Mallparks: Baseball Stadium and the Culture of Consumption Mallparks by Michael T. Friedman is a very interesting read that explores the evolution of the ballparks of yesteryear into the consumption-driven “mallparks” of today. To illustrate his point, the author uses the example of the two ends of the north/sound line of the Twin Cities rapid rail line. The south terminus is found in Bloomington, MN, while the north terminus is found outside Target Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. Bloomington was the site of Metropolitan Stadium, the first home of the Minnesota Twins after the former Washington Senators after they relocated from Washington, DC. It was a traditional ballpark, where the only game offered was on the field, and the only concessions offered were the peanuts, popcorn, and cracker jacks of the famous song. Metropolitan Stadium eventually made way for the Mall of America, which in a way was an evolution in and of itself. Before the MOA, shopping malls were simply a grouping of stores to sell goods. Mall of America broke that mold by offering food courts with a wide variety of foods offered in varying cuisines surrounding an indoor amusement park. That was revolutionary for its time. Fast forward for several decades and Target Field now is the northern terminus for the rapid rail line. It also offers food courts filled with a widely varying menu and several amusement-style activities surrounding the game on the field. Friedman traces the sports venue’s evolution to the building of Camden Yards in Baltimore. He recounts a visit to the park via a litany of commercial entities operating onsite, including restaurants, stores selling all sorts of sports memorabilia, special amenities officially linked to varying ticket prices, and a short tour of the history of baseball in Baltimore (before he even reaches his seat.) Early baseball stadiums consisted of very basic seating areas surrounded by a fence. The fence was erected so that owners of the early teams could charge admission and the owner would make money off of the games. As the game evolved owners often experienced competition from other teams, and each owner tried to offer something that made their product unique. The stadium arms race was on. Soon “size matters” was the rule of the day, with bigger “super” stadiums and larger capacities being sought. Eventually, this was to the detriment of the game, as the sightlines and distance from the field suffered. Architectural firms became the next ally in owners’ quest to maximize profits from their venues. Rodgers Centre in Toronto is an early example of this genre. The stadium required a roof due to Toronto’s weather during the early and late months of the season. But having that roof be retractable was not a necessity. Nor was there a need for a hotel, fitness center, movie theatre, and seven full-service restaurants to be added to the construction design. Cities have partnered with owners and architects in seeking to maximize profits for themselves by offering “postcard views” of the city from the stadium to drive tourism. No modern ballparks are designed without suite levels, in-stadium fine dining, or party decks for large group gatherings. Just like malls, retail is extremely important in today’s mallparks. Merchandise has gone way beyond the ballcaps, bobbleheads, and pennants of yesteryear. Friedman cites partnerships with mall veterans like Victoria's Secret, Build-A-Bear, and Disney. Tours of the ballparks generally begin and end at the team’s store. In addition to Camden Yards, the author also looks at several other MLB stadiums that are retrofitting to become mallparks. Fenway Park is considered a “classic”, yet has added amenities such as premium seating atop the Green Monster, a team museum, and additional retail outlets. Dodger Stadium added 1,600 premium seats and doubled the number of concessions stands. It also added a beer garden two sports bars and a Legends of Dodger Baseball area within the park. The second portion of the book explores the next generation of mallparks, which the author calls “mallpark villages”. These venues have created retail, lodging, dining, and residential neighborhoods just outside of the stadium walls. The two examples of this design are the Ballpark Village in St. Louis, The Battery Atlanta just outside of Truist Park, and the proposed new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. The teams serve as the landlords for these developments and receive rental income as well as a percentage of the profits from their sales. This brings in money to the teams before fans even enter the stadium and also generates year-round income over and above the sixty home dates a team may play during the baseball season. Local governments see it as increased tax revenue from the retail sales, hotel taxes, and property taxes derived from the mallpark village. Since almost every ballpark receives construction funding from local governments, the author suggests that mallparks and mallpark villages can also function well in serving the community. The large industrial kitchens can be utilized to feed the homeless or victims of a large disaster. They can also serve as testing and vaccination facilities during pandemics. Some stadiums can also be used as voting sites during local or national elections. Mallparks closes with a look at Populous, the largest architectural and stadium design firm in the country. It has been a major player in the design of mallparks and mallpark villages. It was the first firm to design club levels in stadiums, a major source of income for the teams, with additional perks for premium customers. They have been successful at designing and delivering the stadium desired by their clients while delivering the finished facility on time and within budget. After reading Mallparks, the reader will never look at their visit to their local ballpark in the same way again.

Photos Courtesy of Google Images Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Kassam Stadium Grenoble Rd, Littlemore Oxford OX4 4XP Oxford United website Kassam Stadium website Year Opened: 12,500 Capacity: 2001 Football at The Kassam Kassam Stadium, also known as Grenoble Road, is the home of Oxford United and opened in 2001. The 12,500-seat football stadium is named after the grounds owner and former chairman Firoz Kassam. The stadium has only three stands, but the plan is to build a fourth one to increase capacity to 16,000 in the future. The decision to build a new stadium began in 1995 when Oxford’s old Manor Ground, which had been built in 1926, was considered outdated by current standards. Construction began in the summer of 1996 but was suspended in December 1997 due to financial concerns.  No further work was done to the site until over 2-years later, in February 2000, due to financial and legal woes. Finally, on August 4, 2001, the stadium opened with a friendly against Crystal Palace. Today, it’s known as the soccer ground with three sides. The stadium features a reflective glass paneling at its main entrance and is broken up into three stands for visitors. The North Stand is used for both home and away supporters and seats 5,026. The East Stand is home to the more vocal supporters and houses 2,879. The South Stand is the main structure and houses club offices, team locker rooms, executive boxes, and the Exhibition Bar. It is divided into two tiers, with the lower area home to the family section. It seats 4,495 in total. Oxford United was founded in 1893 and lived a nomadic life for its first 20 years, switching grounds on a regular basis. They found a permanent home in 1913 when they began playing in Manor Ground. The stadium would go through major renovations, including a completely new structure in 1925. The U’s began play in the Championship for the 2024-25 season and were in League One from 2006-2016 and were as low as the National Conference (5th division) from 2006-2010. The move to the second-highest level of English Football has seen an increase in attendance from 9,021 to 11,440 in one season.  Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers the usual pies, pastries, burgers, and hot dogs. The chicken and mushroom pie is recommended. There are also small stands in the car park, serving freshly grilled burgers and bacon rolls from a van in the southwest corner. The club introduced two new beers this season that are made by Little Ox Brew Co. They are Lucky U Pale Ale with tropical and zesty notes and 1893 Lager, which is a crisp, clean pilsner. Atmosphere 3 Kassam Stadium is a nice, modern, and comfortable stadium that will offer a welcoming afternoon for a soccer match. A few areas of the stands seem much further away in comparison to other Championship League venues, and parts of the stadium seem somewhat neglected in terms of cosmetics. The noise level can be very boisterous. The small and dedicated fan base comes alive during points of the game and creates a louder atmosphere than what appears in the stands. The United fans are called the Yellow Army; they unite the various fan groups and improve the matchday experience. Expect raucous chants, songs, and cheers throughout the match.  The stands are separated into three areas and are covered with visible steel beams on the ceiling. The plastic folding seats are colored blue and yellow and provide enough comfort; there are also times when areas of the stands are empty to move around and view the game from a new vantage point.  The United Club shop is located behind the VUE cinema and is open on matchdays from 11 AM to 3 PM and an hour after the game.  Neighborhood 3 The stadium is 4 miles from the city center of Oxford, and there are no home and away pubs close to the stadium. It is in a residential and industrial complex. In other words, the Kassam Stadium is isolated from Oxford or a surrounding neighborhood. Fortunately, the Kassam Leisure Complex is across the carpark and offers a collection of places to dine, drink, and entertainment. The Ridge Bar & Grill, Fish & Chips, J’s Sports Bar, Frankie & Benny’s, and Oxy Asian Buffet are dining options. Frankie and Benny’s serves New York-style Italian dishes, and the Refuelling Bar at Gravitee Golf offers drinks, pizzas, and hot dogs. There are no pubs within walking distance of the stadium. The Kings Arm, The Blackbird, and George Inn are two pubs for a pint before the game. They are around a 20-minute walk from the stadium.  Fans 4 Oxford supporters have always made their presence felt at home matches. The team has averaged well over 7,000 in annual attendance in the last decade. This season has seen numbers topple over 11,000 for games in the Championship. Having a winning side gives the fans and individual supporters groups something to cheer about at the game.  Access 4 Kassam Stadium is not close to a train station. The best way to access the stadium is by car, which the stadium offers a free car park. The M40 is the nearest motorway, and you can use several junctions starting from J9, J8, and J7. The large car park, visible from the stands, allows easy access to and from the stadium.  Thames Travel provides service with a special matchday bus to and from the stadium from designated spots around Oxford. The closest city train is 5 miles away from the center of town. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets for an adult in the East Stand costs £25 or £28 on the day of the game. The North Family Stand also costs the same price. These are the least expensive for adults for a game at the stadium. The most expensive seat is in the South Upper Stand at £35 and £38 in advance. Tickets for seniors and children under 18 are much less. The cost to park is free, the food prices are reasonable, and the pies are under £5. A kit costs £50, a cap £16, and a hoodie £50. The price of a pint is among the cheapest in Championship League at £3.50. Extras 3 Kassam Stadium offers a sensory room for anyone under the age of 23 years who needs to take a break. The stadium is known for its bronze statue of an ox, revealed in 2008. The stadium offers free parking, a welcome surprise on any ground across England or the world. Final Thoughts Kassam Stadium is a pleasant facility to watch a match, but not one that will be memorable. The stadium is easily accessible by car, offers free parking, and has all the modern conveniences. It is a great way to spend an afternoon during the football season.

Photos by ROSSETTI ”When this project is completed, LMCU Ballpark will look and feel like a brand-new facility ready to meet the needs of a new generation of fans.” Those are the words of CEO and Managing Partner Je Chamberlain in a news release announcing plans for renovations for LMCU Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Midwest League. The multi-phase construction project will transform the venue into a state-of-the-art facility that will entertain fans for many years, featuring new suite-level club space, new seating and social gathering areas, and all-new stadium lighting. When all project elements are complete, the construction phases are designed so that the final product offers a cohesive look, as if all phases were completed together. ROSSETTI took inspiration for the overall design from the familiar lakeshore and beach town mainstays such as boardwalks, dune, and beach grass, exposed beams, and outdoor social gathering spaces. The project will be divided into multiple phases, with Phase 1 set to begin in a few months and be completed before Opening Day 2024. All phases are expected to be roughly completed by 2028. Phase 1 improvements will include: The third base side visitors’ clubhouse will be completely rebuilt and will become the home clubhouse, as the Whitecaps and visiting teams switch sides. The new home clubhouse will offer enhanced player spaces, larger weight rooms and training facilities, dedicated space for the female coaching staff, and a state-of-the-art batting tunnel attached to the home clubhouse. The grass and infield playing surface will be fully replaced, including the drainage system. Bullpens will be moved behind the right field wall, and the outfield dimensions will be reconfigured to closely match the angles players will see when they reach the Major Leagues. Stadium lights were upgraded last fall to brighter, precisely focused LED lights with less glare and less light pollution; the new lights are capable of colored light shows synced to music for dramatic entertainment during and after games as well as special events. A brand-new suite-level club space will be built above the new batting tunnel at the end of the third base structure, accommodating 200 guests for use on game days as well as year-round for special events. The space includes floor-to-ceiling windows, a large balcony for outdoor viewing, various height table and chair clusters, and bar space for food and beverage service. Its capacity is similar to that of the current Pepsi Stadium Club. Enlarged group space takes over the existing lawn slopes on both the first and third base sides, replacing the current hospitality areas down the lines. Several tiers of seating and gathering areas, from the concourse down to field level, offer a variety of engagement opportunities and food service options for groups of 20 or more. These tiers offer a more cohesive look and feel while allowing flexibility for groups of all sizes to enjoy private areas. The third base side will feature four tiers, while the first base side includes three tiers and will adjoin the new bullpens. Phase 2 improvements will include the following: A reimagined stadium entrance experience that offers a view of the baseball field straight ahead as fans reach the top of the steps. Exterior site activation for more entertainment options in the spaces outside the facility. Beautification of the facility’s 45 acres, all conforming to the beach theme. A fully reimagined and updated suite level with a home plate club area. An expanded concourse with new and improved food, entertainment, and gathering options, including the construction of private outdoor suites for groups that prefer the great outdoors. A new CapSized Shop retail space and new ticket office. A new 360-degree concourse, modeled after a lakeshore-style boardwalk, allows fans to walk around the field, enjoy gathering spaces in the outfield area, and view the game from various perspectives. A state-of-the-art 400-seat center field hospitality club and special events center, the ballpark’s most significant space yet, will provide a new level of gameday experience while also creating one of West Michigan’s most unique views for weddings, conferences, and other large-scale special events. Kirk Phillips, a ROSSETTI partner who led the project, said it was important to him to ensure that his firm’s vision would build upon an already outstanding professional facility. “These design renovations will enhance the experience for baseball fans and players alike, creating new social spaces and addressing player facilities to exceed MLB standards. When completed, the improved ballpark will surprise and delight this great community for many future seasons. It was important to us to go above and beyond when reimagining LMCU Ballpark because it is so well-known in the industry as a top-notch facility. We feel the improvements to this unique facility will be impressive at any professional level.” ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 UMBC Stadium 5523 Research Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21227 UMBC Retrievers website UMBC Stadium website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 4,500 Retrieve the Fans Although UMBC athletics is best known for the basketball team’s shocking upset in the NCAA Tournament over Virginia in 2018, the men’s lacrosse team has been one of the school’s most successful programs over the years. The Retrievers won the America East Conference regular season title five years in a row from 2005-2009 and have made the Division I Tournament seven times. The Retrievers play on campus at UMBC Stadium, which is part of a larger complex which also includes the baseball and softball fields. The soccer stadium and UMBC Event Center are located nearby as well. In 2022, UMBC Stadium and the surrounding fields were renovated, adding a new fan plaza, upgraded concession stand, and other areas to improve the fan experience. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at UMBC Stadium located on the fan plaza in between UMBC Stadium and the baseball field, right by the entrance. The menu is pretty decent and includes pizza slices (cheese and pepperoni), grilled chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, and hot dogs. Snacks include candy, chips, soft pretzels, popcorn, trail mix, and granola bars. Soft drinks, bottled water, and alcohol are available for purchase as well. Prices are a bit on the high end but not outrageous. Atmosphere 4 Walking into UMBC Stadium will put you on a fan plaza of sorts, added in the latest set of upgrades. There is some standing room area right there where some fans choose to watch, or you can walk down to the metal bleachers along the sideline. A track surrounds the entire field, but you should still have a great view of the action. A scoreboard will be located to your right which also shows saves and shots, although those are not always updated in real time. Between the roar of the crowd, the action on the field, and the numerous vantage points from which to watch a game, UMBC Stadium is an excellent atmosphere in which to take in a lacrosse match. Neighborhood 3 UMBC Stadium is located on campus in the Baltimore suburbs, and there is not much going on in the immediate vicinity. Even elsewhere in town, there isn’t much other than a few chain restaurants. UMBC won a hard fight with the US Postal Service to get a Baltimore mailing address, but it isn’t actually located in the City of Baltimore. Your best bet is to make the short drive to the actual city, perhaps to the Inner Harbor neighborhood, where you will find many restaurants and other entertainment options. Fans 5 UMBC Retrievers fans pack the bleachers and the plaza at UMBC Stadium every game. Although they don't usually sell out, the crowds number in the thousands. Fans are loyal, loud, and represent UMBC's spirit of true grit. They never give up on their team, they will stay until the end and be as loud at the final whistle as they were at the start. Lacrosse is the state team sport of Maryland (but not the state sport, which is jousting) and Marylanders love the sport more than residents of any other state. While UMBC has its loyal and large fan base, expect there to be a good number of visiting fans in attendance if they are playing another Maryland school. Access 4 UMBC's campus is located a short distance of I-195 and I-95. The former ends where it meets the latter and continues as Maryland Route 166. Follow that a short distance and follow the signs for UMBC's campus.. Parking is available along Hillside Circle (pull-in spaces, not parallel, although those who prefer to back into the space will not be able to due to the street pattern) as well as in lots near the UMBC Event Center. All are a short walk from the stadium. Once inside, there is plenty of room to move around or watch the game from different vantage points as noted above. Restrooms are next to the concession stand and are of a sufficient size for the typical crowd. The one thing to keep in mind is that lines at the ticket window and getting into the stadium can move slowly close to gametime, so buy your tickets in advance and arrive early. