Mascot Hall of Fame, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The Mascot Hall of Fame (MHOF) is an interactive children’s museum with the theme of mascots. It is located at the very east end of Whiting’s Downtown Business District and about one block from the Midwest Collegiate League’s Northwest Indiana Oilmen / Oil City Stadium. And in the summer months the MHOF is about a block away from the “Whoa Zone” which is a floating water park. The MHOF, which was previously online only, was founded by David Raymond, who was the original Phillie Phanatic from 1978 to 1993. One day the city of Whiting Indiana stumbled across the virtual mascot hall of fame while trying to find a way to extend the tourist season for the city (Pierogi Fest weekend draws 300,000 from around the Midwest, its Fourth of July parade between 40,000 and 50,000 and its July 3rd fireworks 15,000). So, they cold-called Mr. Raymond and pitched a brick-and-mortar Hall of Fame (HOF). It opened its doors to the public on Dec 26, 2018 to much delight of all fans of mascots. The entrance fees are $12 for adults and children over 2, free for children under 2, $10 for seniors and teachers and free for active military. There are one-year memberships for individuals ($35), family ($129), grandparents ($119), Association of Children’s Museums membership ($179), additional family ($20), Reggy’s Rug Rat Club ($20). Of course, separate field trip / group rates are available too. Each has different perks such as guest passes and 10% off at the gift shop and concession stand. The following mascots are already inducted in to the Hall of Fame: MLB The Famous Chicken – (Former San Diego Chicken from Padres) Mr. Met – New York Mets Slider – Cleveland Indians The Phillie Phanatic – Philadelphia Phillies Sluggerrr – Kansas City Royals NBA Clutch the Bear – Houston Rockets Benny the Bull – Chicago Bulls Rocky – Denver Nuggets The Coyote – San Antonio Spurs The Jazz Bear – Utah Jazz The Gorilla – Phoenix Suns NHL Tommy Hawk – Chicago Blackhawks NFL KC Wolf – Kansas City Chiefs College Aubie – Auburn University Big Red – Western Kentucky University Brutus Buckeye – Ohio State University Bucky the Badger – University of Wisconsin Lil Red – University of Nebraska Smokey – University of Tennessee YoUDee – University of Delaware Nittany Lion – Penn State University Mascot Hall of Fame Inductees, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey As you walk in one of first things you notice is the ATM is covered in fur and that there are a bunch of giant inflated mascot heads (all the Mascot Hall of Fame inductees) hanging from the ceiling of the three-story building. MHOF ATM, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey MHOF Floating Mascot Heads, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey First Floor (named Phuzzical Education ) activities: Goofball Arena: Where kids can shoot hoops, kick field goals, shoot hockey pucks, kick soccer balls Basic Training: a play area for toddlers to crawl, tunnel etc. T-Shooter Stadium: This is an arcade-like game where visitors can “shoot” T-shirts from a cannon and into a crowd and directly adjacent to this area is the “Parents Penalty Box,” which has a several lounge chairs where parents can watch their children play in Goofball Arena, the T-shirt game or the Basic Training area. Mascot Mart: Their souvenir store. This store has some really nice shirts from $16 to $45, hats and swag (such as magnets, mugs and other trinkets) that all are reasonably priced. One bad thing about the store is that they don’t have the licensing, yet, to sell stuff featuring the inductees. But the MHOF is working on obtaining the licenses. A snack bar with the basics such as hot dogs ($3), nachos ($2.50), slushies ($3), soda ($1.50), juices, chips, candy bars, etc. MHOF Phuzzical Education, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Second Floor attractions: Fureshman Orientation: A short film explaining the history of the Mascot Hall of Fame. A doubled wall “panel of pictures and short explanation of all the inductees of the MHOF. Also, several interactive kiosk video panels have information about each MHOF inductee. MHOF – The Phillie Phanatic, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey A hands-on exhibit where kids learn what it is like to be a mascot with interactive activities and videos, such as how difficult is it to hold / grab something with the big hands, how come mascot costumes smell, why mascots have cooling fans in the costume, how hot it is in a costume (you can try on a head), how much does a costume weigh, how a costume is made, and even learn about the human body. One of the coolest interactive activities is where participant puts on weights (size portioned) as a mascot would then go through a series of activities and then check their pulses to see how the costume and activity affect the pulse rate and how difficult it is to be in the costume. Where is the Mascot From: A game to try guessing correctly in 60 seconds where the mascots are from. Centuries of Silliness: A mascot time line that shows the history of mascots from early days to the present. This includes some interesting tidbits on the wall, such as how the Navy (in 1893) and Army (in 1899) started their mascots, Chicago White Sox first “mascot / batboy” in 1919 was Eddie Bennett (a teenage orphan) and who was the first official mascot of the Olympics. In this area, pictures of mascots with famous people, such as the Phillie Phanatic with President Nixon are displayed. Frankfurstein’s Mascot Area: Kids “design” their own mascot using parts (heads, bodies, hats, and arms) that available in the area. Also, there is a coloring area where kids can color their own mascot with plenty of tables supplied with crayons. A kiosk is available where one can “design” their own mascot by selecting each part of a mascot is. When you are done, you can have your “Mascot” e-mailed to you. Strut your Stuff: A zone where you can make your very own “mascot audition tape.” You select the type of mascot you want to be and go in front of a green screen and are prompted to do several activities. When you are done you can view your video and have it e-mailed to you. A display where you can touch the different materials that costumes are made of and you can build your own mascot in the “Build-a-Mascot” area. It is a “Build-a-Bear” but with some different choices of “bears and clothes.” The price range is from approximately $20 to $30 dollars. Third Floor A conference room for private parties and it has a nice view of Lake Michigan. Another nice touch the MHOF has is after each “area” is completed there is a stamp pad that shows that you have completed the area. Once you have each of the six (6) areas completed, you have “graduated” from Mascot University. MHOF Final Exam Book, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey A visit to the MHOF is worth the trip. Everyone who works there is very nice and helpful. Kids and even adults (who can act like a kid here) will love this place as there is a bunch of stuff to keep everyone occupied and entertained. Mascot Hall of Fame - Having Fun, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Matador Stadium 18111 Nordhoff St Northridge, CA 91330 Cal State Northridge Matadors website Matador Stadium website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 1,200 Baseball Under the CSUN Located in the northwest sector of the San Fernando Valley, California State University, Northridge was established in 1958. It was known as San Fernando Valley State College until 1972. Though not as notable nationwide as USC or UCLA, CSUN is the largest of the 23 campuses within the Cal State University system. If fans are not from the area, they may remember Northridge as the epicenter of a devastating earthquake in 1994. Years have passed and today Northridge has as beautiful a campus as any Southern California school. Among the recent additions to CSUN is the Valley Performing Arts Center . Matador Field, built in 1961 has had six major renovations, most recent of which was a new backstop in 2008. Food & Beverage 2 The dining options are about as basic as it gets, featuring a hot dog, turkey dog, or spicy dog ($3.50), chips ($2.50) and candy ($2). There is a combo deal where fans could get a dog, chips, and a small soda or water for $7, which would save them $1 than if purchased separately. The beverage options include bottled Coke products ($2), water ($3 for large), Gatorade ($2.50), as well as coffee, tea or hot chocolate ($2). Atmosphere 3 Because Matador Field is void of any lights, all games are played under the sun, giving baseball traditionalists that old-school feel. There are not any specific chants or cheers the fans take part in however, Matty the Matador, the school's mascot is present, making his rounds throughout the stands, mingling with the fans. Neighborhood 3 The Northridge campus and the area surrounding it are an interesting contrast. Should you head either direction you will find there are areas packed with strip malls, restaurants, and all sorts of consumerism. If you're in the mood for some ethnic Middle Eastern dining, the Falafel Palace on Reseda and Prairie, a local student favorite, serves up some really tasty gyros as well as other Greek dishes. If you don't mind driving 5 minutes west of campus, the Northridge Fashion Center is nearby as well and offers these sit-down options: Bonefish Grill, Claim Jumper, Yard House, as well as a Buffalo Wild Wings, to name a few. Should you opt to remain close to Matador Field, Cupid's Hot Dogs, a San Fernando Valley staple serving nothing but chili dogs (I prefer to keep mine simple, chili and onions), is within walking distance a few short blocks south. Fans 3 There is not a lot of activity coming from the Northridge fans, with very few sporting any CSUN attire. This really is not a surprise given the school's local reputation as a commuter school. What I do find interesting is that many of the fans in the stands get creative in regards to shading themselves from the afternoon sun. Given this is Southern California, winter months can be warm as well and many of the fans more than compensate for the lack of shade in the stands by setting up their own portable umbrellas, a good call by those in charge. Access 2 Access to CSUN is not far from three of LA's major freeways; the 405, 101 and 118. If you are coming from LA, the drive time, pending traffic, can vary from 30 to 90 minutes. All Matador home games are played under the CSUN (pun intended) so there's that possibility that you may actually dodge some traffic. It's still a good idea to check the local traffic reports before heading out. Once you have arrived on campus, you will find the main parking lot on the Zelzah Avenue side of campus. There are meters there that accept both cash and credit/debit cards, $5 for up to 4 hours, $6 all day. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may be able to find street parking nearby if you are willing to walk for a bit. Upon entering Matador Field you will find that all the seats are metal bleachers. Given that all games are played during the day, chances are there will be plenty of sun so you may want to bring either a portable chair back or a beach towel to protect yourself from a hot metal seat. Hopefully you will not miss much of the ballgame but if nature is calling, prepare yourself for a long walk. The trek to the restrooms is quite a distance as fans must walk along a narrow walkway beyond the outfield fence and beyond the left field corner. Matador Field could certainly use a couple of mobile restrooms in the open grass area behind the first base dugout as this would save fans a long walk toward relieving themselves. Return on Investment 3 General admission seating for adults is $8, $5 for youth (17 and under) and seniors (60 and over). Though much more affordable than most MLB games, I was surprised a bit by the GA price for this less-known program. Extras 2 Matador Field is as simple as it gets. If you're looking for any historical displays paying homage to the baseball program, you will find a mural behind the first base dugout commemorating the school's conference titles as well as their two Division II National Championship titles. This is a pretty impressive display when taken into account CSUN's hidden presence among the abundance of collegiate baseball programs that reside in Southern California. Final Thoughts If expecting an amplified atmosphere, you may find yourself somewhat disappointed. If a simple day at the ballgame under the sun in a serene, intimate setting without all the bells and whistles is all you need, a stop at Matador Field is certainly worth checking out. Depending on when you plan to visit, because all CSUN baseball games are played during the day, you may even be able to check out a Dodger game as well.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McKethan Stadium 120 SW 13th St Gainesville, FL 32601 Florida Gators website McKethan Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Year Demolished: 2020 Capacity: 5,500 Stand and Sway at Alfred A. The Florida Gators baseball team is one of the most successful in the nation over the past decade, including four College World Series appearances since 2010. Playing out of Alfred A. McKethan Stadium at Perry Field, the Gators are a top draw during the Gainesville spring. The venue is named for two former alumni: McKethan contributed nearly $3 million towards the stadium’s construction and subsequent improvements, while Perry’s family donated the land on which the stadium was built. Opened in 1988, McKethan Stadium lies just to the west of the O’Connell Center and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Mac, as it is affectionately known by locals, holds 5,500 and attracts top recruits every year. There were six former Gators on MLB rosters at the start of 2016 season and 11 on 40-man rosters, the most in the SEC. Between its opening and the end of the 2015 season, the Gators have posted a 779-266 (.745) home record. The venue has hosted NCAA Regional action 11 times and Super Regional series six times. At many SEC schools, baseball is bigger than even men’s basketball, but this is not true at Florida, due mainly to the success of its hoops program under head coach Billy Donovan. Still, Gator fans take their hardball seriously. Food & Beverage 4 There are two main concession stands called Gator Refreshments that serve typical ballpark fare such as hot dogs ($4), nachos ($5), pretzel braids ($4.50), peanuts and cracker jack ($3), and popcorn ($3.5/$5). The more enticing options are found at the tents in the plaza. Gator Grill offers cheeseburgers, Italian sausages, Philly steaks, grilled chicken sandwiches, and jambalaya for $5 each, while chicken tenders are $7. Everglades Smoked in the Swamp stand features a Pulled Pork sandwich and BBQ Nachos ($7 each) and boiled peanuts for a fiver. Domino’s has a stand where a personal pizza is $8 and there are two dessert carts, one serving ice cream in cones and helmets and the other frozen chills ($5). As is the case for many college venues, no alcohol is sold. Pepsi is the soda provider with a 22-oz. cup costing $4.50 while the 32 ouncer will run you an extra dollar. Gatorade bottles are $4, while water is $2 for 12 ounces and $4 for 20 ounces, a pricing decision that makes no sense. Just buy two smaller bottles and get four free ounces! Atmosphere 4 Most fans will park in the garage next to the ballpark and use the entrance next to the main box office. You will walk down a long path that brings you into the plaza behind the seating bowl. The palm trees are a nice effect here, and this is where you should stock up on food and drink. Inside the seating bowl, you have box seats in the sections surrounding home plate, and bleachers with a seat back in the other areas. There are only two bleacher sections along first base, but six along the third base line. There are some seats that avoid the netting at the far end of this area. There is also a small section above the left field fence behind which you can see the O’Connell Center, while trees adorn the entire length of the outfield fence. There are occasional promotions, with the most obvious being the t-shirt tossed into the stand during the inning break after a visiting batter has struck out. Weather plays a large factor in the atmosphere at Gator baseball games. The season starts in February, where temperatures can get quite chilly, especially for night games. Late in the season, it can be very hot and there is no shade in the stadium, nor are umbrellas allowed. Fans routinely have to go into the concourse area between innings to get away from the hot sun. But sometimes, you get one of those very nice days where the sun is out, there is a nice little breeze, and it is absolutely gorgeous. It is a great setting for a baseball game. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood surrounding the ballpark is one of a large campus in a college town. There are restaurants and bars all around the ballpark. If you want to show up early and stay late you can get your drink on at The Swamp, the Reggae Shack or the Library Pub Grub Club. All of these places offer food as well, as does Burrito Brothers for Mexican food, or Leonardo’s for a great pizza. Further afield, next to I-75 along Archer Road, you can find a couple of good bars. First is the Gainesville Ale House, a sports bar with a varied food menu, while the Brass Tap lies across the street and offers a number of craft beers, though there is no kitchen. The WingHouse of Gainesville is also here, a chain pub known mostly for its scantily clad servers. Fans 3 Many other southern schools regularly sell out baseball stadiums much bigger than “The Mac,” yet the Gators seem to have trouble at times drawing a crowd. Perhaps this is because UF fans don’t get pumped about baseball until basketball is done. In 2015, the Gators averaged only 3,502 over their 31 home dates. Although those fans in attendance know their team and are supportive, heckling the opposition (I do enjoy the chant of “Left, Right, Left, Right, Step, Step, Siddown!” that follows every visiting strikeout as the player slowly trudges back to the dugout), far too many of them arrive late and leave early. By the 7th inning of the game the GA sections may be only half full; a shame considering the visitors are often top-ranked SEC team. This is really a class program from top to bottom and deserves a full crowd every time they play. Access 3 Florida’s campus is about four miles from the Archer Road exit off I-75, but traffic moves well in the town. On campus, be careful as pedestrians are everywhere, especially where there are other events taking place. The main parking lot is directly north of the O’Connell Center and includes a three-story garage. Parking is free on evenings and weekends. Note that getting out of here will require a wait after the game as there is only one small lane leading back to 2nd Avenue; some fans prefer to head west to Gale Lemerand Drive which is less crowded. Inside the seating bowl, a small walkway separates the few rows closest to the field (all box seats) with the larger sections above. There is no problem walking along here or in the large plaza behind the structure. Washrooms are adequate for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 The cheapest ticket is $4 for general admission, which comprises the top rows of the bleachers, mostly along third base. If you are there when gates open, this is the best option as you can snag a prime spot. Once the place fills up, you might have a bit of difficulty finding a pair of decent seats together. The $8 reserved seats are quite nice and take up the area behind home plate and a little bit down both baselines. There is no need to pay more than this, as the stadium is not that big and there are no bad seats in the place. There are also two great promotions that make a trip to Gainesville even more tempting: on Fridays, a family pack of four GA tickets, hot dogs, and sodas is only $20, while Sunday sees GA tickets, hot dogs, and popcorn all for a dollar. Coupled with the free parking and the fact that Florida is a perennial contender, and this is an incredible sports bargain and perhaps the best value in all of college baseball. Extras 3 Despite the recent history of success, there aren’t a lot of extras here. A point for the tradition of singing “We Are the Boys from Old Florida” while standing and swaying, something that is done at every Gator event. There are a couple of plaques on the walls of the breezeways honoring past coaches. It would be nice to add a few more displays honoring players who have made it to the bigs and more championship information like some other schools have done. Final Thoughts NCAA ballparks are generally functional facilities designed to provide student athletes with the tools to succeed rather than to attract fans, so a visit to McKethan should appeal to those who prefer to watch the game rather than be entertained by mascots and in-game hosts. Given the high quality of the Florida baseball program and the ridiculously cheap ticket prices, I cannot figure out why more Gator fans don’t turn out to support their team. But their absence means more room for you, and if you have yet to visit Alfred A. McKethan Stadium, you should do so at your next available opportunity.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 McLane Baseball Stadium at Kobs Field 223 Kalamazoo St East Lansing, MI 48824 Michigan State Spartans website McLane Baseball Stadium at Kobs Stadium website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 2,500 Spartan Baseball at McLane Baseball Stadium The bronze statue, known as the Spartan, stands at the intersection of Kalamazoo Street, Chestnut Road and Red Cedar Road on the campus of Michigan State University. The iconic sculpture is probably more associated with the football team, but his glance is directed away from Spartan Stadium, and into right field of McLane Stadium. The official name of the venue is McLane Stadium at Kobs Field. Drayton and Elizabeth McLane donated $4 million to allow the university to construct the current seating, and the stadium was ready for the 2009 season. The Spartans opened it up in style as pitcher Nolan Moody hurled a no-hitter in the opening game against Northwestern. The Michigan State baseball team has some history of success, but they have not appeared in the College World Series since 1954. The program was able to win the Big Ten Championship in 2011. It was their first conference championship since 1979. The retired numbers of former greats are displayed in right field including Kirk Gibson (#30), Steve Garvey (#10), Tom Yewcic (#5), Danny Litwhiler (#1), Hall-of-Famer Robin Roberts (#36), and the field's namesake John Kobs (#25). John Kobs coached the baseball team from 1925-1963, and also served as head coach for basketball and hockey at different periods of his time in East Lansing. Other notable players to wear the green and white include John Smoltz, and Mark Mulder. The combination of a new and comfortable stadium with historic and unique charm, on a beautiful college campus makes for an enjoyable afternoon of baseball. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand with two windows that serves DeMartin Soccer Stadium, Secchia Stadium (softball), and McLane Stadium. In the spring, all of these teams could conceivably have a home game on the same day. The menu is exactly what you would expect from attending a sporting event, although there is more selection than you may find at many college baseball venues in the Midwest. Hot dogs ($4.50), brats ($5), burgers ($6), chicken sandwiches ($6), and cheeseburgers ($7) are on offer. I tried the brat and cheeseburger, both of which were decent and perhaps slightly above average in quality. Other snacks available include fries ($4), popcorn ($4-$5), and nachos ($4.50). Pepsi products are available ($4.50/$5), as is bottled water ($4), and hot beverages from Tim Horton's. On a cold spring day, you'll appreciate the coffee, and hot chocolate available ($3). If you're owed 50 cents in change then you will likely be getting a half dollar coin, a quirk that is kind of cool. Prices have increased by about $1 on each item since our last review back in 2012, making a trip out to the ballgame about 20% more expensive if you plan to get something to eat and/or drink. The quality does not make up for the price, and lines during a recent visit which coincided with the football team's spring game moved incredibly slow. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is indeed located on the banks of the Red Cedar, in close proximity to the other Spartan athletic facilities including Spartan Stadium, Breslin Center, and Munn Ice Arena. Of historic note is also the nearby Jenison Fieldhouse, the former home of the basketball team, current home of the wrestling and volleyball teams. Right field is unique at Kobs Field with a small hill that stretches from right center to the right field line, and helps to determine the length of the outfield fence, only 302 feet down the line. It's an interesting quirk of the ballpark, and must be attractive to left handed pull hitters. Immediately behind the plate there are 3-5 rows of green plastic seats with cup holders and adequate legroom. These stretch between the two dugouts and have a screen in front to protect the fans from foul balls. Beyond the dugouts there are some bleacher seats which are unobstructed by the net. The bleachers are a cold metal, not ideal for many games in March or April. There are 11 additional rows of bleachers that make up sort of a mini upper deck as you climb a flight of stairs to reach these seats. There is an interior walkway that separates the lower and upper seats, and the upper seats are elevated enough so that your view is not obstructed if someone is walking by, a nice design decision. If you end up with a bleacher seat, then you may want to bring a stadium cushion to sit on during the game. The announcer calls out, "Let's play Spartan Baseball," as the team readies to throw the first pitch, and the MSU fight song plays over the PA after each run scored by the Spartans. This is one of the few interactive touches that you'll get as a spectator, as the presentation becomes pretty no frills from there, although you will see a couple of between-innings contests and some t-shirts chucked into the crowd. Neighborhood 3 Walking around the Michigan State campus is quite enjoyable, but it can be a bit of a hike to any restaurants or bars. You'll likely be driving and not walking should you want to add a stop to your trip. That said, I am a big fan of the Harrison Roadhouse and their cheeseburgers and selection of local beers. This would be my suggestion if you want a bite to eat. Dublin Square is also a good spot with well executed Irish pub fare. Fans 3 The ballpark seats 2,500 fans with 400 chair back seats and room for 2,100 on the metal bleachers. Like many college baseball teams in this part of the country, the crowd mostly consists of friends and family, although there are certainly alumni and baseball fans who decide to see a game, especially when the weather is nice. The crowd is courteous and intent on watching the game on the field. Access 3 There aren't really any signs of where to park for a baseball game, and most of the parking lots are reserved for those with a pass. There is a parking garage on Harrison Rd, which is connected to the Kellogg Center (219 S Harrison Rd), which has reasonable rates in the spring. Parking for the game cost $3. Another parking option would be to head to Spartan Stadium, which is also the visitor's lot. There is a charge for parking depending on the length that you are there. Parking rates are 80 cents per half hour, so you can expect to pay somewhere between $4-$6.40 for most games. Set your GPS for Spartan Stadium and you should find it just fine, and there will be very little traffic getting in or out of the game. The sports facilities can be found just a couple of miles from M127. The concessions can be found closer to the third base side of the stadium, but you have to walk a bit, a minor inconvenience. Restrooms are found in the same building. Restrooms feature touchless technology and are clean with enough room to accommodate the usual crowds. Return on Investment 3 Prices vary depending on the day of the week, age, and student status. During the week some selected games are offered with no admission charge. In 2016, the game that coincided with the football team's Spring game was offered at no charge as well in order to try and attract a few more people to the ballpark. MSU students always get free entry. Adult tickets are generally $5, with discounts given to kids under age 18, seniors, and military ($3). When you factor in about $10 for concessions and $3-$6 or so for parking, there is a cost for attending a game that exceeds many other college ballpark experiences in the region, but overall it is still a worthwhile experience. Extras 3 One-sheet programs are available for free in the stairways, giving you the rosters for each team, team stats for the Spartans, and the current Big Ten standings. The hill in right field really adds some uniqueness to the park. You may be inclined to see balls hit to right field just to see how it may affect the game. After the game, players are made available for a "meet and greet," and kids are allowed to come down and run the bases. Final Thoughts College baseball is one of those hidden gems of sporting events, and a trip to McLane Stadium is a worthwhile experience. If you are in the state of Michigan, and need to get some baseball into the system in the early spring, then this is definitely a recommended stop. Check out the schedule for the minor league Lansing Lugnuts, who play about three miles away at Cooley Law School Stadium, and you may be able to make a doubleheader out of the trip.

