaring to prices that are more typical of a major league stadium than a temporary, smaller venue. This initial cost is compounded by the expenses for parking, which can be significant. Once inside, the cost of food and beverages further erodes the value, with common items like hot dogs and drinks being priced at a premium. When all these expenses are added together, the overall cost of a game-day experience at Steinbrenner Field often feels far too high for a fan, especially when considering the venue's limited amenities and the lack of a true major league atmosphere. Parking is $30 plus tax in the grass lot adjoining the football stadium. Extras 2 There are several great selfie locations at Steinbrenner Field. Outside of the stadium, the Monument Park salute to the Yankee icons, the Steinbrenner statue, and the 911 Memorial form great backdrops. Inside the stadium is a statue featuring the iconic “NY” found on the Yankees’ ballcap. There are also two numbers of retired Yankees located along the outfield concourse. Derek Jeter (#2) and Thurman Munson (#15) are featured in this area. The spring training homes of the Toronto Blue Jays , the Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Philadelphia Phillies are located close to Steinbrenner Field. This allows you to visit two Grapefruit League stadiums in a day if they line up in a day/night combination. Final Thoughts Due to catastrophic damage from Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays have relocated to Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 MLB season. This temporary move has created a unique atmosphere, with the team playing in an open-air, spring training-focused venue that often feels more like a minor league park than a major league stadium. Attendance is frequently dominated by visiting team fans, which diminishes any home-field advantage and can be disheartening for loyal Rays supporters. Furthermore, the overall game-day experience is considered a low return on investment due to high costs for tickets, parking, and concessions, making the temporary arrangement a logistical challenge for the team and a pricey outing for fans.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Virginia International Raceway 1245 Pine Tree Rd Alton, VA 24520 IMSA website Virginia International Raceway website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 10,000 Virginia’s GT Showcase The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. It hosts multiple racing events during the season, including SRO , Trans-Am, SVRA , and GridLife. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. Visiting the track has become a must-do for some of racing’s biggest fans over the years, and a visit to the facility helps you understand why rather quickly. IMSA weekend is without a doubt the biggest race weekend of the year at this track, which means this is a must-see for sportscar fans in the area. Food & Beverage 3 There are several food options in the main paddock area, including the popular Paddock Cafe. This spot nestled next to the track features burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and more. To make it easier for fans to order, the cafe also has several bundle options that generally run in the $10 range for a main item (burger, chicken, etc.), fries, and a drink. In addition, the track has snacks, ice cream, and various other items for sale at the main concession stand, and some food trucks pop up throughout the bigger race weekends down in the paddock area. Recently, automated tablets have been added here to speed up the ordering process, but lines to pick up orders are no less short. The track also has an on-site restaurant called Oak Tree Tavern & Connie’s Pub, which is a more upscale option than something on the quick service side down by the paddock. The biggest downside at Virginia International Raceway, however, is that there are no other food options around the facility for fans who set up camp in other parts of the venue, or who wish to wander the property to watch the racing action. Thankfully, during IMSA weekend various food trucks set up near the paddock and fan zone to offer alternative food and beverage options for fans. Atmosphere 5 Virginia International Raceway’s track is big, fast, and beautiful. Most of the track’s viewing areas offer views that extend beyond just one corner, including the complex heading up to and away from where you are set up, something that many other road courses are unable to boast. The fans also tend to come from all around and pack in the viewing mounds and grandstands around the facility, meaning you will be surrounded by your racing friends all weekend long. The paint scheme and architecture of the various buildings harken back to southern plantation-style homes, as well as to the farmhouses and barns that the rural south has become known for. Situated next to a watershed for a river, the surrounding area is also full of beautiful green trees to give Virginia International Raceway that special wooded look. VIR also continues to improve the fan access experience year over year – new tent camping areas were opened a few years ago inside the turn 1-4 area on driver’s left, while the RV camping and fan viewing areas were also extended far down the backstretch. Neighborhood 1 The biggest downside to VIR is its lack of neighbors. While there is peace in the solitude of VIR’s rural setting, there is quite literally nothing around Virginia International Raceway in any direction for at least half an hour. Located just over an hour north of the greater Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, and half an hour southeast of South Boston in Virginia, you have to drive a while to find anything as far as hotels or restaurants. A lot of fans and teams stay in Danville, VA to the west, which is where you can find the closest places to eat. There you can find restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company, or lodging options such as Sleep Inn & Suites or Courtyard by Marriott. For something to do while in the area, South Boston Speedway features local short track racing on weekend nights, or down in Durham, NC you can visit Duke Forest for a quiet hike in the suburbs. Fans 4 The fans at Virginia International Raceway are pretty great as far as sportscar racing fans go. They love anything motorsports, show up en masse for race weekend, and know everything about the sport they love and the drivers who compete in it. You can find everyone from young fans who are just learning about the sport, to diehard loyalists who have been going for a long time. IMSA has seen a resurgence of fan numbers in recent years, and the crowds at VIR reflect that. Filled camping sites and packed hillsides mean the racers are performing in front of large crowds that love racing, and it is a welcome sight. Access 2 To get to Virginia International Raceway you have to drive off the main roads; State Highway 58 is the closest main roadway, connecting Danville to South Boston. There are no major highways in or around the area, with I-85 almost 30-45 minutes away to the southeast. That said, once you get to the track parking is plentiful on site and is well marked. Fans can also enjoy getting around the facility easily, thanks to the signage pointing them towards the paddock area from the main parking lots in the infield. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for IMSA weekend at VIR start at $60 for Friday or Saturday tickets, $70 for Sunday, $80 for the weekend, and $90 for all three days. Car corral packages are available for $80 to $170. VIP hospitality tickets range from $360 to $450 for three-day access, all together putting tickets in the standard range for IMSA. However, considering that this weekend features no less than five different IMSA race series competing on track, this is a great value for how much racing you get to see during the event. Extras 4 Virginia International Raceway’s victory lane is located right in the main paddock, meaning fans can get up close to the post-race celebrations. The venue also erects TV screens at various points around the property for fans to see the action around the track while it’s happening, meaning you won’t miss anything regardless of where you decide to watch the race from. Tickets to race weekend also get you into the paddock area for free, something other tracks and races require an additional ticket for. In addition, races at Virginia International Raceway also generally include driver meet and greets and autograph sessions, so fans can see the stars up close. IMSA itself also hosts various autograph sessions during the race weekend, allowing fans the ability to meet their favorite drivers. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Virginia International Raceway is a must-do for any race fan who wants to see some quality sportscar racing – the track is big, technical, and exciting. Fans from all around flock to the speedway for a day at the races, and it is easy to see why. While driving to the track and finding a place to stay nearby may be a challenge, Virginia International Raceway offers plenty for both casual and diehard sports fans to make your visit worth the trek.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 TD Civic Centre 79 Market St. S. Brantford, ON, N3S 2E4 Brantford Bulldogs website TD Civic Centre website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 2,952 The (Temporary?) Dog House Editor's Note: On September 16, 2025, the Brantford Bulldogs, the City of Brantford and TD announced a multi-year naming rights agreement that changed the name of the Bulldogs' home arena to TD Civic Center starting with the 2025-2026 season. New to the 2023-2024 Ontario Hockey League landscape is the Brantford Bulldogs.  The franchise was established in 1981 as the Belleville Bulls.  With his AHL Hamilton Bulldogs facing losing their affiliation agreement with the Montreal Canadiens , owner Michael Andlauer purchased the Bulls in a shocking transaction.  The Bulls were rebranded as the Hamilton Bulldogs  and played out of the FirstOntario Centre in the OHL from 2015 to 2023.  After numerous battles over an appropriately sized arena for the Bulldogs, Andlauer found out that his team would be homeless for at least two seasons as massive renovations to the FirstOntario Centre would commence in 2023.  Andlauer found a landing spot in Brantford, Ontario, famously the childhood home of Wayne Gretzky, and signed a lease with the city for at least three years. The new doghouse is the Brantford and District Civic Centre.  Commonly referred to as the Brantford Civic Centre, the city-owned arena was built in 1967 and is the former home of the Brantford Alexanders of the OHL.  The Alexanders would move from Brantford in 1984 and are currently the Erie Otters  franchise.  With the move of the Bulldogs, the Brantford Civic Centre received $9 million in renovations split between the Bulldogs and the city.  Speculation is running rampant in the OHL that the move to Brantford may be permanent for the Bulldogs. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at the Brantford Civic Centre are fairly pedestrian.  Hot dogs, chips, and chocolate bars can be found at some of the concession stands underneath the grandstands at the ice level.  Pizza Pizza slices are also available.   Pepsi beverages are the soft drink of choice at the Brantford Civic Centre and a small selection of beer includes Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Michelob Ultra.  Two concession stands can be found on ice level at the front of the building while four smaller concession stands are found in the corners of the concourse level. Atmosphere 3 Approaching the Brantford Civic Centre, fans will not be blown away by an elaborate exterior.  The main entrance is at the east side and does feature a tree-lined path from the road.  The exterior is dominated by black siding with yellow trim and the city’s coat of arms on the north and south corners.  Immediately there is a feeling that this is the home of the Bulldogs with the colour scheme and front sign.  Upon entering at the south end, fans enter at ice level and are greeted by a new mural featuring important Bulldog moments. Fans won’t be able to stay in this area very long as it is very crowded, a theme throughout the arena.  Fans then ascend to the concourse level, which empties out to the seating area. The main concourse wraps a full circle behind the seating bowl, with small, elevated concession stands in the corners.  