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMBC lacrosse games cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children 6-12, and free for UMBC students and children six and under. For one of the nicest lacrosse venues in the country, in the state and city where the sport is most popular, this is an excellent value. However, the pricey concessions do bring this score down a notch. Extras 4 Being part of the UMBC Stadium Complex, the UMBC Stadium is basically three venues in one. Fans can also check out the softball and baseball venues while they’re here. There are free programs and other promotional giveaways at a table near the concession stand and baseball field. Merchandise is sold out of a tent by the entrance. A final star for the banners honoring UMBC lacrosse achievements. Final Thoughts The recent upgrades to UMBC Stadium have done wonders to improve the experience here. What was once a pretty basic stadium has turned into a crown jewel of lacrosse. There are so many outstanding college lacrosse options in the Baltimore area that it's hard to describe any of them as a "must-see", but if you are in the area and see UMBC is playing at home, you will want to check out a Retrievers game.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stayner Memorial Arena 269 Regina Street Stayner, ON L0M 1S0 Stayner Siskins website Stayner Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 300 Stayner Alive! One of the cornerstone franchises in Junior C hockey is the Stayner Siskins.  Established in 1972 as a Junior D team, the team was promoted to Junior C in its second season.  The Siskins were successful winning four titles in Junior D playdowns.  In 2012, Junior D as a division was eliminated and folded into Junior C.  In 2016, all Junior C leagues merged to become the Provincial Junior Hockey League.  Playing in the Carruthers Division, the Siskins have won the Carruthers Division 3 times since the merger and were regular season champions 5 times in the same period.  The Siskins were Georgian Bay Champions 5 times from 1988-1994 and GMO Champions 3 times from 1995 until the merger.  Home for the Siskins is the Stayner Arena.  A community hub that was built in 1987 also houses a community centre and the Clearview Township Public Library.  With a modest capacity of 300, Thursday night has become hockey night in Stayner.  The most famous alumnus of the Stayner Siskins is former NHL star Jason Arnott, who was born in nearby Collingwood and raised in Wasaga Beach, the two towns Stayner finds itself between.  The town of Stayner is central to agricultural areas and has a small population of almost 4,700 people. Food & Beverage 3 Stayner Arena has a small, snack bar-style concession in the lobby that is operated by the Lion’s Club.  Fries, hot dogs, chocolate, chips, and candy are on the menu.  Soda, Gatorade, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are the soft drinks available.  A couple of vending machines can also be found in the lobby.  To the left of the concession window is another window where beer is available with products provided by the nearby Collingwood Brewery, including a Siskins branded beer. Atmosphere 3 The Stayner Arena has an extremely simple exterior.  The arena portion is found on the west side and has a dark siding with a couple of signs on the exterior.  Entry is just to the east of the arena, where the lobby is found, which separates the arena from the community centre.  It is a little more modern looking with light brick and glass.  Upon entering the arena, fans will find themselves in a vestibule welcomed by a pair of free-standing banners advertising Siskins Alumni who have played at high levels and Siskins who have played in the OHL.  The vestibule also contains a pair of trophy cases, which are filled with minor hockey accolades.  Entry into the main lobby brings fans to temporary tables where tickets are purchased, and 50/50 tickets are sold.  In the lobby, the concession windows are to the right, with windows looking out to the ice surface to the left.  Tables and chairs are there to allow fans to watch the action on the ice from the warm comfort of the lobby.  Items of note in the lobby include the framed jersey of Graham McNabb, who would go on to play for the Brampton Battalion and was a local product of Stayner Minor Hockey.  The other framed jersey is a little easier to recognize than that of Jason Arnott.  Arnott was born in Collingwood and raised in Wasaga Beach, which Stayner finds itself between.  Arnott would play the 1989-90 season for the Siskins and eventually go on to be drafted number seven overall in the 1993 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. Entering the arena area, fans will be struck by the temperature change.  Stayner Arena is quite cold, and the use of the gas heaters above the seating area is questionable at best.  Bringing a blanket from the car is not an uncommon practice.  The ice surface runs from west to east, with the seating only on the south side.  The seating consists of five rows of blue-painted wooden benches raised above the ice level with a walkway and standing room behind.  Light-painted, low arch support beams cross the structure, and the ceiling has the typical silver insulation in between.  This is a common design for arenas at this level.  The simple hockey score clock hangs on the west wall with several minor hockey and lacrosse championship banners.  Above the scoreclock is the Canadian flag and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which was once common in arenas in Ontario.  The north and east walls are littered with ads for local businesses.  Hanging just above the Siskins’ bench are PJHL North Conference Championship banners for 2022 and 2023.  These seem to be the only banners that the Siskins claim, which is curious due to their significant history.  New for the 2024-2025 season is the “Best Seats in the House,” a small bar-like perch at the top of the seating at centre ice which features high top, cushioned seats, and hockey sticks as part of the gates.  These seats are used for promotion. The gameday production in Stayner is fairly simple.  Music is played over the PA system during stoppages and intermissions, and typical announcements are presented throughout the game.  The PA system is not the worst at this level. However, it is not the best either, and announcements are sometimes a challenge to understand.  Neighbourhood 3 Stayner is located south of the Nottawasaga Bay inlet of Georgian Bay, between Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.  It is in Clearview Township, which is part of Simcoe County.  The town Stayner itself is not very large and has a typical small-town downtown area.  There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink including Angie’s Place, Kitchen Savvy, Honey Monster, 1904 Social Haus, Bluewater Fish & Grill and Charlie’s Diner. The Stayner Siskins are the only game in town during the winter, although the Clearview Crushers of the senior Ontario Series Lacrosse call the Stayner Arena home during the summer.  Hockey is also found, at different levels, in neighbouring Creemore, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood.  The Collingwood Blues  of the OJHL are the most predominant of the group.  The area is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors with many neighbouring beaches, trails, golf courses, and skiing at Blue Mountain Resort.  Taking a tour of Creemore Brewery, just south of Stayner, is a good tourist option as well.  For those wishing to stay in the area, Gables B&B is an option, or heading to one of the hotels at Blue Mountain is optimal. Fans 4 Stayner Arena has a modest capacity of 300.  It is clear that the Siskins are a significant draw in the area as they consistently average near capacity crowds each season.  The 2023-24 season saw the Siskins average 298 fans per game, up from the previous season’s 274.  Comparing figures in the PJHL is challenging due to a lack of published attendance figures, however it is clear that Stayner’s attendance figures would put them in the top third of the league.  Fans in attendance are supportive of the team and loud at the right moments.   Access 4 Stayner Arena is located at the north edge of the town of Stayner in Clearview Township.  Getting to the arena is not difficult.  It is 1 km from the junction of Highways 42 and 26, which can be a busy intersection.  Travelling through town is a necessity but traffic should not be an issue.  There is plenty of parking for patrons on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there is limited transit service between communities, which stops at the community centre.  Fans should consult the Clearview Public Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  It is questionable if transit will support the needs of the hockey fan on gamenight.  Getting around the arena is not terribly difficult.  The lobby will be a bit crowded during intermissions and before the game starts.  Washroom facilities are small, but not terrible for the venue.  The arena is very cold and fans should be prepared, especially early in the season when the outdoor temperatures are significantly higher than in the arena. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Stayner Siskins are purchased at the door and go for $12 for adults.  Cash or debit are accepted.  Parking on site or on the street is free and concession prices are good.  The Siskins put a good product on the ice and fans will get a true sense of community taking in a Siskins game.  Considering the low investment, the return is excellent. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Stayner Siskins being a centrepiece of the community. An extra mark for the unique Siskins name, which refers to a small bird similar to a goldfinch. An extra mark for the longevity of the Siskins, playing for over 50 years. Final Thoughts Taking in hockey in a small community is different and the Stayner Siskins offer a glimpse into small town life and the support of their local hockey team.  The Stayner Arena is a hub for the community and a decent venue for the level of hockey being played here.  Taking in a Stayner Siskins game will not disappoint. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Mike Martin Field At Dick Howser Stadium 20 Spirit Way Tallahassee, FL 32304 Florida State Seminoles website Mike Martin Field At Dick Howser Stadium website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 6,700 Howser’s That for a Great Stadium? The FSU baseball program is one of the top three programs in NCAA history. Since fielding their first team, the Seminoles have made 55 appearances in the NCAA Tournament and made 22 trips to the College World Series. They have appeared in three NCAA CWS Finals, losing all three. This makes them the most successful NCAA team that has never won a National Championship. At the conference level the team has won 11 ACC season championships and 19 ACC Tournaments. The Seminole have sent more than 70 players on to the MLB, including Buster Posey, Deion Sanders, Eduardo Perez and J.D. Drew. Future MLB managers Dick Howser, Chuck Tanner and Terry Kennedy also played at the school. A majority of this history has taken place at Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium. The stadium opened in 1983 and was first known as Seminole Field. In 1988 the stadium was named in honor of Dick Howser, FSU’s first All American baseball player, a former coach of the Seminoles and a World Series Championship manager with the Kansas City Royals. At the time of the dedication, Coach Howser was dealing with inoperable brain cancer. In 2005, the field was named in honor of Coach Mike Martin, who is now going into his 40th year of service to the school. Howser Stadium has long been regarded as one of the top 10 college baseball stadiums in the country. You enter the stadium through the palm–laden Haggard Baseball Plaza where records of many of the Seminole greats are immortalized. The 6,700 seat stadium features an elevated grandstand with seat backs that is covered partially by a roof and is cooled by a series of 14 foot ceiling fans. General admission seating extends beyond both first and third base and is not provided any shade. The stadium has a red brick exterior with a press box and several suites both at the top of and beneath the stadium. The latest addition to Howser Stadium is a 60 x 33 foot video board in the outfield. This is the second largest video board in NCAA baseball. These excellent facilities make it a popular venue for NCAA post season play. Howser Stadium has hosted 31 NCAA Regionals and 11 Super Regionals. Food & Beverage 5 The Seminoles concessions program is comparable to many major league ballparks. The variety of foods offered range from chef-prepared dishes available on the baseball plaza to the typical ballpark fare offered at each of the four concession stands found at each level of the park. Chef Art Smith has been associated with Florida State University for several years through his cooking show on FSU’s TV station. He has brought a rotating selection of dishes to Howser Stadium in recent years to share with the fans. The night of our review these items included his chicken sandwich platter ($10), a hushpuppy plate ($6), and a catfish entrée ($10). On other nights his menu includes a shrimp po boy ($10) and a sausage po boy ($10). The school also offers some non-traditional dishes in addition to the usual baseball foods. These include meatball sliders ($10), grilled chicken flatbread ($10) and Italian sausages ($6). For those who prefer the traditional ballpark foods, you will not go home hungry from Dick Howser Stadium. The menu at the generic concession stands that dot each level of the park includes hamburgers ($6), hot dogs ($5), brats ($6), and nachos ($4). Side items include popcorn ($4), peanuts ($4), pretzels ($4), candy ($3) sunflower seeds (4), and chips ($3). FSU serves Coca-Cola brand beverages including sodas ($4), Powerade ($5) and bottled water ($4). In the adult beverage area your choices include 16-ounce cans of Bud. Bud Light or Michelob Ultra for $7. Atmosphere 5 A game at Howser Stadium is a memorable experience. Upon entering the stadium, you pass through a courtyard filled with reminders of the Seminole achievements over the years. You sit in a well-designed stadium with amenities not usually found at the college level. The elevated grandstands provide great sight lines and the roof with ceiling fans are a welcome relief from the Florida heat. The new video board is comparable with many found in the major leagues and the competition on the field provides a look at many future MLB players. The coach leading these young men is destined to become the winningest baseball coach in NCAA history. The fans around you can tell you all about the college careers of players like J.D. Drew and Buster Posey. Add to that the uniqueness of the “animals” seated in section B, and you are in for a very entertaining game. Neighborhood 4 Howser Stadium is located within the Seminole Sports Complex located at the west of end of the campus. Its immediate neighbors are Doak Campbell Stadium and the FSU High Flying Circus (look for the garnet and gold circus tent). The FSU campus is beautiful to explore, but do it on foot rather than in a car. The streets on campus tend to end into cul de sacs, parking lots and one-way streets. Pick up a visitor map at the Visitors Center at Doak Campbell Stadium and you will see a highlighted route to see the best of the campus. The northern border of the campus is found at Tennessee Street. This thoroughfare is home to most of the hotels serving the campus. It also has a wide variety of eating establishments to suit anyone’s appetite. Just a few blocks from Howser Stadium is Insomnia Cookies. It is open 24 hours a day and has the best cookies in town. Its name is derived from visits by FSU students in the middle of the night who are cramming for finals or pulling an all-nighter to complete a paper, Fans 5 The Seminoles have an extremely loyal fan base, as the team has ranked in the top 10 college baseball stadiums attendance-wise for several years. Every game is a sellout, as the fans expect the Seminoles to win at home (they have a .820 home winning percentage through the 2017 season). Just as you would expect, the fans launch into two well-known Seminole traditions when the team has a rally or makes a great defensive play. These two traditions are the Seminole war chant and the Tomahawk Chop (actually the Seminole tribe is very peaceful and works very closely with FSU). One unique element of the FSU fan base is the Section B Animals. Think of a college level version of the Chicago Bleacher Bums. These are your Superfans, who stand the entire game, create chaos for the other teams with their cheers, and generally stir up the entire stand with their enthusiasm. They are boisterous but not dirty, as the group includes families, students, faculty members, school staff, alumni and townspeople. Their one unifying purpose is to support the team. Access 4 Howser Stadium is very easily accessed from I-10, the major east/west interstate crossing the Florida Panhandle. Coming from the east or west of Tallahassee, take the Highway 90 exit into town. As it starts to intersect with the FSU campus it becomes East Tennessee Street. Turn toward the campus at Stadium Way and then take a left onto Spirit Way. All parking immediately around Howser Stadium are for season ticket holders. There are several large visitors lots surrounding Doak Campbell Football Stadium on your right. It is a short walk back to Howser Stadium and you will pass some interesting Seminole statuary along the way, which make a great backdrop for selfies. The Haggard Baseball Plaza provides a great place to meet friends before the game and the flow into the stadium is quite smooth. Restrooms and concession stands are frequent enough that you should not experience any troubles with lines. Return on Investment 4 Unless you have season tickets or know an FSU booster you will need to purchase your tickets on the secondary market. Both the reserved sections and General Admission seating area sellout well before the season starts. We suggest early season games against non-conference opponents for the lowest prices. The ACC Conference games and any games against any SEC opponent are going to command top price. The concession prices are very reasonable and hotels near Howser Stadium are not as pricey as those downtown near the State Capital and government centers. Extras 5 The FSU Flying High Circus is headquartered just beyond the right field fence. It is one of the only college-affiliated circuses in the country and offers on-campus performances every spring. As of the beginning of the 2018 season, FSU Coach Mike Martin needs only 32 wins to become the winningest coach in NCAA baseball history. One extra for thoughtfully installing a roof and ceiling fans in the main grandstand making it comfortable and in the shade during the hot and humid day games. The Seminoles have two members in the College Baseball Hall of Fame, Dick Howser and J.D. Drew. FSU is in the middle of a $25 million campaign to make several improvements to Dick Howser Stadium. These improvements would occur in stages over the next 10 years, so the team could continue to play in the stadium each season during renovations Final Thoughts Howser Stadium has been one of the premiere NCAA baseball stadiums in the country for several years. The Seminole Nation is determined to keep it that way with $25 million in improvements on the horizon. The future looks bright for baseball in Tallahassee.

Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Rendezvous Park, Mesa, AZ Originally called Depot Park when it opened in 1895 and later Drew Park (1912), Rendezvous Park’s primary purpose when first created was as a family recreation facility for those living in the eastern suburbs of Phoenix. Throughout the years, the park had roller rinks, swimming pools, horseshoes, croquet, picnic areas, and huge grassy fields where eager players picked up the bat and ball and amateur exhibition games elated the crowds. The park remained a recreation facility until the stadium was demolished in 1976 and other buildings started filling in the once popular and beloved indoor and outdoor play area. When the stadium was first built in the park circa 1930, it had five or so rows of bleachers behind home and along the first base side, trees bordered the outfield (no fence). It was originally outlined as a softball field with a dirt infield and grassy outfield. Rendezvous Park, Photo Courtesy of Digital Ballparks In 1942, Chicago Cubs officials met with Mesa officials to evaluate the city’s ballpark and lodging facilities. On Feb 17, 1952 the first Cubs began reporting for spring training in Mesa, AZ. The Cubs played their Cactus League spring training games at Rendezvous Park from 1952 – 1966, after which they moved to southern California. The Oakland Athletics played their spring training games in Rendezvous Park from 1969 – 1976 and then moved to the brand-new Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, just a mile and a half north, beginning the 1977 season . Rendezvous Park seated 3,000 when the Cubs moved there in 1952 but expanded soon afterwards. The facility used rented bleachers and “hand-me-down” box seats. The club house cramped the players. It had a bare bones announcers booth and a manual scoreboard in right field with a narrow cat walk and a small awning to block the sun. Rendezvous Park Expanded, Photo Courtesy of Digital Ballparks At the time, for many Mesa residents, going to the park meant time bathing in the pools or skating in the roller rinks more than watching or playing baseball. My native-Mesa neighbor, Molly, describes the park as her baby sitter in the summer as her kids went to swimming lessons in the morning and then were able to play in the pool afterwards. It kept them busy till she got home from work in the afternoon. Others remember “the recreation center where we had city wide jump rope and jacks tournaments.” And another memory, “As a young boy me and my friends would shag foul baseballs that would bounce into the street during the baseball games at Rendezvous. I also remember playing football on that long strip of grass along Sirren Street. I remember the tennis court and the shuffle board court and the Park and Recreation station area… Those were the days.. This used to be my playground.” So, more memories on the overall park itself than the stadium. In its place now is the Mesa Convention Center, an Amphitheatre, a Delta Hotel (Marriott brand). The former tennis courts were where the AZ Ballroom in the hotel is now. Constructed in the area in 1981 is a library. The address in Google lists the Convention Center as the former ballpark site but I was told the stadium itself was on Sirrine and 3rd (which at the time was a straight block; not curved like it is now). Sept, 2020 – Mesa Convention Center with Delta Hotel rising beyond – Not exactly where the stadium was located, certainly the rest of Rendezvous Park was on these grounds Sept, 2020 – N Centennial Way and MLK Jr Way, a.k.a., Sirrine and 3rd Pl. I am only guessing but based on what I’ve learned, the ballpark would have be on this corner. Behind the bushes is the Amphitheatre now. If in town to visit the Athletics spring training at Hohokam Stadium , visit the Rendezvous Café just two blocks from where the stadium at Rendezvous Park used to be. This café is named after the park and stadium. The owners used to cater and do the concessions for both ballparks, Hohokam Stadium and Rendezvous Park. Historic photos line one of the walls of the café and Cindy (the owner) has plenty of other photos and stories to share with interested visitors. And, they have a great breakfast and patio for those cooler Arizona mornings. Rendezvous Cafe, Mesa, AZ

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Legion Field 400 Graymont Ave W Birmingham, AL 35204 UAB Blazers website Legion Field website Year Opened:  1927 Capacity:  71,594 UAB’s Blazers are Back and on Fire One of the icons of college football has gone from being The Football Capital of the World to being known as “The Old Gray Lady” due to its location on Graymont Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama. Legion Field opened in 1927, and recently celebrated its 90th birthday, but the last few years have been difficult ones for the stadium that hosted the fabled “Iron Bowl” between Auburn and Alabama for more than 40 years. The stadium also served as the alternate stadium for University of Alabama until 2003 when Bryant Denny Stadium was enlarged. The once proud upper deck of the east stands had to be torn down in 2005 due to structural issues, reducing the massive stadium’s capacity from 83,091 to 71,594. The demise of the stadium can be tied to many factors. The loss of several marquee games led to large losses of attendance. In addition, the City of Birmingham, which owns the stadium, went through bankruptcy and deferred needed maintenance for several years. The neighborhood surrounding the stadium has also gone through tough economic times. Finally, the 90-year-old structure does not offer many of the frills found at most any on-campus stadium around the country. Ironically, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers, at least temporarily, may be the savior of Legion Field. They have returned from a two year hiatus and are the main tenants of the stadium in the fall. The team has had some very successful seasons since the return of the program and the Blazers have breathed new life into the old stadium. Food & Beverage   2 There are six permanent concession stands still operating at Blazers games. They serve the basic stadium fare of BBQ sandwiches ($7), hot dogs ($3.75), nachos ($5), sausages ($7), popcorn ($5) and roasted peanuts ($3.50). Coca-Cola brand beverages cost $4 while bottled water is $3.50. Beer can be sold at Legion Field as it is not a campus facility. Budweiser brands are available for $8. The drinking age is 21 years old in Alabama and it is strictly enforced. We suggest that you check out one of the many food trucks at the Blazer Village for a wider selection of foods at very reasonable prices. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere of dread that preceded the UAB shutdown, has made a major turn to one of optimism by the city, the university and its fans. The city of Birmingham has shown its support by adding a new and much larger video board in the end zone, replacing a scoreboard dating back to the 1996 Olympics. It has also begun working on some deferred maintenance backlogs on the infrastructure of the stadium. The University of Alabama at Birmingham has recommitted itself to the football program by building a $22 million Football Operations Center and an indoor practice field. The student body has shown its support by working with the school in creating a great game day experience for the fans. This includes the organization of a Blazer Village pregame area on site and the addition of the Blazers Walk, welcoming the team on arrival at Legion Field with the Blazers marching band, cheerleaders and student forming a cordon for the team to pass through before the game. Two new additions to the pregame festivities are a Food Truck Rally featuring 10 different choices each game and Tailgate Wars, a competition based on a combination of the best decorated table, best food,  creativity of games and largest group amongst all tailgaters. These actions have made a major difference in improving the game day atmosphere. Still much is left to be done to bring Legion Field back into competitiveness with many of its peers around the country. Though it boasts more than 71,000 seats, most of these are of the aluminum bench variety, and tarps cover more than 30,000 of these seats. The need for club seating is a necessity to bring major donors back into the stadium. The suites at Legion Field offer very few amenities other than a roof, air conditioning and a refrigerator. Lighting at the stadium is antiquated and the parking lot surrounding the stadium is unpaved gravel. These capital improvements will not come overnight, but the various parties involved seem to be willing to discuss the shared costs of these improvements. Neighborhood 2 Legion Field is in the Smithfield neighborhood. Unfortunately, the area has been in serious decline in recent years. Many homes are boarded up and there are very few restaurants in the area. Talks are underway to redevelop the area. Downtown Birmingham is less than two miles from the stadium and has lots to offer. Regions Field is home to the Birmingham Barons minor league baseball team and is less than 5 years old. Nearby is the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, which is certainly worth the visit. On the food front, Dreamland BBQ is a legend in Alabama and the Highlands Bar and Grill in the 5 Points section of town is highly rated. Fans 4 Very simply, UAB football would not have returned, or once again be playing the games at Legion Field without the Blazer fans. From the beginning they protested the closure of the program, questioned the financial picture painted by the Board of Trustees and showed their support for the program through fundraising drives and the enlistment of several members of the Birmingham business community to form a committee to bring football back to UAB. In the end, these efforts paid off, and the Blazers could not ask for a more loyal fan base. In the first year back from the hiatus, the Blazer team stunned everyone by going 6-0 in home games at Legion Field. The UAB fans reacted by bringing in an average of 43,000 persons a game and leading Conference USA in attendance in 2017, with the next closest competitor more than 6,000 fans behind Access 1 Access to Legion Field is somewhat limited as it is located within a residential neighborhood. You can reach the stadium from both exit 260 B from I-65 north or via exit 260 from I-65 south. However, both exits force a rather circuitous route to the stadium. Upon arrival you will find very limited parking with a gravel lot serving only season ticket holders. We strongly urge fans going to the games to take a free shuttle from the UAB campus. Park for free in Parking lot 4 of the UAB campus and meet the shuttles at the bus awning. Busses run continuously from four hours prior to the game until one hour after the game. (Detailed info is available at www.uabsports.com .) Due to its age, Legion Field is not the most ADA compliant facility you will encounter. Fans with disabilities should call the UAB athletic department prior to the game to set up assistance. Wheelchair seating is on a raised platform on the field which is served by ramps. ADA parking is in the lot at the south end of Legion Field. Even persons without disabilities may have difficulty negotiating the steep ramps and steps of the stadium. Restrooms and concession stands are receiving upgrades and should be much more accessible for the upcoming season. Return on Investment   3 Tickets for UAB Blazer games come at two price levels. Tickets between the 40 yard lines are priced at $30 and all other seats are available at $20. Seats are aluminum benches, so either bring your seat cushion with you or be prepared to pay $10 for a seat back that can be attached to your bench. The concessions are limited, but quite inexpensive. Parking prices run the gamut from parking in neighborhood yards for $5 to reserved spaces in the gravel lot adjacent to the stadium for $8.   The free shuttles from the UAB campus are the most cost-efficient and safest method of getting to and from the stadium.   Extras 4 Several other colleges play special games in Legion Field on an annual basis. The Magic City Classic Pits Alabama A&M against Alabama State, the Steel City Classic features Miles College against Stillman College and the Birmingham Bowl is a post-season game pitting an SEC team versus a Conference USA opponent. The first football member of the UAB Sports Hall of Fame is Roddy White, a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons from 2005-2015. The largest crowd ever in Legion Field was 83,810 for a preliminary match during the 1996 Olympics that featured the USA men’s team. Among the musical artists that have held concerts at Legion Field are U2, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones. UAB has already begun fundraising efforts to build a smaller 30,000 seat stadium closer to its downtown Birmingham campus. Final Thoughts Though the “Old Gray Lady” is showing her age… the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the city of Birmingham are working together to make her last years as productive as possible.

Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes Since the dawn of the motion picture industry, film makers have found their way to Texas to create their silver screen magic. The very first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, Wings , was filmed in Texas. Westerns, comedies, romances, and sci-fi have all been made within the confines of the Lone Star State. However, perhaps no other genre has lent itself so well to being filmed in Texas than the sports film.   While football has been the subject most visited in the state, virtually every sport has been filmed in Texas. To be fair, not all have been great, and thanks to the trusted ranking scores of Rotten Tomatoes, I’m able to come up with a definitive list (although I strongly disagree with the rankings for Necessary Roughness and Varsity Blues , which sit at 35% and 45%, respectively).   With that in mind, here are the top 10 highest rated sports movies filmed in Texas – from lowest-rated to highest – according to Rotten Tomatoes. Grab your popcorn and enjoy! (Viewer discretion is advised.)   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 10) Bad News Bears in Breaking Training (1977) Rotten Tomatoes rating : 50%  Director: Michael Pressman Starring: William Devane, Jackie Earle Haley, Chris Barnes, Jimmy Baio, Alfred W. Lutter   The first sequel in the Bad News Bears  franchise sees (most of) the gang back together, scheming their way across the country in order to play the Texas little league champions in the fabled Houston Astrodome.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 9) Glory Road (2006) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  55% Director: James Gartner Starring: Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Jon Voight, Mehcad Brooks, Austin Nichols   Based on the inspiring true story of the 1966 Texas Western College Miners team that won the NCAA men’s basketball championship with an all-African American starting lineup, Glory Road  would win the 2006 ESPY Award for Best Sports Movie.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 8) 12 Mighty Orphans (2021) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  63% Director: Ty Roberts Starring: Luke Wilson, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Vinessa Shaw, Jake Austin Walker   Another “based on a true story” film chronicles the legendary football team from the Masonic School for Orphans in Fort Worth, TX. The Mighty Mites captured the imagination of the country during the Great Depression for their spirit and resilience. I personally recommend it, along with the book  that serves as its basis.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 7) Tin Cup (1996) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  72% Director: Ron Shelton Starring: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Cheech Marin, Don Johnson, Rex Linn   This cult classic comes from the director of Bull Durham and White Men Can’t Jump . It finds West Texas driving range pro Kevin Costner battling his inner demons, navigating a love triangle, and living every golfer’s dream as he unexpectedly finds himself at the top of the U.S. Open leader board. Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 6) Friday Night Lights (2004) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  82% Director: Peter Berg Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Jay Hernandez, Tim McGraw   Arguably no other work has done more to enrich the lore and mystique of high school football in Texas than Buzz Bissinger’s book  on which this movie and the subsequent TV show are based. For those who don’t know, the film chronicles a season of the legendary Permian High School Panthers and the town of Odessa. This film also won the ESPY Award for Best Sports Movie.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 5) The Rookie (2002) Rotten Tomatoes rating:   84% Director:  John Lee Hancock Starring: Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez, Brian Cox, Angus T. Jones   The best sports movies are always those based on true stories. However, the story of former big league pitcher Jim Morris’s rise from Texas high school science teacher to the Major Leagues seems like pure fantasy – even though it isn’t; this film is the very definition of a feel good movie. Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 4) North Dallas Forty (1979) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  85% Director: Ted Kotcheff Starring: Nick Nolte, Mac Davis, Charles Durning, John Matuzak, Bo Svenson   No movie did more to pull back the curtain on the inner workings of professional football than this one. Based on former Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Peter Gent’s best-selling book , this is arguably the best football movie, and treated the sport with a realism that has rarely, if ever, been matched.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 3) Everybody Wants Some!! (2016) Rotten Tomatoes rating:  87% Director: Richard Linklater Starring: Blake Jenner, Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Tyler Hoechlin, Ryan Guzman   This movie has been called the spiritual successor to native Texan Linklater’s seminal Dazed and Confused , and film carries with it a lot of the same themes, albeit with a college baseball spin. Set in Texas in the fall of 1980, the movie is a true slice of nostalgia wrapped up in a college movie.   Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 2) T he Iron Claw (2023) Rotten Tomatoes rating:   89% Director: Sean Durkin Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Lily James, Holt McCallany   Full disclosure, this was hands down my favorite movie of the year last year; it brought back a ton of good and bad memories. Chronicling the ill-fated rise and fall of the legendary Von Erich wrestling family, I cannot recommend this movie highly enough. Image courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes 1)  Cassandro (2023) Rotten Tomatoes rating:   92% Director:  Roger Ross Williams Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla De La Rosa, Joaquin Cosio, Bad Bunny   I was pleasantly surprised to find this movie made the top spot on this list. The biographical tale of one of lucha libre’s top exóticos has proven to be a hit with both critics and fans. The movie explores identity and pride, while giving a look inside the world of Mexico’s beloved pastime. As a bonus, one of the all-time great masked wrestlers appears as himself. ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Athletic Park 1 Birch Ave SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0E6 Medicine Hat Mavericks website Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 2,200 Summer Evening in ‘The Hat’ Athletic Park has been the home of baseball in Medicine Hat for more than 40 years. The Pioneer League A’s played there in 1977, then were replaced by the Blue Jays in 1978. The Blue Jays rookie affiliate stayed in Medicine Hat until 2002, when they moved to Pulaski, Virginia.   When the Blue Jays moved out, the Mavericks moved in. Playing in the Western Canadian Baseball League, a collegiate summer league that operates out of Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Mavericks have won three league championships and three division championships in their 17 seasons.   The diamond itself is located just to the east of the downtown core, right on the banks of the Old Man River. Major river floods in 1995 and 2013 did significant damage to the park. The floods resulted in a number of repairs and upgrades, as well as the construction of a massive berm beyond the outfield wall to keep river waters in the river valley and out of the city proper. Food & Beverage 4 A single food concession and a single adult beverage concession can be found on the outer ring of the grandstand, which is ostensibly the concourse area. For a typical crowd of around 1,200 fans, this seems to be more than adequate to handle the fan base. While the menu is small and simple, the food is very good. Try the Burger Combo: for $13 you get a freshly grilled burger and a bottle of pop. In other venues, this combo could easily run you $15-plus and the burger could be sitting under a heat lamp waiting for you. The quality and value are much higher at Athletic Park.   Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available.   Over at the “Bar” stand, there is a surprisingly wide variety of options for a relatively small stadium. Again, prices here are pretty reasonable ($7.25 for domestic beer; $7.75 for premium beverages).   A couple food trucks are also located behind the grandstand, adding a nice bit of variety to the food mix. Expect to pay a bit more if you’re going to one of these options, but also expect to get some quality food. Atmosphere 3 As with most of the WCBL diamonds, the overall atmosphere is low-key but pleasant, with people there to enjoy the warm summer weather as much as see a ballgame. The crowd applauds at the right moments and appears engaged.   The diamond itself is clean and tidy, with appropriate appointments, comfortable seats (the bleachers seats are standard metal benches), and good sight lines in all locations around the grandstand. There are some signs that the diamond needs a bit of TLC (some rust or worn paint here and there), but nothing obtrusive.   There are numerous pictures of teams past and championship banners throughout the facility, giving the place a sense of history and really giving it a feeling of home for the Mavericks. Medicine Hat Baseball History, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighbourhood 3 Athletic Park is located east of downtown, in a residential neighbourhood. It’s a nice, quiet area in an older part of town. But for the most part, it’s few blocks on foot before you get to anything else of note.   Just beyond the left field wall is a large berm that was built in 2013 to mitigate the area against floods from the Old Man River, which runs through the heart of the city. You can actually sit down on the hill (or bring a lawn chair) to watch the game from beyond the outfield wall, if you’re so inclined.   On the other side of the berm is one of the larger rivers in the province of Alberta. It’s peaceful and picturesque, a lovely place for a walk. A couple blocks to the east you’ll find Lion’s Park, which features picnic areas, playground areas, tennis courts, fitness trails, and other goodies. Do be aware, though, the river area is home to some snakes and a few of those are dangerous if disturbed.   Heading west from the diamond you have to travel a few blocks before you reach a small commercial area nestled up against the railway tracks that divide east Medicine Hat from west. Two blocks straight west, along Maple Ave, you’ll find a Tim Horton’s, a Subway, and a Pizza Hut, all good enough to feed you before the game. On N. Railway St. you’ll find the Mainliner Pub , which has a reputation for fun karaoke. There are a couple other options if you look hard enough, but food choices are few and far between in this part of town.   Crossing the railway tracks into downtown, you’ll find more food options, such as the DayzOff Pub , which is the Official Pub of the Mavericks. You’ll also find a bit of sightseeing, including the World’s Largest Chess Set, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Situated between the Court of Queen’s Bench Building and the Public Library on 1 St. S.E. it is an interesting curiosity to check out while you’re in town.   If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the immediate vicinity, the rest of the city is easy and quick to get to—one of the advantages of being in a city this size is that you’re never too far away from anywhere. Fans 4 As in most WCBL parks, the fans are fairly laid back and chill, but friendly and engaged. Cheers and boos happen when a big play is made and folks are happy to chat with new people in the stands.   The Mavericks draw about 1,200 fans per game, which is a little above the league average. That leaves a fair bit of room between groups of people in a stadium with a 2,200 seating capacity, but it doesn’t seem empty. Just a comfortable amount of room, the way Canadians like it. Access 4 If you aren’t familiar with the layout of Medicine Hat, finding your way across the train tracks from the downtown core to the diamond might be a bit of a challenge. However, once you find your way along the river under the tracks, the rest of the way is pretty easy.   Parking is free at the diamond and there’s lots of space. You might not want to park right at the stadium lot though, as this could put you in the line of fire for a foul ball or two. A safer location might be kitty corner from the diamond (to the south-west), in a lot right across the street from the city’s curling club.   City transit also runs regularly by Athletic Park. Fares are $3.25 per person. Return on Investment 4 Bleacher seating for adults is $15, with premium seats costing $17 and front row seats costing $19. Children under 4 are free in the bleachers and only $9 in the premium seats. If you want to sit in the front row, which also includes food and drink service taking care of you all evening, it’ll run you $35 per seat.   Overall, this is an excellent deal for a night at the ballpark to see some talented young athletes performing. Extras 3 The Mavericks have a mascot, Monty, roaming the stands during the game and helping with promotions.   All the typical between-innings promotions that you might expect to see happen here.   There is a nicely appointed Souvenir Shack behind the ticket booth, right at the front entrance to the ballpark, providing fans with all manner of hats, shirts, and other goodies like blankets, tote bags, and mini-bats. Medicine Hat Mavericks Souvenir Shack, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The Mavericks have been a consistent contender in the WCBL for most of their franchise history. Coming out to see a game in a lovely, relaxing environment, with friendly people is a great way to spend a summer evening in “The Hat.”

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bartow Arena 617 13th Street S Birmingham, AL 35204 UAB Blazers website Bartow Arena website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 8,508 Birmingham's Team I once heard a saying “If you want to follow college football in Alabama, support either Alabama or Auburn. If you want to follow college basketball in Alabama, support UAB.” Located in downtown Birmingham, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is the third largest university in the state with over 21,000 students. The school started its athletics program in 1978 and within its first four seasons the Blazers basketball program made back to back Sweet 16 appearances and in 1982 made the Elite 8. The head coach for the Blazers basketball program was Gene Bartow who coached until 1996 and also served as UAB’s athletic director. Having earned the nickname “Father of UAB Athletics” the basketball arena was renamed in Bartow’s honor in 1996. Bartow Arena, originally named UAB Arena, opened in 1988 and has a capacity of 8,508. Its tenant made another Sweet 16 appearance in 2004 and has made it to March Madness 16 times. Now in the American Athletic Conference the Blazers look to add to their proud legacy. Food & Beverage 4 The food is the standard stadium fare including a burger ($7), pizza ($7), hot dogs ($5), nachos ($5), pretzel ($4), candy ($3), and chips ($3). Beverages include a souvenir cup with Pepsi products ($7) and bottled water ($4). The concession stands are cashless. Beer and wine are also sold inside the arena. Atmosphere 4 When you enter Bartow Arena you immediately know this is the home of UAB Blazers Basketball. There is a bust of Gene Bartow by the entrance of the arena. There is also a trophy case with a couple of UAB’s conference championships on display. A lot of green is in the arena. The seats are green, the out of bounds area is green, and the championship banners showcasing the Blazers postseason successes are green. There is a large dragon at mid-court and “UAB” is written in gold on each baseline. The UAB band and cheerleaders keep the energy up the entire game. Blaze the Dragon interacts with the fans throughout the game. Neighborhood 4 UAB’s campus is located in downtown Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama. Bartow Arena is just a few blocks from Railroad Park and Regions Field, home of the Birmingham Barons . Bartow Arena is only a few miles away from the larger Legacy Arena. That is where UAB played for its first seasons as a program and where the NBA G-League’s Squadron currently play. You could also catch a concert at Legacy Arena. Legacy Arena is in the same complex as the new Protective Stadium, the home for UAB football and the Birmingham Bowl. Restaurants to check out include Mellow Mushroom, Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q, and Highlands Bar & Grill. There are plenty of lodging accommodations within a short distance of the UAB campus including Hilton, Residence Inn, Courtyard, and SpringHill Suites. Fans 4 Birmingham loves basketball. UAB was the first program in the state to make the Elite 8 and Birmingham appreciates the Blazers. Even if the arena isn’t full on a weeknight the fans that do show up get loud and 5,000 fans feel like 15,000 fans. Students get free admission to the games and they make some noise as well. Access 4 Bartow Arena is close to I-65. If you are coming from the north, Tuscaloosa, or Atlanta you turn off on exit 259B on I-65 onto 4th avenue. You turn right on 13th Street and the arena is on your left but you will keep going to the 12th street parking deck for $10 parking or go down a couple of more blocks for free street parking after 6pm. Coming from the south you’ll exit I-65 onto University Boulevard and the parking deck will be on your right as you turn onto 13th Street. There are two entrances to Bartow Arena and plenty of concession stands and restrooms inside. Return on Investment 3 Tickets start at $12 in the upper levels behind the baskets and go up to $45 for lower level center court seats. There is a $3 surcharge for tickets purchased online and I am not sure if there is an added fee for tickets purchased at the arena. If you buy a cheap ticket, food, a souvenir cup, and pay for parking you’d spend about $40 by yourself, $70 for a date/hangout, or about $130 for a family of four. Extras 4 Bartow Arena has hosted the SWAC Basketball Tournament since 2021 and was the site of a heavyweight championship boxing bout between Deontay Wilder and Eric Molina in 2015. Birmingham has been on the rise for the past decade. There is a minor league team for every sport in Birmingham. The city hosted The World Games in 2022. Nearby attractions worth visiting include the McWane Science Center, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Museum of Art, and Vulcan Park. If you are a baseball fan and can head a couple of miles west you can check out Rickwood Field . It was the home field for the Black Barons and is scheduled to host the MLB Field of Dreams game in 2024. Final Thoughts The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a perfect metaphor for the city of Birmingham. It is on the rise!