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Maverik Stadium 800 East 1400 North Logan, UT 84322 Utah State Aggies website Maverik Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 25,513 Fear The Ox! Utah State played its first game at then Romney Stadium in 1968. In 2015, the stadium got a new name and was ready for an upgrade. With funds from Maverik for the sponsorship rights and millions in donations, the stage was set for a new press box and more. The renovations were completed in September, 2016 and include new club suites, concession stands and more. Food & Beverage 4 With the new naming rights, there are now Maverik products that are sold on site, with items being sold out of the old concession stand. At the Bonfire Grill, there are personal pizzas available for $6, and are available in plain cheese, pepperoni or BBQ chicken. Other items include a Sugar Cookie for $2, various candies for $3 and Pixy Stix for $1. For drinks, there is Aquafina for $3, Fiji water for $4, Gatorade for $3 and various Pepsi products for $5. There are also several food stands inside the stadium on game day, ranging from Italian cuisine to Korean BBQ. Atmosphere 4 When plans were revealed for the renovations, one of the biggest items on the to-do list was to improve the game day atmosphere and the overall feel of the stadium. And the improvements have been noticed by fans, players and coaches alike. The most noticeable difference is the new West Stadium Center, complete with a new press box, club suites and reserved seating. There are also new video boards on both ends of the stadium, with the one in the north end zone now being the biggest in the Mountain West. And with the new video boards also came a brand-new sound system. The quality is much improved over the old speaker system and now everything is crystal clear, including the Aggie Marching Band. There is a fan-fest that takes place a couple of hours before the game, complete with booths that give away free food and usually have giveaways before or during the game. Another pre-game festivity includes a Harley ride, in which the Spirit Squad and Big Blue are brought in on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Neighborhood 3 Even though Logan is somewhat of a small town, there are plenty of restaurants in the city, and some are very new. There are also places to go hang out after the game. If you’re looking for something good either on game day or any other day of the week, there is the local favorite, Angie’s. It is a diner type restaurant, and there is plenty to eat depending on the appetite. But what Angie’s is known for is a “challenge” called Cleaning The Sink. Here, you have a replica sink filled with lots of ice cream, and a choice of toppings such as hot fudge, bananas and peanut butter cups. If the entire sink is “cleaned,” you get a bumper sticker that says “I Cleaned The Sink At Angie’s.” It is $12, so the more people you have the better. I have done it twice so far, and it is worth it. If you’re on a budget, there are cheaper options in town, including Pizza Pie Cafe and Texas Roadhouse, both of which are very good places to go if you’re looking for a hangout spot after the game. If you’re not after food, there are options for the outdoor enthusiast, including many hiking trails located just a few minutes up Logan Canyon. Fans 3 Even though this year was a rough year football wise, the fans are very loyal to the Aggie football team. The main student section here, known as The HURD, does a good job getting students to the game and they have a real impact during the game. Special events like in-state rivalry games and Whiteouts help bolster the crowd. You will always see them doing the Aggie fight song and a special song known as “The Scotsman.” Overall, The HURD is the best student section I’ve seen – you’ll definitely see their impact the next time you go to a game. This is the smallest of the FBS stadiums in Utah with a capacity just over 25,000. Depending on how the team is doing, you’ll either see some empty seats or a stadium at capacity. Either way, you always have the diehard fans at every game, which is very cool to see. Access 4 Parking definitely isn’t a problem if you’re coming to Logan. If you’re a parking pass holder, you’ll get a spot right in front of or directly adjacent to the stadium. But for those without passes, there are more parking areas on campus just a few blocks from the stadium for just $10. With the new renovations, there are now more entrances into the stadium. Instead of having to walk around to the north or south ends of the stadium to enter, there are now entrances on the west side of the stadium, which is nice for those who want to get their seats quicker. Not to mention there is now more room for foot traffic. The bathrooms on the east side are the same as they once were but the ones on the west side were updated with a more modern feel. They are also bigger than the ones on the east side, but there are plenty of bathrooms either way. Return on Investment 4 The price for general admission seats did go up a few dollars, but $19 is still a pretty good deal to go see a game. It is the same price for a seat in the south end zone, but it will cost you a few extra dollars if you want a chair back seat. And if you want one, plan ahead as they go fast. Extras 2 One point for the beautiful views from the stadium. If you sit on the east side, you get a beautiful view of the mountains that tower above the stadium. But when you enter or exit the same side, you get a great view of the entire Cache Valley. One point for the statue of Merlin Olsen outside the south entrance. It is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players in Aggie history. It is also part of a new student tradition in which the students touch the helmet before they enter the stadium. Final Thoughts Maverik Stadium is a decent little stadium to visit, and is very family friendly. It’s worth a visit if you are in the area, or if you want to see your team play on the road, and don’t want to fight the crowds at a large venue.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 MetLife Stadium 1 MetLife Stadium Dr East Rutherford, NJ 07073 AMA Supercross-East Rutherford website MetLife Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 81,000 Motorcycles in the Meadowlands In the late 1980s and early 90s, New Jersey’s Giants Stadium was an annual stop on the AMA Supercross Tour. After a two-decade absence, the motorcycles returned to the Meadowlands in 2014. Things changed in 20 years. Bikes became more powerful, stadiums became bigger, and energy drinks became a thing. But at the end of the day, dirt bike racing is still pretty much the same. So, New York area racing fans were happy to see Supercross stop back in for the 2014 racing season, and were even happier to see the race continued through 2016 and possibly beyond. We attended the 2015 edition and came away impressed by the event, but just a little bit underwhelmed in an overwhelming venue. Food & Beverage 4 MetLife Stadium is, debatably, America’s most modern large outdoor stadium. For its $1.6 billion dollar price tag, it better be. Things here are bigger and perhaps better, including the food selection. Hot dogs, pizza, burgers, burritos, chicken fingers, sandwiches, all the way down to fried clams, it’s pretty much all available. Most options taste pretty good, and the walk around this gargantuan venue to find the stand that satisfies your craving might even burn off some of the calories that you’re bound to take in. Kosher stands are a welcomed sight to New York’s large Jewish and Muslim population. The 2015 edition of the race allowed all fans to bring in outside food in clear plastic bags. Each fan was also allowed one sealed bottle of a non-alcoholic beverage less than 20oz, but the size limit was not rigidly enforced. Pepsi products are readily available inside for $5-$9. Craft beers are available, but fans might need to hunt for them. Monster Energy drinks are the title sponsor of the race. We didn’t spot any inside, but we could have missed them. Variety is good. Prices aren’t terrible. Things taste good, but nothing is truly amazing. Atmosphere 3 The 2015 edition of AMA Supercross at MetLife Stadium was nationally live televised on FOX. TV viewers caught a few races, but they didn’t see the preliminary races that began at 9am, and they didn’t get much of a look at the pit area just outside the stadium. Truth be told, the pits are almost as much of a fanfest as they are a working pit facility. True moto-X fans can spend 8 hours here soaking in the ambiance, but most casual fans will turn up just before the bigger races begin in the mid afternoon. Riders thunder in with entrance music and fireworks as bikini-clad models cheer them on. In the stands, some fans cheer for their favorite riders, while other cheer on the spectacle. Holding this race in one of the United States’ flagship venues is both a blessing and a curse. The venue is comfortable: fans have lots of leg room, concourses are roomy, and video screens make sure that no one misses an important moment. But the roominess also means that fans are spread out. The sheer size of MetLife Stadium means that even a respectable crowd of 60,000 leaves the venue a quarter empty. Fans can hear the bikes, but do the bikers hear the fans? It’s hard to say. Overall, the atmosphere here is good, but not extraordinary. In fact, that’s an apt description of MetLife Stadium in general. Neighborhood 2 Rumor has it that legendary union boss Jimmy Hoffa was buried around here as the Meadowlands sports complex was being constructed in the mid-70s. The story is plausible: despite its proximity to Manhattan, there wasn’t much happening in New Jersey’s Meadowlands until this complex opened. Even now, with the Meadowlands experiencing its second life (MetLife replaces the original Giants Stadium, and the neighboring Izod Center arena is vacant), there isn’t much around despite the stadiums and their parking lots. A horse racing track still exists, while a mega-mall and indoor ski slope sit vacant in partially-complete development limbo. NYC Skyline Behind Acres of Parking, Photo by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey In spite of, or because of the remote location, MetLife boasts a respectable tailgating culture. Aside from this, there’s nothing to bring you to MetLife before or after your event. Hang out in nearby Manhattan, or maybe even Newark. Fans 3 Supercross flies under the radar of most sports fans, and even of many motorsports fans. It has a following, but not enough of one to have fan rivalries or any other unpleasantness. At the 2015 Monster Energy Supercross race at MetLife Stadium, a variety of riders brought fans, but the majority of those in attendance simply wanted to see a few good races. Fans cheered at the appropriate times, both with and without prompting from the video boards. Some turned up in team gear. The majority of the crowd, though, was as varied you’d expect at a non-mainstream event in a major market. Access 3 Parking started at $30 for the 2015 race. Knowing this in advance does little to cushion the blow as you pull into MetLife’s sea of parking. For the 2015 edition of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, the NJ Transit train to the Meadowlands from New York City did not run. Instead, direct bus service was available from Manhattan, or fans could take NJ Transit trains to Seacaucus Junction in New Jersey and transfer to bus there. For future editions of the race, fans relying on public transportation should inquire about specific transit operations. For those coming from New York, mass transit may be the better option, even if connections are necessary. In addition to the high price for parking, traffic congestion around the venue is an annoyance. MetLife tries to make life easy for all fans, but the sheer size of the venue makes that difficult. Handicapped parking is still a long walk from entrance gates. Once inside, accessible seating exists, but can still be a hike from entrance gates. Fans with no mobility issues can fully enjoy MetLife Stadium in all its enormity. Though the first two annual Supercross races saw large crowds, the stadium was not sold out, and fans had plenty of room to move around. Return on Investment 4 The AMA Supercross tour doesn’t show much love to the northeast. In the two decades between New York-area events, fans in the most populous part of the US were left out in the cold. With the return to New Jersey’s Meadowlands, Supercross fans in the northeast can now see their sport on their own turf. And with such a large venue, organizers are able to offer enough price points to entice fans from all walks of life. Additionally, 2015 saw Monster Energy offer fans free access to the pit areas in exchange for an empty Monster can. Extras 3 Perhaps more than anything else, the “Party in Pits” sets AMA Supercross apart from other events at MetLife Stadium. The opportunity to get a little closer to the riders is appreciated, especially at such a large stadium. The variety of Supercross rider gear at the souvenir stands is also impressive. Final Thoughts The return of AMA Supercross to MetLife Stadium is a blessing to dirt bike fans in the northeast United States, as well as the fan who likes seeing events that are just outside the mainstream. Though the event and stadium aren’t quite “can’t-miss,” those with an interest in checking out Supercross in person are likely to be satisfied.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Michigan Stadium 1201 S Main St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines website Michigan Stadium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 109,901 The Big House On a sunny Saturday autumn afternoon, there are many people across the Midwest who think about a day of tailgating and watching football as the perfect way to spend their day. This activity is not unique to Ann Arbor, Michigan, but there is certainly enough demand to justify a venue that holds nearly 110,000. The third largest stadium in the world and the largest stadium in the United States, Michigan Stadium was constructed in 1927 at the insistence of legendary Michigan coach Fielding Yost. It originally seated 72,000, but was quickly updated to seat over 85,000. Renovations over the years have gradually boosted capacity until 2010 when it reached 109,901, its current capacity. On September 7, 2013 the stadium hosted a record capacity of 115,109 in a night game against Notre Dame. Michigan is one of the (if not the) most storied programs in the history of college football. Coaching legends such as Fielding Yost, Fritz Crisler, Lloyd Carr, and Bo Schembechler have walked the sidelines. Great players such as Tom Harmon, Desmond Howard, Tom Brady, and Charles Woodson have awed the massive crowds. The 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, wore number 48 for the maize and blue and was a star at center on teams that won back-to-back national championships in 1932 and 1933. The program has won more games than any other college football program in any division by a margin making up several seasons worth of games. “Hail To The Victors” is among the most recognizable fight songs in all of football and the famous winged helmets are immediately recognizable to even the most casual sports fan. Since Jim Harbaugh’s return to his alma mater as head coach there seems to be a revamped energy around Wolverine football games. With the recent ascendancy of the program, this may just be the perfect time to see a game at Michigan Stadium. All of this is to say that the Big House and a Michigan football game should sit squarely on even the shortest list of must see venues for any sports fan. The grandiosity, history, and pure joy of a Saturday in Ann Arbor is a must for all avid stadium travelers. Food & Beverage 4 The quality of concessions at a Michigan Wolverines football game is better than what you may be used to at other stadiums. You won’t be blown away by the variety of options, but everything here is done well, and there are numerous outlets so that waiting in line will not be a major hassle. The majority of standard concessions are found along the interior of the concourse. Hot dogs ($5-$6.50) and bratwursts ($7.50) are provided by Dearborn Sausage Company, and they are very good. The price is probably slightly on the high side, and I would recommend the bratwurst for your encased meat needs. Cottage Inn, a local chain, provides pizza at Michigan games. It costs $11 for a small pepperoni or cheese pizza. Other options include BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or nachos ($9), popcorn ($5.50), boxes of candy ($4.50), and soft pretzels ($5.50). Coca-Cola products are on offer in various sizes. A souvenir beverage mug is $10, a 32-ounce souvenir cup soda is $7, and a 20-ounce bottle of pop is $5. Bottled water will cost $4.50, while hot chocolate or coffee is $3.50. Keep in mind that there are “hydration stations” located in at least three locations around the concourse where you can pick up a free cup of water. At the Victors Grill you can find even greater selections, including the rather unique Buffalo chicken waffle taco ($8), chicken tenders basket ($10), cheeseburger ($9), vegetarian black bean burger ($9), French fries ($7), and chicken sandwich ($9). There is a gluten free concession stand near the Tisch Tower, and you can also find gluten free hot dogs at some of the main concession stands. For the best food available inside the stadium, I recommend a stop at Big C’s Smoked BBQ, located along the outer concourse near section 8. Overall, the food and beverage is somewhat expensive, but better quality than similar stadiums. If you’re staying in Ann Arbor though, save your appetite for the large selection of excellent restaurants found downtown. Atmosphere 5 Perhaps the most important thing about attending a game at the Big House is to take your time. Make a day of it and soak it all in. If you love to tailgate, then this is a great place to do it. You can shoot for the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School parking lot, the University of Michigan golf course, or in numerous driveways, church parking lots, or public parks surrounding the stadium. This is an important part of the game day experience, and really adds to the visit. As you may imagine, getting into the stadium can be a somewhat crowded experience. Be aware that bags of any kind are not allowed inside the stadium, so only bring essentials with you, and what you can comfortably fit into your pockets. Gates open approximately 2 hours before kickoff, and I would recommend entering the stadium around one hour prior to kickoff. If you wait too long, you can experience a bottleneck and may miss the opening kickoff. The Michigan marching band performs about 20 minutes before kickoff. They are without a doubt one of the best marching bands in college football, something you won’t want to miss. This goes for halftime as well. Try to avoid a trip to the restrooms or concessions during intermission if you can. Despite the massive size of Michigan Stadium in terms of capacity, it actually feels rather intimate due to its bowl design. There is only minimal space between the stands and the playing field, and a view from the back row hardly feels like a negative to your viewing experience. That said, something has to give when you factor in the number of people in the stands and the relative proximity to the game. Seats are small and uncomfortable, with very little room between rows. If you’re in the student section, this is somewhat alleviated by the fact that the young men and women stand throughout the contest, but in other sections , where you mostly sit, it is quite uncomfortable. In fact, a back row seat may be the best seat in the house if you would like some back support and avoid having someone’s knees pressed against you. There are two large scoreboards with HD video screens behind all of the seats at each end of the stadium. They measure 4,000 square feet and provide announcements, stats, replays, and scores from around college football for fans throughout the stadium. In 2016, the pre-game hype video is narrated by Michigan alumnus James Earl Jones, and it really is quite spectacular. Fun fact, Michigan Stadium was the first sports stadium in the United States to utilize electronic scoreboards, back in 1930. Neighborhood 5 Ann Arbor, Michigan is truly one of the great college towns in the United States. If you’re not tailgating, then spend your day exploring campus and downtown. Main Street is less than a mile away, where you’ll find a great variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and breweries. There are numerous places I can recommend from personal experience, and all are listed on the location tab of this review. If you have a specific question or want a recommendation, then feel free to ask in our forum area. Ann Arbor is full of local places to eat worth trying. Zingerman’s is a favorite spot and is featured on ESPN as the local place to go, and would be a perfect early morning stop if you want to get supplies for a gourmet tailgating party. Places like the Blue Tractor and Arbor Brewing Company provide excellent options as well. If you like Italian food, then Gratzi and Mani Osteria are both great places to go, especially if you want something a little more upscale. Frita Batidos serves up tasty Cuban-inspired food. The Blue Nile serves up Ethiopian food which is both unique and delicious. Kids will love the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum. There are several other great spots. If you’re not a regular in town, and don’t want to tailgate, then go downtown and explore a bit. Hotel accommodations can be found clustered near I-94 just to the south of the stadium, but expect to pay a hefty sum to stay here. If you’re flying in, the Detroit airport is about 20 miles to the east along I-94 and there are plenty of hotels there for a much better rate. Fans 5 Michigan fans love their team and it shows on game day. The stands are decked out in maize and blue with only slight flecks of green or red depending on the visiting teams’ colors. The crowd is appreciative of the program’s rich history and will explode when a former great visits the stadium, or a video of a recent standout graces the big screen. This crowd loves to cheer, and the playing of Hail to the Victors, one of the absolute best pep songs in the history of mankind, will bring students young and old to a fevered pitch. Access 4 The key here is patience. If you are looking to set a new record of stadium to highway, then you will likely be frustrated by the traffic involved in attending a Michigan football game at the Big House. Take your time and enjoy the atmosphere, and set your expectations low when it comes to fighting traffic, both before and especially after the game. That said, the university and police do an excellent job of keeping folks moving on their way. Parking can be quite expensive, with premium spots in the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School parking lot ranging from $50-$80. Further south, consider parking in the lots near the corner of Main Street and Valhalla Drive. The rates vary based on the opponent (generally around $40), but if you mention “Stadium Journey” they’ll take $5 off the cost of parking for the day. You’ll find numerous other parking options surrounding the stadium, with $20-$25 being a typical price, but you may have to walk quite a distance. If you’re not tailgating, then consider parking downtown in one of the many parking structures. Lines for restrooms can certainly form at halftime or immediately following the game. Consider missing a couple of minutes of game action in return for waiting less in line. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices vary based on the opponent, but generally you should be able to get end zone seats starting around $65. Consider using our ticket partner, Ticket Monster, where Stadium Journey premium members get 10% off ticket purchases. Overall, if you go all out and tailgate in one of the nearby lots, purchase good seats, and eat at the stadium, you can spend $200-$300 per person, but there are certainly ways to save money and cut that price drastically, especially if you’re willing to walk a bit from your chosen parking location. This is one of those stadiums that will be found on many bucket lists, and well it should be. Make the trip and you’ll feel like it is money well spent. Extras 5 Just pick anything. There are so many things to award points for here that it’s almost pointless counting. Whether it’s tailgating on the UM Golf Course, rising in chorus to “Hail To The Victors,” marching through the brick gates into one of the most storied stadiums in college football or the team running from the tunnel and jumping to touch the “Go Blue” banner, there’s something spectacular around every corner. The Big House is on the short list of top treasures in college football. An extra mark for Michigan having a US President (Gerald Ford) in their group of Legends. An extra mark for the Michigan Marching Band, which is worth the show all by itself. An extra mark for over 130 years of Michigan football tradition. The fact that Michigan has the most wins in the history of college football, and is also an 11-time National Champion, just adds to the ambiance of the home venue. You can’t help but appreciate the history as you walk the concourse and see the tributes to the championship teams outside sections 20-26, or the great player tributes outside sections 1-5. Final Thoughts There is no doubt that a trip to Michigan Stadium belongs in any list of the best stadium experiences in college football, the United States, North America, or worldwide. Come to Ann Arbor and see what the Big House is all about.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 7721 Steam Corners Rd Lexington, OH 44904 NASCAR Weekend website Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 65,000 NASCAR in Ohio Mid-Ohio is known for being a top-level destination for car racing. Not only are the fans loud, proud of their favorite drivers, knowledgeable, and loyal, but the food is great, the scenery is beautiful, and the facility provides exciting racing. Now if only the traffic and getting to the track weren’t as bad as they are, then there would be little keeping Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course from being among the best around. While IndyCar weekend may be the top event for fans to visit the track, NASCAR weekend provides a different vibe all together. Food & Beverage 4 Living in Ohio, or visiting Ohio, brings with it a culinary world of wonders. From Cincinnati to Cleveland there is no shortage of places to find great food – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is no different. With numerous places to find food and drinks at food stands around the course, quenching your thirst or getting a bite to eat isn’t hard to do. The food here ranges from the standard burgers and hot dogs to fresh and authentic Polish sausage sandwiches. The best part? It won’t break the bank. Food ranges between $5 and $10 for mainline meals, including chips or fries. Drinks (soda and water) are standard as well, costing only a few bucks each. And if that doesn’t do it for you, then get some pizza from one of the numerous traveling pizza servers. Yes, I said traveling servers – driving around the property on ATVs and off-road vehicles that feature warm pizza onboard, you can purchase your lunch and something to drink without losing your spot on the hillside, while watching the action on the track. Atmosphere 5 Ohio sports fans know how to hype up the energy, even at a car race. In addition, the camping on-site is on the same level as the best sports tailgating in the country. Dare I say, the views from the trackside camping are also among the best. The view you can get with a camper parked at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is not like some race courses where you are separated from the actual track and in your own parking area. Instead, here you can see the actual track from your campsite, with your tent right up next to the trackside barrier and fences – it’s hard to find a racing venue with a better place to stay at the track, where you can camp while seeing the race as well. In addition, for those who enjoy the group aspect, camping is also available in the various woods around the track. Neighborhood 3 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t in a major city, nor is it near a thriving metropolis. Instead, it is quite literally in the middle of farm country outside of Mansfield. The biggest town near the track, Mansfield, is also not that big of a place, but has its own mall and several places to eat and stay. While nice, the track is separated from civilization, giving a bit of an isolationist feel to the facility. One of the track’s entrances actually features a driveway that goes through a farm field, while another road leading to the front entrance goes through Lexington, a small town with a 35 mile per hour speed limit – this small town does embrace race weekend however, with local shops and restaurants putting on their best for race fans who pass through. For food, driving into Mansfield will bring you to Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, two popular stops for drivers and teams. For hotels, Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield South and The Inn on Smith’s Hill are also popular stays. For sights the Ohio State Reformatory, located outside of Mansfield, was the filming location of the popular “Shawshank Redemption,” and even offers tours. Another popular stop is Cedar Point theme park, an hour north in Sandusky. Fans 4 The fans at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are known for packing the hillsides on race day. Even if they don’t know the drivers on the track, they’ll pick their own favorite car and cheer for that team, whether they’re first or last on the track. In addition, if you get lost most are more than willing to help you find your way. While the crowds may not be as big as during IndyCar weekend , NASCAR still brings out a ton of locals and series-loyal fans to the facility. Access 3 Getting to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t exactly easy; it’s in the middle of nowhere. It is also a fair driving distance from the highway, all down one-lane roads with speed limits that average about 40 miles per hour. And once you get to the track, all the parking is in grassy or dirt fields, with some spots on the hills. Your rarely-used parking brake will come in handy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as many parking areas are on hillsides with noticeable slants, that will become slippery if it rains. Needless to say, getting out after the races takes a lot of work and patience, as traffic is quite an ordeal. The one lane road coming in and out, as well as the single bridge leading from the infield to the outer portions of the facility, mean you may spend hours walking or driving out before you even reach the main gates. Return on Investment 4 While it may take some travel to get to the track, going to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a track steeped in history and sporting tradition, is worth the trip. There are plenty of places to see big sections of the track, and the beautiful hillside scenery makes for a great backdrop for a NASCAR, IndyCar, or sports car race. That said you also have to bring your appetite, as the food will be hard to resist once you smell its sweet scent wafting through the air. Extras 4 There are many extras at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course that set it apart from other racing venues. First, the social media interaction helps engage fans while at the track – Instagram posts with the race’s hashtags show up on the monitors and big screens during the weekend. Another bonus is the great weather the track usually enjoys – even in the summer, it gets no warmer than the low 80s. Something else that gets the fans engaged is the large fan zone at the interior of the track. With displays, shopping for souvenirs, and driver interaction events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams. In addition, autograph sessions throughout the weekend get you the opportunity to meet your favorite drivers up close and personal. Fans can also wander throughout some of the pits and garage areas to see their favorite teams at work, preparing their cars for the on-track action. During NASCAR weekend, special access passes are required to get into the NASCAR section of the paddock, but Trans-Am, Stadium Super Trucks, and F3/F4 are all open to the public. Perhaps the most unique thing about Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is that the garages feature a fan walkway above that looks down on the old-fashioned wooden and open-air rooms; this gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the NASCAR teams working on their machines, a view that few other tracks offer. Final Thoughts If you want a quick, action-packed racetrack that features great camping, a beautiful backdrop, some of the loudest and most passionate fans in racing, and is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the place for you. You won’t leave hungry, you won’t leave disappointed, but you may leave in a long line of traffic (fair warning).