The ice is oriented from east to west and for fans who want that perfect center ice picture, it can be taken from the south side of the arena.  On the far east wall, the 2018 and 2022 J. Ross Robertson Cup banners hang, both won while the team played in Hamilton.  Making its way from Hamilton to Brantford is the large, three-dimensional “Bulldogs” sign with faux flames, which is found on the west wall.  The single tier of red and blue arena seats is enough for nearly 3,000 fans.  There are also a number of designated and reserved standing spots along high railings behind the seating bowl.  Sightlines are excellent in the Civic Centre.  Above the centre ice logo is a brand new, small but clear, four-sided video board.  A traditional hockey scoreboard splits the championship banners on the east wall.  It seems that upgrades at the Brantford Civic Centre include new LED lights and a new sound system. The gameday production is on par with other OHL experiences.  The Bulldogs make good use of their new sound system, coloured projection lights, and video board.  The Bulldogs’ mascot, Bruiser, can be found moving around the arena, interacting with fans, and posing for pictures.  The Bulldogs feature a large Canadian flag which is passed along by the fans in the stands, in a practice that is not unique, but not overly common either. Neighbourhood 3 The Brantford Civic Centre is located in the north corner of the Eagle Place neighbourhood in Brantford, just south of downtown.  Several places are closed for a pre or post-game meal.  There are a number of fast food and chain restaurants on Icomm Drive, including Boston Pizza, Sunset Grill and Tim Hortons.  Fans who are looking for something a little more unique can head north into downtown.  The Rose & Thistle, Hudson Public, and The Works are all good options. The best option might be Uncle Sam’s BBQ Smoke House. For fans looking for other sporting options, there are a few in Brantford.  There are other junior hockey options in town with the Brantford 99ers of the OJHL and Brantford Bandits of the GOJHL, both of whom play in the Wayne Gretzky Sportsplex.  The summer finds the Brantford Red Sox  of the Intercounty League taking up residence at Cockshutt Park.  Other tourist options in Brantford include Elements Casino Brantford, directly across the parking lot from the Civic Centre, and Earl Haig Family Fun Park.  For fans wanting to stay in Brantford, they will have to head to Highway 403 where they will find a Comfort Inn and Best Western. Fans 4 For the inaugural campaign, the Brantford fans have turned out to support the Bulldogs.  For the 2023-2024 season, the Bulldogs have averaged over 3,000 fans per game as of this writing.  This puts them in 16th place in the 20-team OHL for attendance, however, the meager capacity of the Brantford Civic Centre shows that the Bulldogs are averaging over capacity.  The fans in Brantford are loud and right into the game.  The only factor that keeps this from being a perfect score is the lack of longevity in Brantford.  A few more years of this and the mark will improve.   Access 3 Getting to the Brantford Civic Centre is not difficult at all.  The Brantford Civic Centre is located in the north corner of the Eagle Place neighbourhood, just south of downtown.  It is surrounded by Icomm Drive and Market Street, with the Grand River just to the west.  It is located significantly south of Highway 403 and fans will have to traverse the city a bit to get to the arena.  However, the drive through Brantford is not difficult and traffic moves smoothly.  There is plenty of parking in the immediate area, which is free.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops near the arena.  Fans should consult the Brantford Transit  website for schedules, fares and maps.  Inside the Brantford Civic Centre is a bit of a different story.  Getting around the arena can be difficult and it is very crowded.  Fans will be required to traverse stairs to get up to the concourse level.  The washroom facilities are at ice level, forcing fans to traverse more stairs. Return on Investment 4 The return on investment for OHL hockey is excellent and Brantford falls right into place along its brethren in the league.  Tickets for the Bulldogs are $28 each and $23 for standing room.  This is a bit on the expensive side for the OHL, but not over the top.  Parking is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The product on the ice is top notch and the fans help create a great hockey environment that new fans will love. Extras 2 An extra mark for the history of the Brantford Civic Centre.  In the eighties, the Brantford Civic Centre was the regular venue for WWF tapings and the home of the “Maple Leaf Wrestling” program which aired each weekend. An extra mark for Brantford as the hometown of Wayne Gretzky. Final Thoughts The Brantford Bulldogs are enjoying a strong initial outing at the turnstile as of this writing and the fans in Brantford have embraced the team as their own.  Time will tell if the Bulldogs return to Hamilton once the renovations there are complete, or if they find a new, permanent doghouse in Brantford. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Athletic Kulture Stadium 2100 Nursery Rd Minesing, ON L9X 1A3 Barrie Baycats website Athletic Kulture Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 2,000 Vintage Baycats Editor's Note: The Baycats announced a three-year naming rights contract with local gym Athletic Kulture, to begin with the 2025 season. On the doorstep of Ontario’s Cottage Country, the City of Barrie lays claim to the seven-time Intercounty Baseball League Champion, Barrie Baycats. An expansion team in 2001, the Baycats stormed the IBL and dominated, winning six championships in a row from 2014 to 2019. Relatively young compared to the majority of clubs in the amateur baseball league in Ontario, the Baycats have fit right in with the rest of the teams and remain competitive into their twentieth season as part of the league. The home for the Baycats is located just outside of the city limits of Barrie in the town of Minesing at the Barrie Community Sports Complex. Vintage Throne Stadium is part of the complex and is a fairly simple stadium. Vintage Throne Barber Shop purchased the naming rights to the stadium in 2022. The Baycats consist mainly of players who work regular day jobs and commute into Barrie for baseball as well as some college players. The Barrie Baycats is a non-profit organization that is run by a Board of Directors. Checking out a Baycats game is a great way to spend a summer evening or weekend afternoon. Food 3 Concession items at the Barrie Baycats are decent. The lone concession stand offers favourites including hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, fries, and poutine. Chips, assorted candy, freezies, slushies, and pre-packaged ice cream treats are also available. Bottled water, Coca-Cola products, Gatorade, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate round out the beverage options. On the first base side of the stadium, in the right field, a beer tent sells a variety of beer from Muskoka Brewery among others. The Baycats also feature Baycats Brew in partnership with Collingwood Brewery. Atmosphere 2 Vintage Throne Stadium is part of the greater Barrie Community Sports Complex. The stadium itself, like many in the Intercounty Baseball League, is a fairly simple permanent structure with several semi-permanent bleachers. The main structure behind the home plate houses locker rooms, washrooms, concessions, and the press box. Light brown brick with blue trim and a red roof make the main structure fairly attractive. The seating area consists of the main bleachers behind the plate. Two sets of bleachers are on either side of the main bleachers and a few sets of portable bleachers can be found on either side down the lines. The stadium is surrounded by greenery and has a real Northern Ontario feel to it. The dimensions of the field are symmetrical with 325’ down each of the lines and 405’ to the deep centre. The fence contains plenty of advertising and lets visitors understand that the Baycats are truly a local team. A unique feature at Vintage Throne Stadium is the video board above the simple scoreboard beyond the right field. This feature does put Vintage Throne Stadium ahead of many of its IBL brethren. The Baycats lay claim to an astonishing seven league championships, however, there is nothing of note to share this information with fans on either the inside or outside of Vintage Throne Stadium. This is unfortunate. Some Intercounty League stadiums feature chain link fences behind the plate to protect fans from foul balls. This often provides obstructed views behind the plate. Vintage Throne Stadium features the mesh that is more prevalent in major and minor league parks that is far easier to see through. The gameday presentation at a Baycats game is fairly simple. The Baycats do broadcast games on the radio and YouTube and commentators are at the top of the bleachers, out with the fans. There are a few simple promotions and nothing too over the top. Music played between innings and before the game is a healthy mix of classic rock and country. Neighbourhood 2 Vintage Throne Stadium is part of the Barrie Community Sports Complex. The complex is quite large and features numerous other baseball and softball diamonds as well as other sports fields. The complex is on the edge of the limits of Minesing, which is a very small town. The car is going to be necessary to get anywhere. Fans wishing to find something to eat in Minesing should consider Cicco’s. However, the best bet is to head into Barrie and find a place for some food or drink. The Flying Monkeys Taproom, McReilly’s, and Pi are all good choices. Barrie is located right on the shores of Lake Simcoe and there are plenty of beaches within the city that are great in the summer. Fans who head west instead will hit Georgian Bay with more freshwater beaches. There are also plenty of fishing opportunities to the north. The Simcoe County Museum is the closest attraction to Vintage Throne Stadium. Sports in the area are limited to the winter season when the Barrie Colts take the ice at Sadlon Arena. Fans 2 Assessing fans in Intercounty Baseball is very difficult. Attendance figures for games are not normally published. Fans in Barrie are typically quiet. It seems that there are around 100 fans in attendance per game. The fans are a healthy mix of friends and family as well as die-hard regulars. It is fair to say that attendance at Baycats games is not out of line with other IBL clubs. Access 4 Getting to Vintage Throne Stadium is not very difficult by car. Located off Highway 26, on Nursery Road, northwest of Barrie and east of the town of Minesing. Traffic will not be an issue and there is plenty of free parking in the Barrie Community Sports Complex. The main hiccup for getting to Vintage Throne Stadium is that there is no public transit that gets to the sports complex from either Barrie or Minesing. This is not the biggest deal in the world, because getting to Barrie or Minesing is pretty much done by car also. Washrooms are found around the front of the stadium, on the outside, and are pretty small, however, they will do for the size of the crowd in Barrie. There is plenty of space around the ballpark and a variety of seating and standing options. However, bleachers are what fans can expect, unless they bring their chairs. Return on Investment 4 The Barrie Baycats, like the entire Intercounty Baseball League, is a very affordable endeavor. Regular-priced tickets are $10 and seniors can expect a $2 discount. Kids 12 and under are free. Parking is free and concession prices are very reasonable. The product on the field is solid and the production is pretty simple. Overall, a Barrie Baycats game is a great way to spend a summer evening or afternoon. Extras 3 An extra mark for the video board, a unique feature in Intercounty Baseball. An extra mark for the remarkable success the Baycats have enjoyed during their 20-year existence. An extra mark for the strong sense of community and non-profit nature of the Baycats. Final Thoughts Catching a Barrie Baycats game will not blow you away with the glitz and glamour. The ability to truly catch the sounds of the game and to go back to when baseball was simpler is a definite plus. With a very affordable experience, a Barrie Baycats game at Vintage Throne Stadium is a great way to pass a summer evening or afternoon on the doorstep of Cottage Country. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 .