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 River Oaks Country Club 1600 River Oaks Blvd Houston, TX 77019 River Oaks Country Club website U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 3,000 U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship The U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship has been a tournament on the ATP schedule since its founding in 1910. Throughout its history, the tournament has been won by a litany of all-time men’s tennis greats, including Arthur Ashe, Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, and Andre Agassi. It is now the only ATP tour-level event in the United States to be played on a clay surface. Houston, the largest city in the Lone Star State, has been home to the tournament since 2001 when it moved from Orlando. In 2007 the exclusive River Oaks Country Club became host for the tourney – the club was founded in 1923 and resides in the eponymous River Oaks neighborhood near the center of Space City. Since coming to H-Town the tournament has been both popular with its patrons and successful for the tour and the club. I had never experienced professional tennis before and was unsure of what to expect on my visit; read on to learn more about what I experienced during this unique event. Food & Beverage 3 First things first – the food selection, variety, and costs at the tournament all range from great to very good. The food service company behind the event is one of the most revered in all of Houston, The Goode Company. This brand behind a chain of area barbecue joints and Tex-Mex restaurants offers up a variety of eats, including chips and queso or guacamole, brisket sandwiches, barbecue chicken sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Bottled water, sports drinks, and sodas are also on the menu. A full-service bar is on-site as well, offering up made-to-order cocktails, wine, champagne, and beer. Again, the drinks are all good and are reasonably well-priced. My sole complaint, if we can call it that, is that there is only one tent that offers up these concessions. While completely understand that the lush grounds of River Oaks don’t lend themselves to many more options, it is still an inconvenience. Atmosphere 4 I would be hard-pressed to imagine an event like a men’s professional tennis tournament taking place at a place more beautiful than River Oaks Country Club – when it comes to atmosphere, the location itself is the major selling point. Everything is immaculate, from the lush green grass to the classically styled clubhouse, to the gleaming luxury cars parked throughout the grounds on behalf of one of the tourney’s sponsors. Frankly speaking, the setting is gorgeous. The venue for the tournament, while a little outdated on the surface, still seems perfect for this type of event. Green wooden bleachers and member’s boxes look like they could easily be found at Wimbledon or Roland Garros; the facility has an old-school, luxurious charm, which I’ll discuss more in the Extras section. Neighborhood 4 The country club, as mentioned, is located smack dab in the middle of an upscale neighborhood. Once you turn on River Oaks Drive you’ll leave the rest of the city behind, and on the drive to the club, you’ll see nothing but street after street of houses and apartments. In other words, the usual dining, lodging, and entertainment options are not going to be near the immediate vicinity. However, the benefit of it being set in Houston is that tournament patrons are privy to everything that Space City has to offer. When it comes to places to eat, the immediate River Oaks neighborhood doesn’t have anything to offer. However, if you venture not too far from the venue, a wealth of options opens up to visitors. In keeping with the idea of not straying too far from the venue, dining options within a 10 to 15-minute drive include the State of Grace, chic seafood and Texas fare restaurant in the Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center; dishes here range from freshly caught seafood, from the nearby Texas Gulf Coast to gumbo and enchiladas. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Barnaby’s Café, a neighborhood joint that is, as a bonus, pet friendly. Baby back ribs, burgers, and Barnaby’s signature French dip sandwich are just some of the highlights. In terms of entertainment, visitors might be surprised to know how many green spaces are located right here in the heart of Space City. Very close to River Oaks are both Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Park – millions of people visit Memorial Park each year, and for good reason. It has miles of hiking and cycling trails; food trucks; an award-winning municipal golf course; baseball, softball, and soccer fields; and volleyball and tennis courts. Buffalo Bayou, on the other hand, is a sprawling 160-acre park that very much keeps the terrain as close to natural as possible, and offers bike and kayak rentals, picnic areas, playgrounds, public art, and food trucks for visitors. For lodging, if you venture a short way from the club, your options run the gamut from five-star boutiques to affordable motels. Examples of this include St. Regis Houston and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston - Greenway Plaza – you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and is fairly close to the tournament. Fans 4 I wasn’t sure what to expect on my visit to this year’s tournament. I’ve admittedly only ever watched tennis in the past when it was time for one of the major tourneys, and those events are hugely popular and highly attended, but I just wasn’t sure about a regular tour stop. To say I was impressed would be a bit of an understatement. The final weekend of the tournament saw the venue completely sold out. The grandstands were full and the grounds – as there were passes sold just to be on the grounds during the event – were crowded the whole day that I was there. In the stands, these were proper tennis fans, engaged and vocal at the right moments. There were, however, also quite a few folks who arrived late – though that might have to do with what’s discussed in the Access section below – and that’s the only reason I’m not giving the Fans section a 5. Access 3 Access is always a thorny issue for me when reviewing a venue in Houston. It is a great city with a tremendous number of places to visit, things to do, food to eat, games to watch, etc., and we can easily count the Clay Court Championship as one of these things to do. However, it becomes tricky for one reason: traffic. To get to River Oaks Country Club, you are going to have to drive or ride in some form of motorized vehicle. In all fairness, Houston has great public transportation, but you won’t be able to take that to get close to River Oaks. So again, you’ll need to drive or ride in a car most likely to get here, and Houston traffic is notorious. You will get stuck in it at least once; it is inevitable. You will need to consider that as you make your way to the tournament. Once at the club parking is very limited, and things bottleneck as you make your way up the main drive. Valet parking is an option, and you can get it right at the entrance if that’s a route you want to go. There is also a shuttle service running hourly for those who want/need to park outside the grounds. In addition, another nice perk is that free bicycle cabs are also provided. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to this event are a little on the higher end, especially for the grandstands on championship weekend. General admission tickets to just get onto the grounds run anywhere from $15 to $35, depending on which day of the week you want to attend. While you won’t be able to get to the court beyond walking through, there is quite a nice area, complete with tables, umbrellas, and benches, where the matches are broadcast to a large television. Tickets to sit in the stands will run you several hundred dollars or more, again depending on the day you attend. I preface this by saying I’ve never been to a professional tennis tournament before, but this seems commensurate with what you should expect for an event like this – you are getting high-level, competitive, professional tennis at prices that are about average for this sport. Extras 2 There isn’t much in the way of Extras at the tournament; the event is treated very much with reverence and class, which shows up in every detail of it. There are plenty of spots on the grounds perfect for photo ops, however, the giant tournament bracket is one of them. Fans can also shop for souvenirs at the tournament store, or for fine goods at a pop-up jewelry store. Plus, attendees get to stroll the grounds of this historic and regularly closed-off club. Final Thoughts I enjoyed my first exposure to professional tennis. The action on the courts was thrilling, and the athletes were even more impressive to watch in person. A venue like River Oaks Country Club is not one I get the chance to experience regularly, so I enjoyed the opportunity to take it in. Sports fans, especially those in this area of Texas, should make an effort to take in the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Bok Center 200 S Denver Ave Tulsa, OK 74103 Tulsa Oilers indoor football website Bok Center website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 19,199 Beautiful Bok Bok Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a standout facility that literally hits you in the face as you drive by, with its stunning silver façade and glass atrium appearing to hang over the side. There are plenty of great amenities inside, and more importantly – you can come here to watch football! Bok Center opened in 2008, and is currently home to minor league hockey’s Tulsa Oilers , as well as indoor football’s Tulsa Oilers; the names can be a little confusing when you are doing online searches, so be careful to make sure you are checking the right game schedule. The football version of the Oilers only began in 2023, so they don’t yet draw as many fans as their hockey counterparts. Nevertheless, a visit to Bok Center for a football contest will be an absolute blast. Food & Beverage 5 There aren’t as many food and beverage options inside Bok Center as you may find at other facilities, but what helps set Bok Center apart is the number of bars and lounges dotted around inside, all of which are sleek, clean, and ultra-modern, offering great seating and TVs you can watch the game on. The best of these is River Spirit Casino Resort Lounge, with its full bar, but also its wraparound gaming chairs (and other seating) in the back, where you can sit down in your own little cocoon, drinking your drink while watching the game on a giant TV. Besides the lounges, you can find upscale versions of all the food items you might expect, such as nachos, burgers, hot dogs, Frito pie, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, chicken tenders and wings, packaged candy, and ice cream, as well as bottled water, bottled or fountain soda, Gatorade, and of course, beer. Be sure to walk around the concourse a bit before you decide, as all the stands offer different things, Atmosphere 5 The great thing about the field itself at Tulsa Oilers games is that the turf is brand new, unlike some of the indoor football fields you may have seen in the past. There is also the dance team and a noticeable mascot in the form of a giant yellow bison-like creature, as well as a wicked cool logo in the form of an oil derrick (there are two merch stands in the building, one large and one small, so be sure to go find the big one as it has way more stuff). But the thing that really takes the cake here at Bok Center is the concourse with all the amenities it offers – everything from charging stations for your phone, little tables dotted around where you can stop and eat your food, play areas for the kids (for example a mini inflatable hockey rick where kids can play one-on-one), cornhole, a giant gumball machine, multiple TVs in little nooks and along the walls, so you can watch the game while walking around, and the glass atrium with its views of downtown. Even if you don’t like football, I would encourage to go to Bok Center at least once just to check it out. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Tulsa really impressed me with how clean and well kept up it is, with none of the shady areas (at least that I could find) that you will find at many big cities in America. There are also hotels within walking distance, for example a Hampton Inn across the street. There are also lots of restaurants within walking distance, although not as close as the hotels. Probably the coolest attraction in Tulsa, however, is Route 66 – it is a few miles away from downtown, but worth driving down and of course taking some pictures of the historic signs. Fans 2 As I mentioned earlier there are not too many fans at Tulsa Oilers football games, but those who are there are into the game, and the team gear shop does a brisk business with its $10 t-shirt and other specials at every game. Access 4 Downtown Tulsa is right next to the river, so if you are coming from the west you may have to cross the bridge, but otherwise it is easy enough to get here, and there is a parking lot right across the street where you can park for $10, or you can park for free along some of the streets if you are willing to walk a little further. Once you get inside the facility, there is plenty of room to move around. The only potential downside is that the ticket window is on the far side of the building, so you may prefer to buy your tickets in advance do you don’t have to bother. If you do need tickets at the door, though, there will be plenty available, as the arena will not be full. Lines for bathrooms and concessions are very light, and there are plenty of staff inside cleaning up during the event, so you are guaranteed to have a good experience while you are there. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Tulsa Oilers football games start at $13, and if you buy at the door you can avoid the Ticketmaster fees. Parking is cheap, especially for a downtown venue, and there are plenty of lower cost concessions items if you look around (although you could certainly spend a wad on food and drinks if you wanted to). All that said, this is a great return on investment, given the great amenities and atmosphere at a game here. Extras 4 I mentioned it already, but the large team store is a big plus here, with all of the different items it sells (way more than I have seen at similar venues, except the NBA-level ones with full team stores). The number of staff on hand is also mind-boggling, there to help answer questions or cleaning up the venue as fans move around, so you don’t have to step in anything icky. The oil derrick logo is also great, as are all the activities for kids and adults inside the arena. Final Thoughts I would definitely recommend a visit to Bok Center for a Tulsa Oilers football game – great venue, a brand-new team, and a cool smaller big-city to visit. I would highly encourage a trip to Tulsa; you won’t be sorry.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 BayCare Ballpark 601 Old Coachman Rd Clearwater, FL 33765 Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training website BayCare Ballpark website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 8,500 Phanatics in Clearwater The Philadelphia Phillies have called Clearwater their home for spring training since 1947. They originally played at Jack Russell Stadium, before moving to their present home in 2004. The present site has gone through several names in its history, including Bright House Network Field and Spectrum Field. Just before the 2023 preseason, it became BayCare Ballpark. BayCare Ballpark has a capacity of 7,300 seats, plus 1,500 spaces on its two berms. Food and Beverage 5 While BayCare Ballpark still carries the traditional ballpark items, it has a food and beverage program geared towards its most loyal fans from the City of Brotherly Love. Fan favorite Philly Cheesesteaks are available at the Delco stand, while Westshore Pizza is also sold at the park. Pete and Shorty’s sliders are on the grill as are Tony Luke’s roasted pork sandwiches. Brooklyn Knish and Boar’s Head sandwiches are also on the menu and are popular with the Phillies fans. Many regional favorites are available to meet the needs of a fan’s sweet tooth. These include Herr’s potato chips, Kandy Kakes from Philadelphia baker Tastykakes, and Thurston’s strawberry shortcake. On the adult beverage front, it’s hard to beat the Beers of the World concession stand along the third baseline. It sells more than 100 brands of bottled beer and has eight beers on tap on a rotating basis. Bud, Bud Light, and Yuengling can be found at stands throughout BayCare Ballpark. Bay Care Ballpark thoughtfully has picnic tables around the park, so you don’t have to balance your food in your lap. Cupholders are found on every seat in the stadium as well. Atmosphere 4 The Phillies spring training home was a pioneer in several design elements when it opened in 2004. It was the first ballpark in the Grapefruit League to have a 360-degree concourse and a restaurant/bar along its outfield wall. BayCare Ballpark was also the first ballpark to angle all the seats toward the field. It also was the first park to expand its concession offerings beyond the usual baseball fare. The dimensions of the field at BayCare Ballpark are 329L, 408C, and 330R. One of the favorite places in the park to enjoy the game, and have a few drinks is Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion in the left-field corner. Seats are available in the Tiki Pavilion on a first-come, first-served basis. However, fans who want to spend the entire game in this area can buy specific seats in the adjoining Tiki Terrace section of the stadium. One of the most interesting elements of Bay Care Ballpark is the bi-level bullpens, which are stacked up in the third base corner of the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Lenny’s Restaurant is a popular hangout for Phillies fans both before and after a game. The restaurant is filled with Phillies memorabilia and serves Pennsylvania favorites like Scrapple. It is less than a mile from BayCare Ballpark. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a popular attraction located nearby. Clearwater Beach is just down the street from the park, and it offers miles of beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Fans 4 Philadelphia fans have always turned out well for the Phillies' preseason camp in Clearwater. It is a popular spring break destination for kids, as the beach is nearby, and mom-and-pop needs very little convincing to escape the brutal winter weather in Pennsylvania. Clearwater is a known entity to the fans since they have set up preseason camp here for more than six decades. They typically make their reservations at the same hotels at the end of one year’s camp for the next season. The Phillies go all out for their fans, as they are one of the few teams that offer travel packages, including tickets and hotels at group prices. The 2023 crowds have been even bigger, thanks to the enthusiasm surrounding the Phillies' first return to the World Series in many years at the end of the 2022 season. They hope to go a step further in 2023 and bring home the World Series title. Access 4 From St. Petersburg: Take Highway 41 North to Drew Street. Turn left on Drew Street. At Greenwood turn right. At West Coachman turn right. BayCare Ballpark will be on your right. From Tampa: Take the Campbell Causeway (Highway 60) West. Cross over Highway 19 and go to the next stoplight. Turn right onto Old Coachman Road. The stadium will be on your right. Another option to get to BayCare Ballpark is the Jolley Trolley Phillies Shuttle. It circulates between Downtown Clearwater, Dunedin, and Safety Harbor, and the ballpark. The cost is $2.25 each way. Tampa International Airport is 12 miles from the ballpark. There are two main parking lots at BayCare Ballpark. Parking costs $15. Gates open two hours before the first pitch. Return on Investment 4 BayCare Park offers tickets at several price levels. The cheapest seats are $17.00 and are on the berms located beyond the outfield walls. The areas along the baselines beyond the first and third base cost $33. Seats behind the plate on the lower level are $35.00. The club seating areas on the upper level of BayCare Ballpark are the most expensive seats, as they cost $39.00. Phillies games sell out quite frequently, so we advise you to purchase your seats well in advance of gameday. The food prices at BayCare Park are quite reasonable compared with most of the Grapefruit League ballparks. Parking at BayCare Ballpark is $15. Extras 4 The Single A Clearwater Threshers use the BayCare Ballpark as their home field during the regular season. BayCare Ballpark is only 5 miles from the Toronto Blue Jays spring training home in Dunedin and is also close to the training facilities for the Yankees in Tampa and the Pirates in Bradenton. This makes it possible to get a day/night combination of games if you are trying to visit all the Grapefruit League ballparks. There is a kid’s playground down the third baseline of the park. It also offers kid-sized meals at family-friendly prices. The left, west entrance into the park brings you through a Spanish Mediterranean courtyard with a fountain and a baseball statue called “The Ace”. Final Thoughts BayCare Ballpark may no longer be the best ballpark in the Grapefruit League, but it was the best-planned ballpark. The Phillies' spring training home was a trendsetter for the spring training stadiums that followed it. The ballpark pioneered the use of 360-degree concourses, using berms in the outfield area as a new seating feature, and developed a concessions program that ventured far beyond the typical stadium standards. At nearly 20 years old, BayCare Ballpark is still a great place to enjoy baseball on a spring day.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 McCoy Stadium 1 Ben Mondor Way Pawtucket, RI 02860 Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 10,031 Home of The Longest Game A project of the Works Progress Administration, McCoy Stadium was built in 1942 on the site of Hammond Pond. It has hosted minor league baseball on and off since 1946, serving as the home of the Pawtucket Red Sox since 1970. The team, which was riddled with debt and in danger of moving and/or folding on several occasions, was purchased by Ben Mondor in 1977 and transformed into one of the premier franchises in all of minor league baseball under his watch. Mondor passed away in 2010, and the team was sold to a group of Rhode Island businessmen in 2015. Immediately upon purchasing the team, the new ownership announced their intention to leave McCoy Stadium for a new ballpark in downtown Providence. After lengthy and unsuccessful negotiations, the team abandoned this project and engaged in a search for a new location for their team. Eventually, two cities emerged in a competition for the franchise-Pawtucket and Worcester, Massachusetts. Negotiations with both cities progressed over the course of two years. On August 17, 2018 the team announced their intention to relocate to a new ballpark complex being built in Worcester, a city located about 40 miles northwest of McCoy Stadium. The new ballpark, being subsided almost entirely by public funds, will open in the spring of 2021. Food & Beverage 3 The Pawsox have taken strides in recent seasons to expand the food options at McCoy Stadium, but the menu here remains average at best. The majority of the concessions at McCoy Stadium are sold at two large stands located behind home plate. All your basic ballpark fare and snacks can be found here, but there is nothing out of the ordinary to be found on the menu. Healthy alternatives and gluten-free items are popular selections. Be warned to time your trip to these large stands carefully, as long lines form, particularly when a big crowd is present. Several smaller stands line the concourse and fill out the offerings with items such as Papa Gino’s pizza and Hershey’s ice cream. In addition, there are two stands at the top of the seating bowls which offer a scaled-down menu for those not wishing to fight the crowds on the main concourse. Stadium Journey’s recommendation is to head over to the food court located behind section 13. Located here is a grill which offers a similar menu to the main stands, but which is cooked over an open fire, featuring larger portions and shorter lines. Also located here are several portable carts offering items such as kosher hot dogs, chicken fingers, french fries, ice cream, and frozen lemonade. Several picnic tables are located in this area, but unfortunately they do not offer a view of the game. Thirsty baseball fans will be pleased to find several stands dedicated solely for the sale of adult beverages. McCoy Stadium features an impressive variety of beer and wine at reasonable prices for this level of baseball. Pepsi products are featured at McCoy Stadium. Atmosphere 3 In an effort to lure fans back to McCoy Stadium, Pawsox management has beefed up both the daily promotional schedule as well as the amount of in-game promotions. The results have been mixed at best, as long-time fans have been resistant to the changes, while younger fans appear to enjoy the enriched schedule. Every inning break features some sort of activity designed to keep the younger fans in attendance involved. From classic promotions such as Pawsox trivia and 50/50 raffles to newer features such as “Hurl the Pearl” and the video bus race, McCoy Stadium’s game day presentation is typical of minor league baseball parks. A recent addition to the game day experience at McCoy Stadium is “Mondor Way,” an area of the parking lot which is sectioned off and opens up two hours before the first pitch. Various family friendly activities such as face painting, live music, photo opportunities with mascots Paws and Sox, and the chance to watch batting practice from field level are available. Neighborhood 2 McCoy Stadium is located in the hardscrabble city of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, six miles from downtown Providence. Pawtucket is best known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Slater Mill, the first fully mechanized mill in the United States, is located a couple of miles away in downtown Pawtucket. McCoy Stadium is located in an area that straddles an industrial park and a residential area. Fans looking for things to do in the immediate vicinity of McCoy will be disappointed. There is a small diner, a pub, a convenience store, and a Chinese restaurant next to the ballpark, but little else. Fans looking for a pre or postgame meal can drive to nearby Newport Ave., where there are several dining options. Likewise, lodging options for visiting fans are particularly slim. Out of town baseball fans should head to nearby Providence for their sightseeing and dining needs. Providence consistently ranks as one of the top dining cities in the country, and there is no shortage of excellent options here for eating and lodging. Fans 3 Fans of the Pawsox, once known as some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable in all of the minor leagues, have shown their displeasure with ownership by staying away from McCoy Stadium in droves, even before the team announced its intention to move. The Pawsox have seen their attendance drop from a high water mark of over 9,000 fans per game in 2008 to under 6,000 fans per game in 2018. The team, which would annually rank among the national leaders in attendance, is now hovering near the bottom of the International League rankings. Given Pawtucket’s proximity to the parent Boston Red Sox, it is easy to understand how passionate and knowledgeable these fans are. The Pawsox have always marketed themselves as a family-friendly venue, and in the crowd at McCoy Stadium you will find families, youth groups, company outings and casual fans mixed in with the hardcore, loyal baseball fan. Access 3 The city of Pawtucket is located on the Rhode Island/Massachusetts state line, six miles from Providence and 45 miles south of Boston. McCoy Stadium is located a short distance from the highway, requiring some travel through the city. Be warned that if driving around rush hour, traffic in and around Pawtucket can be hairy, particularly around the infamous S-curves. RIPTA offers bus service to McCoy Stadium for fans using public transportation. Route 79 has a stop right at the ballpark. If taking the bus from Providence, take the Route 51 bus from Kennedy Plaza to Main and Roosevelt, where you can pick up Route 79. The closest Amtrak train station is located in Providence, about a 10 minute drive away, while the MBTA train from Boston has a stop in nearby South Attleboro. Most fans will enter McCoy Stadium via the entry tower in left field. The old entry ramps still line the old ballpark, but are used only to move between the main and upper concourses. The seating bowl, which is raised about eight feet above the field, stretches from shallow left field to first base. Seating consists of green box seats, red reserved seats and blue general admission seats. A walkway is located about a third of the way up the seating bowl, and is full of traffic throughout the game. It is recommended that if purchasing reserved seats, you avoid the first few rows for this reason. Be advised that some general admission seats at McCoy Stadium feature obstructed views. Additional general admission seating is located on the left field berm and center field bleachers. Fans requiring handicapped access will be pleased to find several seating areas for their use. Be sure to time your trip to the concession stands wisely, as long lines can form at times. The wide concourse under the seating bowl is generally easy to navigate. Bathrooms at McCoy Stadium are plentiful. Unfortunately, in their efforts to prove that McCoy Stadium is no longer a viable home for the team, the Pawsox have let some maintenance issues slide, and the bathrooms are not the cleanest or most functional you will come across. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices at McCoy Stadium, which have held steady for four years, are the lowest in all of Triple-A baseball. Ticket prices start at $9 for general admission seating, with red reserved seats priced at $13, and green box seats priced at $14. Children and seniors can purchase seats for a mere $6. Prices for all tickets increase by two dollars on game day. Parking is available at no charge in the lot adjacent to the ballpark or at Jencks Middle School across the street. These lots fill up fast, so get to the ballpark early. If you get shut out of the main lot, there are several surface lots near McCoy that charge $5 to park. On street parking is also available for fans willing to search for it. Extras 4 Fishing for autographs-McCoy Stadium’s physical setup is such that the first rows of stands are about eight feet above the playing field. The dugouts are located underneath the stands, and fans looking to get autographs from their favorite players have to “fish” for their autographs. Kids will dangle their items for signing on strings inside pails, milk cartons, or binders in hopes that a player will “bite” and sign their treasures. Resourceful autograph seekers will try to entice players with candy or gum left in their buckets. The longest game-In 1981 McCoy Stadium played host to the longest game ever in professional baseball, lasting 33 innings between Pawtucket and Rochester. There is a display on the concourse commemorating this game, with artifacts, photos, and even home plate from the game present for viewing. Pawsox murals-With their affiliation with the Boston Red Sox dating back to 1970, the Pawsox have seen more than their share of players move up to the major leagues. Dozens of alumni have been immortalized in murals that line the old entrance ramps to the stadium. Ben’s treasures-If you ever have the chance, take a tour underneath the stadium, where memorabilia from longtime owner Ben Mondor’s personal collection is displayed along the walls leading to the luxury boxes. Final Thoughts Even though the Pawsox have committed to move to Worcester, they will play the next two seasons at McCoy Stadium while they wait for their new home, Polar Park, to be built. So what will become of McCoy Stadium? Nothing is certain at this point, but rumors have floated that a lower level minor league team could move in (relocation rumors often swirl around several NY-Penn League teams). This would require approval by the Pawsox, as Worcester, Pawtucket and Providence share a single territory according to Minor League Baseball rules. There is a chance that an independent team from the Atlantic League could take up residence in Pawtucket. More radical plans, such as refitting McCoy for soccer, have also popped up recently. While the loss of the Pawsox has hit the area hard, it’s probable that losing the team has saved the stadium. Fans looking to visit McCoy to see the Pawsox have two years to come to Rhode Island, but we may not have heard the last from this majestic old barn. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Hawk’s Nest 19200 College Dr St. Marys City, MD 20686 St. Mary’s (MD) Seahawks baseball website Hawk’s Nest website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 250 Seahawks Nest When sports fans think of St. Mary’s College, they usually think of the school in Moraga, California that produces the occasional basketball upset of Gonzaga. However, there is another school of that name as well, St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Unlike other schools of that name, this St. Mary’s is a public university which gets its name not from a Catholic saint but from St. Mary’s City, Maryland, where it is located. St. Mary’s City was the first colonial settlement in the State of Maryland, and the fourth-oldest permanent English settlement in what was then the Thirteen Colonies. Today, half of the city is a state-run historical preservation and reconstruction area similar to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts, also known as Historic St. Mary’s City, while the other half is occupied by the modern-day SMCM campus. Although the original St. Mary’s City was once a thriving port town, its population had dropped to just 100 by 1644. Today, almost 400 years later, the population is just 733, almost all of them associated with either the college or the historic site. SMCM’s athletic teams are known as the Seahawks, and they compete at the NCAA’s Division III level in the United East Conference. Since 2001, the Seahawks’ baseball team has played on campus at the Hawk’s Nest. The stadium features the same kinds of grass and infield dirt that are used at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at the Hawk’s Nest but fans are allowed to bring in their own. There are water fountains that trickle out water if you’re desperate. Atmosphere 2 The Hawk’s Nest sits in a rustic setting, surrounded by trees on three sides and the parking lot on the other side beyond the outfield fence. Even the dugouts are wooden and resemble log cabins that one might find in the woods. There is one set of bleachers on the first base side at field level and two on the third base side. Behind these two bleachers is a hill where fans can bring their own chairs and sit, and at the top of the hill is a fourth set of bleachers. More hill seating is available down the first baseline beyond the dugout. Admission is free and fans can sit anywhere they want, so it really comes down to personal preference. There is a scoreboard in left-center field which shows a linescore and other basic information, but beyond that there isn’t much going on here. Fans will hear just about everything that is going on on the field, whether it’s the base coach calling out to his players, the umpire communicating substitutions to the scorekeeper, or just about anything else, you’ll hear it. However, that’s about all that you will see or hear beyond the game itself. Baseball purists will love this, but those looking for more of an experience will be disappointed. Considering this is Division III baseball, this isn’t unexpected. Neighborhood 3 St. Mary’s City contains precisely two things – the St. Mary’s College campus and Historic St. Mary’s City , which is a historical reconstruction park similar to Colonial Williamsburg and Plymouth Plantation. It is a popular field trip site for Maryland schoolchildren, and tens of thousands of others visit the site every year as well. It is well worth a visit for the colonial history buff, but for just about anything else, you’re going to have to go into a neighboring town like Lexington Park. There are some places to eat up and down Three Notch Road (Route 235) and Point Lookout Road (Route 5), and some hotels which are mainly used by people visiting the historic site, but you’re going to have to drive at least 10-15 minutes to get there. Fans 3 The Seahawks typically draw only a few dozen fans a game – on a good day they might get 50 or 75. Most of them are friends or family of the players, but you do get the occasional local, or perhaps some tourists who got bored of the historical site and want to do something else for a day. They do tend to be knowledgeable about the Seahawks players and cheer on their team throughout the game. While the attendance will pale in comparison to the vast majority of Division I schools, this is a pretty standard crowd for Division III. Access 2 Unless you’re already in town to visit the historical site, getting to the St. Mary’s campus will take some driving. Maryland Route 5 and Maryland Route 235 both serve the area, but it’s a long drive from any major city along mostly local roads. It is two hours from Baltimore and an hour and 45 minutes from Washington, DC. If you’re already in Southern Maryland to check out a Blue Crabs game, it’s about an hour drive to St. Mary’s from Waldorf. Keep in mind that if you are planning to travel here from areas across the Potomac River or Chesapeake Bay, particularly the Northern Neck of Virginia or Maryland’s Eastern Shore, places that look close on a map may actually be a long drive away as there are no bridges across either body of water at this location. A map may show that the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore is only about 40 miles away as the crow flies, but it would be difficult if not impossible to see both the Hawks and the Seahawks in the same day as getting from St. Mary’s to Princess Anne requires a three and a half hour drive all the way up to Annapolis, across the Bay Bridge, and back down. Likewise, parts of Virginia’s Northern Neck are only about ten miles away as the crow flies, but require almost a two hour drive as the nearest bridge is many miles away. Once you make it onto the campus, free parking is available in Lot R next to the stadium, although you may have trouble finding a spot as it also serves the nearby residence halls. Although the signs say parking is for residents only, you should not be ticketed if you park there the day of the game. If you can’t find a spot, there are other lots on campus for visitors although you may have to walk a bit. Just be sure to obey all signage. There are no restrooms at the stadium itself, but there are two single-person bathrooms across the parking lot near Waring Commons. Normally there should be no wait for these unless there is something else going on on campus that day, as the crowd is quite small. There can be some lines between games of a doubleheader as everyone (players included) tries to use them, and while you should be able to make it back in time for the second game to start, if the situation is urgent you should probably try to go sooner rather than wait until the game ends. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, and you won’t pay anything for concessions because there aren’t any. However, it is hard to justify an experience as basic as this earning the top score. Extras 1 ‘The fact that there are so many vantage points to watch the game is worthy of a star. Beyond that, there are no real extras here. Final Thoughts College baseball in the northeast and Mid-Atlantic simply isn’t a big deal, and this is especially so at the Division III level. If you’re in town anyway to visit the historic site nearby, you might as well check out a Seahawks game while you’re here, or you can time things to see a Seahawks game in the afternoon and a Blue Crabs game at night, but only the most ardent of baseball fans would find it worth it to travel here just for a St. Mary’s game.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 McAlister Field House 171 Moultrie St Charleston, SC 29409 The Citadel Bulldogs website McAlister Field House website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 6,000 Bulldogs Shooting Baskets The Citadel is the Military College of South Carolina, and it was established in 1842. It has a student body of 3,400 men and women. The campus is in the Hampton Park neighborhood on the western side of Charleston. The Citadel has a beautiful campus setting along the shores of the Ashley River. Tours of the campus are well worth your time. McAlister Field House serves as the base for Bulldogs basketball. It was originally named the Citadel Armory but was renamed in honor of Colonel David McAlister, Class of 1924. Colonel McAlister served the school in several posts spanning several decades. The Field House was built in 1939 and can hold 6,000 fans in its basketball configuration. Basketball has been played at the school since 1901. The facility has gone through several renovations over the years. Among the improvements made to the arena are the installation of a new scoreboard in 2014 and the addition of chairback seating for outside ticket holders in 2020. Food & Beverage 2 Charleston is known as a foodie paradise, and the Citadel does not try to compete with the fine dining spots found downtown. There is a lone concession stand located in the front lobby, and it offers a barebones menu of snacks and beverages. Pepsi brand sodas are $3, water is $1, hot dogs cost $3, popcorn is $5, and the candy is $2. Atmosphere 3 The setting for Citadel’s basketball games is rather spartan. Three sides of the seating bowl are pull-out bleachers, with the remaining side featuring very nice stadium seating. This section serves the alumni, public ticket purchases, and major donors. Cadets sit at each end of the court where they love to hassle the opponents with good-natured barbs and cheer loudly for their fellow unit and platoon members. The Citadel mascot Spike the Bulldog is there to lead the cheers and a regimental band plays tunes during breaks in the action. The Citadel has a wonderful video/scoreboard over midcourt, as it has carved bulldog heads on each corner at the base of the board. There is no team store in the arena. The Citadel Bookstore is nearby and stays open later when there is a basketball game. It carries a full line of Bulldogs spirit items. One of the nice elements of attending a game at a service academy is the respect for school and country by the student body and the general fanbase. This is certainly true at The Citadel. During the National Anthem, both the cadet corps and most of the alumni stand ramrod straight and salute the flag. At the conclusion of a game, win or lose, no one leaves a game until the school alma mater is played. The team, the Corp of the cadets, and the fans all stand together and sing along. It is a moving tradition. Neighborhood 5 Charleston has been one of the top tourist destinations in the US for many years. It is known for its beautiful homes, numerous historical sites, and its fine cuisine. People flock to the city each spring to take in the beautiful gardens that fill the backyards of many homes in the city. History buffs can travel to Fort Sumter in Charleston’s harbor or learn about the importance of the city as a key supply port for the Confederate Army. The cannons which fired on the Union forces in the fort were manned by Citadel students, as they had artillery training. A large percentage of visitors come to Charleston to sample the work of the many famous chefs who have set up shop in one of the many old homes in the city. Nearly every week is marked by a festival or a special event that is open to the public. Fans 4 The fanbase at Citadel home games is made up of the Corp of cadets at the school and Citadel alumni. The cadets fill each of the end lines along the court, which places them in a prime location to disrupt the opposition’s free throw attempts and scoring opportunities. The proximity of the cadets to the court also allows the home team to feed off the energy created by their fellow soldiers. The cadets also use their competitive nature in the many contests that are held at halftime and during breaks in the action. The Citadel alumni play an active role in the school long after they graduate. As a military school, The Citadel offers a lifetime bond between those who have graduated from the school and those who are presently enrolled at the institution. Alumni often serve as mentors for current cadets and are incredibly involved in the everyday workings of the school. Many of Charleston’s civic leaders are graduates of The Citadel. Alumni of the school are easy to identify at games, as they tend to sport polo or Oxford shirts in the school colors and with The Citadel crest prominently displayed. Access 4 There is plenty of parking on campus, so no one walks more than the equivalent of a block to get inside the Field House. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at the McAlister Field House will not burn a hole in your pocket. Tickets run from $8-$12 based on your location in the stands. All of the seats are chairbacks if you are sitting in sections 1-6. The concession offerings at the Field House are sparse but inexpensive. Fans can park free anywhere on The Citadel campus that is not marked as reserved. Your main expense would be for lodging, and it would be wise to book your room as early as possible as many conventions and shows are held in the city each year, and can book the local hotels solid. If you fly in, the only time you will need a car is when you depart the airport for downtown Charleston or you want to travel the River Road that takes you to the many plantations that line the Ashley River. We suggest you utilize a ride share service and save the expense of a rental car and parking fees at the hotel. Charleston is a very walkable town, and there are various trolleys and busses available if you get tired. Extras 4 McAlister Field House is also used by the wrestling and volleyball programs. The biggest game of the year is the contest with VMI. They are The Citadel’s biggest rival. The game is always a sellout, and there is an elaborate military ceremony before the game. Pat Conroy, author of such bestsellers as The Great Santini, The Lords of Discipline, and The Prince of Tides, played basketball at The Citadel in the 1960s. He is honored at McAlister Field House with a banner. Many of his novels were based on his time at the school. One extra goes to the respect shown for the country, the school, and your opponent at each Citadel Bulldogs game. Final Thoughts Attending an athletic contest at any service-related school is always a memorable experience and attending a basketball game at The Citadel is no different. The cadets who play in this program qualify as sharpshooters both on and off the court, as the Bulldogs have one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the country each season. Games at The Citadel also offer a great deal of pageantry and tradition, both before and after each contest.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 CCBC Essex Knights Baseball Stadium 7201 Rossville Blvd Baltimore, MD 21237 CCBC Essex Knights website CCBC Essex Knights Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 1,400 Baseball Knights One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but operated independently. Essex, Dundalk and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Essex began in 1957, operating out of nearby Kenwood High School. CCBC Essex has one of the top rated associate nursing programs in the region. The school mascot is the Knights and they play nine sports. Essex has won nine NJCAA national championships including the 2004 Men’s Lacrosse Championship.They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, CCBC Essex has had over 100 NJCAA All-Americans. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options available at the CCBC Essex Baseball Stadium. There are three food facilities on campus including the Essex Cafe, Late Knight Express and the Cyber Cafe. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. There are three simple metal bleachers around the main part of the field. They offer decent views of the game, although through chain link fencing. One of my favorite places to watch the games is in the shady center field area near the simple, basic scoreboard. Next to the baseball stadium is the lacrosse stadium. That stadium is also used for track and field and soccer, as well as by a few local high school football teams, especially during playoff times. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Essex is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the sprawling Franklin Square Hospital. You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Closest to campus is the neighborhood Dellis’ Restaurant Bar & Grill. There will be some other options around this area that is referred to as Golden Ring. One of my favorites is Pizza John which is a bit further away in Middle River. This extremely popular pizza joint has some pretty good, albeit a bit greasy pizza. And greasy does not equate to being a bad thing. Just expect very large crowds on Friday and Saturday nights. White Marsh Mall and the area around it is not too far away as well. There are numerous options around that area. Red Brick Station Restaurant & Brew Pub is a very good restaurant at the Avenue at White Marsh. Also look at Ledo’s Pizza near the Lowe’s store. Their square pizza is very good, and a pretty good value. Mission BBQ is another great option. This small BBQ chain is quite impressive and honors the veterans of America as part of their design. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 4 CCBC Essex is located just off of both the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and I-95. The quickest and best way to access campus is to exit off I-695 at either the Philadelphia Road or US-40 exit and find your way east to Rossville Boulevard. Directions should be easy to follow but also follow signs for Franklin Square Hospital. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from campus. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good level JUCO program at no cost. Extras 2 There are a few plaques around the little park-like setting of the athletic fields which honor student athletes from Essex that have passed away. Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of its electricity from solar. This 5.1 megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1 megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usages. Final Thoughts The CCBC Essex Baseball Stadium is a basic pleasant baseball field located in nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

To christen the first Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views episode for a Canadian Football League team, Dave and Paul bring in an expert, host of the Alouettes Flight Deck Podcast, Tim Capper. What is the Montréal Alouettes experience like and how is it unique among the CFL venues and what the heck does it have to do with the band U2? Grab a beer a bagel and some poutine for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. You can read Stadium Journey's review of Percilval Molson Memorial Stadium and the Montreal Alouettes game day experience here

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Colisee Desjardins 400 Boul Jutras Est Victoriaville, QC G6P 3Z4 Victoriaville Tigres website Colisee Desjardins website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 3,420 Ils Ont le Tigre Par la Queue The Victoriaville Tigres are one of those stalwart franchises of the QMJHL. They have been a part of the league since 1987, when they moved from the Montreal suburb of Longueuil, to the city known for producing the famous Victoriaville hockey sticks. The Tigres have gone on to see some success in the QMJHL, winning the President’s Cup in 2002 and making an appearance in the Memorial Cup. The Tigres have also produced a number of solid NHL hockey players including Mathieu Garon, Stephane Fiset, and Matthew Barnaby. Perhaps the most famous Tigre is also one of the biggest busts in NHL history, Alexandre Daigle, who was drafted first overall by the Ottawa Senators. The Tigres play in the city owned Colisee Desjardins, an older arena which has had a few upgrades over the years. The inner arena is named the Amphitheatre Gilbert-Perreault, after the legendary, Victoriaville native, captain of the Buffalo Sabres. The Quebec bank, Desjardins, purchased the naming rights to the entire building. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few main concession stands in the upper walkway. They serve pretty much what you would expect at a snack bar in Quebec. The added French staples of poutine and Montreal smoked meat are available here, which may be common for Quebec arenas, but not others. Budweiser and Molson Canadian are available for $4.50 for a regular sized can. Coca-Cola products are the soda of choice in Victoriaville. The concession prices are not too bad, and are what you would expect from a junior hockey venue. Atmosphere 3 The Colisee Desjardins is an older arena, built in the early 1980’s. It lacks the natural light and large concourses that seem to be staples in newer buildings. Upon approaching the Colisee, you will notice that it is a pretty nondescript building, featuring siding on the exterior. There is not much of an atrium inside, but there is a bit of a waiting area you may choose to wait in before going into the Amphitheatre, either upstairs or downstairs. Inside the Amphitheatre, you will notice that there have been some upgrades to the arena over time. The seating area is a single bowl, with walkways above the seats. Three-quarters of the walkways have luxury boxes hanging above them. The seats have been updated in the entire arena, and no longer are the wooden seats featured in the Amphitheatre. They have been replaced by plastic seats. The seats are more comfortable than the wooden ones, but are narrower than you would expect. Chairs are black, with some select yellow seats in certain sections that spell Tigres. Above the walkways on the north and south there are very small videoboards. It is a bit challenging to use the videoboard when it is in a non-traditional spot. The low ceilings of the Colisee make this probably the best option though. There is a simple scoreboard above the ice surface. The east end of the arena features a small team store to buy Tigres merchandise. Just left of that you will find the Tigres’ honoured players and the championship banners. These are posted on the wall of the walkway, instead of hanging over the arena. Featured players include P.J. Stock, Mathieu Garon, Stephane Fiset, Reggie Savage, Carl Mallette, Matthew Lombardi, and Yves Racine. It is a little surprising that Alexandre Daigle is not among this group. There are also banners for the 2002 President’s Cup and a couple of division banners as well as a montage of team pictures. The in-game presentation is simple yet effective. There is a mix of music including modern, modern-French, and traditional organ. They make a big deal every time the Tigres head to the ice, even for warm-ups. The emcee does a decent job and the mascot shows great enthusiasm and gets the kids involved. Neighborhood 3 Located on Boul Jutras E, the Colisee Desjardins is pretty easy to get to. There is plenty of parking, especially with the mall across the street. There are a couple of options for before and after the game. You could give Valentine a try, which is a French fast food chain, or if you are looking for something more original, you could try Restaurant Plus. Fans 3 Attendance for the Tigres ends up averaging between 2,500 and 3,200 per game. This average puts the Tigres smack dab in the middle of the QMJHL. The fans in Victoriaville are a bit more subdued and quiet for Quebecois fans, but they are hearty and follow their team with more than a passing interest. It was extremely disappointing, however, to hear and see hundreds of fans engaging in conversations during the national anthems. Definitely a lack of respect. Access 2 Getting to the Colisee is not too difficult as it is located on Boul. Jutras E. As mentioned above, there is some free parking in the complex, and there is a mall across the street. Getting in and out of the area is not the problem. The problem is getting around once you are inside the Colisee. The walkways are very small and crowded. Many people enjoy the standing room behind the seating area, which further complicates manoeuvring around the arena. Outside of the Amphitheatre, there is little in the way of space as well. The washroom facilities inside the Amphitheatre are less than adequate, with washrooms so small that you can see inside from the walkway. Add to this that the team store and concessions are in that same general area, and you will find it more than just a minor challenge to get around during intermission. Return on Investment 5 In general, QMJHL hockey offers the best value for your dollar anywhere, and Victoriaville is no different. Adult tickets go for $15 each, and children are a mere $8. It appears to be a common theme in the QMJHL that the children are key, and they should be targeted. A great family environment is provided. Concession prices are reasonable, and parking should be free, so you are in for a great day of great hockey for a price that will not break the bank. Extras 3 An extra mark for the display of local favourite Gilbert Perreault outside of the Amphitheatre. An extra mark for the original idea of naming the sections after other local heroes. Section 4 is named after Jean Beliveau and Section 2 is named after Gilles Marotte. An extra mark for the old school quarter vending machines, which were once found in every minor hockey rink in every town, and are still prevalent in Victoriaville. Final Thoughts Travelling through Quebec can be a bit intimidating for any Anglophone, especially in the smaller cities, away from the tourist areas of Montreal and Quebec City. However, stadium travellers should attempt to see real grassroots hockey the way it was meant to be seen in Quebec. The passion is there, and the price is right. This is as applicable in Victoriaville as anywhere else in La belle province. In Victoriaville, they have the tiger by the tail, and the Tigres will put on a show for you! Follow Dave’s sporting journeys on Twitter @profan9 .