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Mike Lansing Field 330 Kati Ln Casper, WY 82601 Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 2,500 Welcome to Casper Baseball Mike Lansing Field in Casper, Wyoming serves as the home for Casper American Legion Baseball and beginning in 2018, the Casper Horseheads. The Horseheads are members of the Expedition League, a new wood bat collegiate league. The team is cleverly titled as the moniker comes from the ‘head’ of an oil pumpjack; the oil industry has been a part of the Wyoming economy since the late 1800’s. Mike Lansing Field honors the former MLB infielder who played for the Expos, Rockies, and Red Sox. It is a small, intimate place to catch a collegiate baseball game, and watching the Casper Horseheads for nine innings at Mike Lansing Field is an enjoyable evening out. Food & Beverage 3 Refreshment offerings are exactly what you would expect at a stadium of this size with plenty of traditional stadium fare to satisfy a fan’s thirst and hunger. One concession area, under the main seating bowl, serves the basics. Meal Deals (hot dog, hamburger or pulled pork) combos include the sandwich, chips, and a drink ($8 – $10). Standard snacks of pretzel, popcorn, seeds, nachos, ice cream, PB&J, pickles, and more are offered for reasonable prices ($2 – $4). Soft drinks (Pepsi products) range from $3 – $4. A Bud Light beer truck is on the outer concourse and offers your standard domestic brews as well as a few craft selections, one from Black Tooth (a Wyoming brewery). Nothing noteworthy is on the menu but you won’t go hungry. Atmosphere 3 The ticket booth and entrance to Mike Lansing Field are down the left field line, unlike other ballparks where the entrances generally deposit fans behind the home plate area. A path down the third base side of the field leads to the team store, concession stand, and seating area. The walkway is paved and easily traversed. The seating area consists of three sections on the infield. Behind home plate, all chairs are of the green fold down variety with cup holders, the other two sections provide the same for the first three rows, then bleachers with backs (first seven rows), then bleachers with no backs are higher up. A decent amount of handrails is available for climbing the steps to the seating areas to the top – Row T. Leg room is average. The third base side gets the shade first. The music volume level is acceptable. Walk up songs are played for the Horseheads. Very fortunately, no music is played between pitches allowing fans just to enjoy the game, hear the PA announcer, and not have their senses bombarded. Games and contests between innings include: Sweetheart of the game (flowers), matrimony game, strikeout batter of the game (if a selected opposing team batter strikes out, fans get ½ price beer for the remainder of that inning), fastest hot dog eating contest, dizzy bat race, and more. All contest sponsors are local Casper businesses which keeps the community feel at the ballpark. A basic electronic scoreboard is in left field that shows the line score by inning, the balls, strikes, outs, and player number of who is at bat, and total hits, runs, and errors for the game. Even though Mike Lansing Field is more than 15 years old, it is still very clean and well kept. As you walk from the entrance to the stands, the souvenir shop is to the left before reaching the seating area. It has a few nice bits of team merchandise, mostly t-shirts, and caps. Neighborhood 4 Although not a bustling city as cities go across the U.S., there’s plenty to see and do within a few miles of the ballpark in Casper, WY. The ballpark is adjacent to the North Platte River Trail; one can hike or bike a paved trail along the picturesque river banks. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is worth a visit to learn of the pioneers who traveled through the area on their way West for a better life. Downtown Casper, a little over a mile from Mike Lansing Field, covers several blocks and provides shopping, a brewery and bars, places to eat, a park, historic buildings, art, and more. Check out Frontier Brewing Company and Taproom for a self-serving craft brew experience or visit The Office Bar and Grill for a bite to eat, happy hour, and plenty of sports on multiple screens. The Casper Planetarium is across the street from the ball field which provides various educational shows, suitable for both kids and adults. Or catch a live show or concert at the Casper Events Center, a mile from the ballpark. Other sports in the Casper area include the Casper Racetrack (the roar of the engines can be heard at the ballpark on select nights) or check out T-Birds basketball, volleyball, or rodeo at Casper Community College. Six hotels are within walking distance of Mike Lansing Field; the Hilton Garden Inn Casper, Ramkota, and La Quinta Inn Casper are good choices. Fans 3 Attendees are typical for this level of baseball. The mix includes families, a few baseball diehards, and the casual observer. An average of 780 people per game watched the Horseheads this first season (2018). Most applaud at appropriate times and express dismay quite vocally at an umpire’s call when it doesn’t go the Horseheads’ way. For the most part, fans bring their trash to receptacles when leaving the ballpark, an admirable gesture worth noting. Access 3 Though Casper is in the heart of Wyoming and not a quick drive or flight for many ballpark chasers, once in the city, the ball field is easy to reach, less than a ¼ mile off I-25. Delta and United Airlines serve Casper’s small airport, with flights to and from Denver and Salt Lake City. Public transportation is not available for attending a Horseheads game (the bus service ends at 6:30 pm; returning to your destination after a game via the bus is not an option for evening games as most games start at 6:35 pm). Plenty of free paved parking is available adjacent to the field. There’s some, but not an overabundance of spaces for wheelchairs. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Horseheads baseball game is an affordable evening of family entertainment. Tickets range from $7 – $12 with discounts given for groups, flex books, and season tickets. Children three and under get in for free. Concession prices are reasonable and parking is free. . Extras 2 Be sure to pick up a roster sheet and program at the souvenir shop. The offering of a local WY beer at the beer truck is worth an extra mention. Final Thoughts Sitting in the stands of Mike Lansing Field on a summer evening watching America’s pastime is a pleasant way to spend a few hours. The level of play at this wood bat league team is comparable to college baseball. If travels take you to Casper, WY in June or July, certainly make the effort to catch a Horseheads game.

Photos by <att Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Moby Arena 951 West Plum St Fort Collins, CO 80521 Colorado State Rams website Moby Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 8,745 Ram Proud Very few arenas can combine unique architecture, history, and competitive NCAA Division I basketball. Yet Colorado State University’s Moby Arena does just that. The building opened in 1966 and was initially named the Auditorium-Gymnasium. An article in CSU’s student newspaper, The Collegian , described the arena with its white, curved roof as a beached whale. That mention gave way to the arena’s informal nickname of “Moby Gymnasium,” a tribute to Herman Melville’s legendary tale of a captain’s pursuit of a white whale named Moby-Dick. The school embraced this cetological reference and, in the late 1980s, CSU Athletic Director Oval Jaynes formally adopted the “Moby Gymnasium” moniker. Today, a visit to Moby Arena provides an enjoyable college basketball experience. It sits in the middle of campus, within walking distance of bars, restaurants, and student housing. Fort Collins has a thriving downtown area, Old Town Square, less than two miles away from campus, and a bustling student neighborhood, West Campus, is just across the street from Moby. Fort Collins also has an extensive network of trails and parks, so fans wanting to see the Rams play have plenty of pre and post-game entertainment options. Food & Beverage 2 Moby Arena has the basics, and not much more. The Aggie Grill offers a guacamole burger basket, including a burger with guacamole, tortilla strips, and fries, for $10. A cheeseburger basket costs $9. Sriracha dogs ($7), hot dogs ($6), nachos ($6), bratwurst ($6), pretzels with cheese ($5), popcorn ($4), and candy ($4) are also available. Fans have limited options for drinks at the concessions stands: bottled water ($4), fountain soda ($4-$6), and coffee ($4). Coca-Cola products are sold at Moby. Chick-fil-A and Krazy Karl’s pizza also have concessions stands at Moby. An original chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A is $4.75 while a spicy chicken sandwich costs $5.25. The Moby Loft is a standing-room area on the arena’s west concourse that opened in 2019. Of-age fans can enjoy beer and wine while still being able to watch the game. The space has room for 300 fans, with canned domestic and craft beer ($8), Captain Jack margaritas ($8), wine spritzers ($8), and red and white wine ($6). Fans must remain in the loft while consuming alcohol. But the Loft provides an ideal place for fans to congregate as they enjoy the game. Atmosphere 3 Moby Arena’s whale design is unusual in college sports venues. Most seats are along the sidelines, while student and pep band seating is at either end of the arena. Seats are comfortable, with good sight lines and no obstructed views. Most seats have chair backs, with some bleacher seating in the end zones. The Rams’ home court, more than 23,000 square feet, is emblazoned with ram’s horns and provides a nice representation of CSU’s colors, logo, and nickname. Moby’s public address system can be difficult to hear, particularly when the band is playing. A scoreboard hangs from the ceiling above center court to provide replays, in-game promotions, and player statistics. Smaller scoreboards hang in the corners and offer more in-depth player stats during the game. Of note, a ram-themed display above Moby’s east concourse illuminates to measure crowd noise and encourage fans to get loud during the game. Neighborhood 5 Fort Collins is an idyllic college town that surrounds the CSU campus. With trails, parks, and the Cache la Poudre River running through town, outdoor opportunities abound in Fort Collins. Several neighborhoods near campus feature great bars and restaurants. Less than a mile from Moby Arena, West Laurel Street has several dining options. The B&B Pickle Barrel serves excellent east coast-style deli sandwiches, with a full bar and plenty of TVs for watching games. Downtown Fort Collins has restaurants for most every taste. The Exchange, located downtown, is a newer, open-air plaza that has several restaurants around its perimeter with plenty of room for gathering outside. Ice cream lovers will enjoy the Old Town Churn, an ice cream stand built into a giant, well, ice cream churn at the Exchange. Beer lovers will also recognize Fort Collins as one of the top destinations for craft brewing and there are numerous ways to visit the breweries . More than 20 breweries call Fort Collins home. The New Belgium Brewing Company and Odell Brewing Co. are the town’s largest brewers, but the smaller breweries are also key members of the town’s brewing fabric. Fort Collins-based Magic Bus Brewery Tours can arrange for both bus and walking tours of Fort Collins’s breweries. For those who prefer their beer brewed on a larger scale, Fort Collins’s Anheuser-Busch brewery also offers tours. Fans 3 Head coach Niko Medved has the Rams playing very competitive basketball, on pace to win 20 games and possibly advance to the NCAA Tournament in 2019-2020. Yet the Rams have averaged just slightly more than 3,100 fans per game. CSU’s official student fan group, Ram Ruckus, provides energy and noise; all students are welcome to join. The other fans in attendance are engaged and loud. Access 4 Fort Collins sits approximately 60 miles north of Denver and is approximately a 45-minute drive from Denver International Airport. Moby Arena is located on the northwest corner of CSU’s campus, near the intersection of Plum Street and South Shields Street. Parking ($15 per car) is available in the lot between Moby and South Shields Street. Fans will have little difficulty finding the arena or a place to park. Transfort , the City of Fort Collins’s mass transit authority, operates several bus routes serving the CSU campus (the 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 19, 31, 32, 33, and max lines), including one that links CSU with downtown Fort Collins. The CSU Transit Center is less than a half-mile from Moby Arena. Rideshare services Lyft and Uber both operate in Fort Collins but Moby Arena does not have a dedicated rideshare drop-off or pick-up location. Moby Arena has two ticket window areas, the larger of which is in a lobby on the building’s north side and the smaller of which sits on the building’s southwest side. Fans should consider purchasing tickets from the windows on the north side, as there are several options. Security lines move quickly into the building. Once inside, concourses are not wide but fans should not expect any problems navigating the arena. Concession lines move quickly and efficiently. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range from $14 for reserved seats in Moby Arena’s corners to $30 for a reserved seat along either sideline. Because of Moby’s smaller size, fans can get close to the action regardless of where they sit. Concession prices are slightly lower than what fans should expect to pay at an NCAA Division I basketball game. Although parking at Moby costs $15, there is also plenty of free street parking within walking distance. Extras 3 Moby Arena receives a point for the exceptional CSU Sports Hall of Fame Exhibit, located on the south concourse. The school chronicles its programs’ athletic and academic highlights with an extensive collection of photos and memorabilia. The City of Fort Collins also earns a point. The myriad dining, entertainment, and outdoor options are unlike what other college towns can offer. Finally, Moby Arena receives a point for its history. It provided the setting for the 1976 film, “One on One” with Robby Benson, Annette O’Toole, and Melanie Griffith. Final Thoughts Colorado State has succeeded in a challenging feat: to maintain Moby Arena’s design and function while modernizing the building to appeal to present-day basketball fans. With a Rams team on the rise and a beautiful campus (and town), a game at Moby Arena is worth the drive from Denver.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Moda Center 1 N Center Ct St Portland, OR 97227 Portland Trail Blazers website Moda Center website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 19,980 The Home of Blazerball The Portland Trail Blazers are the longest running professional sports franchise in the Pacific Northwest. The name “Trailblazers” was chosen by a wide margin in a fan poll in recognition of their pioneering efforts to bring not only basketball, but other pro sports to the region. Although they have only one NBA Championship in their 50-year history, they have won numerous Northwest Divisional titles and have gone to three Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, over the years they have faced either the Lakers or the Warriors in their prime over this period, or they likely would have more league championships. As it is, they have succeeded where two Pacific Northwest teams, the Seattle Supersonics and the Vancouver Grizzlies have failed. Portland is known as the “Rip City” a phrase coined by their original announcer for the many “swishes” shot by the smooth shooting teams of the early years. The Moda Center has served as the home of the Trail Blazers since 1995. It was originally known as the Rose Garden, in homage to two other basketball shrines, the Boston Garden and Madison Square Garden. The name was changed in 2013, as GPS and local tourism guides found the name confused visitors who were in town to visit Portland’s world-famous International Test Gardens during the annual Rose Festival. The Moda Center features three levels of seating (two general levels and a suites level). There are 70 skyboxes in the facility, which are located in between the lower and upper seating bowls. The arena holds 19,441 in its basketball configuration. Food & Beverage 5 Moda Center offers one of the most diverse menus at its concession stands in the NBA. This is reflective of the diverse population and foodie culture found in Portland. You can always find the arena standards, but you owe it to yourself to try out the regional cuisine. The facility offers 70 concession stands, three bars, two cafes and a full-service restaurant. Food offerings include Bap N’ Noodle (Korean), Cha Cha Cha (burritos), Crafters (burgers and chicken strips), Daddy D’s BBQ, Hen Pen (chicken wings), Hook/Line (oysters and fish and chips), Plum Tasty (organic bowls, salads and wraps), Red Hot and Rollin’ (popcorn, pretzels and hot dogs), Sizzle Pie (pizza), Tamale Boy, Hotstone (Italian cuisine) and Whole Sum (salad bar). If you have any room left, check out dessert at the 1927 S’mores Cart or the ice cream at Ruby Jewel’s or Salt and Straw. Since Portland is a craft beer mecca, more than 45 brews are available at the Moda Center. Stop in at the 10 Barrel Brewing Company, Hop Valley Brewing, Adelsheim Local Cork, Heritage Distilling, Widmer Beer or the Crispin Cider Cart to decide what is your favorite, (You are taking the light rail home after the game… right? ) Atmosphere 4 You’ll know from the moment you step into the building that you are at the center of Blazermania. The color scheme features the red and black color scheme of the Blazer uniforms and the unique swirled logo of the franchise is everywhere. The arena features numerous exhibits covering the team’s timeline and greatest players and accomplishments. Once inside the seating bowl you will be impressed by one of the largest center-hung video boards in the NBA, with each of the four screens measuring 15’ X 22.5’. There are also auxiliary boards providing you with statistical information in each corner of the seating bowl. If you do need to leave your seat for a few minutes there are more than 650 TV monitors lining the concourses so you will not miss any of the action. The rafters of the Moda Center are filled with banners saluting great Blazer teams and players. They include Northwest Divisional Championships, Western Conference Championships, and the 1977 NBA League Championship banners. Individual players with a banner include Bill Walton, Geoff Petrie, John Lucas, Clyde Drexler, Arvydas Sabonis and Coach Jack Ramsay. Neighborhood 4 The home of the Trail Blazers is in the Rose Quarter, a sports and entertainment center located in NE Portland on the eastern banks of the Willamette River. The Rose Quarter includes the Moda Center, the Portland Coliseum (the former home of the team), as well as numerous restaurants and shops. The area is well serviced by hotels and restaurants, as the Oregon Convention Center is located just across the road. The area’s largest regional shopping mall, the Lloyd Center, is also located nearby. Portland has an excellent public transportation system, so visiting the downtown Portland area across the river is no problem. The greater Portland area is one of the most popular tourism areas in the Pacific Northwest, with the natural beauty of the International Rose Test Gardens, the Willamette Riverfront and the Columbia River Gorge located just a few miles apart. For outdoors enthusiasts, rowing on the river or skiing /climbing at Mt. Hood are popular pursuits. Portland is also a foodie and craft beer capitol for the region. Fans 4 Trail Blazer fans are known for their passion for the team as sellouts are the norm for games. They arrive early and begin their “Rip City” chant even during the team warmups. Portland is a small market by NBA standards, so the relationship between the players and their fans is almost