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE Calgary, AB T2G 2W1 Calgary Hitmen website Scotiabank Saddledome website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 19,283 Hitmen, Take Two The Calgary Hitmen entered the Western Hockey League in 1995, filling the junior hockey gap in Calgary caused by the departure of the Calgary Wranglers in 1987. Named after wrestling legend and team co-founder Brett “The Hitman” Hart, the Hitmen have gone on to enjoy a great deal of success, earning the best record in the WHL four times, and going all the way to the Memorial Cup twice. The Hitmen’s success has extended all the way to the NHL. They’ve had more than three dozen players make it to the pro ranks, including stars Ryan Getzlaf, Brad Stuart and Andrew Ladd. Although the Wranglers played in the old Stampede Corral, the Hitmen play next door in the much larger Scotiabank Saddledome. The Scotiabank Saddledome opened its doors in 1983 and have been home to the Calgary Flames from Day One. The ‘Dome is now also the home of the NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks and, of course, the Hitmen. At almost 30 years of age, the Saddledome is starting to show some signs of age, but it has seen a number of renovations along the way to keep things fresh. Food & Beverage 3 There is a decent variety of choices around the Scotiabank Saddledome. All the typical fare is available at the main concessions at pretty typical prices, whether you’re looking for a hot dog, fries, nachos or popcorn. You will also find Pizza 73, Good Earth Coffee and a Jugo Juice for fans who want something a little different. The Jugo Juice station also has some healthy options, such as the chicken wrap, for the more health conscious among us. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at the game I attended was fairly laid back and relaxed; no big energy, no loud cheering. This perhaps can be partly attributed to spreading 7,000 fans around a stadium built to accommodate 19,000. The Avison Young section of the lower bowl (the premium seats) was about half empty and there were very few people above about the 10th row of the upper bowl. With large spaces left largely unoccupied, building a bunch of excitement and intensity in the stands seemed like a challenge. To be fair, Calgary crowds in general tend to be fairly subdued. Also, the Hitmen historically have drawn even bigger crowds to the ‘Dome, which would typically bring up the crowd noise. And overall, although the Saddledome never did rock during the game, it looked like the audience was engaged and enjoying things just fine. Neighborhood 3 The Scotiabank Saddledome is located in the northeast corner of the Stampede Grounds, just south and east of the downtown core. The immediate vicinity, known as Victoria Park, isn’t the best neighborhood in town by a long shot. However, there has been a substantial amount of gentrification in the area in the last few years and things are starting to perk up, with skyscraping condo complexes growing up in a couple locations to the immediate north as well as across the street to the west. And most of those complexes have some kind of restaurant or bar on the ground floor. Just a few blocks due west of the Stampede Grounds on 17th Ave you’ll find a string of clubs and bars that have come to be known as “The Red Mile.” Among the most popular is Melrose Place, right in the heart of things. You’ll also find the Ship and Anchor Pub, which has been repeatedly named Best Neighbourhood Pub in Calgary by local publication “Fast Forward Weekly.” You’ll also find my favorite local Mexican restaurant, El Sombrero, on the east end of the Red Mile. Fans 4 Historically, the Hitmen have drawn some of the biggest crowds ever in the WHL. According to their Wikipedia page in 2004-05 they were the first Canadian Hockey League team to average 10,000 fans per game. This year (2012-2013) the Hitmen average attendance of just over 8,600 is a little more modest than that record-breaking season, but that’s still more than the capacity of every other Alberta WHL rink except Rexall Place in Edmonton. In fact, they have been over the 10,000 mark three times in the 2012-2013 season. As noted above, the crowd is generally low-key but attentive to the game. They know their hockey and they respond appropriately to the hits, the goals and the referees’ calls. Access 3 Calgary has the second highest downtown parking rates in North America, behind only New York City . So if you drive down to the Stampede Grounds, expect to pay for the privilege-parking on the grounds which will run you $13 and, depending on what other events might be going on around the area, might fill up quickly. There are also choices off-site for slightly less expensive parking options. A few local residents rent out yard space for parking and there is some metered street parking in the vicinity for people willing to do a little walking. The good news is that being centrally located means the Saddledome is fairly easy to get to from all directions. Expect the usual stop-and-go delays that go hand-in-hand with traveling downtown in a city of more than a million people. Another good option is taking Calgary’s Light Rail Transit system to the game. The “C-Train” has two stops on the west side of the Stampede Grounds, one to the south and one on the north end which has a connecting walkway that will take you directly to the Saddledome. The LRT tracks cover a significant amount of the city running north and south, so it can be a more convenient option for fans not wanting the hassle of driving downtown, although the trains can get crowded after events. An adult fare for Calgary Transit is $2.75, youths are $1.75. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to see the Calgary Hitmen run anywhere from $16 to $36 while students and children can get into the cheap seats for $12 each. Compared to the price of a Flames game to see NHL hockey this is a real bargain. For the great price, you can count on seeing a quality hockey game in a good location. Extras 4 There are a number of added extras when you come see the Hitmen at the ‘Dome. The walls of the building are lined with memorabilia, photos and trophies commemorating great teams and events from years past in the Calgary area. For example, there is a substantial exhibit remembering the excitement of the 1988 Winter Olympics, which were held, in large part, at the Saddledome. You could probably spend the entire game in the concourse looking at and reading all the displays, so there’s lots to check out. You’ll also find a couple locations of Flames Fan Attic for all your souvenir needs, including clothing and knick-knacks for all three of the ‘Dome’s regular residents: the Hitmen, the Flames, and the Calgary Roughnecks. Roaming the stands during the game, and taking part in activities between periods, team mascot Farley the Fox keeps the kids entertained throughout the event. Looking up into the rafters, you’ll see the large row of championship banners amassed during the Hitmen’s history, along with the Flames’ and Roughnecks’ banners. Final Thoughts Overall, the Hitmen do a nice job of keeping the fans entertained. Taking in a game is well worth it.

Photo Courtesy of AFC Wimbledon Plough Lane was on my schedule for a football match when I visited London in a couple of weeks. However, that might not be the case as the club works to repair its pitch in hopes of hosting another game soon. The home of AFC Wimbledon received heavy damage from recent floodings from the nearby River Wandle, which broke its banks following a period of heavy rain. The club does not know when it will be able to return home. The entire pitch, concourse, buildings, and ground floor were completely underwater. It resulted in the pitch resembling a golf course with sandy bunkers and more than 26,417 gallons of water pumped out of the stadium. The torrential rains also opened up a sinkhole in the corner of the pitch. Club management could spend close to ￡1.5 million to repair the pitch, and club supporter Graham Stacey set up a JustGiving site that has raised ￡108,151 out of 150,000 of its goals for repairs. Volunteers have helped clear away debris inside the stadium this week. The Wombles League Two match with Accrington was postponed after failing to find a suitable stadium in London to play. Its midweek Carabao Cup match against Newcastle will be staged at St James’s Park on Tuesday, October 1. Newcastle will donate ￡15,000 and half of the gate fees will also go to repair the pitch at Plough Lane. James Woodroof, the club’s managing director, told the BBC that he thought the images were AI.  "We didn't realise it was going to be to this extent... It's been 60 years since the water had reached this level, and essentially,AF we were totally overwhelmed by it.” The current stadium, known as Cherry Red Records Stadium, for advertising purposes opened in November 2020.

Photo Courtesy of Spatms Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Joe Miller Ballpark / Cowboy Diamond Common St and Contour Dr Lake Charles, LA 70607 McNeese State Cowboys website Cowboy Diamond website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 2,000 Cowboy Diamond, Home to MSU Cowboys Baseball The Cowboy Diamond offers a cozy atmosphere for small college baseball. Located in Lake Charles on the campus of McNeese State University, the ballpark is home field for MSU Cowboys baseball, a member of the Southland Conference and NCAA Division I. Though originally constructed in 1965, the stadium has seen several major upgrades in recent years including a new grandstand in 2008 which features chairback seating behind home plate. Cowboy Diamond has an official capacity of 2,000 but can easily accommodate overflow crowds. While the ballpark both literally and figuratively sits in the shadow of Cowboy Stadium, home to the pride and joy of MSU athletics, Cowboy football, MSU baseball seems poised for an increase in popularity both within the university community and the Lake Charles region. Whether you’re traveling in support of your favorite college ball club or just in town visiting Lake Charles, the Cowboy Diamond has a lot to offer fans of small college baseball in a traditional atmosphere. Food & Beverage 2 The Cowboy Diamond offers up the staple ballpark classics while also providing alcoholic beverages to fans in the Miller Lite Beer Garden. While the experiences lacks a signature item, you’ll likely find something to satisfy your hunger (or thirst) during the game. The main stand is located behind the main grandstand, in a separate facility, closer to the first baseline side. Your main entree options at Cowboy Diamond include hot dogs ($3.50), hot links ($4.50), hamburgers, ($4.50) and nachos ($3.50 for regular, $4.50 for nacho grande). Snack items range from popcorn and pretzels for $2, to Cajun peanuts ($4.50), sunflower seeds ($3), and more. Soda options at Cowboy Diamond are headlined by Coca-Cola products. Fountain sodas are available ranging from $2.50 for a small to $4.50 for a large souvenir cup size. Bottled Dasani water is available for $2.50. The Miller Lite Beer Garden is a neat seating area and pavilion located at the end of the third baseline. There’s a small little hut in this area which sells an assortment of beers and sodas as well. When it comes to recommended concession items, you’ll likely want to stay clear of the hot dog here, as it’s not the best of quality. However, try out the hot link, nacho grande, or keep it simple with a bag of Cajun peanuts. Atmosphere 3 The Cowboy Diamond provides a nice, cozy atmosphere both for families and those looking for a tailgate-style viewing experience. Seats in the main grandstand behind home plate provide shelter from the rain and heat thanks to an overhead awning. Featuring both chair back and bleacher seating, this area is where you’ll find most Cowboy fans. Netting wraps across the entire viewing area in front of the grandstand seats from ground to the top of the awning. Down the third baseline towards left field, you’ll find the Miller Lite Beer Garden and Boardwalk areas. The Boardwalk is a nice place to plop down a tailgate style chair along the foul line wall. Just behind is the Beer Garden area complete with a beer sales tiki hut and a small strip of bleachers. There’s also a pavilion in this area which is a great place for group events and parties. The field dimensions at Cowboy Diamond are 330 down the lines, 375 in the power alleys and 400 in center field. The infield features an artificial surface with a natural grass outfield. There is a traditional styled scoreboard beyond the left field wall. While the interior provides a nice atmosphere for fans, some work could be done to the exterior to make it stand out a little more. For example, the ballpark could have more of a presence if the stadium name was posted on the exterior behind the grandstand seats instead of just a blank white space. The game day staff ensures a traditional baseball atmosphere with a few promotions between innings. Expect to see some smaller on-field promotions like a kid base race. The music selection is appropriate for the typical crowd with a focus on country and rock classics, plus player selected walk-up music. Neighborhood 3 The Cowboy Diamond is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on the southern side of the McNeese State University campus. Adjacent to the ballpark is Cowboy Stadium, home to MSU football and the Track and Field Complex. Lake Charles is a medium-sized city in southwest Louisiana and thrives on the oil and gas industry as well as casinos and gaming. In Cajun country, expect to find a few great places to eat and unique entertainment. When it comes to eats, be sure to grab lunch (and a couple of local brews) at Darrell’s. The “Darrell’s Special” is a New Orleans style “poboy” which includes ham, turkey, and roast beef smothered in a roast beef gravy. Steamboat Bill’s serves up delicious seafood including boiled crawfish and a fried seafood platter. Raising Canes is a Louisiana college town staple, and there’s a location off Ryan Street near the ballpark. Considering that casinos aren’t allowed in Texas, Lake Charles benefits greatly by a large crowd making the trek over from the Houston area for a weekend of gambling fun. The Isle of Capri and L’Auberge du Lac are two of the more popular options, if you’re into the casino scene. If you time your visit right, you can catch the Mardi Gras season and a parade or two while in town. Just across from the Cowboy Diamond is the Frosty Factory. This is a great place to grab a local frozen daiquiri before or after the game. Both the L’Auberge and Isle of Capri casinos are also a great place to stay while in town as each also offer hotel services. Fans 2 In Lake Charles, Cowboy football is the unmatched king of the sports scene. Support for Cowboy baseball, however, seems to be on the rise. Cowboy Diamond is the perfect size not only for current baseball crowds, but reasonable growth in the future. For your typical weekend series, expect to see about 600 – 750 fans in attendance. The best attended games of the year will likely come when the Cowboys host in-state rivals like UL-Lafayette or LSU. Within the conference, expect nice crowds for cross-town rival Lamar, and in-state conference foes of Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State. Cowboy baseball crowds are engaged and interactive throughout the game. Expect outbursts during big plays and support for pitchers closing out games in the ninth inning. While there are certainly moments where the crowd is quiet, Cowboy fans know when to get into the game. Fans are active during the seventh inning stretch joining in with the classic “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and clapping along to a fan favorite song referred to as the Cajun National Anthem, “Joli Blon.” Access 4 Lake Charles is accessible from the west and east via I-10 and the I-210 loop. Take the Ryan Street exit off I-210 and head south towards the McNeese State campus. Turn left onto East McNeese Street and then take a right onto Common Street. The ballpark will be on your left on Common Street. Look for a grass parking lot at the corner of Common and Terrace Lane, just behind the left field wall. Parking here will be plentiful and free, plus provides a quick walk to the ticket booth and entrance. The ticket booth shouldn’t have much of a line. If you are purchasing your tickets, be sure to bring along cash as credit is not accepted (though it is accepted at concessions). You’ll quickly grab your tickets and breeze through the entrance, which is at the corner of left field and the third baseline. There’s plenty of room to move around the ballpark, with a courtyard wrapping from left field to the end of the grandstand by first base. The restrooms are old and not the cleanest, but are easily accessible. The main concourse is located at the bottom of the seating area in the grandstand and is wide enough for good traffic flow. Return on Investment 4 The return on investment for attending an MSU baseball game at Cowboy Diamond is pretty strong. With general admission tickets beginning at $8 ($5 for children), there’s very little out-of-pocket investment to get in the gate. In fact, a weekend pass can be purchased for just $20. Reserved chair backs run $15. Concessions aren’t cheap, but also not completely unreasonable. Parking is free. Extras 2 The Cowboy Diamond features a couple of “extra” components which enhance the fan experience at the ballpark. The Miller Lite Beer Garden and Boardwalk area is a neat spot for fans to take in the game in more of a tailgate style, laid back atmosphere. It is a nice overall addition for fans wanting to escape the traditional experience in the main grandstand. There’s a plaque and flower bed honoring the late Harry Chozen, a former McNeese legend. It’s always nice to see programs memorialize the past.