at the “neighbor” level. The team participates heavily in the community and visits the local schools and neighborhood festivals on a regular basis. If you think the Moda Center is one of the louder NBA venues, you have been to… there is a reason for that. An “acoustical cloud” hangs over the arena. This cloud is made up of 160 rotating acoustical panels, which can be adjusted to deflect or absorb sound. For Trail Blazer games, it is set to deflect the noise back down to the court. If you were at the facility for a play, it would be set to adsorb noise. Ingenious, eh? Also keeping the crowd at a fever pitch is Blaze, the team’s mascot. He is a trail cat that wandered down from nearby Mt. Hood and discovered a love for basketball. Access 5 Getting to the Moda Center is very convenient, as it can be accessed via I-5, I-205, I-84 and Highway 26 Eastbound. The Center also has its own Transit Station (Rose Quarter), which is served by the Blue, Green and Red Lines of the Tri-Met MAX Light Rail System. There are more than 4,000 parking spaces in the lots surrounding the Rose Quarter complex. Several hike/bike trails also lead to the Rose Quarter and there are enough bike racks on site to handle more than 300 bikes. The arena has multiple entrances, and once inside the building the concourses are wide and easy to navigate. Doors open at 5:30 pm for night games, allowing plenty of time for visitors to tour the facility and get a pregame meal. There are more than 35 restroom facilities and 70 concessions stands to service fans’ needs with little or no lines to contend with. Return on Investment 4 The average ticket price for a Trail Blazers game is $53 but may be higher for selected opponents. Parking in one of the surrounding lots runs $20. Day Pass fares on the Tri-Met Light Rail System are $5 for adults and $2.50 for children, seniors and members of the military. Hotels in the vicinity of the Moda Center / Convention Center run $130- $150 per night. Concession prices at the Trail Blazer games are quite reasonable Extras 4 The 2019-2020 season marks the 50th anniversary of the Portland Trail Blazers franchise. The team is using a court featuring a 50th Anniversary logo at midcourt and has several special events planned during the season long celebration. This includes a reunion of the 1977 team that won the franchise’s sole NBA Championship. In addition to the Trail Blazers, the Moda Center also serves as the home of the Portland Riverhawks of the Western Hockey League. Other events that have been held in the building include first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Championships, the US Figure Skating Championships, three NBA Western Conference Finals and numerous music concerts. As befits an arena in the environmentally conscious Pacific Northwest, the Moda Center was the first professional sports facility to receive Platinum LEED status for its sustainability practices. These practices include excess food being donated to homeless shelters and food waste being used as compost on the facility’s grounds, all trash being sorted for recycling, detergent-free cleaning of the building, the use of low flow toilets, the implementation of drought resistant landscaping, the use of energy efficient power equipment, the practice of sourcing of food from locally based farms using organically grown methods and encouraging the use of public transportation and hike/bike trails for fans to reach the arena. The Trail Blazers are owned by the estate of former Microsoft executive Paul Allen, who died earlier in 2019. Allen played a huge role in sports in the Pacific Northwest, as he also owned the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and the Seattle Sounders (MLS). He played a major role in the funding of the building of the Moda Center out of his personal fortune. There are three Trail Blazer players (Clyde Drexler, Bill Walton and Arvydas Sabonis) and one coach (Jack Ramsay) in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Final Thoughts Even though the Moda Center is one of the older arenas in the NBA, it offers one of the most entertaining venues to watch a game. The fact that basketball is the primary professional sport in town, added to the raucous atmosphere of the fans provides a great viewing experience. Add to that the many tourist opportunities in and around Portland, and the strong foodie and craft beer culture present in the area, and a visit to the Pacific Northwest will provide you with a very enjoyable time.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Modern ERP Arena Idrottsvägen 7 Gävle, Sweden 806 33 Brynäs IF website Modern ERP Arena website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 8,585 Of Straw Goats and Gävle Gävle, pronounced “Yeh-vluh,” is Sweden’s 13th largest city…more or less. Internationally, the town is probably best known for the giant straw goat that it builds every year at Christmastime and for the arsonists who subsequently make a sport of burning it down. But Gävle has a few other claims to fame: Läkerol lozenges and Ahlgrens Bilar (candy) are Swedish staples that originate here. And there’s the hockey team, Brynäs IF (BIF). Despite being a small market team, BIF is something of a powerhouse, with more than a dozen Swedish titles under its belt. Brynäs IF calls Gavlerinken Arena home. Confusingly located a short drive from the harborside neighborhood from which Brynäs IF takes its name, Gavlerinken Arena is an interesting and stylish mix of old and new. We were unlucky enough to catch an unusually boring game here, but we were still able to recognize an unusual, interesting, and above average facility. Editor’s Note: Gävlerinken Arena name was changed to ERP Monitor Arena in 2019. Food & Beverage 4 With multiple sit-down restaurants, a food court-style bistro, a bar, traditional concession stands, and vending machines, Gavlerinken Arena covers all the bases. Though striking us as a bit unusual in a ’60s-era arena, the table service restaurants provide decent views of the ice surface and are popular with local fans. Food prices around the arena aren’t too bad, either, with prices at the Bistro ranging from 79-149 SEK (USD $9.50-$17.90; EUR 8.50-16.00 as of 2015) for sandwiches, tacos, and the like. The Bistro is available to all fans, while other restaurants require a separate ticket. Vending machine fare is fairly standard, with chips and candies going for around 20 SEK (USD $2.40; EUR 2.14). Hometown Ahlgrens Bilar candies are available. The traditional concession stands are the only option that fans may find lacking. Concession stand fare is largely limited to hot dogs, popcorn, and packaged snacks. Candy is sold on convenience store-style display racks. Bottled soft drinks are available, and coffee is another popular option. If you need a place to sit while you eat, some concession stands offer tables. Atmosphere 3 Gavlerinken Arena probably deserves a better score than we’re giving it, but our sole visit to Gävle brought us a painfully boring game that sucked the energy out of an already small weekday crowd. Even still, our rating for atmosphere is hardly terrible. We’ll walk you through the experience. After arriving at the arena, you’ll make your way across the parking lot. Careful – you’re farther north than parts of Alaska and Greenland, so watch out for ice. Considering the ice and the fact that there are only a couple of ticket windows, all of which are outdoors, and your first impression might not be the best. That’s understandable. But from here on, there’s little to complain about. Before entering, take a step back and look at the arena’s façade. While not imposing, Gavlerinken Arena looks modern and important. Security on the way in is minimal, and not in a bad way. Your ticket is checked, and you step into a three-story glass atrium. The main lobby actually feels more like a shopping mall than an arena, but also not in a bad way. The concourses might be a bit bland, but Brynas makes up for this in other ways. You take the escalator up, and yep, it still feels like a mall. The lighting is dim, but it’s atmospheric, and it works. As you enter the seating bowl, you notice the sharp graphics on the retired number banners. You notice just how many championship banners there are. You even notice the wooden embellishments on the seats and remember that, yes, this is where IKEA comes from. It’s bigger than you expected. It’s bigger than anyone would expect from a city of this size. You’d love to see the place full and rocking. Sure, you can tell that this arena has been around for a while, but it still feels current. The seats are comfortable, except when you have to stand up, which is more often than usual. Why are the rows here so abnormally long and the aisles so abnormally few? Still, it’s a small complaint. Game presentation is mostly in Swedish, with a smattering of English thrown in every once in a while. The audio sounds good, even that weird, poppy “put your ass up in the air” song. The video board is helpful, but not overused. Your view is good, and it looks like everyone else’s should be, too. It’s nothing particularly remarkable, but you think you like it here. Neighborhood 2 Gävle is a small city to begin with, and Gävlerinken Arena sits just past the suburban developments at its northern edge. A harness racing horse track and an indoor tennis complex are Gävlerinken Arena’s only immediate neighbors. Then, beginning just steps behind the arena, is forest that continues more-or-less untouched until you run out of Scandinavia. This may be the quietest arena neighborhood you’ll ever find. There’s something legitimately peaceful about that, but unless you’re also into horse racing or are up for some tennis, there’s nothing to bring you here early or keep you here long past the final whistle. Fans 3 Gävle isn’t much of a tourist destination. When our hotel owner learned that we had come solely to see a match, she beamed. “You’ll love it! The whole town comes out!” In North American terms, Brynäs IF could be compared to the Green Bay Packers or the Hershey Bears; a small market powerhouse with a proud history and a loyal fan base. The only game in town, and a source of pride. Busses to the arena are standing room only as jersey-clad fans make their way to the arena. During the game, the team’s most ardent supporters take their traditional place behind the net where they stand and cheer for their team. Elsewhere, fans watch intently and occasionally chat with friends. Games here feel social and communal. Fans are friends, and everyone is devoted. The devotion, though, is calm and understated. There was no rowdiness during our visit, and we felt very calm and comfortable visiting. We felt welcome, but the fans’ enthusiasm wasn’t contagious. Walking in, we wondered if one game here might make us Brynäs fans. It didn’t. Access 2 You’re either going to drive here or take the bus. You could bicycle, but with dark roads and frequent snow and ice, that might not be a safe option. Since a single road is the only way into and out of the arena, prepare for traffic both pre and postmatch. If you’re driving, parking is adequate, which is good considering the relative remoteness of the rink. Public shuttle busses run between the rink and Central Gävle. Round-trip tickets will save you a tiny bit, and will also give you a souvenir: they are printed with a player photo. English isn’t as visible in Gävle as in other places in Sweden, simply because there’s relatively little to bring non-Swedes here. Don’t let that deter you if you need help. English is just as much understood in Gävle as in Stockholm, and most passers-by in this safe and friendly city will speak more than enough English to help you find your way around town. Once inside the arena, things continue pretty easily. There is little need for a strong security presence here, but officials are around in case you need anything. Lighting is good and walkways are flat and roomy. No problems with the restrooms, either. We saw a few fans with special needs moving around with relative ease. Return on Investment 3 Sweden’s reputation as an expensive country is deserved. There are plenty of places where foreigners may get sticker-shock all over Scandinavia, but Gavlerinken Arena is not one of them. While not inexpensive, ticket prices are comparable to other high level leagues in Western Europe and North America. A large and well-stocked souvenir shop has a large selection of team merchandise, including sale items. Snack prices are reasonable. Overall, Brynäs offers an average value. Extras 4 Gävlerinken Arena gets the details right. It’s clean. It’s stylish (perhaps surprising for a team whose logo is a difficult-to-read gold-on-white.) Not only are its seats and banners stylish, but so are the tickets, which have a black-and-white player photo. Even the kids get in on the style. Gävlerinken Arena boasts a swanky children’s lounge. “Lilla Gävlerinken” has life-size player photos, table hockey games, and hardwood floors. Looking like it came fresh out of a design catalog, “Lilla Gavlrinken” is one of the nicest looking children’s area you will come across at any stadium. It’s for the kids, but plenty of adults would love to have something like this for a man cave. Free Wi-Fi is also a nice bonus. You have to sign up for an account on the SHL’s webpage, but you can do this from the log in page inside the arena. Sign up is in Swedish only, but the form is easy enough to figure out. Final Thoughts Gävlerinken Arena isn’t unique enough to earn “can’t miss” status, but it is an example of an area that does just about everything right. We thoroughly enjoyed our sole visit here. While it’s unlikely that anything will bring us back to this small town anytime soon, we’d jump at the chance to make a return visit should the opportunity present itself. We have a hunch that a good game and a full house might be enough for us to fall in love with Brynäs IF and Gävlerinken Arena.

Photo Courtesy FAMU Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Moore-Kittles Field 2400 Wahnish Way Tallahassee, FL 32310 Florida A&M Rattlers website Moore-Kittles Field website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 500 Rattling the Competition Florida A&M University is one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), as it was founded in 1887. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, it has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students on its 422 acre campus. The most popular majors are business administration, biology, criminal justice and engineering. Other unique academic offerings are jazz studies, health informatics and Black Studies. Some of FAMU’S most famous graduates are Bob Hayes of the Dallas Cowboys, Althea Gibson of tennis fame, Pam Oliver of Fox Sports, and Congresswoman Carrie Meek. The baseball program has a long history at the university, as the first team was fielded in 1899. Some of its most famous alums include major leaguers Hal McRae, Vince Coleman, Marquis Grissom, and Andre Dawson. The Rattlers have been to 14 NCAA tournaments. In 1983, Rattler baseball moved into its present home, Moore-Kittles Field, named for two long-time FAMU baseball coaches. The stadium has a seating capacity of just 500, and features a natural grass field. The Rattlers athletic teams compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). FAMU also has a very national schedule of opponents as many northern teams schedule games in the Sunshine State during the late winter / early spring months due to the warm climate and their own home fields still be covered with snow. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions at Moore-Kittles are extremely limited, as the concession stand is literally a folding table behind the backstop, with a cooler for the drinks. The items available are chips, candy, and peanuts, each selling for a dollar. Coca-Cola products are available for $2. Many of the home crowd bring their own coolers with them and since there is no admission cost, people make runs to the convenience store two blocks down the road. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at FAMU baseball games is that of a community gathering. A large portion of the crowd are elderly fans that live in the neighborhood and simply walk over to the games for a few hours of free entertainment. It is not unusual for several generations of a family to be at a game. The neighbors really get into the games and know the players by their first name. Another nice aspect to the game atmosphere is the interaction between the neighborhood residents, FAMU students in attendance and parents of many of the ball players. In return, the FAMU players show a great deal of respect for their supporters, by applauding them at the end of the game. Neighborhood 4 FAMU is located just south of downtown Tallahassee and is close to a wide variety of retail, dining and lodging establishments. Locals say that Cassandra’s, located just across the street from the university is the place to go for great Southern food. FAMU and Florida State University are only 1-2 miles apart and this area of Tallahassee is known as the CollegeTown neighborhood. Some of the more popular eating and watering establishments in the area are Madison Social, MODA, and Taco Taqueria. The funky Railroad Square Arts District is home to many unique studios and galleries and the Proof Brewery. Tallahassee’s main mall, Governor’s Square Mall is located on nearby Apalachee Parkway, as are a majority of the hotel chains. The area between FAMU and FSU also has a major new greenway park called the Cascades Park, which includes walking/biking trails, the Capital City Amphitheatre and a waterfall. Fans 4 FAMU fans love their baseball and the bleachers are at capacity at nearly every game. They are very knowledgeable about the game and really create some noise during Rattler Rallies. There is no doubting their allegiance, as FAMU’s orange and green team colors are hard to miss. Visiting fans are very welcome at the games, as many of the northern colleges have strong fan bases that travel to Florida to escape the harsh weather at the beginning of college baseball season. FAMU followers are proud of their school and believe in southern hospitality, so you will not hear any trash talking at Moore-Kittles Field. Access 3 Florida A&M is located in the state capital of Tallahassee, which is at the midpoint of the Florida Panhandle. It is just a few miles off I-10 and is located very close to the Tallahassee Regional Airport. FAMU is a very easy campus to navigate and parking is free for baseball games. There are numerous hotels and restaurants located in close proximity to the campus. The StarMetro Transit system provides excellent service for the city of Tallahassee and also provides on-campus shuttle bus service for FAMU as well as FSU. Return on Investment 3 There is no charge to attend FAMU baseball games and parking is free immediately adjacent to the field. Hotels are easy to find in the $70-$80 range, unless there is a major event going on in the Tallahassee area. A majority of the restaurants near the universities primarily cater to a college student’s budget so a good meal can be had at a reasonable price. . Extras 3 Tallahassee has a wide variety of extras to offer during your visit. Being the state capital, there are a number of museums to choose from. There are two that stand out from the usual government-run exhibit halls. The first is managed by FAMU and takes a fascinating look at African American culture and famous African American citizens, many of which were graduates of the university. The Black Archives Research Center also has one of the few genealogical centers that can help trace the ancestry of many visitors back to slave times and before. Car enthusiasts will really enjoy the Tallahassee Auto Museum, which is ranked as one of the top tourist attractions in the capital city. If the FAMU baseball game does not totally satisfy your baseball urge you can always check out Dick Howser Stadium and the Florida State Seminoles baseball program. Located right next door to the stadium is the famous FSU Student Circus, one of the most unique offerings to be found on any college campus.