Photo by Ken Thorp, Stadium Journey On Friday, February 24th the Harlem Globetrotters brought their brand of basketball fun and family entertainment to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes Barre, PA. While this is normally the home of the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey team, the ice was removed, and the hardwood was laid down for the show. The wild and crazy atmosphere they brought with them was electric and captivating to all in attendance. They ran through the crowd telling jokes and goofing around. They danced on the court, performed amazing tricks with a basketball, and brought fans young and old onto the court to get them involved in the show. They even played some basketball in between the comedic acts. So, who are these magicians of the hardwood? What was the experience like for an 11-year-old and his dad? And what did the show and the venue have to offer for the thousands in attendance? Let's find out. On the south side of Chicago, in the late 1920s, a group of men formed a basketball team known as the Savoy Big Five. They were one of the premier acts at the Savoy Ballroom who played exhibitions before dances to try and draw crowds and fight the declining attendance issues the venue was having. After some internal strife, some of the players broke off from the team and formed the "Globe Trotters." Abe Saperstein became the manager and promoter for the team and named the team the New York Harlem Globe Trotters. While we know the Globetrotters today as more entertainment and stunts than basketball, this is a team with a rich history of success and goodwill across the world. On February 19, 1948, the Globetrotters defeated the World Champion Minnesota Lakers of the Basketball Association of America which later became the NBA, by the score of 61-59. A year later they beat them again. In 1950, Nathaniel "Sweetwater" Clifton, a member of the Globetrotters became the first African American player to sign an NBA contract when he joined the New York Knicks. The Globetrotters traveled overseas in 1950 on an international tour. On this journey, they played in front of their largest crowd ever at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. There were 75,000 in attendance. After the trip, a letter was written from the U.S. States Department to Abe Saperstein. In the letter, the team was referred to as "Ambassadors of extraordinary goodwill." The Globetrotters have been acknowledged by U.S. Presidents for what they have done for people around the world. In 1985, Olympic Gold Medalist Lynette Woodard became the first female to play for a men's pro basketball team when she joined the Globetrotters. As we entered the Mohegan Sun Arena and picked up our order of chicken (which was described as the best chicken nuggets ever), we found our way to our seats in the 200 section. A cheese steak would have probably been a better choice because they looked splendid, but when you are with a picky eater you are just happy, they found something they really enjoyed. Food prices were about the norm for any venue for a semi-pro team. The seats were good. There were a lot of open seats around the section, so we had the ability to spread out a little. Seats near the entrances to the section can be a little dicey. The safety bars come up a little high above the stairs and can obstruct portions of the viewing area (especially for children). The show itself was incredible. Everyone in the arena knew that basketball was going to be secondary to the stunts and action they were going to see tonight. There was a little basketball played and, spoiler alert, the Globetrotters won. There was so much more than a basketball game going on. Players were chasing each other up and down the isles with buckets of water and confetti and, it appeared, some people may have gotten a little damp. At one point during the first half, the game was stopped, and a gentleman was brought onto the court to dance with one of the Globetrotters. It was like a scene that came straight out of "Dirty Dancing" (he even managed to do a version of the lift). As the game was going on, one of the players actually climbed onto the rim and started waving to the crowd. Football also found its way onto the court as the Trotters not only huddled up, but they also called a running play and executed it past the end line, which acted as the end zone. The referee said he needed to see an instant replay and the team did the entire play in reverse, in slow-motion, not missing a beat, just to re-run it again. Players were spinning the ball on their fingers for what seemed like forever before inviting a young fan to the court and spinning the ball right onto his finger. The ability of the players to seemingly defy gravity and remain in the air as long as they did just to wait for the ball to arrive and slam it through the hoop was mesmerizing. Photo by Ken Thorp, Stadium Journey Halftime was amazing filled with crazy stunts and fun interactions with the players. The team invited the fans to the ends of the court to purchase Globetrotter basketballs. There were 3 to choose from. They had small, large, and the commemorative ball with gold writing. Considering a standard souvenir for most special events is about $20, I did not see the $35 cost for the large ball to be terribly over the top however the $70.00 price tag for the commemorative ball was a bit steep. After the game, fans were invited down to surround the court for a meet and greet with the players. The ball came in handy as they took pictures and signed autographs. My son garnered several signatures on his ball which made for a great souvenir. Photo by Ken Thorp, Stadium Journey Now was this a flawless endeavor--- by no means. Nothing is ever going to be 100% perfect. As I mentioned earlier, there was a minimal issue with the seats but being that we had some freedom to move around that problem was fixed. As we were waiting for a ball during halftime, they claimed they had run out although I did see 3 left in the bin and I was next online. I explained to the gentleman selling them that we were waiting a while and he just brushed me off as if I was not speaking at all. We had to go across the floor to the other stand to purchase one and wait in line all over again. My son did not seem to mind as we walked past the Globetrotters bench, and he said hello. Lastly, the end of the game player experience was a great idea but completely disorganized and could have been handled far better. Crowds were just gathered in front of players who were understandably overwhelmed but handled it beautifully. Parents were worse than the kids as they tried to weasel in front to get a signature. Lastly, if you are going to pay a visit to the venue, GET THERE EARLY! There is one way in and one way out of the parking lot. It is a smaller venue so it sounds worse than it is, but you will have a bit of a wait and miss the beginning of the show if you do not give yourself appropriate time. Once we made it into the parking lot, parking and entering the arena was easy. There are luxury suites available for advance purchase and at certain times of the year, they are half-price. I can speak from past experience and say they are very comfortable and offer great views of the entire event.