Municipal Auditorium Exterior, Photo by Cory Sims, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Municipal Auditorium 301 W 13th St Kansas City, MO 64105 UMKC Kangaroos website Municipal Auditorium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 7,300 The Muni and The Mob Editors Note: Since 2019, the Roo’s have played in the on-campus Swinney Recreation Center and no longer use Municipal Auditorium for basketball. --- Opened in 1935, Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Missouri is one of the architecturally coolest sports venues in the country. Built in a ‘streamlined modern’ style, The Muni was championed, in part, by local political boss Tom Pendergast, infamous for the power he held in Depression-era KC, and his ties to organized crime. The Muni was built to show that Kansas CIty was an up and coming city, the Paris of the Plains , and it succeeded, being named one of the ’10 best buildings of the world’ for 1935 by the Architectural Record, and one of the 500 most important architectural works in the United States by the Princeton Architectural Press. Inside, The Muni retains all of its retro charm, with patterned-tile floors, and art-deco lighting and decorative pieces. It’s not hard to picture pin-striped gangster types walking through the halls prior to the start of a major jazz concert. Unfortunately, when it comes to UMKC basketball, the venue itself outshines about everything else. The 7,300 person capacity is maybe 10% full, and the on-court action is disappointing. However, it is worth attending at least one event at The Muni, if for no other reason than you’re sure to walk out of the building with a little old-time gangster swagger. Food & Beverage 2 There is food at The Muni, but I wouldn’t advise you to waste your money. If you really feel like overpaying for Papa John’s Pizza, you can buy a personal pan for $7.50. They also sell hot dogs, pretzels, and nachos for a couple bucks less than what I would consider normal stadium prices. Pepsi products are available, as well as a couple domestic and local draft beers. Have a beer here, then after the game have a couple more drinks and some late-night eats over at the Power and Light District. Atmosphere 3 The venue itself is awesome, particularly inside the arena area. The details in the ceiling design point back to a time when real craftsmanship was valued over flash and sizzle. There are no bleachers in the building, only cushioned seats, which further prove the history of this being a multi-use venue, and not just a “pack-em-in” sports stadium. The UMKC band, appropriately nicknamed “The Mob,” plays a decent rendition of “I’m Going to Kansas City,” a local favorite about the pretty ladies found in KC’s old jazz clubs. Neighborhood 4 In the heart of downtown KCMO, Municipal Auditorium is within walking distance of just about anything you’d want to visit in the area. Connected via walkways with the H. Roe Bartle Convention Center, less than a block from several great hotels like the downtown Marriott and Hilton President, and only two blocks from nightlife and restaurants, the arena is right in the middle of all the action downtown. A few blocks east is the Sprint Center, a 20,000-seat sports and music venue that is the younger big brother to Municipal Auditorium. Between the two is the Power and Light District and the KC Live stage, a city block chock full of of bars, restaurants, and clubs that are especially well-received by out of towners (that is to say, KC residents don’t typically spend much time there). Ten years ago downtown KC was dead after business hours, but since the Sprint Center was built and “P&L” opened, it really has become a destination for music and sports fans, especially during the Big 12 Basketball tournaments held at the Sprint Center, and the NAIA National Championship, held at Municipal Auditorium. Fans 2 UMKC tries to brand itself as KC’s team, but most sports fans in the area already claim allegiance to KU, K-State, or Mizzou, with only a few UMKC grads who really follow the Roos. At least two people who sat directly in front of me were parents of players. I think it’s safe to say a disproportionate number of the fans in attendance are relatives. The loudest fans seem more interested in heckling the refs than cheering for the Kangaroos. Now that the Roos play in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), I think very few away fans ever attend games. Access 3 Parking downtown during the day is a beast, but street parking is free in the evenings, and there are plenty of spots within a block of Municipal. The P&L District also offers $2 parking, provided you tell them you are visiting a P&L restaurant or bar. Tickets to the Kangaroos will not sell out, and can be bought at the ticket window just inside Municipal Auditorium. Don’t pay more than $10, as a general admission ticket is more of a cover charge and there’s no one stopping you from sitting anywhere you like. I walked in at court level, took some pictures just at the corner of the court, and walked up to a seat about 8 rows off the floor without any ushers checking for tickets. Return on Investment 2 It’s a cheap ticket for Division I hoops, with below average concession prices, and (possibly) free parking, but you’ll get what you pay for. I like to think that my money was more for a venue tour, and there happened to be a basketball game going on, with the added perk of some jazz music playing during timeouts. A Boulevard brewery draft from the concession stand adds a nice local touch. Extras 2 The Kangaroos is an amazing nickname, although the next time I see a Kangaroo hopping around KC will be the first time. The mascot is named, of course, Kacey the Kangaroo. Interesting fact; the original Kacey the Kangaroo was drawn by a famous artist who grew up in the area. You’ve no doubt heard of him before, Mr. Walt Disney. Final Thoughts Municipal Auditorium is one of the most historic homes for basketball in the country, even eight decades since it opened. If you have a chance to see a hoops game here, you’ll be glad you made the journey.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Munster Fieldhouse 8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321 Munster High School Mustangs website Munster Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 3,200 Munster Fieldhouse – Big, Bright & Bold The Munster Fieldhouse might just be one of the largest dome facilities of its kind not only for high school basketball in Indiana but perhaps the entire nation. The mammoth-sized roof stretches almost to the gymnasium floor and creates an ambiance that is most likely never to be forgotten by anyone who steps foot inside for a game. The fieldhouse was constructed along with the high school in June 1966 and hosted its first game in December of that year for the Munster High School Mustangs basketball program. The town had never had a high school before its completion and students would be bussed to nearby Hammon High or Tech while others commuted to Griffith High School. The cost of the gym and school campus was $6.2 million. The dome structure was a popular choice among many schools of this era that also included designs in Greencastle , Frankfort , Shelbyville , Benton Central , and Southern Wells High Schools to name a few. However, Munster’s distinct look and overreaching design sets it apart from its sister buildings and provides seating for 3,200 people on four portable bleacher seating that are rolled up under a massive old-school electronic scoreboard. The cost of the fieldhouse was $1.5 million and it’s more than just the home for basketball games. Munster High uses it for all physical education programs and it is large enough to house five separate courts for adult leagues and community use on the weekends and summers. The design is striking and the brown curve beams from the frame of the building that has been almost unchanged since it opened more than 50 years ago. Food & Beverage 2 The building and roof are massive but not so much in terms of concessions and it was somewhat disappointing to see one window open for fans during a well-attended game against a nearby rival on a Friday night. True, there are many wonderful options for dining in the area and perhaps that is an option most fans, both young and old take when attending a Mustangs game. The usual food items are present from nachos to hot dogs to popcorn. The prices are reasonable and most items will cost just a few bucks. However, the lines can get long and there are no other portable areas for food options inside the fieldhouse. Atmosphere 4 The seating consists of four portable wooden bleachers that are rolled out to form the seating configuration that puts fans close to the action on the court. The two sideline bleachers are much larger than the end bleachers (that were added recently) which creates a massive amount of space behind the seats where little kids bounce balls against the back of it during the game. The fieldhouse features a large electronic scoreboard that appears to have been installed sometime between 1991 and 1998 based on the date, but amusing, Pepsi logo. Beneath the scoreboard is a freshly sanded court with the school’s colors of red and white along with a massive logo at the center court. The sanding was in 2019 and was the first time it was redone since the venue opened in 1967. An AC system was added in 2018 and includes two bold red tubes that look like field goalposts. It was the first time that the building had an air-conditioning unit installed in its history. Championship banners have been moved to the wall of the building but there are a few still hanging from the ceiling honoring the school’s past champs in all sports. The boys’ basketball program has captured 19 conference, 10 sectional, and two regional championships in school history. It also won three conference championship tournaments during the six years of its existence. A track circles the bleachers and provides ample space for tables to offer 50/50 tickets and other information from a local business. This is where you will also find the two entrances and exits to the building along with additional restrooms. The open space is very different than what basketball fans are used to in Indiana but the dome structure and crowd noise create an atmosphere that is unique to Munster High School. Neighborhood 4 The high school is close to several restaurants and breweries that are worth visiting before or after the game. 3 Floyd’s Brewing Company is one of the most recognizable breweries in the nation and visitors can also enjoy award-winning food at its restaurant. The options are varied and the brewery has legions of fans from all over the country. Tours are available on Saturday. There is almost everything imaginable in terms of eateries in town and the nearby cities of the region. Cafe Borgia is a fine spot for Italian cuisine, Docs Smokehouse and Craft Bar is ideal for barbecue and craft beers, Edwardo’s Natural Pizza is the spot for a deep-dish pizza, El Salto is your pick for Mexican food, Mishkenut serves Mediterranean cuisine, and Miner-Dunn is a local diner with a variety of dishes at affordable pricing. Community Veterans Memorial, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Monastery, and Centennial Park are three options to visit in town. There is also an array of shopping malls and stores close to town in Dyer and Schererville but downtown Chicago is about 30 miles north of town for more options for entertainment. Fans 4 The Mustang loyalist has a lot to be happy with when we attended the game late in the season. The boys were enjoying a 19-1 record including a 17-game winning streak; it’s the type of basketball not seen in recent memory until the last few seasons. The crowd was frenzied, the student section stood and jumped (until they were told by the athletic director to stop since they broke a section a few games prior), and the away crowd and student section did their best to be heard. Access 4 The Hammond Fieldhouse is located on Calumet Ave. and just south of I-94. The parking can take some maneuvering based on how well the team is playing and it is advisable to arrive early for weekend games. Once inside the building, there is one entryway into the seating bowl area. There is a lot of room inside the dome building but one has to walk up and down the wooden bleachers to get to and from your seat. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket is $6 and is in line with other high schools in the state and region. The concession prices are cheap but do yourself a favor and grab something to eat before the game and grab a beer at either 3 Floyd’s or Doc’s Smokehouse after the game. Munster is a nice area with several options to make your trip worthwhile. Extras 3 The Munster Fieldhouse earns a point for its massive dome shape which is the focal point of the entire building. There are many dome structures where high school hoops are played and perhaps this is the state’s largest and brightest. The Fieldhouse earns an additional point for its scoreboard that is old-school college, well least from the 1980s, and features a 1990s-era Pepsi logo. Perhaps no one wants to climb up a ladder to change the logo, the company has rebranded twice since the scoreboard was installed, but it makes for a great anomaly while looking at it from your seat. The building earns the third point for its renovations of a perfectly sanded basketball court and cool air from the massive AC unit hanging from its roof. The locker rooms have also been renovated, a positive for the players. Final Thoughts The Munster Fieldhouse is big, bold, and brass. The dome-shaped building has a look that grabs your attention the moment you walk underneath its ceiling. The dark support beams spiral out from the center which is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. When the Mustangs are winning and they have a combined record of 46-6 the last two seasons as of this writing, there may not be a better spot for high school hoops in the region than the Fieldhouse.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 NYCB Live, Home Of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale, NY 11553 New York Islanders website Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 13,917 For the Isles, You Can Go Back Home Back in 2015, the New York Islanders relocated to Barclays Center in a move that was immediately pegged as a disaster. For three seasons, the Islanders played in front of smaller and smaller crowds while their former home, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, underwent significant renovations, as well as a rebranding to NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. As the Barclays experiment continued to fail, it became clear that a return to Long Island was in the team’s best interests. This 2018-19 season, the team has split their games between the two venues, but they expect to play all their games at Nassau for the next two seasons, while a new arena is built in Elmont, just eight miles away. So how does the improved Coliseum rate for hockey? We went to a game to find out. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stands all have some food that is labelled “Long Island Taste,” with Smokin’ Al’s BBQ and the Roast Sandwich House the most tempting options. Mexican and Greek stands are also found along the concourse. The main problem here is that prices are what you would pay in Manhattan, with chicken tenders going for $14, a $12 cheeseburger, and a $7 hot dog at Nathan’s. Typical stadium fare includes french fries, pretzels, and popcorn (each $7), while chips and candy are $6. Pepsi products are $6 for a small soda or bottle of water and $13 (yes thirteen dollars) for a souvenir cup. Beer ranges from $14-$16 depending on whether you want can or draft, domestic or craft. Either way, you are getting the shaft. Atmosphere 5 Nassau Coliseum is the last of the old barns. There are no suites here to push the upper deck into nosebleed territory, so fans are right on top of the action and a buzz is heard constantly during the action. This is the way sports used to be before corporate money sent the real fans upstairs and left many stadiums devoid of atmosphere. The organ is playing, Sparky the Dragon is tossing t-shirts, and the joint is jumping when the Islanders are playing well. There are three levels of seating: the double-digit sections closest to the ice (10 rows), the 100 level (10 rows), and the 200 level (16 rows). So if you are in the third row of the 200 level, you are only 23 rows from the ice; that is usually a lower-level seat in a new rink. Note that along the sides, the first row of seats by the glass is row AA, and there is some space between the seats and the glass that other fans use to walk through to get to their seats. There is an inner walkway between the 100s and 200s that allows you to easily move around the rink without having to access the concourse, which can be very crowded during intermissions. The wood panels along this walkway are quite attractive and lend an air of gravitas to the facility. Dozens of banners honor past Islander greats as well as all of their titles, including those four Stanley Cups back in the early 1980s. Some banners for ABA stars are also hanging from the rafters, along with one celebrating Billy Joel’s 34 sold out shows. Stanley Cup Banners, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 There is nothing within walking distance other than a McDonald’s, Chipotle, and Starbucks across Hempstead Turnpike. Just north of the arena is Westbury, where you can find your typical chain eateries such as Buffalo Wild Wings, TGI Fridays, and Applebee’s. A more local option in that area is Canz Bar and Grill; you should be able to deduce that this establishment is similar to Hooters. There were two scantily clad ladies at the game I attended handing out free drink coupons, so keep your eyes open. In between Westbury and the rink is Museum Row, which includes a children’s museum, one dedicated to firefighters and the Cradle of Aviation. Meanwhile, Hofstra University is just a short walk west, and sometimes you can see a college basketball game in the afternoon before the Islanders play in the evening. Fans 4 Islander fans are usually excellent, but they did not sell out the game I attended, which featured a top team from the Western Conference. As well, those that were sitting in my area were quite negative, despite their team being atop the Metropolitan Division. With such a small capacity, I’d like to see Islander fans embracing this temporary move to Nassau Coliseum by selling out every game. Access 3 If you have a car, getting to the Coliseum is not difficult, though at rush hour you can expect over an hour to travel the 30 miles. Public transit is not reliable or efficient; you generally need to take the Long Island Rail Road to Hempstead Station, from where Nice Bus 70, 71, or 72 take you the rest of the way. There is no wait to get in, but once inside, you will find the concourse to be crowded both before the game and during the intermission. Concession lines and restrooms are also very crowded; so that it is unlikely you could do both during a single intermission. Return on Investment 4 The Islanders do employ variable pricing, but for the cheaper games, the value cannot be beaten. The best seats are actually in the lower rows of the 200 sections and can be had for less than $50 for less desirable opponents. Be aware that the top few rows have their view of the scoreboard obstructed by the roof. If you choose to drive, parking is $25, but it can be avoided as you can park on residential streets across the Hempstead Turnpike. With food also being quite costly, the ROI is not ideal, but still excellent for this old barn and a first-place team. Extras 3 The banners merit a point, as do the overall renovations. One excellent touch in keeping with the name of the venue is the eight empty seats scattered around the seating bowl. Each seat is marked with a patch and a plaque that pay homage to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, as well as prisoners of war, those missing in action and the more than 500 Long Islanders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Final Thoughts There is nothing like this arena left in the NHL, so if you want to travel back in time, hockey-wise at least, a trip to Long Island should be in your plans in the next two seasons.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Neptunus Familiestadion Abraham van Stolkweg 31 3041 JA Rotterdam, Netherlands Curacao Neptunus website Neptunus Familiestadion website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 2,460 The Best Baseball in Europe The Neptunus sports club has origins going back to 1900, but the Rotterdam-based organization didn’t field a baseball club until 1943. From those humble beginnings, the Neptunus baseball team has evolved to not only be the best baseball team in the Dutch top-level Honkbal Hoofdklasse (winning the Holland Series for seven years in a row in one stretch), but the best team in Europe, with over ten European Cup Championships to their name. Bucking the Dutch trend, the baseball team is the dominant sport in the Neptunus club, and soccer has fallen by the wayside. It seems only fair that the premiere team of the league should have one of the premier ballparks, and Neptunus Familiestadion (“Neptunus Family Stadium”) is unquestionably one of the best ballparks in The Netherlands. Built in 1999 as “the most modern ballpark in the Netherlands,” it has a regular capacity of 2,460, but it can expand to around 6,000 for larger tournaments. Neptunus Familiestadion is one of the top-level ballparks in The Netherlands, with solid facilities and amenities that is relatively easy to reach from the city center and a great value for your money. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark experience is much more small-scale in The Netherlands, even in this highest-level locale. All the food and beverages are available in the clubhouse–not the luxury locker rooms of the MLB, but literally a clubhouse for the organization that features a meeting space, a bar, and sometimes a separate food concession. Neptunus clubhouse is larger and fancier than most in The Netherlands, with a large bar and a separate grill kiosk. The clubhouse food is served up at a concession to the left of the main bar. All the food items top out at €3.50, so the price isn’t an obstacle. You can get a selection of specialty hamburgers or hot dogs, sausages, omelets, and grilled sandwiches for that price and lower. Beer is served up at the main bar in the clubhouse, also for a reasonable €3 per drink. Selection is limited to Heineken and whatever other local beers might be available that day, but you can’t really argue about the prices. Coca-Cola is the non-alcohol drink family of choice. You’re in The Netherlands. Get a Heineken. As for grub, choose your poison. They are all fresh-made, cheap, and tasty. I went for a brat, but the filling grilled sandwiches are also quite popular. Atmosphere 4 Neptunus Familiestadion is easily one of the best Dutch ballparks. While other parks in the country are mostly on the level of Rookie League MiLB, Neptunus Familiestadion is easily on the high-A or AA-level. The ballpark is one grandstand, running from short left field to short right field behind home plate. Stairs lead up to the main promenade from both ends of the park, as well as the plaza behind home plate outside the clubhouse. The promenade runs the length of the grandstand and splits the seats into a lower and upper level, and at the very top of the stands are a press box and a level of box/VIP seats. Generally only the upper level of seats are in the shade, so depending on whether you are there on a cool spring day or hot summer day will determine where you might want to sit. A full digital scoreboard sits in left-center field, definitely an upgrade from the minimalist scoreboards found in most of the league. While it doesn’t have video, it is the only scoreboard in the league to show players’ pictures in addition to names and numbers, and even displays the scoring of each completed play. The outfield wall is covered in advertisements and looks out over a tree-lined landscape broken up only by the batters’ eye in center and scoreboard. And all the seats in the stadium are modern, fold-down seats instead of the solid molded plastic found most elsewhere in the league. There is minimal flair during the game. There are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that you would be accustomed to even in the lowest minors in the United States. There is some walk-up music for the home batters and a Seventh Inning Stretch, and that’s about it. The Dutch don’t even play the national anthem before games or fly their flag. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Your admission gets you any seat in the house, so choose what suits you best. But be sure to spend an inning in the area behind home plate outside the clubhouse. Grab a beer and watch the game from a vantage point you will almost never have the chance to see at a pro game in the States. Neighborhood 3 Neptunus Familiestadion greatly benefits from being in a sportpark so close to the city center. Unlike most other Honkbal Hoofdklasse parks, it has more going on around it by not being stuck out in the suburbs. There isn’t a ton of restaurants directly around the park, but a short walk south will yield Surinamese Roopram Roti Rotterdam, Turkish Meram Rotterdam West, Indian Sangam Tandoori, and Surinamese Rotiland. There are dozens more restaurants to be found on the short drive back to downtown. The ballpark shares a bus stop with the Diergaarde Blijdorp Zoo, just to the north of the sportpark. The large zoo is a pleasant excursion for kids and adults alike. Also relatively close by is Miniworld Rotterdam, with the entire city done in a miniature train exhibit that is a lot more interesting than it might sound. The rest of the city’s attractions are also a short ride away. The only hotel within walking distance is the fancy Van Der Valk Hotel Rotterdam Blijdorp, right outside the zoo, and two bed and breakfasts to the south, Algerti Bed & Bike and BNB Essenburgsingel. But the seven-minute drive back to Centraal Station yields dozens of hotel options from budget on up. Fans 4 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semi pro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. That said, Neptunus regular-season games get the average Dutch crowds across the league: Between 100-250 people per game. As they are mostly paying fans at Neptunus Familiestadion, that is more of an achievement than at other parks. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. The fans that are there are into the game, and there are even some visiting fans to be found (much easier to do given the small size of The Netherlands). They are active with their cheering, and there are even a fan scorekeeper or two. Access 4 While many of the ballparks in The Netherlands are a large distance away from city centers and hard to get to with mass transit since baseball is a fringe sport in the country, Neptunus Familiestadion is one of the few that is relatively close and convenient to downtown. From Rotterdam Centraal Station, a ten-minute bus ride (RET Frequentbus 38 to stop Beukelsbrug/Van Nellefabriek, E1.32) will have you within walking distance of the park. It is also only about a seven-minute drive from the city center by car, cab, or ride share, and the especially hardy can walk there in about 30 minutes from downtown. The stadium has its own parking lot attached to the stadium, there is plenty of free bicycle parking, and ride shares can drop off at the front gate. The only entrance to the stadium is the main gate outside the parking lot. Given the size of crowds at regular-season games, this is not much of an issue at all. A large plaza outside the stadium lets you walk to either end of the grandstand to stairs leading up to the promenade. A spacious walkway runs the length of the grandstand, separating the seating area extending down and up from there, with a top level of box seats. Return on Investment 4 Even though Neptunus is one of the only teams to charge for admission to their park, it is still a great value overall The best team in one of the best parks in The Netherlands comes at a price: €7.50. That is the ticket price at the door and will get you any seat in the house. All the food and drink items are under €3.50. You just can’t beat those prices. . Extras 2 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has a selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards. There is also a small team store display selling some very select team merchandise, but the person in charge of it may not be there, particularly on game days. There is also a small children’s play area outside of the park. A small WWII memorial stands by the entrance to the stadium, and there are three retired numbers on the outfield wall and in the clubhouse (Kooster 14, Van Aallen 22, Eenhoorn 16) for players who made appearances in the MLB. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts Neptunus Familiestadion is one of the finest stadiums in the Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse, featuring some of the best amenities in the country at a great price that is not as far from the city center as most other teams in the league.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 New York Stadium New York Way Rotherham, England S60 1AH Rotherham United FC website New York Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 12,021 Start Spreading the News in Rotherham The New York Stadium is the home of Rotherham United Football Club. The Millers, as they are nicknamed had previously played at Millmoor, a typical lower league venue for many years and the new venue is a stone’s throw from the club’s spiritual home. Photographs of Millmoor are enclosed within the viewing area and this will give the visitor a gauge with regards to the differences between old and new stadia within the lower echelons of the English game. Surprisingly although the new stadium development brings clubs far more income generation opportunities some older supporters when asked still prefer the historic version. The club temporarily played at the Don Valley Stadium in nearby Sheffield whilst New York Stadium was built after having left Millmoor due to a dispute with the owners of the land. The New York Stadium takes its name from the land it is built on and is one complete build with four joined-up stands with slightly differing heights. The venue has an all-seated capacity of 12,021 with seats in the club colors of red and white. The continental-style floodlights give the stadium a different identity from similar new lower league developments of the last decade so “start spreading the news” . as the Sinatra song goes. A visit to Rotherham’s New York is a welcome addition to the Football League’s stadium list. Food & Beverage 3 Outlets within the stadium sell a range of pies, pasties, hot dogs, and burgers in addition to hot and cold drinks. These are reasonably priced and the food is of good quality. Atmosphere 3 It would take very little to improve the atmosphere compared to the club’s temporary Don Valley experience. However Rotherham United has tried extremely hard to ensure the New York experience will bring supporters back to the club. Home supporters generate most of the noise from the KCM Recycling Stand and with the addition of Cheerleaders the atmosphere is different from that of Millmoor and Don Valley. Neighborhood 3 Rotherham is a small town within the steel city of Sheffield and other than High Street shops there is not much to attract the visitor. Sheffield itself however has plenty to offer with its main attraction being the Meadowhall Shopping Centre. The city is also famous for its Crucible Theatre, the home of the World Snooker Championships. There are three Wetherspoon pubs in the town center with the Bluecoat being in the CAMRA guide and a meeting venue for home supporters. Other than Mcdonald's and Greggs there are only tea and coffee shops in the town centre. Fans 3 Like many lower football league clubs within the English pyramid system, Rotherham United has a loyal band of followers who are the livelihood of the British game. The move to the New York Stadium has seen a rapid improvement in attendance with the first few games sold out. Despite a slight dip in form on the field attendance has held at 7,000, which is a big improvement on what the club has historically been used to. Local rivals are Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United and other Yorkshire clubs such as Barnsley, Huddersfield Town, and Doncaster Rovers. Access 3 The stadium is located off Junction 33 of the M1 by taking signs towards Rotherham Town centre. The ground is a five-minute walk from the centre and Rotherham Railway Station which has connections to the main line in Sheffield. Cheap car parks are available in the town centre but parking at the stadium needs to be booked in advance. The nearest airports are Manchester, Doncaster, and East Midlands. Return on Investment 3 Admission prices for Rotherham games are £18 and £20 for adults with reductions for O.A.P and juveniles if purchased in advance. Tickets bought on the day cost two pounds more. Extras 3 There is a club shop situated by the main entrance to the stadium selling replica shirts and club memorabilia. Betting outlets are available within the stadium and the club produces a match day programme for each game priced at £3.

What is it REALLY like to catch a game in Newark? Although not The Big Apple, Newark has a bit of a jaded reputation, but is it warranted? Is it worth going to a New Jersey Devils game? Grab a good beer and join Dave and Paul as they delve into the details of the experience at The ROCK! 🏒🍻 You can find Stadium Journey's review of the Prudential Center and the New Jersey Devils game day experience here.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Old Trafford Sir Matt Busby Way Manchester, England M16 0RA United Kingdom Manchester United FC website Old Trafford website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 75,957 The Theatre of Dreams Originally featured 10/19/2019 Manchester United has not always been united. Before 1902, Manchester United was known as Newton Heath, and in 1902, following the club’s rescue as they faced bankruptcy the club was renamed Manchester United. At that time it had spent its first years at mediocre grounds, with dirt pitches not suitable for good football. After this the new chairman John Henry Davies decided in 1909 that something had to change, as the current Bank Street ground was not fit for a team that had enjoyed recent success, winning the First Division and FA Cup. The chairman donated funds for the construction of a new stadium and after a rigorous search, he found a patch of land adjacent to the Bridgewater Canal in Old Trafford. Designed by Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, who designed amongst others Anfield, Goodison Park, Craven Cottage, and Hampden Park, the ground was originally designed with a capacity of 100,000 spectators and featured seating in the south stand undercover, while the remaining three stands were left as terraces and uncovered. Building costs rose quickly and were getting out of hand, forcing the club to tune down the capacity of the stadium to approximately 80,000 spectators. Even at that time, United had already been touted as Moneybag United, due to the takeover by Davies and his big spending. Development was completed in late 1909. The stadium hosted its inaugural game on 19 February 1910, with United playing archrival Liverpool. Originally, a station was designed to be constructed in conjunction with the stadium, but due to problems with Davies, it took them till 1935 before Trafford Park station (later named Old Trafford football ground) was opened. In the early years, Old Trafford played host to several FA Cup Finals (during that time, Wembley Stadium was still in the planning and construction phase) and it saw its first (and definitely not last) international match, as England lost to Scotland on April 17, 1926. Wartime bombing In 1936, as part of a £35,000 refurbishment, an 80-yard long roof was added to the United Road stand (now the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand) for the first time, while roofs were added to the south corners in 1938. Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, Old Trafford was requisitioned by the military to be used as a depot. Football continued to be played at the stadium, but a German bombing raid on Trafford Park on 22 December 1940 damaged the stadium to the extent that a Christmas day fixture against Stockport County had to be switched to Stockport’s ground. Football resumed at Old Trafford on 8 March 1941, but another German raid on 11 March 1941 destroyed much of the stadium. It took quite some time, effort, and money to reopen the ground, which eventually took place in 1949. Though Old Trafford was reopened, albeit without cover, in 1949, United’s first game back at Old Trafford was played on 24 August 1949, as 41,748 spectators witnessed a 3–0 victory over Bolton Wanderers. In the 1950s, the refurbishing and extension of Old Trafford continued, as a roof was restored to the Main Stand by 1951 and, soon after, the three remaining stands were covered as floodlighting was installed during the same period. The inaugural floodlight match was between Bolton Wanderers and the home team, on March 25, 1957. The East Stand – the only remaining uncovered stand – was developed in the same style in 1973. With the first two stands converted by cantilevers, the club’s owners devised a long-term plan to do the same to the other two stands and convert the stadium into a bowl-like arena. Such a construction would increase the atmosphere at the ground by containing the crowd’s noise, while also focusing it onto the pitch, where the players would feel the full effects of a capacity crowd. After the completion of the roof, the replacement of the old manual scoreboard with an electronic one in the northeast corner took place. The southeast quadrant was then removed and replaced in 1985 with a seated section bringing the total seating capacity of the stadium to 25,686 (56,385 overall). The completion of the cantilever roof around three sides of the stadium allowed for the replacement of the old floodlight pylons, and the attachment of a row of floodlights around the inner rim of the roof in 1987. Due to all the refurbishments, the upgrades, and the new rules of 1991 (after the Hillsborough disaster and the subsequent Taylor Report), the capacity of Old Trafford was dropped to an all-time low of 44,000. Luckily, Sir Alex Ferguson took over as manager and this ignited years of success for the Mancunians. Several renovation plans were put into effect, with three stages. Firstly, the tiers of the Stretford End were increased. Secondly, the East stand got a second-tier and after that the West stand followed, raising the capacity to over 68,000 at that moment. Between 2005 and 2006 the latest extension took the capacity to the current level, adding second tiers to the northwest and northeast corners of the stadium. After all the renovations, the stadium is now at a whopping 75,635 capacity, making it the second biggest ground in England after Wembley Stadium. Every spot of the stadium has a splendid view of the field, which is unique, compared to other, more old fashioned stadiums such as Everton’s Goodison Park. The stadium is an icon in the English Premier League, drawing a lot of attention not only locally but especially from people all around the world. The nickname was coined by Sir Bobby Charlton and it is nicely used in marketing efforts (especially when Sharp was the team’s shirt sponsor). The Red Devils announced in August 2019 upgrades to the venerable grounds that will include an “atmosphere section” for up to 1,200 spectators in the Stretford End first tier that will also include upgraded food and beverage options and more kiosks. There also be upgrades to the VIP and several hospitality suites along with additional wheelchair and amenity suites across all four quadrants of the stadium. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage section in most parts of the stadium is rather standard. Please note that if you fancy an alcoholic beverage, you are only allowed to enjoy it on the concourse, with no view of the pitch. They cater to the need to watch the game with screens, but if you like watching the game on the telly, you’d be better off heading to a bar. Snack and drink combos are on offer as well. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money if you want to quench your thirst and leave with a full belly. The selection of food is divided into hot and cold options, with a hot dog changing hands for a total of £5. United branded sausage rolls are £4.50 and a pie can be had for £4, with a choice of meat, steak, chicken or cheese, and onion. Cold options are grab bags such as Skittles or Maltesers, or Mars bars. Some chips are on offer as well, the former going for £3.50and the Mars bar for £1.50. Hefty prices. Drinks are on offer for £4.50 a beer or ale, £4.80 for wine, and sodas for £2.90. Prices are comparable to the ones at Arsenal for example. They do have offers: 3 items for £7.50 and 6 items for £13.T The hot items consist of meat and potato pies, United pie, chicken balti pie, cheese, and onion pasty, or a hot dog. The snack is usually a sweet such as crisps, Yorkie bar, or a Kit Kat and the drinks are of the Coca-Cola variety or a Heineken, John Smith’s, or Bulmer’s Atmosphere 5 Although the Old Trafford itself oozes atmosphere, with the large stands, unobstructed views, and closeness of the seats to the pitch, the people negate it quickly. When the singing starts, finally, (Glory Glory Man United for example) half the crowd is still quiet, which is a pity. If you visit the games against bitter rivals Liverpool or city neighbours Manchester City it will be more lively and intense. Old Trafford is a 75,000-seater stadium that was once hailed as the top stadium in English Football but has remained relatively unchanged the past decade. Those are due to several factors detailed earlier on this website . The grounds due provide comfort and a modern style that fans have come to expect for match day. The Theater of Dreams is made up of four stands that differ in ambiance and aesthetics. The Sir Alex Ferguson stand is three-tiers high and can accommodate up to 26,000 people; it is the largest of the four in the building. The Sir Bobby Charlton Stand is home to VIP guests and houses executive suites. The West End, also known as the Stretford End, is where 14,000 of the United’s most loyal fans reside during the match. The East End is uncovered and is where both away and disabled supporters are found during the game. The stand offers 13,000 seats and a plaque at Old Trafford honoring the victims of the Munich air disaster. Outside of the stadium includes statues and sculptures that add vibrancy to the complex. The United Trinity, a statue of Manchester United’s “holy trinity” of George Best, Denis Law, and Bobby Charlton. The Hublot clock tower is located in Old Trafford’s car park E1 and The statue of Sir Matt Busby overlooks the East Stand. Neighborhood 3 Old Trafford is not actually located in Manchester, but in neighbouring Salford to the northwest side of the city. All the best entertainment is located in Manchester city centre. The area around Old Trafford is part industrial, part residential. There’s a hotel, part-owned by former United legend Gary Neville, conveniently located next to the stadium and there are some bars and food shops, although the quality of the food is rather lacklustre. You can grab a pre-match drink in The Bishop Blaize or at The Trafford. Otherwise, the neighbourhood is one to forget quickly. Go to the city centre for the best experience in Manchester. The Tollgate is a 10-minute walk and is also considered an ultimate pre-match pub, bustling with fans and a friendly atmosphere. Sam Platt’s is 150 meters from the stadium and Old Trafford Supporters Club is £1 to enter but might be worth the small price for the atmosphere. Hotel Football is an upscale-themed hotel that overlooks Old Trafford and features 133 rooms, a restaurant, a 750-capacity basement bar, and a five-a-side football pitch on its roof. The £24 million hotel is owned by former Red Devil players and is planned to be a chain of football-themed hotels located near football grounds around the world. While in town, The National Football Museum is England’s national museum of football. It is located in Manchester city centre, and preserves conserve and display important collections of football memorabilia. City residents are allowed in for free but will cost £10 for all other adults and £5 for children 5-15. The Science and Industry Museum is devoted to the development of science, technology, and industry with an emphasis on the city’s achievements in these fields. Fans 4 Manchester has seen a huge spike in popularity, not only in England but very much across the world. Especially since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, the club has become a brand, much more than just a football club. While this has been extremely useful for business, it has not been very positive for the fans. Ticket prices have skyrocketed, and with the popularity of the ‘Man United’ brand, it has become more of a night out to go to Old Trafford. It means that the old core of fans, who grew up with the legend of the Busby Babes, have largely abandoned the club. Even more so, a big group of fans was so dissatisfied with the big money, they created a totally new club, FC United of Manchester, which is slowly rising through the ranks of English club football. The fans that go to the game now include many tourists. You will see a large crowd of people from Asia, Russia, mainland Europe, and other countries further afield. The involvement of the fans is therefore less than before. Prepare for selfie-sticks galore in the stands. Access 5 Getting to the ground is fairly easy. The opposing club supporters even walked to the ground from the city centre, which is still quite a hike. Otherwise, bus, metro, and train services stop close to the ground and once you are there, access is easy. If you take the train, stop at the Manchester United football ground stop. There is also the Trafford Bar, Exchange Quay, and Mediacity UK that are with a 10-minute walk to the stadium Buses 255, 256, and 263 stop close to the ground as well. There are separate spaces for people in wheelchairs, who enjoy quite some space, in contrast to the normal seats that are somewhat limited, especially if you are over 6’3. The train might be the best way to arrive at the game from Manchester Piccadilly train station. The Metrolink is a 10-minute walk to the grounds offering unlimited day passes for £5. If you are driving by car certain streets near the stadium are closed off and it is advised to arrive early, parking lots charge £10 per car. There is an Uber Ride Zone pickup point located in the E3 car park, by the East Stand of the stadium. You can also select a barge to arrive at Old Trafford as both the Manchester Ship Canal and Bridgewater Canal. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets, if you are an official member of the club for a £20 annual fee, can range from listed a listed price of £36-£50, but could increase due to availability and depending on the opponent. As with many other major clubs in the EPL, plan well ahead since tickets against cross-town rival Manchester City will sell out quickly. Reduced price tickets are normally available for youths, 18 to 20-year-olds, and seniors (youths and seniors enjoy half price tickets). If you plan on arriving by car, some lots charge £10 per car. Old Trafford is among the best pitches in English Football and people from all over the world visit the stadium to watch a game. Just like with other iconic buildings, expect to play slighter higher for that adventure since it could be a once in a lifetime experience for visitors. A United v City clash would be quite a match to witness, but high in price. Other matches against non-rivals would help reduce the cost in price. Extras 5 At least one thing in Manchester is top of the bill: the extras. You have plenty to choose from. Start with a visit to the humongous official store, with a wide array of merchandise, ranging from shirts to toilet paper and other things you can’t even imagine. Then take a stadium tour, which will also take you to the United Museum, stacked with memorabilia from the storied franchise. You can even take photos with the silverware that’s on display. The magical stadium tour will take you to all the great places such as the dressing rooms and the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. There are also ‘legends tours’ on offer, where tours are conducted by former United greats. The museum and stadium tours aren’t available on matchdays. Tickets are £18 and £12 for kids. A family of four will pay £54 in total. Around the stadium, you will find several memorials including one dedicated to Sir Matt Busby, a plaque to honor the victims of the Munich plane crash (including eight ‘Busby Babes,’ who tragically died in the disaster), and a statue of Sir Alex Ferguson, erected in 2012. Final Thoughts The inevitable deluge of money into the English Premier League has seen clubs chase profits, none more so than the Glazer family-owned Manchester United, who have proven quite adept at squeezing every penny out of the operation. Given the debt they incurred to afford the purchase of the club a decade ago, it is understandable from a business aspect but has affected the matchday experience significantly. However, it is still one of the iconic English grounds to visit and is a must-see venue in itself.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Orange Bowl Field at Harris Field Park 1034 NE 8th Street Homestead, FL 33030 Homestead Senior High Broncos website Orange Bowl Field at Harris Field Park website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 10,000 Homestead’s Premiere High School Football Field In the fall evenings, high school football takes center stage in Homestead, Florida. With several local schools that have been around for a long time alongside newer schools that have popped up, the bleachers fill up with fans. Students line the sidelines alongside old-timers to watch some good old-fashioned gridiron battles under the lights at Orange Bowl Field. In 2017, the facility committed to a massive renovation and rejuvenation of the obviously aging facility. These updates are currently halfway finished, complete with new paint on most of it, a brand-new scoreboard opposite the old falling apart one, and a beautiful new turf field. Food & Beverage 1 Looking for a bite to eat or a cool drink? Good luck. There is usually only one, or two at best, concessions stands open. Also, given that the students of the respective schools are those who line up, line jumping is all too common. If you want to go off-property, you can get a sub at Publix, a coffee at Starbucks, or something to eat at Pollo Tropical or Ruby Tuesday right across the street, but you’d have to visit them early to do that. Part of the to-be-completed renovations to Orange Bowl Field include an upgrade and overhaul of the existing concessions stands, so fans are hoping this will mean a better and wider variety of choices on game day. Atmosphere 4 Not many atmospheres are better than when Homestead High takes on South Dade Senior High in the annual Centennial Cup matchup at Orange Bowl Field. Rest assured there isn’t a single seat to be had, or even any space to stand for that matter. During other rivalry games, the students deck themselves out in body paint and bring homemade signs to show their support. A touchdown or quarterback sack are met with thunderous cheering that rocks the metal stands – this is as good as it gets in South Florida for high school sports. Neighborhood 3 Orange Bowl Field is in the parking lot of the local YMCA, situated next to the Doc DeMilly Rodeo Arena at the corner of US-1 and SW 312th St, two of the biggest roads in South Dade County. While one side of the field is bordered by a trailer park, the others have a large strip shopping center across the street. Adjacent to the west is the local library. While not exactly in the middle of a thriving metropolis, Orange Bowl Field can hold its own as being located in a relatively average neighborhood. There are hotels nearby, but nothing within immediate walking distance. As for something to eat, there are a lot of restaurants just down the street off Florida Turnpike Exit #2. Fans 4 Fans at Orange Bowl Field are among the most loyal you will find. They support their local high school teams no matter what their records. And if the teams is doing poorly, they will let the coaches know about it right away – the same goes for the calls made by the referees; nobody is safe from their wrath if the call is perceived to be a bad one. The fans also seem to know each and every player and coach on the field, having followed them from pee-wee football all the way to their college-bound time in the high school ranks. There are a ton of stories that can be swapped, making for an enjoyable time while taking in a game. Access 4 Orange Bowl Field is very easy to find, with less than a five-minute drive from the Florida Turnpike’s Exit #2 taking you right to the entrance of the park. Parking is plentiful as well, making getting in and out very easy for fans, and traffic is directed in and out by the local police during popular matchups, making going home smoother. Make sure you go to the bathroom before you enter the stadium, as the restrooms here leave a lot to be desired. Return on Investment 4 Sitting on metal bleachers without backs can be a little uncomfortable over time, especially if the game goes long. However, the atmosphere at Orange Bowl Field is well worth the cost, depending on the game you are attending. With ticket prices never rising higher than $10 for a game, you are pretty much only spending money on your gas to get here, so with little investment you get a pretty big gain if the game is a good one, or the matchup features a school you support. With the upgrades coming to the facility in the future, the restrooms will be upgraded and renovated, as will the landscaping around the stadium. Extras 2 Orange Bowl Field gets the occasional flyover, albeit not scheduled – the location of the facility is right along the flight line for planes heading in and out of Homestead Air Reserve Base, making an inadvertent flyover a possibility. There are also pee-wee football fields next to Orange Bowl Stadium, as well as basketball courts and little league baseball and softball fields that usually have games going on as well, making for a true family sports atmosphere when you arrive. Final Thoughts Orange Bowl Field is a pretty good high school football stadium compared to most in South Florida, and its location makes for easy access for fans of all the schools who make appearances here. Friday Night Lights could have easily been filmed here if it were based in South Florida, and the fans make it a great stadium in which to watch a game. Just make sure you bring your own food and drinks, as there is rarely anything to get without waiting in the long line at the stadium’s lone concessions stand.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Owings Mills Gymnasium 11005 Owings Mills Blvd Owings Mills, MD 21117 Stevenson Mustangs website Owings Mills Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,500 A History of Horses Stevenson University was originally known as Villa Julie College. It has always been a bit of a quirky place. Originally located in the Greenspring Valley of Baltimore County and its Stevenson neighborhood, the college was an all-girls school until 1972 and did not even offer bachelor degrees until 1984. It also was entirely non-residential. But eventually the college desired to add housing and more of just about everything, so a new campus was added in Owings Mills. This expansion dramatically increased the college’s offerings and student population. In 2008, they decided they needed a new identity and changed their name to Stevenson University. The Owings Mills campus just happened to be right next door to the old Baltimore Colts training facility. Stevenson acquired the building and the land and used it as the center of their athletic department. In 2006 it re-opened as the Caves Sports and Wellness Center. Some of the locker rooms and facilities are similar to the ones left behind by the Baltimore Ravens (the last professional football team to use the building), with necessary remodeling done. The training center was also home of the Canadian Football League champions, the Baltimore Stallions between 1994 and 1995. In 2010, Stevenson opened the Owings Mills Gymnasium, as they moved their basketball games from an antiquated gym on the old Villa Julie part of their campus. The university also added 3,500 seat Mustang Stadium next door in 2011. Stevenson University is still in the midst of expanding. They are trying to add land from the nearby Rosewood State Hospital, a now closed institution for people with developmental disabilities. Until then, the grounds of Rosewood is a fascinating ghost town type complex. And it is super creepy. Talks and negotiations for the proposed purchase of this land seems to be at a standstill, but it should eventually happen. It makes sense for it to eventually happen as Stevenson wants the land and there may be no other major suitors. Food & Beverage 2 A very small and basic food stand is located on the concourse. Don’t expect much. Hot dogs are $3, nachos $4 and soda $2. You might be better off leaving the facility and walking to one of the many options in the close vicinity of the university instead of spending much money here. Atmosphere 2 The gymnasium has a very basic single grandstand on each side of the court with an outside concourse between the two areas. All seats are bleacher type. The gymnasium can get loud because of its small size. Neighborhood 4 Owings Mills is a suburb of Baltimore, so there are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants in the area. A couple of well stocked places are within easy walking distance. The closest options for places to go for food are Edo Mae Sushi (10995 Owings Mills Blvd), Five Guys Burgers and Fries (10902 Boulevard Circle) and Courtney’s Bagel Cafe and Deli (11000 Owings Mills Blvd). The Owings Mills station of the Baltimore Metro subway system is located about a mile away from campus. Fans 4 The fan atmosphere will depend on the game. But unfortunately the students do not tend to come to many games. The school is largely a commuter school. Access 4 Owings Mills Boulevard has an exit off of nearby Interstate 795. The stadium is a pretty quick one mile trip from the highway. I worried about traffic in an area that is pretty busy even on normal days, but the traffic was no problem. The university has plenty of parking in the area and there are no issues here. Parking is free. Return on Investment 4 Games are fairly cheap to atend, with some games even being free. Extras 2 The former home of three professional football teams (Baltimore Colts, Baltimore Stallions and Baltimore Ravens), the Caves Sports and Wellness Center is worth a quick trip just outside the gym entrance. Try to remember 1984 and the pain and struggle that local football fans went through for years after the Colts moved away on a snowy night from this very location. Next to Mustang Stadium is a statue of a mustang, the university’s mascot. This is a good meet up spot and photo opportunity. Inside the Owings Mills Gymnasium concourse is a very nicely detailed Stevenson University Athletic Hall of Fame. Final Thoughts Stevenson has a nice, fairly new basketball facility that is easy to get to and cheap to attend. If you are in the area, this would be a venue we could easily recommend.