Photos by Stephen Schmidt, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hammons Field 955 East Trafficway Springfield, MO 65802 Missouri State Bears website Hammons Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 10,486 More than the Bear Necessities At first glance at one of the gates at Hammons Field, the relationship between the Springfield Cardinals (the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) and the Missouri State University Bears seems to be one of a symbiotic nature. Consider the following: The man who helped bring MLB-associated minor league baseball back to the area and the namesake of the stadium, John Q. Hammons, is an MSU alumnus. Both teams logos are shown in unity on the signs leading into the park. One of the Bears outfielders, Tate Matheny, is even the son of St. Louis manager, Mike. Once inside the gates, though, that aesthetic balance ends as most all other related signage is emblazoned with the Cardinals logo and colors. It becomes clear that the Bears of the Missouri Valley Conference play second fiddle to the minor league club. That being said, they do so in one of the nicest baseball venues in America’s heartland. Word is that the only park that the MSU players have been equally impressed with in the region is the University of Arkansas Baum Stadium in Fayetteville. The result is an affordable evening or afternoon — tickets are $5 to sit anywhere in the park — to watch Division I baseball in a venue with less of the bells and whistles of a Cardinal game (no radar gun readings in the right field or a mascot), but still many amenities not found in a typical college venue, such as a large playground area on the first base side and a large video board in left field. Food & Beverage 3 When the likes of Missouri, Kansas or another big-draw team comes to town, those in charge will open much more of the park’s many concession areas. On this night, with Oral Roberts in town for a midweek series, there was only one concession stand open with the standard fare. Unfortunately, the prices remain the same for both Cardinals and Bears games, so prepare to hand over $6.25 for that chicken strip basket or $3.75 for a hot dog. On the plus side, thirsty fans who are not interested in Coke products can pay $7.25 for a 20-ounce Budweiser or Bud Light. For whatever reason, one of the workers said that a considerable amount of peanuts are sold at MSU games than when the Cardinals are playing. It should also be noted that not food or drink items are allowed in the stadium except for a sealed bottle of water. Atmosphere 3 The seats look out to a less-than-spectacular vista consisting of traffic from the East Chestnut Parkway in left field and a gathering of industrial buildings beyond the right field wall. The most scenic view can be found in straight away center where a collection of trees complements the grass berms on either side and alludes to the surrounding Ozarks. There is only one gate to enter the stadium (behind home plate), but MSU cheerleaders greet fans, which is a nice touch. The cheerleaders also dance at the top of the concourse and on the dugouts during various stoppages of play. Every seat has a cup holder — even those in the unused upper deck along the third base side. This theme extended into the bathrooms, where, yes, the urinals are also equipped with cup holders to help propel the vicious cycle. The first base side gets more sun, but on an evening game, such as this one, a majority of the seats are shaded in the first inning. Neighborhood 4 The surrounding area certainly is not lacking in amenities. The stadium is located west of Jordan Valley Park, which features The Creamery Arts Center and the Mediacom Ice Park. The heart of downtown is a 15-minute walk away. Locals tend to head to South Avenue, where there are lots of culinary options. One place in particular to check out is Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, 406 South Ave., where a popular order is the fried tacos. Fans can also head due south down the John Q. Hammons Parkway toward the MSU campus and hit up Ebbets Field at 1027 E. Walnut St., a baseball-themed restaurant that pays tribute to the famed home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Another spot to check out is the Dugout, located just minutes down the street from the park at 1218 E. Trafficway. Fans 3 Given the city’s passion for baseball, the fans are certainly knowledgeable of the game. It was a bit difficult to judge their enthusiasm because of the sparse crowd on a weekday game that started out with overcast skies. Most were probably just happy that they had the option to wear T-shirts and shorts — and not having to sit through the less than ideal weather that has confronted fans for most of the 2013 season. After all, the team had to cancel a game the previous Friday night due to snow. “The weather has absolutely killed both teams,” local resident and longtime Bears fan Michael Zima said of the park’s tenants. “I’ve gone to multiple games this year in long johns.” Access 5 There are plenty of nearby parking options. There is a large lot directly across the street, but at $5 a pop there were not many takers. Most fans park in spots near the Jordan Valley Park attractions. In addition, there is a large parking garage directly across from the ice park. It seems as if the parking rules are relaxed for Bears games, which equates to a greater opportunity of finding free parking closer to the stadium compared to when the Cardinals are in town. The park’s concourses are wide, as one would expect from such a venue. The restrooms are large, clean and feature cup holders. Return on Investment 4 A Bears game may not have all of the pageantry that comes with a Cardinals game, but it’s a very good family entertainment value at $5 for any seat in the house and lots of options for free parking. The only downside is that the food prices do not change; so budget-conscious fans should grab something before — or after — the game. Extras 2 One point is awarded for the perks of being in a quality minor league park, such as the playground in right field, and the collection of great signs. For instance, above one of the gates, the following can be found: “Thank You. We hope you enjoyed your visit.” It’s a simple touch, but it still helps induce that classic baseball nostalgia. An additional point is given out for the concession stand perks of having the hamburger and cheeseburger cost the same ($5.50) and being able to get a baggy with onions, tomatoes and lettuce for no extra cost. Very tasty.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bosse Field 23 Don Mattingly Way Evansville, IN 47711 Evansville Otters website Bosse Field website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 5,000 Bosse Field is a Foe to Time “The big concrete amphitheater, with its great arch roof, steel beams, constructed throughout of fireproof materials, will stand as a foe to time. Not only will it host present generations, the generations to come will meet there for amusement purposes, and long after every man in Evansville connected with the building of the big stands is dead and gone, the stadium will stand as a monument to the city.” Those were the words that read in the Evansville Journal about the city’s new and modern Bosse Field on June 13, 1915. The terms “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” have been prophetic and wisely stated; as of this writing, the facility is the third oldest professional ballpark after Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field . Bosse Field was built as a result of an accident at the city’s League Stadium, which had been constructed in 1894. Temporary bleachers collapsed during Field Day events on May 22, 1914, and 50 people were injured. Field Day was a large, annual event where students from local schools would put on performances featuring music, dance, patriotic displays, and calisthenics for the Evansville public. Mayor Benjamin Bosse wanted to build a ballpark, yet did not have the city funding. He had to sell the idea of a multi-use facility to the school board to get it completed. A total of 10 acres of Garvin Park was selected at a reported cost of $10,000, and construction began on February 15th, 1915. A little over four months later, on June 17th, the stadium was dedicated at 1 p.m., followed by a baseball game at 3:15 and a wrestling match later that evening. For the next several decades, minor league baseball, high school sports, and even a National Football League team found a home at the stadium. Ball club nicknames included the River Rats, Evas, Pocketeers, Hubs, Bees, Braves, and White Sox. The Evansville Triplets, a Detroit Tigers Triple-A club, were the last affiliated club to call the ballpark home in 1984. The Evansville Otters have called the historic ballpark home since its inception in 1995, and improvements were made the following seasons that included a new press box, a new scoreboard, and a new concrete entrance. The Otters are the oldest franchise in the Frontier League and have captured five division and two league championships. The stadium looks very different and, yet, very similar to its debut over a century ago. The shape of the main grandstand and roof looks similar, the basic design of the main facade from the exterior has changed little, and even the parking lot has remained the same. A 1930 renovation replaced the stucco with brick, and in 1957, improvements were made with all new seating in the grandstand, new dugouts, and repairs were made to the portion of the first base concourse that had been previously roped off the prior season. Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time, and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands inside and outside the grandstand that offer an array of menu items that include hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, brats, and french fries that are served with chili and cheese. A few recommendations include the jalapeño brat or pork tenderloin sandwich, and the bucket of fries is a great deal at $3. The nachos are served with white cheese sauce that is somewhat different than the neon yellow variety served at most ballparks, and you can have it topped with pulled pork at a cost of $7. The beer selection includes a variety of Budweiser products that sell for $5 for a 16-ounce draft or $9 for a 32-ounce draft. This also includes the club's very own Otter Ale, a pale ale that is brewed locally by Carson’s Brewery. There are a few more craft selections that cost between $5 $6.25 and include Yazoo (Nashville), Goose Island IPA, and Schnitz (Jasper, Indiana). Pepsi products are served if you choose not to drink beer. Atmosphere 4 Bosse Field offers the quintessential old-school baseball experience. The arched grandstand and covered roof provide fans a glimpse of baseball of another era. With that being said, there are many aspects of the stadium that are still very basic, from its simple scoreboard, narrow concourse, and lack of a wraparound concourse. The covered grandstand is a nice little touch on hot and humid days for fans to get an ample amount of shading; if they are somewhat closer to the top of the seating area, a nice little breeze provides relief. The team's official mascot can be seen walking around the concourse and poses for photos when applicable. The Otterbelles are a group of young ladies who sometimes dress in baseball dresses from the movie; they perform in-between innings, handle promotions, and come around to fans with garbage bags for trash pickup. Still, the main attraction is the 100-year-old baseball stadium that features a classic entrance, brick exterior and interior, and old advertisements that were left behind from the film A League of Their Own . The large foul territory is a pitcher’s friend, and the two dugouts are positioned a little bit closer to one another near the backstop. There is a kids zone outside the first base side of the grandstand that features inflatables, pitching, and hitting zones. The Bud Light Lime Patio is an addition behind the right field wall for groups of 10 or more. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located two miles from downtown in a residential and commercial district, and there are three great pizza places to stop by after the game. Deerhead Pizza is set in an 1860s building that features live jazz. Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewing is a local favorite set in a rustic building and offering thin-crust pizza and craft-made beer, and Azzip Pizza offers the Westsider, which features barbecue sauce, pulled pork, red onions, Grippo's potato chip seasonings, and Ski cola reduction. Another regional item is the fried brain sandwich that is on the menu at the Hilltop Inn. The historic restaurant has been in business since 1839, and a fried brain sandwich on a hamburger bun with pickles and onions for $9.50. The mushy sandwich is for the faint-hearted; you will probably either like it or despise it. If you make your way downtown, check out Bru Burger, that is located inside the old Greyhound Bus Terminal; in fact, the restored signage outside the building still exists. Brew Brothers Tap House is located inside the Tropicana Casino and offers select $3 drafts along with a great brisket sandwich with homemade barbecue sauce, and The Rooftop offers food and drink with rooftop seating during the warm months. Evansville is home to a few more breweries that include Carson’s Brewery, Maidens Brewery & Pub, Myriad Brewing Company, and Haynie's Corner Brewing Company. Evansville also features the Dream Car Museum, Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville Children's Museum, Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science to keep you busy during your stay in the River City. Also, the Tropicana Evansville Casino is located along the river walk and offers free parking for all patrons. Fans 3 We visited the game during the camp game, but the young fans provided a nice soundtrack to the game that was taking place on the diamond. Average attendance for Otters games is around 2,000 each season, and many in the grandstand are there for baseball or just a night out with friends and family. If you are lucky, you might be able to talk to someone who has a plethora of stories from the ballpark's 10 decades of use. Access 3 The historic ballpark is located just west of Route 41 and just north of downtown Evansville. It is at the southeast corner of Garvin Park. Bathrooms, concessions, and seat locations are clearly marked inside the ballpark. Parking is free of charge for all cars in a parking lot adjacent to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a single ticket in advance is $5 for a general admission ticket; the price increases to $6 at noon the day of the game. The GA tickets are the upper sections of seating underneath the grandstand. The field box seats are $10 and include in-seat wait service. VIP tickets are $12 and also include in-seat wait service. There is no charge for parking, and concession items are reasonably priced. Extras 4 Bosse Field earns a point for being the third-oldest ballpark in professional baseball and appears to be in rather sound condition. The second point is for the vintage ads that were incorporated for the motion picture A League of Their Own ; they add a nice touch to the historic venue. The grandstand earns a third point for its multiple vantage points that are ideal for photographs of games. The final point is for the Otterbelles, who are a group of young ladies who sometimes dress in baseball dresses from the movie; they perform in-between innings, handle promotions, and come around to fans with garbage bags for trash pickup. Final Thoughts Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time, and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy Leeds, AL 35094 SRO America website Barber Motorsports Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 100,000 Alabama’s Sportscar Showcase The “Augusta of Motorsports” has hosted numerous race series over the years – known mostly for its spring IndyCar date, this track nestled in the mountains of northern Alabama just east of Birmingham is one of the most attractive on any schedule. While having hosted sportscar racing in the past, as well as numerous lower division amateur series, Barber Motorsports Park welcomed back the SRO America group with open arms in 2024. By all accounts this return has been a massive success, once again giving fans in Alabama a chance to see supercars race at Barber regularly.   Food & Beverage   3 No doubt, the biggest downside to this event is the lack of concessions stands. In the main paddock only one food truck is present on the second level; the rest of the food options exist as small bar concessions on the two main viewing hilltops, along with a few food trucks down in the fan zone. However, even if you just want a burger or hot dog the price is very manageable (a big, juicy cheeseburger is $6.50). Many fans bring their own food and snacks, with Buc-ee’s as the top stop just outside the track’s entrance. When visiting Alabama, barbecue must be one of the staples of your diet, plain and simple. Even the drivers are known to stop by to grab a bite of barbecue to eat here, which is a true testament to how good the food is. There are also food and drink vendors all over the track, so fans are never too far from their next meal.   Atmosphere   5 Barber Motorsports Park is by far the most beautiful and well-manicured race circuit in America. The track is a natural terrain road course, meaning the track follows the rolls and undulations of the mountains upon which the facility was built. Additionally, the foliage around the track is mesmerizing – the trees are tall, old, and majestic, and the wind blowing through them provides a true bonding with nature feeling. The roses, azaleas, and wildflowers blossom on the hills and fill the air with the scent of clean, fresh, floral greatness. What does all that have to do with racing? It puts you in a state of relaxation while watching a race that makes it all even more enjoyable than it already was, not to mention one of the best motorsports museums in the world is located on the track’s premises. The restroom facilities are also top-level, and the main paddock is perfectly laid out for fans to navigate. Signage is plentiful around the facility to help you figure out where to watch from, and numerous viewing areas around the circuit offer handicap-accessible options as well.   Neighborhood   4 The area around the track has changed drastically of late; literally next door is one of the coolest Bass Pro Shops there is (everyone has to drive along a half-mile-long nature preserve just to get to the store entrance). The racing circuit is also several miles away from Birmingham, and the only hotel next to the track is a Hampton Inn, but brand new in the last few years is a massive Buc-ees right outside the venue. However, just across the highway is a giant outlet mall that includes a drive-in movie theater, and in addition, down the highway just a few exits away lie several chain restaurants (Hooter’s, Five Guys, Olive Garden, and more), as well as more hotels. Not far away is the Birmingham Airport, with a nearby Holiday Inn that has a free airport shuttle and room rates in the low $100s, even during race weekend. Lastly, for sightseers, Talladega National Forest is only an hour’s drive away, while The Vulcan remains a popular tourist spot that offers a panoramic view of Birmingham.   Fans   3 In the heart of Alabama, you may never expect to find a herd of hard-core sportscar racing fans. Nevertheless, Barber Motorsports Park is full of fans who are series knowledgeable, as well as loud and rowdy in support of their favorite drivers. As with most SRO events, the crowds here may not reach the size of the larger events at each facility, but the attendance is no less impressive, and is growing year by year. This is no doubt an event that has massive potential for fans in the future. This is also one of the most family-friendly race parks there is, so fans can bring their whole families to the track; Southern hospitality at its best.   Access   5 Parking at Barber Motorsports Park is brilliant – there are numerous parking lots all over the property, and none of them are far from the track. Getting to the actual racing circuit is easy as well, as the main highway has an exit ramp that is less than a mile from the park’s entrance. Getting around the actual course itself is also simple; while the track is large, it is easy to walk around. Seating is also easy, as the main grandstand on the backstretch allows views of all four straightaways and several corners. Or, for a more picturesque view there are several locations where you can pitch a giant foldable party tent, and bring some folding chairs and a cooler to watch the race from the hillside. In addition, as if the relaxing atmosphere couldn’t get any more relaxing, it still does – the track offers fans a free tram service that circles the course, allowing you to view the racing action from anywhere on site. Also, to get to the track itself there are now various billboards and signs all over the local highways telling you which exit to use, and what direction to turn to get there. Another feature is a beautiful, flat, easy-to-navigate handicapped accessible pathway, which travels through the forest to a lookout point where fans using wheelchairs can watch the race, while also being in the comfort of the trees. This pathway is conveniently located across the street from the handicapped parking area.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to SRO weekend at Barber are incredibly affordable – Friday tickets are just $15, while Saturday or Sunday-only tickets run $35. A weekend pass for all three days is just $75, a price far below that of other comparable events in the area. Parking is free, while car corral access is $70 for Saturday or $125 for all 3 days, which includes your daily ticket as well as premium parking, along with a post-race lap on the track in your car. Suite access tickets are $350, while trackside RV and camping ranges from $100 to $350 based on location.   Extras   5 Barber Motorsports Park is chock full of extras. First and biggest is the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum – billed as one of the largest motorsports museums in the country, it will show you some of racing history’s best machines from the past. The museum is currently in the stages of expansion, as well, to make it even bigger. And if the museum itself isn’t enough, during race weekends the museum staff opens the first floor to the fans, one of only three times a year this is done. Why is this so monumental? The first floor is the restoration floor – who can pass up a chance to see the beautiful vintage race cars and motorcycles being restored to their former glory? Another bonus is the great fan zones around the track which have the best viewing location in the park, the hillside under the trees on the backstretch. Additionally, the staff here puts on a great fan activity area where fans can meet SRO drivers and get autographs. And if you enjoy camping, you can stay on-site with a hillside spot right behind the paddock, which offers some brilliant views of the track from a few places. Perhaps the biggest extra, however, is the random sculptures scattered throughout Barber Motorsports Park – a giant metal spider in the infield, a zombie trying to swim out of a lake, metal sunflowers, tigers by the scoring tower, a Native American chief on the mountainside, giant ants carrying away a motorcycle, Greek Gods, and more pepper the park’s property, making for a neat hide-and-seek adventure. Finally, the museum also features a walking path into the track’s interior, featuring two walk-over bridges that cross the track – they both have glass floors, and there is also a path through the woods and over a waterfall.   Final Thoughts If you are looking for a great way to enjoy racing, Barber Motorsports Park is a wonderful track at which to view some of the best racing in America. Add to that a vintage museum that showcases the coolest machines in racing history, and you have a great location in which to watch sports. SRO America weekend here will no doubt feature on their calendar for years to come, thanks to the great fan attendance, and looks to be a fantastic event in which fans can watch supercars in Alabama.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ogren Park at Allegiance Field 700 Cregg Ln. Missoula, MT 59802 Missoula PaddleHeads website Ogren Park at Allegiance Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 3,500 A River Runs By It When people think about Montana, images of fly fishing come to mind. The Treasure State has hundreds of miles of legendary waters from which anglers try to coax trout. The 300-mile Clark Fork of the Columbia River is one of those streams, descending into the university town of Missoula from the Bitterroot Mountains. The Clark Fork provided the setting for author Norman Maclean’s semi-autobiographical novella, “A River Runs Through It,” from which came the 1992 film starring Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer. Along the Clark Fork’s south bank, just west of downtown Missoula, sits Alliance Field & Ogren Park, the 3,500-seat home to the Pioneer Baseball League’s Missoula Paddleheads. Fans can make pre-game casts into the Clark Fork a few hundred feet from the cages where players take batting practice or put in a drift boat from the launch in one of the stadium’s parking lots. The confluence of fishing and baseball is celebrated at Ogren Park. Not only that, but Missoula’s extensive trail system provides a convenient way to get to a PaddleHeads game without a car. Fans can (and do) bike, walk, and scooter to the game from all around “Zootown,” as Missoula is known. These trails connect Ogren Park to points all over town, including downtown, the University of Montana’s campus, and a seemingly limitless bounty of parks and open space. Ogren Park’s connection to stream and trail has created one of professional baseball’s most unique settings. Food & Beverage 3 Ogren Park has concession stands on the concourses along both baselines. There are no major culinary surprises, but the food is good quality: hot dogs ($5), brats ($6), chicken tenders and fries ($9), veggie burgers ($8), and cheeseburgers ($8) are all available. So are fries ($4), tater tots ($4), popcorn ($4), peanuts ($4), and Cracker Jack ($3). Ogren Park sells Coca-Cola products in 20-ounce plastic bottles for $4. Beer lovers will not be disappointed. The PaddleHeads sell a good range of craft beer ($7 per draft) that includes brews from Missoula’s Highlander Beer (Strawberry Wheat, Strange Haze, and Devil’s Hump Red Ale, named for the profile of a grizzly bear) and Draught Works Brewery (That’s What She Said Cream Ale). Budweiser, Miller Lite, and Coors Lite sell for $6 per draft. Draught Works’ hard seltzers (Citrus Cowboy, Mountain Berry, and Tropical Express) are available, along with wine ($8) and hard cider ($6). Atmosphere 3 There’s nothing particularly unusual about Ogren Park’s design or experience. Seats (chairbacks and metal bleachers) rise from field level to the concourse at street level, above. One concession stand has been placed on the concourses along each baseline, with a bar on the concourse behind the press box. There’s no seating behind the outfield walls; however, the Paddleheads allow fans to watch games for free from a knoll beyond the center field fence, under the osprey nest. That area can be accessed from Missoula’s Riverfront Trail along the Clark Fork River’s south bank. Try for seats along the third baseline. You’ll enjoy a nice view of Mount Sentinel and its hillside letter “M,” which rises above the University of Montana’s campus. An important note: there is very little shade at Ogren Park. Temperatures for day games, particularly those late in the season, can make life miserable in the grandstand. Mercifully, the Paddleheads have placed several tents in the right field corner to create a party area. When that area is not used for hosting an event, it provides the ballpark’s only shade and a nice place to watch the game. Neighborhood 4 Ogren Park’s greatest asset is its location. The city’s Riverfront Trail parallels the Clark Fork River for approximately two miles on each side. That trail is paved, winding through several Missoula parks and providing easy access to the Clark Fork for anyone interested in fishing or boating. The trail also connects with other trails in Missoula’s extensive trail system and provides an excellent thoroughfare for anyone exploring Missoula. The trail system connects Ogren Park with downtown Missoula and to the University of Montana’s main campus. Downtown Missoula has a restaurant or bar for just about everyone, along with shops, parks, theaters, and museums. The University of Montana is set against Mount Sentinel, where hikers can scale to the school’s hillside “M” 620 feet up the side of its west face. Not only that, Ogren Park neighbors McCormick Park, which itself contains playgrounds, fields, a stocked fishing pond, an aquatics center, and the renowned Mobash Skate Park. Ogren Park sits near a public boat launch on the Clark Fork, approximately 500 feet west of the left field corner. Drift boats are put in and taken out at this launch, even while games are being played. Just south of the stadium, the Old Sawmill District development has brought new shops and restaurants within walking distance. Fans 3 Despite losing their longtime affiliation with MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks in 2020, fans have continued to come to Ogren Park. In 2021, the Paddleheads drew an average home attendance of 1,604, with local pandemic control measures limiting capacity for part of the season. Winning the Pioneer Baseball League title in 2021 may have contributed to a modest bump in 2022’s home attendance, with the team averaging 1,786 fans per home game. With a capacity of 3,500, Ogren Park can and hopefully will accommodate continued increases in home attendance. Access 5 Ogren Park does not have extensive parking. It doesn’t really need it. Missoula’s trails provide an easy way to walk, bike, or skateboard to a Paddleheads game. Boating is also an option. Several drift boats ferried anglers down the Clark Fork just before a recent Sunday afternoon game, taking out at the adjacent launch. The PaddleHeads even encourage a more riparian route, sponsoring an annual “Float to the Ballpark” promotion to raise money for local charities. (A parking warning: signs abound in the adjacent Old Sawmill District that baseball parking is verboten there. Be mindful of that fact, or you will quickly become acquainted with one of Missoula’s towing companies. The adjacent trails also provide an easy and scenic route to and from downtown Missoula. A 15-minute walk along the Riverfront Trail and across the Orange Street Bridge will take you to great, local restaurants and pubs while also providing beautiful views of the town. Once downtown, try Bob Marshall’s Biga Pizza or the Thomas Meagher Bar (aka the “Mar Bar”) for food. Downtown also has several breweries, such as Tamarack Brewing Co., the Conflux Brewing Company, and Imagine Nation Brewing. The stadium’s concourses are sufficiently wide to accommodate large crowds. Bathrooms are spacious and clean, and can provide shade during a hot game. Return on Investment 2 Pricing for the PaddleHead experience is right where it should be in all categories. General admission tickets sell for $11, and club seats, the priciest available, sell for $17. Discounts are available for seniors and children. Food and beverage prices align with other Pioneer League teams. Parking is free. Extras 3 The PaddleHeads earn a point for their commitments both to ornithology and their prior identity. An osprey nest stands behind the center field wall, home to a pair of ospreys that feed in the adjacent Clark Fork River. From 1999 until 2019, the team was the Missoula “Osprey.” The aerie and its residents survived the name change and continue to be a point of pride for the team. A second point goes to the free viewing area along the Riverfront Trail in center field. The team welcomes the use of this location to catch quick glimpses of games and even to set up a lawn chair and watch more than that. It’s a nice feature akin to locations at MLB parks such as the Pittsburgh Pirates PNC Park and the San Francisco Giants Oracle Park where fans outside the stadiums can enjoy peeks of the action inside. Third, the PaddleHeads receive a point for their commitment to the Clark Fork River. Pairing with the Clark Fork Coalition (“CFC”), the PaddleHeads host an annual river clean-up day. Fans can earn a free ticket to the game by venturing out to the Clark Fork and collecting trash. A local artist designs trout-themed jerseys, which are auctioned off to raise money for the CFC. The PaddleHeads recognize the importance of the river’s health and are good neighbors to it. Final Thoughts Ogren Park’s proximity to the Clark Fork River and the rest of Missoula can provide a unique baseball experience: pre- and post-game fly fishing, punctuated by a ball game. Or pre- and post-game eating and drinking, punctuated by a ball game, but without the need for a car. Or just by coming to a game at Ogren Park and enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains, under the watch of a nesting osprey. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy a game at Ogren Park.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Nick Carey, & Mapping the Path. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Legends Field 1800 Village West Pkwy Kansas City, KS 66111 Kansas City Monarchs website Legends Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 6,537 Honoring the Past in Kansas City The Kansas City Monarchs are members of the American Association and play home games at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. The ball club moved to town in 2003 from Duluth, Minnesota, and was renamed the T-Bones, but rebranded in January of 2021 under new ownership. Team owner Mark Brandmeyer partnered with the Negro League Baseball Museum to rebrand as the Kansas City Monarchs and have a portion of sales at the game go back to the museum. The original Monarchs were the longest-tenured ball club in the Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1964, winning 11 pennants, and featuring former legends of the game Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Cool "Papa" Bell, Buck O’Neil, and Ernie Banks. The stadium opened as CommunityAmerica Ballpark in 2003 and cost $14 million. It was built in the West Village, which developers saw as an ideal location for tourist dollars. The neighborhood would blossom with retail, hotels, restaurants, and two sporting venues (see neighborhood section), and other points of interest. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage at the ballpark offers local flavors and beverages from around the Kansas City area. Items that can be found should appeal to many visitors at the game. Pepsi products are the official soft drinks at the ballpark. The KC BBQ Project offers smoked meats and includes barbecue mac and cheese, brisket sandwiches, and chili cheese fries. Home Slice Pizza offers slices of pizza in numerous varieties. The Grill King has hot dogs, sausages, nachos, and cheesesteaks for sale. There is a freshly squeezed lemonade kiosk and Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shack on the first base, close to the Beer Park, that offers a collection of macro and local beers from Boulevard, Martin City, and Outfield Beer Company. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere begins well before the gates open, with fans tailgating in the parking lot. It is an experience that is uncommon at most facilities. The team installed synthetic turf in 2025 to ensure the field can accommodate Mother Nature in the early part of the season and other events at the stadium. There is seating for 7,500 and includes a wrap-around open concourse, a picnic area, grass lawn seating in right field, and a center field party area. There are table-top seats with small patches of synthetic turf and many vantage points to watch the game. The Home Run Porch is an all-you-can-eat group area, and outdoor couches, small fire pits, and outdoor games can be found in the outfield concourse of the stadium. The large grass seating is evenly sloped and offers fans a relaxing way to enjoy the game on a sunny afternoon or early evening. Photo Courtesy of Nick Carey, American Ballpark Road Trip The team store is behind home plate and is 3,000 square feet, featuring a huge selection of shirts, caps, jerseys, and retro-Monarchs gear. The interlocking KC logo is predominant in various styles. The past is honored with former players on the walls along with a mini-floatig museum that highlights the achievements of the Negro Leagues. The open-area concourse allows viewing of the game while away from your seat and provides easy access to many parts of the stadium. Monty is the official mascot, and he can be seen roaming around the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Legends Field is located in Village West, a $1.2 billion retail, dining, and entertainment section located at the intersection of I-70 and I-43, 11 miles west of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It is the most visited destination by tourists in Kansas and has fueled population growth in the county. The Kansas Speedway, home of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and the NASCAR Racing Experience, where visitors can drive or ride along in an authentic NASCAR vehicle, is a few hundred yards away from the ballpark. Children’s Mercy Park is also on the same street as the home of Sporting Kansas City in the MLS. If you plan a visit, you might be able to take in three events at these facilities on one day. Legends Outdoor Kansas City is home to 100 retail stores and restaurants, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Bass Pro Shop (formerly the Cabela’s store). The Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor waterpark and hotel, and Chateau Avalaon is a luxury bed and breakfast. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a highlight of the trip to KC, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The best barbecue closest to the ballpark, Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue, is world-renowned among chefs, locals, and tourists. There might be a line, but you can grab a beer or enjoy the smell of smoke as you near the cashier. Everything is good, including the sides, but the burnt ends are what you need to eat if you get the chance. The WWI Museum is a fascinating view at an often overlooked war that is as interactive and engaging as it is informative. If you have time for baseball, there is a team called the Kansas City Royals that plays at Kauffman Stadium from April to October. I hear that they even have fountains in their outfield and a great kids’ play area. Fans 3 The attendance at Monarchs games is routinely in the middle of the league, with an average of around 2,106 fans per game. The stadium has all the needs and wants for a 21st-century fan, and many who attend the game do an admirable job of cheering on the home team. There are plenty of promotional nights to attract fans to weekday games, and a lot more activities take place on the concourse during games. Access 5 The stadium is at the I-70 and I-435 intersection, with plenty of signs guiding motorists to both the complex and the ballpark. There is plenty of free parking and a spacious concourse that wraps around the entire field with plenty of room to move around. All bathrooms, concession stands, and exits are marked. Return on Investment 4 The Kansas City Monarchs offer a variety of nights that offer affordable tickets and concession prices. Tickets start at $10 for games on Monday to Wednesday and jump to $15 on the weekends. The team has fireworks after every Friday evening game and offers free parking for all home games. The team store is stocked with plenty of team merchandise, including jerseys, shirts, caps, and other apparel.  Photo Courtesy of Mapping the Path Fans can bring their pups to games on Monday and grab a hot dog for $2. Tuesdays offer $2 tacos and $5 margaritas. If the Monarchs win on Wednesday night, fans can come back to a future game for free. Thirsty Thursdays offer $3 beers and $2 hot dogs. The best options for value are on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. Extras 4 Legends Fields earns points for the numerous promotional nights on Monday to Thursday that include food and drink specials, and bringing your dogs to the game on Monday nights. The inner concourse is loaded with portraits of former Negro League players that include Jackie Robinson, Buck O’Neil, and Ernie Banks. The third point is for the team not charging for parking at the game. The final point is for the collection of current and retro-Monarch merchandise in the team shop. Final Thoughts Legends Field has transitioned from a normal ballpark to one that has nice little touches of comfort, history, and fan conveniences. There is a great food selection, creative game promotions, and plenty of merchandise for fans to make it a night at the ballpark. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Progressive Field 2401 Ontario St Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland Guardians website Progressive Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 34,820 Cleveland Rocks! Progressive Field is the home of the Cleveland Guardians, opening in 1994 as Jacobs Field. It is the third home for the Cleveland MLB franchise, following League Park (1901-1946) and Municipal Stadium (1947-1994). The stadium was designed by Populous and was the second retro-style ballpark to open after Camden Yards in Baltimore. Even though Progressive Field is more than 30 years old, it has been updated to keep up with the new trends in ballparks. It has gone through renovations in 2014, 2016, and is wrapping up a $200 million renovation during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The entire stadium will have new seats installed by the end of the 2026 season. Food & Beverage 5 Most people would say that Cleveland is not a “foodie” town. However, the food and beverage program at Progressive Field will convince you otherwise. While the stadium favorites are always present, it is well worth your time to check out the concession stands featuring foods that are unique to the many ethnic neighborhoods that make up the Cleveland area. Drinking establishments are also well represented at the ballpark. The Corner is a two-level bar offering more than 40 beers on tap. Several breweries have stands at Progressive Park, including Great Lakes Brewing Company, the Fat Head Brewery, and the Brew Kettle. Progressive Field Fat Head Brewery, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 5 Progressive Field has done a terrific job of uniting the ballpark with its hometown. Sections of the ballpark are known as “districts”, with an Infield District, the Left Field District, and the Right Field District. Restaurants in each District feature dining options that relate to specific neighborhoods in the Cleveland metropolitan area. The lighting towers at the stadium are uniquely shaped to resemble the smokestacks found in Cleveland’s Industrial District. If that’s not enough, the Cleveland skyline is featured over the outfield walls. The ballpark also does a great job of recognizing the many accomplishments of the Guardians/Indians franchise over the years. Heritage Park features the team’s Baseball Hall of Fame members, including Larry Doby, Bob Feller, Tris Speaker, and Cy Young. There are also statues of Frank Robinson, Larry Doby, Bob Feller, Jim Thom, and Lou Boudreau. There are 27 plaques commemorating other players and team accomplishments found in this area. Neighborhood 5 The home of the Guardians is located in the Gateway Sports and Entertainment District. Its next-door neighbor is the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and the AHL's Cleveland Monsters . The ballpark is also close to the East 4TH Street dining and entertainment district, as well as the West Side Market. Two recommended restaurants within a mile of the ballpark are Butcher and the Brewer (pub food and craft beers) and mouthwatering Mabel's BBQ. Hotels less than two miles from Progressive Field include the Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland and the Hyatt Regency at the Arcade. Fans 4 The Guardians/Indians franchise has a history of playing in massive stadiums, as its former home at Cleveland Stadium could seat more than 80,000 fans. When Jacobs Field opened in 1994, it had a capacity of more than 40,000. Once it became Progressive Field in 2008, the team moved away from the “bigger is better” thought process to design more fan-friendly options within the park. The capacity of Progressive Field is now 34,820. Replacing the seating in areas of the park are several establishments designed to meet the social needs of its fans. This includes the Paul Davis Pennant District for group gatherings, the Corner Bar in the Right Field District, the Terrace Garden area in the Left Field District, and the Home Plate Club in the Infield District. Children also receive a special area in the ballpark known as the Kids’ Clubhouse. This is a two-level activity area filled with baseball-themed rides and games. The ballpark also took some of the seating areas out to move the bullpens above the playing field. This provides fans with a unique opportunity to watch pitchers warm up before and during the games. Cleveland fans love to participate in two sing-alongs at Guardians games. In the middle of the 8th inning, “Hang on Sloopy” is played, as it is the official State Song for Ohio. When the Guardians win a game, the fans sing “Cleveland Rocks”, the theme song from the Drew Carey TV show. Fans are also energized by the antics of Cleveland’s mascot, Slider, who roams through the stands throughout the game. Access 5 Getting to a Guardians game is very easy, as it is located adjacent to the Tower City Station, which is served by the Blue, Green, and Red lines of Cleveland’s RTA light rail system. The Gateway East Parking Garage is immediately outside of the ballpark, with plenty of parking spaces. The team partners with the Spot Hero app to lead fans to other parking spots in the vicinity of Progressive Field. There are three outfield entry gates into the ballpark. These gates are located along Eagle Avenue, providing you with easy access to the main parking garage and Gateway Plaza. The fourth gate is situated near the infield portion of the field. Gates open one hour before the first pitch on weekdays and two hours before the first pitch on Friday nights and weekend games. Concourses in the park are wide, and you should not have much of a problem reaching your seats. When the call of nature reaches you, there are 41 restrooms in the stadium (19 men’s, 19 women’s, and three family restrooms). Return on Investment 4 Attending a Guardians game at Progressive Field is relatively inexpensive with a little preplanning. Parking at the Gateway East Parking Garage runs $10-$15. You can usually find cheaper parking near the ballpark by using the Spot Hero app. The light rail system delivers you right to the stadium via the Tower City Station. The fare is $2.50 per trip. The Guardians use dynamic pricing for their tickets. This means weekend games and games against popular opponents will cost more than weekday games or games against less significant opponents. Ticket prices are also determined by where in the ballpark you choose to sit. Ticket prices range from $28 to $120 based on these factors. The cheapest seats in the house are the Standing Room Only seats in the Right Field District. This area entitles you to one free drink to tide you over for standing throughout the game. Progressive Field partners with StubHub as its preferred third-party ticket vendor. You may find cheaper tickets on the secondary market. All purchases at Progressive Field are done on a cashless basis. ATM’s in the ballpark will provide charge cards in exchange for cash. Extras 2 Progressive Field is one of the few baseball facilities to host both the MLB All-Star Game and a World Series game in the same season. It accomplished this feat in 1997. The Guardians’ name refers to the Guardians of Traffic, a series of art deco statues on the Hope Memorial Bridge in Cleveland. Final Thoughts The Guardians continue to showcase what makes their home one of the best home stadiums in the major leagues. Progressive Field has everything you would want in a perfect setting. Top food and beverage options mix here with a constantly improving stadium that remains one of the best in baseball. Affordability and easy access also create a welcoming environment that makes for one of the best game-day experiences around.