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey, Augsburg University, & Stacy Van Egterm Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Parade Stadium 400 Kenwood Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55403 Augsburg University website Parade Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 500 A Ballpark with A View Parade Stadium is the home to the Augsburg University baseball club and perhaps offers one of the best views not only in the Twin Cities but in all of Minnesota. The ballpark is located in the Kenwood neighborhood of Minneapolis and adjacent to the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Augsburg has used Parade Stadium for baseball since at least 1955. It appears that 1959 was the first season that most of its home games were played at the stadium; before that year, the Auggies played most of their home games at Northeast Park, with a game or two at Parade. The diamond sits on the grounds of the original Parade Stadium, a 16,560-capacity football stadium that was built with $600,000 in bonds over two years and opened in 1951. It was Minneapolis’s first public football stadium and hosted high school, amateur, collegiate, and professional football games. The NFL preseason games were an annual event that netted huge profits for the stadium from 1951 to 1955, including 20,000 that witnessed Green Bay v. San Francisco during the stadium’s first season. The stadium hosted around 50 games a year and would also be the home during the summertime Aquatennial festivals, midget car racing, circuses, and major concerts that came through the Twin Cities. However, due to complaints of noise and traffic by nearby residents and the cost of maintaining the structure, it needed $250,000 in repairs at one point, the stadium was down to only five events in 1986. With the sculpture park debuting in 1988 and a need to expand it, the decision was made to tear down Parade Stadium in 1990. The price tag was one million dollars for the demolition of the stadium and relocation of the softball field. Today, a simple baseball stadium remains with a million-dollar view of the Minneapolis skyline. Food & Beverage 0 The ballpark does not offer food or drinks during baseball games. Fans are recommended to bring in their concession items. On a nice day with the clear blue skies above and the city skyline in the distance, something from home or a restaurant should suffice. Atmosphere 3 Depending on the weather, the atmosphere is pleasantly charming with gorgeous views of the city skyline and plenty of room to stretch your feet. The majority of home games are played during the summer months at Parade Stadium with around 12 dates per season. The ballpark is very basic and can be classified as a glorified high school stadium, but the views and the adjacent sculpture park are worth the price of admission. The stadium’s structure is quite meager and is slightly higher than a glorified high school field, but its location and views beyond the outfield walls give the place distinction not found in too many other stadiums in the country. Sure, there are skyline views, but based on the ballpark’s structure, it gets swallowed up by the tall skyscrapers and sculpture gardens next door. The layout of the stadium is a simple press box and aluminum bleachers behind the backstop with two sections of aluminum bleachers down the first and third baselines. There is no cover protection. There is nothing fancy about Parade Stadium, but it is an interesting experience given its proximity to the sculpture gardens and the views of the Minneapolis skyline. Neighborhood 5 Parade Stadium is adjacent to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden , one of the must-see destinations in town. Numerous sculptures include Spoonbridge and Cherry, Hahn/Cock, and Love. The park also includes the Walker Art Center and Parade Ice Garden. A few restaurants nearby include Cafe & Bar Lurcat (American cuisine), 4 Bells (Lowcountry-inspired), and Sisyphus Brewing. Downtown Minneapolis is a collection of funky streets, numerous skyways above the streets, and up-and-coming neighborhoods that all seem to converge at Target Center and the neighboring Target Field . A popular place across the street before games is Kieran Irish Pub, the outside patio is a great place to grab a drink if you arrive a tad early before the game. The Depot Tavern is an old bus station turned into a place for cocktails and beers, and Seven Steakhouse Sushi offers rooftop seating and views before or after the game. The funky Hennepin Avenue has a collection of local establishments after the game for drinks and music, but the up-and-coming Warehouse District is just a few blocks away featuring casual seafood restaurant Smack Shack and craft breweries Fulton Brewing Taproom and Inbound BrewCo. Fans 3 The crowd attendance is typical for Midwestern Division III baseball from around 100 to 200. Many of the people in attendance are friends and family of the players out on the field. The focus is on the game on the field and many of the sounds are from the players on the diamond. When it comes to a pure baseball atmosphere, Parade Stadium has what you’re looking for. Access 3 Parade Stadium is easily accessible by car and once inside the simple layout is perfect for an afternoon or an evening of baseball. There is also mass transit that offers bus stops within a 3 to 5-minute walk from the stadium. There is also a parking lot that is shared with the sculpture gardens that costs $4. Return on Investment 4 There is no admission charge for baseball games, but it does cost $4 to park in the adjacent lot via parking meters. A small price to pay for beautiful views and beautiful sculptures to view before or after the game. Extras 2 Parade Stadium offers a stunning view of the Minneapolis skyline, perhaps the best views in the city–or a close second behind Target Field. The Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens are one of the city’s must-see destinations that is adjacent to the baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Parade Stadium is by no means a perfect stadium and is quite simple in design and atmosphere. However, its location and skyline views of the city make it a hidden gem when visiting the Twin Cities. ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Paul Walsh Field 230 Hathaway Blvd New Bedford, MA 02740 Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 2,000 Down By the Bay Dr. Paul Walsh Field, originally named Sargent Field, is located on the campus of New Bedford High School. It has been the home of the New Bedford Bay Sox since their inception in 2009. The field, which is part of a larger athletic complex, serves as home to New Bedford’s high school and American Legion teams in addition to the Bay Sox. Dr. Walsh was a long-time member of the city’s school board and was a strong supporter of the school’s athletic department. He spearheaded many committees that developed and expanded the facility. The Bay Sox franchise has played in the New England Collegiate Baseball League since 1997, starting out as the Torrington Twisters. While in Torrington, the team made the league championship series four times, losing each time. Now in their tenth season in the Whaling City, the Bay Sox have made the playoffs four times, losing in the opening round on three occasions. Food & Beverage 2 The Bay Sox run a concession stand in the first floor of the press box building directly behind home plate. The menu has been downgraded in recent seasons, but still offers value, as no item is priced over four dollars. All your ballpark basics can be found here including hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza slices and french fries. Snacks, including peanuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn and assorted candy and ice cream are also available. Pepsi products are featured at Walsh Field. No alcohol is sold at this facility. There is a souvenir stand on the concourse offering a nice variety of Bay Sox t-shirts, hats, and other memorabilia. Atmosphere 2 The Bay Sox have put a lot of effort into improving their game day experience and the results have been positive overall. The team has increased its presence in the community, and as a result has attracted more sponsorship from local businesses. The team has beefed up their promotional schedule, offering deals and giveaways for most home dates. The team has also attempted to make the in-game experience livelier. Music blares over the PA system between innings and batters, and the team involves the younger fans in attendance with some between innings contests. The mascot, a whale named Slamu, roams the crowd throughout the game, posing for pictures and engaging fans in some good-natured shenanigans. As is the case at most summer collegiate games, the team runs raffles for items including Red Sox tickets, team card sets, as well as the standard 50/50 raffle. The area behind home plate has become a focal point for activity, including raffles and giveaways from local sponsors, a fast pitch cage, and on some nights, a dunk tank. Neighborhood 2 Walsh Field is located in a residential area, without a whole lot of businesses or attractions in the immediate area. Visiting fans can find a few eateries on nearby Route 6, but to get the best bang for your buck while visiting New Bedford, head downtown, a few short miles away from the ballpark. New Bedford is another New England city which has suffered through some hard times and is struggling to rebuild both their infrastructure and their reputation. Thanks to a great deal of investment from civic leaders and local businesses, downtown New Bedford has a great National Historic Park, a number of museums, shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. It’s a nice place to visit, and improving all the time. Still, New Bedford isn’t really considered to be a destination city, especially with popular tourist spots such as Cape Cod, Newport and Providence all close by. New Bedford is not the dangerous wasteland it is sometimes made out to be. Check it out, you will be pleasantly surprised. Fans 2 The Bay Sox have consistently averaged about 500 fans per game over the past few seasons. This ranks the team in the middle of the NECBL attendance standings. Many of the fans that show up are regulars, and are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about their Bay Sox. You are also very likely to find many children running around the vast expanses around the ball field, playing catch or chasing foul balls around. Kids who shag down foul balls can cash in three balls for a Bay Sox t-shirt. Access 3 Walsh Field is located on the campus of New Bedford High School in the city’s North End. Take exit 13 off of Interstate 195 (Route 140 South) to the traffic light located at the intersection with Route 6. Follow Route 6 to Rockdale Ave, turn left, and then bear right onto Hathaway Boulevard. The athletic fields of New Bedford High School will be on your right. There is ample parking available on the streets surrounding Walsh Field, but you will be better served to park in the large lot across the street at the high school, as foul balls leave the facility regularly. Once inside the park, there is a large paved area behind home plate where the souvenir stand, a few games for the kids, and the concession stand are located. On either baseline is a large raised grandstand high enough to see over the fences that surround the field. Unfortunately, netting obstructs the view from all seats. Fans bringing their own chairs can camp out behind home plate or on grassy areas down either line. With the small crowds present at Walsh Field, spreading out is not an issue. There are rest rooms in a small building down the right field line. Fans looking to use public transportation to a Bay Sox game will be disappointed to learn that SRTA’s #2 bus only stops at New Bedford High School while school is in session. Driving is the best way to get to Walsh Field, as the closest bus stop is several blocks away. Return on Investment 4 Admission to a Bay Sox game is $5 for adults, with tickets for children and seniors discounted by two dollars. Children under 6 years old are admitted free of charge. Showing a Stop and Shop card at the gate can save you an additional dollar. All seating is sold as general admission. In addition, the tickets come with coupons to a local restaurants and stores on the back, making it possible to get back more money in coupons than you spent on the ticket. There is no charge for parking in the high school’s lot across the street from the ball field, and there is ample free parking on the nearby streets as well. On-street parking, while convenient, is not recommended, as your car may be hit by one of the many foul balls that leave Paul Walsh Field. With inexpensive concession prices, a night out at a Bay Sox game is an affordable alternative to many other activities in the area. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the improvements in the game day atmosphere here in New Bedford. Increased involvement with the community has resulted in more sponsorship, an enriched promotional schedule, and increased attendance. The Bay Sox seem to be growing roots in the New Bedford and are carving out their own niche in the community. Final Thoughts While not boasting the most dynamic facility in the area, New Bedford is not necessarily a bad place to see a game. A Bay Sox game is very affordable, and the baseball being played is of a high level. Many players have gone on from the NECBL to professional and major league careers. New Bedford’s biggest drawback may be simply its location. The Bay Sox are surrounded on the east by the Cape Cod League, with the Wareham Gatemen located just 17 miles away; on the west by the Newport Gulls , who have become the flagship franchise of the NECBL and are consistently ranked as one of the top 10 summer college teams in the country; and to the north by the Future League’s Brockton Rox , who play in a former professional ballpark. Anything the Bay Sox do in undersized and plain Walsh Field simply pales in comparison. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Peden Stadium Richland Ave & S Green Dr Athens, OH 45701 Ohio Bobcats website Peden Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 24,000 The Crown Jewel of the Mid-American Conference On campus, it is referred to as “The Crown Jewel of the Mid-American Conference.” Peden Stadium, home of the Ohio Bobcats, brings a vast history to the relatively young conference. Used to host the football team since 1929, Peden Stadium is named after legendary Ohio coach Don Peden. Whether or not the claims of greatness by those associated with Ohio are accurate remains in question, however, Ohio puts together a great product in a great conference in a truly historic stadium. The Ohio program has been in operation since 1894 and is an original member of the MAC since its creation in 1946. Ohio claims eleven conference titles, including 8 from the Buckeye Athletic Conference in the thirties and MAC Championships in 1953, 1960, 1963, 1967, and 1968. The Bobcats also have a 2-7 record in Bowl games with victories in 2011 and 2012. Keep in mind that a select few teams from the MAC make it to a Bowl game at all. Under the guidance of Coach Frank Solich, the Bobcats have been a consistent contender in the conference. A trip to Peden Stadium is a trip back in time as the stadium is the oldest in the conference and although there are some challenges and some areas in which improvements can be made, Peden Stadium offers a solid venue for a great afternoon of football. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Peden Stadium are fairly limited, but there are a couple of options that may interest you. There are a few permanent concession stands under the east and west grandstands that offer some basic options. Hot dogs, kielbasa, bratwurst, popcorn, caramel corn, pizza, nachos, and peanuts are all available. At the Grille Stand, they have a couple of other interesting items including chicken sandwiches, gyros, cheeseburgers, and cheesesteaks. The other interesting choices are found at the Hungry Cat food truck where brisket and verde chicken are featured with either sandwiches, nachos, or platters. Soft drinks are Pepsi products and can be found in either bottles or fountain variety. Gatorade, water, and frozen lemonade are also available. Alcohol is not sold in Peden Stadium. Atmosphere 4 Peden Stadium has a pretty good atmosphere but has some spots that could use some improvements. Ohio University has a beautiful campus with some classic architecture that features a lot of red brick and arches. Peden Stadium follows suit with its architecture. Built-in 1929, Peden Stadium offers classic architecture with red brick all over the exterior with concrete arches throughout. Those arches often feature banners, which aids in the game day experience. The north side of the exterior also features the bronze Bobcat statue that fans all make a pilgrimage to and get that perfect photo with. Peden Stadium is also a historical site and the marker is right by the bronze Bobcat. Inside the stadium, fans will be greeted with some pretty narrow concourses and an urge to get to the outer walkway of the stadium, which travels three-quarters of the stadium. The artificial turf field is oriented north and south with the main grandstands on the east and west. Curved bleachers in the northeast and northwest corners of the stadium make it clear that an attempt to increase the capacity of the stadium has been made. The stadium flags are found at the north end of the stadium and the scoreboard with video board is found at the south end. The video board is significantly dated and in need of replacement. The seating area is separated from the playing field by a horseshoe of red brick. On the northeast corner of this wall, fans will find the nine signs signifying the Bowl appearances by the Bobcats. These include the 1962 Sun Bowl, 1968 Tangerine Bowl, 2007 GMAC Bowl, 2009 Little Caesars Bowl, 2010 New Orleans Bowl, 2011 Potato Bowl, and 2012 Independence Bowl. The 2011 and 2012 bowl appearances mark the only bowl victories for the Bobcats. On the opposite side of the field, Ohio curiously features three signs recognizing the 2006, 2009, and 2011 MAC East champions, years that the Bobcats did not win the Conference. The Bobcats should find a way to mark their five MAC Championships and six Buckeye Conference Championships. Seating in Peden Stadium is not overly comfortable, which is pretty much par for college football. The vast majority of the stadium seating is aluminum benches without backs. If you need a back to your bench, then you will need to find a seat in one of the premium seating areas like the club seats. The west grandstand has the best view of the logo at the 50-yard line. The east grandstand is pretty much for the students and band and the northeast bleachers are for the family zone. The game day experience at Peden Stadium is similar to many other college experiences. On a Bobcat score the cannon in the northwest corner of the stadium is fired and the cheerleaders do pushups in the end zone. Unfortunately for the cheerleaders, the game that was reviewed saw the Bobcats score 54. The team is led onto the field by the Bobcat mascot Rufus (who rides a motorcycle around the field), and then the traditional flags spelling out Ohio and the unique flag of Ohio (except done in Ohio Bobcat colors) follow. The Ohio University Marching 110 is the band and they are fantastic. Neighborhood 3 Athens, Ohio is pretty much a college town. Peden Stadium is located at the south end of the Ohio campus. There are a couple of interesting places to grab something to eat before or after the game, however, you are going to have to head off campus. If you head just north of campus, on the north side of W Union St, you will find Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery between S Court and S Congress. There are several other spots if you continue north on Court. You may also want to consider the Red Brick Sports Pub on N Court St. Athens is located due east of Cincinnati and southeast of Columbus. Being a college town, there are not a ton of other options for things to do while in Athens. That being said, Ohio has a pretty solid basketball program with a strong fan base. Ohio plays basketball at the Convocation Center. There are also a whole host of Bobcat athletic teams, hosted by the university. If you are planning on staying in Athens, there are a couple of options for accommodations that you may be interested in. The Ohio University Inn and Conference Center is conveniently located on campus. Otherwise, you may want to try the Baymont Inn and Suites or Holiday Inn Express, both conveniently located off Highway 33, northeast of campus. Fans 4 The Ohio Bobcats have a decent following. The program has been pretty strong under coach Frank Solich. As a result, they have been rewarded with a pretty solid attendance. In 2014 the Bobcats averaged over 20,500 fans per game. In 2015 the Bobcats averaged over 21,300 at the time of writing, they were averaging over 22,000 fans per game. Although these may not be numbers that are over the top compared to some of the bloated numbers that other college football programs will draw, the fact remains that the Bobcats draw close to the capacity of Peden Stadium. Compared to other programs in the MAC, the Bobcats are typically at the top of the conference with regard to average attendance. The fans in the stands are polite, intelligent, and supportive of the Bobcats. One of the curious aspects of the game that was being reviewed was how the students participated. The student section named the O-Zone, located in the east grandstand, was full. After the band played at halftime, the students disappeared for the second half and made the stadium almost half-empty. The game played was also close throughout and not a blowout at all. Access 3 The age of Peden Stadium gets in the way of patron comfort and access. Peden Stadium is located at the south end of the Ohio University Campus, pretty much in the center of Athens, just north of the Hocking River. The campus is located very close to Highway 50 and Highway 33, so getting into town will not be too difficult. Traveling through campus to find parking might be a bit more of a challenge. As with most programs, season ticket holders have most of the best parking spots pre-reserved. There are several other locations on campus to park, however, it may be a bit of a maze-like drive to find one. There are several bus stops that are near Peden Stadium and go through campus. Probably the closest stop is on Richland Ave, just west of the stadium. Check out the Athens Transit website for maps, schedules, and fares. The north tower is where you would want to head for the ticket windows, including will-call. There are several former ticket windows around the stadium that are very small but not used. Do not get frustrated with these non-functioning windows. Getting around Peden Stadium is where it can get challenging. Under the grandstands, the concourses are very small and cramped. If possible, it is easiest to travel around the stadium on the outer walkway. The washrooms in Peden Stadium are definitely in need of some sort of upgrade as they are ancient. Return on Investment 4 Ohio football is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Tickets will typically run between $20 and $40. As with most programs, tickets for conference rivals are more expensive. Concession prices are decent and parking can be found for around $10. The return for the fans is good also with MACtion being some of the most underrated football in the entire country. On the day of this review, the Bobcats would go into triple overtime. A better return for the dollar would be gained with some improvements to the stadium. Extras 2 An extra mark for the North Tower, which offers some modern points necessary for competing in NCAA football. An extra mark for Ohio’s keeping of their classic, original stadium and incorporating new parts to it. Final Thoughts Whether or not Peden Stadium is “the crown jewel of the Mid-America Conference” is going to be up to the fan to figure out. The facts are that Ohio has a historic stadium that offers a lot to the football experience. Peden Stadium could also benefit from some stadium upgrades to improve the experience for fans. The Ohio University Marching 110 also adds to the game day experience in a way that may not be found with other schools in the conference. At the end of the day, a trip to Athens to figure out if their claims are true is worth it. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Matt Fiedler and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center 235 Hope St Providence, RI 02912 Brown Bears basketball website Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 2,800 Triple B – Brown Bears Basketball The Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center has been the home of Brown University basketball since 1989. The arena is located in the East Side neighborhood of Providence and is adjacent to Meehan Auditorium (Home of Brown University hockey), and Berylson Family Field (the practice facility for Brown University football). Fans of no-frills basketball will really enjoy their time at Pizzitola Sports Center. The arena is both affordable and has great views no matter where you choose to sit. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at Brown University are standard, but also offer a few unique offerings. In the main lobby you will see a small concession stand that offers entrees like hot dogs and pizza. The stand also offers cookies, pretzels, candy, and soft drinks. Those are all typical arena options. Everything at the concession stand is $5 or less. So, a typical meal of a slice of pizza and a Coke will only cost $6. Inside the arena there is a small cart that offers something unique, roasted nuts. While most arenas offer peanuts, the Pizzitola Sports Center has a cart that offers cinnamon glazed cashews, almonds and pecans for just $5 per bag. There is no alcohol served at this venue but if you’re seeking an adult beverage and a more substantial meal, there are plenty of options within the city of Providence. Atmosphere 2 The Pizzitola Sports Center is a very low-key basketball venue. There isn’t a giant scoreboard or a huge student section. There are scoreboards on the wall at each end of the arena that show the pertinent information that fans need. The scoreboards display the score, the players on the court, and the team’s fouls situation. Brown University doesn’t have the typical experience for college basketball. There is no cheerleading squad or dance team. There isn’t a pep band either that plays during breaks in the action. The PA announcer does his best to get the crowd involved in the game and typical stadium music is played during breaks in the action. Overall the atmosphere is very much about the basketball and less about the music and entertainment. If you’re a fan who looks for things like dance teams and other entertainment during breaks, you’ll be disappointed. Neighborhood 5 Brown University is located in a beautiful part of the city of Providence. The East Side of Providence is home to many great restaurants and is known for being a very wealthy area. Fans can get to downtown very quickly and find attractions like the Providence Place Mall, Providence Performing Arts Center, and Federal Hill. Brown University’s athletic facilities are very centralized so fans could go to a football game in the afternoon and a basketball game at night. The two facilities are right near each other and are just a short walk away. In terms of safety, the Pizzitola Sports Center is in a very nice area. Many fans park on the street near the arena and simply walk over to the game. There are lots of people walking on the streets before and after a game so fans can feel safe leaving their cars on the street and walking over. Fans 2 The capacity of Pizzitola Sports Center is only 2,800 so even with a packed house it’s not a large group of fans. However, the fans that are in attendance do know their stuff. Stadium Journey could tell that the fans in attendance seem like long time followers of Brown University athletics. If you happen to go when the team is playing PC, URI or another local rival, things may get a bit rowdy. When Stadium Journey visited, Brown was playing URI and the place was jammed. If you go when the team is playing someone like Cornell, the crowds will most likely be smaller. Overall, the fans are very respectful no matter what team you are rooting for. Access 3 The Pizzitola Sports Center is easy to get to. The campus is about 2 miles from I-95. Fans need to take a few side streets and then the campus will come into view. When trying to find parking, there are a few options. One option is to park in one of the lots that are adjacent to the athletic facilities. If those fill up, you can find plenty of room to park on one of the side streets that surround the campus. If you’re taking public transportation, there are some RIPTA buses that make stops at the campus. You could also take Amtrak to Providence Station and then take an Uber or Lyft to the campus. Once inside the area, fans will find that it is easy to navigate. Most of the seats are at the court level. There are bleachers on both ends of the court as well as both sidelines. There are also areas for groups in the upper level. There are no obstructed views so wherever you sit, you’ll have a good view of the action. The concourse can get crowded at halftime, but the bathrooms are quite spacious. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Brown basketball game range from only $7-$15 each. That is a great price to see Division One basketball. The parking around the arena is free and the concessions are cheap. So, if you bought a general admission ticket, slice of pizza, and a Coke, you would only have to spend $13. There aren’t many Division One arenas where you can get that kind of value. To see high end college basketball for under $20 is a terrific deal. Extras 2 One star goes to the overall value of attending a Brown basketball game. The tickets are affordable, and the concessions are a great value as well. Stadium Journey suggests trying the cinnamon glazed almonds for only $5 each. When you factor in the free parking, it’s about as cheap as you can get for a Division One experience. A second star goes to surroundings of the Brown University campus. It is a short drive to downtown Providence where there are tons of great restaurants and things to do. Final Thoughts If you’re a fan who wants all the glitz and glamour of Division One basketball, this isn’t the venue for you. However, if you want to see quality basketball with no frills and have it be an affordable experience, then I would suggest checking out a Brown basketball game at the Pizzitola Sports Center. Afterward, Stadium Journey would recommend that you head over to Federal Hill and grab some great Italian food.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Investors Group Field 315 Chencellor Matheson Rd Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Z2 Canada Winnipeg Blue Bombers website Investors Group Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 33,500 The Loudest Fans in the CFL Editor's Note: In January 2024 the Winnipeg Football Club agreed to a 10-year stadium naming rights deal with Princess Auto. The name of the Stadium was changed to "Princess Auto Stadium" in April 2024. This review, written in 2018, refers to the stadium by its previous name, Investors Group Field. Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) is home to the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Colloquially known as “Home of the CFL’s Loudest Fans” (this moniker is proudly on display inside the stadium), the facility opened in 2013, and has a capacity of just over 33,000, but can be expanded to hold 40,000 fans. Located on the University of Manitoba’s campus, Investors Group Field is also used by the school’s football team for home games, as well as by the Winnipeg Rifles of the CJFL, which is a national amateur Canadian football league, from which some players “graduate” into the CFL after proving their skills. Food & Beverage 5 Investors Group Field has everything you could expect in terms of food and drink at a sports stadium. There are plenty of concessions stands behind the seats on each sideline, as well as additional options on the plazas behind each end zone. Food options at Investors Group Field include chicken tenders (regular or spicy), vegetarian perogies, turkey wings, chicken and waffle sandwiches, fried fish, multiple types of hot dogs, chili, butter chicken and rice bowls, several types of burgers (including turkey and chorizo), falafel, shawarma, salads, and pizza, plus all manner of snacks such as popcorn, peanuts, nachos, sunflower seeds, soft pretzels, samosas, vegetarian spring rolls, fries, chips, packaged candy, donuts, cotton candy, and even veggies with dip. And of course, what Canadian sporting event would be complete without poutine on the menu? If you are visiting from out of country, this is definitely a dish you should try at least once, but even if you are a local, you can’t help but be impressed by the sheer variety of items available at Investors Group Field, with options available to suit any budget. Individual items start at $4 and run all the way up to $13, with combos starting at $12. Drink options are not quite as numerous, but there is plenty to get you by for a couple of hours. Selections include bottled or fountain soda, bottled water, and coffee or hot chocolate ($2 to $9 for non-alcoholic drinks), as well as beer, wine, and plenty of liquor and mixed drinks – beer starts at $7, liquor starts at $8, wine is $9, and mixed drinks are $16. Atmosphere 5 Investors Group Field is a great place to take in a football game – the fans are loud, thanks in part to the cantilevered roofs over both sidelines, and all the seats are chair backs, so you can sit in comfort and style. In addition, the Blue Bomber staff brings in plenty of entertainment to keep fans engaged during breaks in the action. First up are Buzz and Boomer, the two bird mascots decked out in Winnipeg jerseys and helmets, who keep fans entertained along the sidelines. Next is Captain Blue, the Blue Bomber pilot who drives his biplane onto the field before the game and after every Bombers score. You will also hear cannon blasts throughout the game, courtesy of the silvery-blue cannon above the end zone, which is fired after every Winnipeg score. And in addition, some lucky fans are treated to free t-shirts, fired from a Gatling-style gun sponsored by Boston Pizza. The Winnipeg Blue Bomber players even get into the act, running and jumping into the end zone stands when Winnipeg scores, for high fives and pats on the back from fans in the front row. And then of course you have the ubiquitous fan contests, in this case weight lifting competitions and fans racing each other while inside giant inflatable hamster wheels. The crowd noise is even loud when the stadium is only half full – the decibel level inside Investors Group Field was once measured at the max level of 108. Neighborhood 4 Winnipeg is a large, sprawling town with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and things to do if you are in town for the day or for the weekend. Being on the University of Manitoba’s campus means there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of Investors Group Field except parking lots and campus buildings, but there are plenty of restaurant and lodging options within a few minutes’ drive. And if you are coming in from out of town, there are lots of hotels and restaurants near the Winnipeg airport, about 10 km north of the stadium. If you have time before or after the game, Fort Whyte Alive is a great place to visit in Winnipeg – not far from Investors Group Field, the keynote attraction at Fort Whyte is the Bison Safari on Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 1:30 or 2:30 pm, where you can take a shuttle ride right up to within a few feet of the magnificent animals (Fort Whyte has a population of between 30 and 35 bison on site). There is also a small Interpretive Center on site, which features tons of activities for the kids, and if outdoor activities are your thing, there are several hiking and biking trails on the property, as well as activities on the water such as sailing. Another popular attraction in Winnipeg is touring the National Mint, where coins from around the world are made. The mint has daily tours every half hour starting at 9 am – reservations are not required but are helpful if you want to schedule a specific time. Note that the tours are better on weekdays, however, since the productions lines are turned off on weekends, but you can still tour the facility on weekends if you choose (the tour is exactly the same, except that the machines are off and the line workers are not there). Fans 4 Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans get credit for being as loud as they are, but sadly the facility does not always sell out – at a typical game you might only see half to two-thirds of the seats filled. On the plus side, however, a high percentage of fans are decked out in team gear, so you will definitely feel right at home if you choose to show up in your Bombers gear. Access 4 It is easy enough to get to Investors Group Field, and you can see its distinctive outline from kilometers away – the highways around Winnipeg (and much of Canada) are actually really well done, with lots of six and eight-lane divided roads laid out to speed the traffic flow; credit goes to the local city planners, it is obvious they planned ahead when building the streets here. Unfortunately the parking situation at Investors Group Field leaves a little to be desired – as expected, the stadium being on campus means there are lots of parking restrictions, and not many side streets too park along in the vicinity. Cash parking is available in the Gold and Blue lots for $20 on the east side of the stadium (or you can park in the Black value lot for $10 further away to the east), but for the closer in lots will need a pass. However, once you get inside the stadium it is really easy to move around – there are giant plazas behind each end zone you can use to get from side to side, so you can enter at any gate and still find your seat with ease. There are also plenty of bathrooms inside Investors Group Field to accommodate the size of the crowd, although as with most sports venues you may face lines at the concessions during peak periods like halftime. Return on Investment 4 Single game ticket prices for Winnipeg Blue Bombers games start at about $32 CAD, which is in line with professional sports throughout Canada, and is slightly lower than pro football games in the US. Parking is reasonable at $20, and if you are careful with your spending, you can do okay at the concessions as well. That said, with a large group you may end up spending a bit more than you would like (assuming you are picking up the whole tab), but the cost per person at Investors Group Field is a pretty good value for professional football. Extras 5 How many sports venues can boast three mascots? A lot of stadiums feature twin mascots like Buzz and Boomer, but adding Captain Blue and his biplane to the mix is really above and beyond. Furthermore, having the players themselves interact with fans by jumping into the stands when the home team scores really takes Investors Group Field to a whole new level. And don’t forget the cannon either, blue in color for the Bombers and fired after every score – again, while lots of sports venues might have one or two of these elements, very few have all three. Being the loudest stadium in the CFL is also a plus, and the staff really deserves credit for having so much fan interaction in terms of contests and giveaways. Final Thoughts CFL games are a lot of fun, thanks in part to having only 3 downs instead of 4, giving every snap the potential to turn into a big play. So if you have never been to a CFL game, or if you have but have never seen one in Winnipeg, I would encourage you to check out Investors Group Field – you won’t be disappointed.

Photo by Rik Sharma, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 RCDE Stadium Av. Baix Llobregat, 100 Barcelona, Spain 08940 RCD Espanyol website RCDE Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 40,500 A Shiny New Home for the Marvelous Minority Espanyol have always been FC Barcelona’s rivals, since being formed in 1900. In Franco’s era, the Catalan capital’s second side were viewed as being more in league with him than the Blaugrana were. To this day, Spain flags are waved in the stadium. The ground itself is new, with Espanyol starting to play there in the 2009-10 season onwards. Their previous homes were, until 1997 Estadi de Sarria, and then in the Lluis Companys Olympic stadium at Montjuic between that year and 2009. They see themselves as the ‘marvelous minority,’ in the face of Barcelona’s power. Food & Beverage 3 The concession lines are often long, but the service is friendly. You have to queue up, order and pay, before shuffling along to another window to pick up your order. The food options are fairly standard for Spanish venues. As well as a selection of snacks, like popcorn, crisps, sweets and chocolate, there are some sandwiches. These are in the traditional “bocadillo” form, i.e. crusty bread with a thick filling. The options are cheese and bacon, Spanish omelette and ham. There is also a hot dog on offer, for €3.50. The sandwiches vary between €4 – €4.50. Coca-Cola is offered, along with Coke Zero, orange and lemon Fantas. Coffee and hot chocolate are available, as is chocolate milk and water. The latter is €2, while the other cold drinks are €3.50. Hot drinks are around €2. The hot chocolate is nice on a cold day – it’s thicker than you might expect. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is rarely, if ever, full. However, considering the empty seats, the fans generate a decent atmosphere. Given the stadium is relatively new, as you would expect it has good sight lines in almost all places. There are two electronic scoreboards which usually show the teams and who has been booked or not. There is not usually any special entertainment on offer. Because the stadium has gaps at the top, plenty of wind gets in. That means warm days can become cool in Cornella, and cold days can be freezing. Dress with warmer clothes than you think you may need. All areas are covered. Neighborhood 4 Cornella is a 20-minute metro ride away from Barcelona’s city centre. Fans are recommended to stay there, rather than in the immediate vicinity of the ground, because of the huge number of tourist options. However the actual area around the stadium is not too bad either, especially with the Splau shopping centre open right next to the ground. In the Splau shopping complex there are plenty of options, including La Tagliatella, for pasta and pizza, Tommy Mel’s for burgers and American cuisine, and Udon for Japanese. The latter is a good bet, with generous portions. There are also other options, including Rodilla sandwich shop, BBQ Ribs, which does what it says on the tin, and a Mexican joint called Panchito. There is a cinema in the shopping centre, but not a whole lot else to do around Cornella. Instead, in Barcelona you can visit the beach, the Sagrada Familia cathedral and plenty of more tourist activities. The best place to stay would be in Barcelona itself, with access to the blue metro line if you want to get to Cornella quickly. Around the neighbourhood of Sants would be an ideal spot. Fans 3 Espanyol fans are passionate, even if that passion is mainly directed at hating Barcelona. Visiting during a Catalan derby would give you a good look at the bile that game produces. The stadium is usually half-full, with around 20,000 people in attendance. That rises steeply for the visit of big sides, like Barcelona and Real Madrid. In the 21st minute of every game the fans clap, for the memory of Dani Jarque. He was a former captain of the club, who died August 2009 of a heart defect. The 21st minute is chosen because it was his shirt number. There are two sections of fervent support, one behind each of the goals. The ‘ultras,’ if you will, though there is rarely any trouble. Access 4 The stadium is fairly easy to navigate and access from all sides. Inside movement is easy. The best way to get to the stadium is on the metro from Barcelona, L5 – the blue one. There is a 15 minute walk to the stadium after that – just follow the fans. However, you can also get the trains from Plaza Catalunya or Sants, which go closer still. Return on Investment 3 Espanyol don’t have any great players and most visitors to Barcelona don’t bother with Cornella. However, for football fans who want to see how the other half lives, it’s worth a trip. Arriving at the stadium is cheap, with a metro or train ticket costing a maximum of €2.50. Snacks at the game are averagely priced for Spain, with a sandwich and a drink setting you back around €7.50. Actual tickets are likely to set you back between €40 and €75, depending if you sit behind the goal or along one of the sides, respectively. . Extras 4 You can have a tour guide show you around Espanyol’s stadium, which is both cheaper and less busy than the equivalent at Camp Nou. As well as a short 3D film about the club’s history you get the usual trips around the dressing room, the tunnel and more.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Raider Dome 9120 S 300 W. Poneto, IN 46781 Southern Wells HS Raiders website Raider Dome website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 2,223 Welcome to The Raider Dome The Raider Dome opened in 1967 and is home to the Southern Wells Jr./Sr. High School basketball program. The dome debuted the same year as the high school after the four remaining southern township schools of Southern Wells country agreed to consolidate for the 1966/1967 school year. Those four last schools of Chester Center, Jackson Center, Liberty Center, and Petroleum Center have banners hanging in the gymnasium as a reminder to all who walk the concourse of this magnificent basketball arena. The small gym holds a cozy 2,223 fans and is situated between State Road 218 and 18. It is indeed a nice little find. The domed ceiling dominates the entire building with multiple LED lights and its dark brown color. The 50-plus-year-old facility is in great shape and looks somewhat more modern than its actual age. The basketball nets used to hang from the ceiling but it was discovered several years ago that it was harming the roof and soon replaced. During practice roll away nets have to be brought into the gym. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand outside the gymnasium in the main lobby with prices that are much cheaper compared to other high school gyms. The hot dogs are just a buck and cost a dollar more if you want to add cheese or chili, pretzels, popcorn sells, and nachos. Bottled soda is available and there are even ice cream sundaes offered in the main concourse by the track and field team for $3 that support their program at every home game. Atmosphere 3 There is a lot to like about the Raider Dome beginning with the moment you walk through the main entrance. The ceiling design is majestic and dominates the interior with multiple LED lights. The white walls are decorated nicely with murals, red and white championship banners, and blue tiling to add a little pop to the place. There are two murals featuring a display of basketball players while the one on the opposite side of the gym spells out the words Raider Dome. The main concourse wraps around the upper-level seating area which are pull-out brown bleachers that also house a couple of scoreboards at each end. The area is also a common area for fans to mingle during the game. There are several tables offering ice cream sundaes and railings where you will find several people standing above the court, getting a bird’s eye view of a drive to the net. The team puts on an energetic pregame show where the lights are dimmed and a spotlight is shined on each home player who makes his way off the bench and onto the court. Once the tip-off has concluded the focus is on the game, but there also might be a few side conversations from the fans in the audience. Neighborhood 2 The Raider Dome is on the county road and several miles from the nearest restaurant or service station. The town of Bluffton is a 15-minute drive and offers several eateries and a downtown square with a few more options that are worthy to discover before tip-off. Yergy’s State Road BBQ serves award-winning barbecue and reasonable prices and might be a great option for dinner before the basketball game. The local joint features smoked chicken, brisket, and pulled pork platters and stuffed potatoes, burgers, tacos, and barbecue nachos. Tyeger’s Pizza Parlor is another local favorite for pizzas, subs, and calzones. However, it is the restaurant’s take on its crispy, thin pizza that turns heads. The Country Cork pizza featured sausage, corn, and mushrooms and was inspired by the pizzas the owners saw in Ireland. There are also pizzas of the month that range from Irish Stew pie, Ruben pie, and the Chicago dog pie. Billy Ann’s Supper Pub opens at 5 pm and offers a selection of home-cooked meals and a wide variety of beers in a hip setting. There are daily food and drink specials that provide another great place to grab a bite to eat before the game. Fans 3 The local populace does its best to support the Raiders on the court and is decked out in team colors of red and blue. The gym is never at full capacity and it does not necessarily have to be to notice the great fan support that this team gets during the cold winter months in Southern Wells County. Access 3 The high school is located about 30 miles south of Ft. Wayne and 20 miles east of I-69 through a few twists and turns on state roads. The use of a GPS will help guide visitors to the high school and gymnasium and once inside, offers two levels of seating that offer easy access during the game. Bathrooms and concession stands are located in the main lobby of the gymnasium. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket is $6 and is on par with other gyms in Hoosier State. The price of concessions is among the cheapest in the area and provides the ideal snacking food for enjoyment during a game. Extras 4 The Raider Dome receives a point for its magnificent domed ceiling that looms brightly up above both the court and seating areas. The gym itself is kept up rather nicely. The Raider Dome receives a second point for the two murals on each end of the building that add a nice touch to the aesthetics of the place. The Raider Dome receives the third point for its various vantage points that help eases congestion and give visitors a unique look at the game from up above. The Raider Dome receives a final point for the ice cream sundaes that are served by the track and field team at every home game. You can also get ice cream served with a brownie or in a cup by itself. Final Thoughts The Raider Dome is a rather distinctively designed building that features an equally impressive interior design. The colors pop brilliantly inside the venue, the crowd is passionate, and the local restaurant scene has a lot to offer in variety. A great small-time gym located just south of Ft. Wayne and a 90-minute drive from Indianapolis. It is a nice place to check out to get your fix on high school basketball in Indiana. --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Reagan Field Gilbert Graves Cir Murray, KY 42071 Murray State Racers website Reagan Field website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 800 A Stable Environment Murray State University is a four-year public university in the small town of Murray, Kentucky, which is located in western Kentucky, just seven miles north of the Tennessee state line. It opened in 1923, and presently has a student body of more than 11,000 students. Its major focuses academically are the School of Education, the School of Business and the College of Science, Technology and Engineering. For 25 straight years, MSU has been recognized as one of the top regional universities in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. The school’s athletic teams compete under the moniker of the ‘Racers,’ a salute to the Bluegrass State’s predominant position in the horse racing and breeding industries. The ‘racing colors’ of the university are a majestic navy and gold color scheme, and the university has two mascots – a live thoroughbred named Racer One and a costumed mascot named ‘Dunker’ (basketball is the predominant sport on campus, having gone to multiple NCAA regionals over the years). All of the Racer teams compete in the Ohio Valley Conference, which is filled with geographically close rivals, such as Austin Peay, the University of Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee Tech, Belmont University and Southeast Missouri State University. The Racer baseball program has been in existence since 1924, and has played over .500 baseball within that 92-year span. It has appeared in three NCAA regionals over the years. Home turf for the baseball team is Reagan Field. Named for Racers coaching legend Johnny Reagan, who won more than 700 games in his career with MSU, the field opened in 1989 and features seating for more than 500 fans. Its dimensions are 330 feet to the foul poles, 325 feet to the power alleys and 400 feet to straightaway center field. Fences are only eight feet in height, which leads to many jaw-dropping leaps to rob hitters of home runs from both sides. Reagan Field underwent major renovations in both 2014 and 2015 to improve the fan and player experience. A new grandstand was erected, which offers chair back seating. Improved lighting was installed, making it possible for the university to offer more doubleheaders and night games, and new dugouts were built for both teams, a major improvement over their predecessors. Additional upgrades include a brand new press box and scoreboard, and a totally new sod infield. The stadium did retain one feature of the original structure by popular demand — terraced seating down both the third and first base lines. Oddly enough, a majority of fans prefer this to the new seating provided. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions are sold out of a portable trailer brought in before each game. The beverages sold are all Pepsi products (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper, along with bottled water). All beverages come in a 16-ounce size only and cost $1. The food selections consist of hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs, which all go for $3. Candy (Reese’s, Hershey’s, M&M’s and 3 Musketeers) all sell for $1 each. The remainder of the menu includes popcorn, sunflowers, peanuts and chips, which all cost $1.00. While the choices are limited, they are offered at prices that cannot be beat. Atmosphere 2 Murray State’s Reagan Field is the first athletic facility you will see as you enter the campus, but it seems overwhelmed by the adjoining Roy Stewart Stadium, as well as the CFSB Center , home of the Murray State Racers basketball team. You are in Kentucky, and that means the basketball team gets the most attention. Even the school’s mascot, a horse named Dunker, wears a basketball outfit most of the time. The Racers basketball team deserves much of the attention, as it has won 24 OVC championships and appeared in 15 NCAA tournaments. Reagan Field has great sight lines, as both the bleachers and the terraced areas are elevated above the field, with a great view of the action. There are eight rows of stadium-style seats and eight rows of aluminum bench seating in the bleachers. Persons sitting in the terraced area either bring their lawn chairs or stretch out on beach towels. The stadium announcer stays fairly much on the game and adds related information on upcoming games during lulls in the action. The Racers have a very well-groomed natural turf field with dimensions of 330 to left, 400 to center and 330 to right. The scoreboard is in left-center and provides only the game line statistics. There are no graphics capabilities. Neighborhood 3 Reagan Field is in the on-campus athletic complex located at the intersection of Highways US 641 and Kentucky State Highway 121. Just across the highway is the business district of Murray. It is filled with big-box stores and every fast food restaurant you can imagine. There are three lodging options in Murray (Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and the Best Western University Inn). For dining; I would suggest Jasmine, Mugsy’s Hideout or The Keg. The Keg has a surprisingly varied menu, including barbecue, seafood and many Cajun options. (The owners originally hail from the Pelican State). These are all locally-owned businesses. Fans 2 The fan base of the Racers baseball program is basically the parents of the ballplayers, the girlfriends of the players and 10-20 students who are friends of the players. The visiting team on the day we attended, which came from a campus more than 100 miles from Murray State, actually brought more fans with them. Access 2 Murray State University is not the easiest location to get to, as it is located more than 30 miles from the nearest interstate (I-24), depending on which way you are coming from. The main road bringing you into Murray from whichever direction will be US 641. You will come to a red light at the Hwy 641/Hwy 121 intersection and turn into the entrance for Murray State University’s athletic complex. You will find free parking at the Roy Stewart Stadium parking lot adjacent to Reagan Field. Return on Investment 4 Reagan Field receives a high score in this section, not for an outstanding experience, but because it virtually costs nothing to attend a Racer game. There is no admission charged, and the seating options go from stadium seats to stretching out on a beach towel with a great view of the game. Parking is free and adjacent to the field, and the concession prices beat even a fast food restaurant. Extras 1 One of the best extras for Murray State is the route you take to get there from I-24. This route will take you through the Land Between the Lakes Nature and Recreation area. Most of the 30 miles between I-24 and Murray are included within this park. The two lakes combined, Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, have a combined shoreline of more than 3,000 miles. The land mass between them offers boating, fishing, a wildlife preserve for bison and elk and some terrific scenery.