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

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 SRO Motorsports website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 Wisconsin’s GT Festival Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. While the track’s annual schedule features IndyCar, IMSA, and others, SRO America provides a weekend of GT-only sportscar racing. The supercars on track offer stellar racing over four days, including unrivaled fan access and unique fan event opportunities. Racing in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan-friendly and easy to navigate, this summer event is a must-see on the SRO slate.   Food & Beverage   5 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. Road America is led by The Gearbox, a hillside stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin you can get the best cheese and sausage foods here, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers ($10). Johnsonville is heavily featured, as it is literally the next town over, and their brats ($9 to $13) are a fan favorite. Sargento cheese curds ($7) are also a popular item, as are the burgers ($9 to $12.50), gearbox melt ($11), and TKA sandwich ($15). Beer is of course plentiful, and a Spotted Cow is a must-have in Wisconsin. You can also find tons of other options, including broasted chicken outside Turn 3, tacos at Turn 7, and a tiki bar out at the beach by the kink and carousel corners. Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family-friendly and relaxed. The best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a go-race-and-enjoy-every-minute-of-it state of mind. In 2025 the track also debuted a new viewing area at the top of the hillside outside Canada Corner called Road America North Pole, and the old walkover bridge along the front stretch was rebuilt as well – it is now large enough to drive a golf cart over. Additionally, SRO weekend features a fan fest on Thursday night in Elkhart Lake, featuring racecars on display, driver autograph sessions, giveaways, and live music. Neighborhood   4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small, but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls this small town home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there are a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20 to 30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice – Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan. If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road America is Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something else to see and do, Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes.   Fans   4 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest – die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with anything. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. While not exactly sporting the crowd sizes seen at IMSA or IndyCar weekends, SRO weekend at Road America has seen a steady increase in attendance over the past few years – no doubt this has been thanks in part to increased advertising and fan outreach for the event. Access   4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path – at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. Once you’re at Road America you’ll discover that there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t know about, which can be frustrating if you had to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue to identify these alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete makeover in 2016, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers. The track also features preferred VIP parking passes for $30. Return on Investment   5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race, and tickets to SRO weekend are very affordable; Friday tickets are $35, while Saturday or Sunday only are just $50. A weekend pass for $85 is also available, while 2-day VIP tower suites run $375 (upgrading from an existing ticket will cost just $325). The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race from without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Trackside camping is also popular, ranging from $50 to $325. Car corrals are available from $70 for one day to $125 for all three days. Extras   5 Perhaps the biggest fan attraction during SRO weekend is the annual racecar parade and festival in downtown Elkhart Lake, on Thursday evening of race weekend. Here, all the cars participating in the race weekend drive down through the town of Elkhart Lake and stage in front of Siebkens Resort. Then, fans can walk up and get a close view of all the cars, as well as meet some of the drivers for autographs. You can also take a trip to Elkhart Lake, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside – before it had its current layout, Road America was a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself and over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. Back at the track, where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. If you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile device, you can also engage with the race on social media, and see your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. If treetop views and social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Finally, several autograph sessions happen during the weekend in the fan zone, offering fans a chance to see some of their favorite drivers. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history and meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America – you will not be disappointed in what you find. In addition, if you want to take a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend; the fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful. It’s hard to find a better place to see racing in North America than Road America.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Watkins Glen International 2790 County Route 16 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Vintage Grand Prix website Watkins Glen International website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 38,900 A Slimmed Down Vintage Festival While Watkins Glen International may be best known for the annu al IMSA 6 Hours  or t he NASCAR Cup Series race, the yearly celebration of vintage racing that is the Hilliard US Vintage Grand Prix is perhaps the most unique event at the track. Since they first began racing here in 1948, the speedway has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now this history is celebrated yearly when SVRA, Trans-Am, and IGT take to the track. While 2024’s event saw increased ticket prices, 2025 saw a return to the event’s traditional September date, along with the annual downtown festival and historic reenactment.   Food & Beverage   3 Watkins Glen International doesn’t have a lot of food vendors, with the main paddock cafe located in the main paddock near the front stretch – fans looking to visit the outer parts of the track may have slimmer pickings than those watching from the finish line. That said, the choices in the fan zone are simple, ranging from burgers ($13) and hot dogs ($5-$9) to chicken tenders ($15) and smaller snacks ($4-$8), while drinks run $4 for coffee or hot cocoa, $5 for water, Powerade, and sodas, $11 for Seltzer, $9-$11 for beer, and $7 for lemonade. Food trucks also line up inside the paddock area, offering various additional options as well.   Atmosphere   3 Watkins Glen International is located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, making the facility a beautifully located racing venue – the area is full of beautiful trees, meaning fans can find some shade in the hot sun. In addition, the track is laid out to be one of the fastest road courses in North America. Large grandstands also line the front straight, Turn 1, the esses, and the final corner complex, offering many different viewpoints for fans to watch from. For a raceway filled with history (the track regularly hosts NASC AR, IMSA , an d others, and has also hosted the likes of IndyCar and Formula 1 in the past), you cannot help but feel like you’re witnessing history come alive at this SVRA weekend. 2025 saw the return of the annual vintage festival in downtown Watkins Glen, including the historic car reenactment on the old course. Unfortunately this came at the cost of the Trans Am series, leading a massively decreased car count from the vintage races, with just SVRA and IGT on the docket.   Neighborhood   4 The track itself is about 5 minutes south of the town of Watkins Glen, nestled on the southern shores of Seneca Lake. The town is beautiful and quaint, featuring numerous local shops and restaurants, while north of town is New York wine country, with countless wineries all along the lake. For those willing to drive, the town of Ithaca is just a half hour east, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and shopping in the same town that is home to Cornell University. To the south, Elmira and Corning are 30 minutes away – if you visit the latter you can see the Corning Museum of Glass or the National Soaring Museum. In addition, sightseers routinely flock to Watkins Glen State Park for stunning hiking through a canyon of waterfalls, as well as Lakeside Park to watch the stars rise over the waters of Seneca Lake.   Fans   3 The fans at Watkins Glen International are once again a cross-section of sportscar racing diehards. New York racing fans are among the best in the country, and know how to throw a great party – the camping grounds are full all weekend long, and the fans know who to cheer for when the race is on the line. In addition, Friday’s vintage reenactment will see fans line the street while the cars dive past for hours, propping up folding chairs to get a view of the fun, much like one would see at a Fourth of July parade in a small town. With the separation of the Trans Am and SVRA weekends, the last few years have seen a massively decreased fan attendance compared to years past, when they were combined. Access   3 The biggest downside in getting to Watkins Glen International is its relatively isolated location – the nearest major highway is I-86 to the south and west, at least a 30-minute drive away. Traffic thankfully doesn’t back up nearby, though, and the roadways are relatively clear all weekend. Once at the track parking is plentiful all around, but navigating the track’s tunnels, bridges, and walkways can be daunting, as the facility is rather large. Track maps are placed throughout the venue, however, making getting from place to place a little easier.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to SVRA weekend rose sharply in 2024, and that trend continued for the 2025 edition, starting at $69 for a one day weekend ticket to $91 for a weekend pass, which is considerably higher than SpeedTour weekend tic ket prices at other racing venues. Parking is free however, so you can get away without having to pay too much more, and the cost of Vintage Grand Prix weekend is still much lower than for the NASCAR and IMSA  weekends at Watkins Glen.   Extras   3 The track also has several fan zones to get you up close and personal with show cars, as well as to pick up some free giveaways. Fans can also wander the paddock area for free, giving you a great look at the teams working away at their machines. Victory Lane is also open to all fans, unlike at larger race series, offering fans the ability to take part in the podium celebration. Final Thoughts Watkins Glen vintage weekend is a showcase of the sport’s history and future, putting on a stellar weekend of racing that stretches across five days in early September. Without a doubt this event is a great one to put on your racing calendar, offering great weather, unparalleled access for fans, and top-notch on-track activity.