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 War Memorial Stadium E Grand Ave & N 22nd St Laramie, WY 82071 Wyoming Cowboys website War Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 29,181 At Home on the Range The bucking bronco evokes images of the Wild West when the United States was expanding through the Rocky Mountains during the late Nineteenth Century. The University of Wyoming’s logo is a bucking bronco (“Steamboat”) that pays homage to the state’s rich history during the United States’ westward expansion. The Steamboat logo is ubiquitous at the University of Wyoming’s Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium – and on imagery throughout the state. This stadium debuted on the Laramie campus in 1950 between two ranges of the Rocky Mountains: the Snowy Range to the west and the Laramie Range to the east. "The War," as the Wyoming faithful call it, has received several updates since opening. None of these modifications have materially altered the War’s look or feel. The Wildcatter Stadium Club and Suites opened in 2010, providing indoor seating and luxury boxes. The University renovated the War’s playing surface in 2013 and added a new scoreboard behind the south end zone in 2016. In 2018, the McMurry High Altitude Performance Center opened just beyond the north end zone. It houses much of the football program’s infrastructure and, built in sandstone in Romanesque Revival style like many campus buildings, sets the backdrop to action at that end of the field. The War can also make several other claims. Sitting at 7,220 feet above sea level, the War is the highest NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision stadium in the country. It is the largest sports venue in the State of Wyoming and the state’s only college football venue. The War seats 29,181 loud and fervent fans, providing an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams and an enjoyable experience for nonpartisan college football fans looking to see a game in a picturesque location. Food & Beverage 3 The food at the War is generally good. A cup of Wyoming’s famous Chugwater Chili can be purchased for $5 at several concession stands throughout the War, as well as from a food truck on ground level in the stadium’s southeast corner. The made-to-order jackalope taco (a ground beef taco in a large, soft tortilla) sells for $9.75, while a burrito, nachos, and taco salad go for $11.75 apiece. Not into western or southwestern-themed food? The War also has a sushi and steak concession stand selling freshly made California rolls ($8), veggie rolls ($7), and shrimp tempura ($11). The hot dog ($4) is fine, too, but the bratwurst ($5) is cold and inedible. Individual pepperoni and cheese pan pizzas from Pizza Hut sell for $7. The War sells Pepsi products, with 20-ounce bottles and fountain soda going for $4, while souvenir soda mugs are $6 apiece with $3 refills. Bottled water and Gatorade also sell for $4 for a 20-ounce bottle. Red Bull products are available for $5 a can, providing jolts of energy for fans battling the aftereffects of a late night, the rigors of aging, or both. A surprisingly large variety of beer and hard seltzer is available at the War. Beer stands are available throughout the stadium, selling craft beer on tap for $8 and domestic beer on tap for $7. Cowboy State Brewing, launched in 2017 by Wyoming natives to provide the University of Wyoming’s concession stands with craft beer, sells its flagship beer, CSB Gold, throughout the stadium. The Kona Brewing Company’s Big Wave Golden Ale and several Breckenridge Brewing beers are offered. The familiar cavalcade of brews can be found, as well: Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Light, Michelob Ultra, and Busch Light. Atmosphere 4 Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S., with approximately 577,000 residents. Despite that fact, the Cowboys’ fanbase has a passion that far exceeds its numbers. Fans come from all parts of Wyoming to cheer on the state’s highest profile team. Though the Cowboys do not sell out every home game, they enjoy a loyal following that gets loud at the right times and can intimidate visiting teams. The War has opposing grandstands on its east and west sides, with room beyond each end zone for fans to stand at field level. The Cowboys have a robust tailgating scene, and the Pepsi Pregame Zone serves as a covered, climate-controlled pregame alternative in the indoor practice facility just to the War’s northeast. The area just outside the entrance to the High Altitude Performance Center is worth a pregame visit. Fans can cheer on the players from a close distance as they take the field before the start of each half or pose for photos with Wyoming’s live mascots. The Wyoming Athletics Department has designated midfield, lower-level seats as the student section. More schools should reserve premium seating for the students. Doing so creates a better atmosphere, although it does displace high-paying donors. The War does not have any obstructed seating and there is not a bad seat on either side. Neighborhood 4 The War sits at the University of Wyoming campus’s southeast corner, along Laramie’s Grand Avenue. With a student enrollment of approximately 10,000, the entire campus is within walking distance of the War. The Cowboy football team’s original home, Prexy’s Pasture, now serves as UW’s quad, ringed by academic buildings. Prexy’s Pasture is a main thoroughfare for students as they travel through campus between classes (though some less hearty alums report finding indoor routes through buildings around the pasture that enabled them to escape Laramie’s cold winter weather). Another campus highlight: a life-sized, copper statue of a Tyrannosaurus rex that has greeted visitors to UW’s Geological Museum for more than 50 years. Former UW professor Samuel “Doc” Knight spent 4,000 hours building the campus icon. Downtown Laramie is an easy, five-minute drive west from the War. This historic neighborhood has shops, bars, and restaurants in buildings, some of which operate in buildings far older than anyone reading this review. The Buckhorn Bar and Parlor is one such example. It has been a stalwart in Downtown Laramie since 1900, with a bullet hole still in place after an agitated patron fired shots in the bar (“I Survived the Buckhorn” t-shirts, with an image of a bullet hole in a mirror, sell for $21). Around the corner on the same block, Elmer Lovejoy’s fronts the Union Pacific rail yard and serves quality bar and southwestern food. Closer to campus and east of the War, Grand Avenue has several chain hotels and the amount of fast-food and fast-casual restaurants as one would expect so close to one of I-80’s off-ramps. Fans 3 Even in the 2021 season, during which the Cowboys went 6-6 (and congruently, 3-3 at home), large crowds still came to the War. The semiannual Border War game with Colorado State routinely sells out and is always charged, as the schools are only an hour’s drive apart along U.S. Highway 287. Access 3 There are two, primary routes to the War for those coming from outside Laramie: from the east on Interstate 80 or from the west on Interstate 80. Parking can be purchased ahead of time for two lots adjacent to the War and fans should do that because of a paucity of signage directing fans where to park without passes. Although signs around the War note that parking information can be found at 1670 on the AM radio dial, there is nothing broadcast on that frequency. Fans can park for free on some of the streets around the War and in some campus lots and those areas provide better options for those who did not prepurchase a parking pass. Ticket takers and security lines move quickly with friendly staff. Once inside, the War has plenty of room to move around. Both the east and west grandstands have seating in the lower deck or in the upper deck. Circular ramps connect the lower levels with the upper and, although the ramps are steep, motorized carts shuttle fans who do not want to walk. The War’s upper reaches provide nice views of the surrounding mountains. Concession stands are placed primarily under each grandstand (on the lower level) or behind each grandstand (on the upper level). Because the War is an older stadium, fans cannot view the field while waiting in line for most concessions, but lines move quickly. The bar area underneath the large scoreboard on the stadium’s south side is a very pleasant place to get a drink and watch the game from ground level. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Wyoming football are as good a deal as a fan will find. Single-game tickets in 2021 ranged in starting price from $29 to $49, for the Cowboys’ “Border War” rivalry game with Colorado State. Season tickets in 2021 sold starting at $159 per seat, with the most expensive being $235 a seat. Wyoming even offers a child’s season ticket (ages 3-12) for $89. With free parking on the streets contiguous to the War, the experience is a solid bargain. Extras 4 The War receives a point for maintaining its vital role as a memorial dedicated to the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II. The War opened in 1950 but in the interim, the university has not forgotten the stadium’s purpose. The university in 2017 relocated its existing Veterans Memorial Plaza to a location between the War and the indoor practice facility. The “World War II Soldier’s Cross” statue and a 20th Century Wyoming Veteran’s Memorial commemorate the Wyomingites who served the United States in the military and merits a visit. Another point is awarded for the university’s recognition at the War of one of a sad but important moment in Wyoming football history, the Black 14. In October 1969, fourteen African American football players asked head coach Lloyd Eaton to meet with them. The players sought Eaton’s permission to wear black armbands during the team’s upcoming home game against Brigham Young University, protesting the policy (rescinded in 1978) that prohibited African Americans from serving as priests in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Eaton had a team policy that prevented players from participating in demonstrations and dismissed all 14 players from the team at the end of that meeting. In 2019, marking the 50-year anniversary, eight of the 11 living players returned to Laramie and were honored on campus. A marker on the War’s east façade memorializes the important story of the Black 14 – even though the saga likely represents the program’s lowest moment. The marker is placed near the ticket windows and keeps alive a critical part of the Cowboys’ history. The Cowboy-themed public art in and around the War earns a third point. This is a great and unexpected aspect of attending a game at the War. The bronze “Breakin’ Through” statue on 22nd Street, southeast of the War, depicts a female rider and her horse busting through a sandstone wall. Horse and rider measure almost 16 feet tall and almost eight feet wide, while the wall stands approximately 20 feet high. A statue of a cowboy aboard Steamboat, the horse whose silhouette has served as UW’s logo since the early 20th Century, stands north of the War and a smaller version stands between the High Altitude Training Center and the north end zone; players touch it entering and exiting the field, and fans do the same as they walk by. Finally, and perhaps most enjoyably, UW’s equine mascots collect a fourth point. Cowboy Joe V, a Shetland pony, is the Cowboys’ live mascot. A team of student handlers tends to Cowboy Joe and runs through the end zone with him after each UW score. During pregame, Cowboy Joe and the handlers greet fans on the small lawn outside the High Altitude Training Center along with a horse named “War Paint” and his rider, who lead the Cowboys onto the field at the start of each half. Final Thoughts Wyoming has created a fun game day experience that summons imagery of the state’s western heritage with a historically tough brand of football. With Cowboy Joe and War Paint pacing the sidelines, UW has successfully given life to the iconic Steamboat logo that appears on the players’ helmets and on the War’s field. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Slush Puppie Place 1 Tragically Hip Way Kingston, ON K7K 0B4 Kingston Frontenacs website Slush Puppie Place website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,614 Hip at the Fort Editor's Note: Leon's Centre was renamed as Slush Puppie Place in February 2024 The Kingston Frontenacs were in serious trouble. The writing was on the wall. If the City of Kingston would not partner with the Frontenacs for a new arena to get them away from the aging Kingston Memorial Centre, then the Ontario Hockey League franchise would be forced to find greener pastures. Fortunately, the City of Kingston stepped up and in 2008, the K-Rock Centre opened to the public. With much fanfare, the arena opened on the site of the original Fort Frontenac, a 17th century trading post, right in beautiful downtown Kingston. Hockey personality and Kingston native, Don Cherry would drop the first puck for the Frontenacs and the next chapter in Kingston hockey was born. In 2018, the city would sign a naming rights deal with Leon’s Furniture Ltd. for five years. Although many would point to Cherry or team president and former Toronto Maple Leaf legend Doug Gilmour, as the first sons of Kingston, what is currently known as the Leon’s Centre would open to a set of even bigger Kingston legends. The first performance at the arena would be a concert by the iconic Canadian band, The Tragically Hip. So iconic and revered in the community are The Hip, that the address of the Leon’s Centre has since been changed to 1 Tragically Hip Way. Perhaps the most significant date in the young lifespan of Leon’s Centre was August 20, 2016. Before succumbing to brain cancer, Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip would perform in a nationally televised concert, the final one for the band. Junior hockey in Kingston dates back to the forties with the Kingston Victorias, who were eventually renamed the Frontenacs, after Louis de Buade de Frontenac, Governor General of New France in the 1600s. The current franchise would join the OHA as the Kingston Canadians. They would be renamed the Kingston Raiders for one season before being sold. After the sale of the team, the return of the Frontenacs would usher in a new era for the team. Current owner Doug Springer would purchase the team in 1998. Although the Fronts have not enjoyed a ton of success on the ice, with only two East Division Championships to show for their efforts, the Frontenacs experience has improved significantly and remains a great option for sports fans. Food & Beverage 4 The concession options at Leon’s Centre will not leave fans hungry. The nine concession stands that are on the 100 and 300 levels offer a wide variety of culinary treats. All of the expected items can be found including popcorn, hot dogs, burgers and chicken fingers. Smoke’s Poutinerie has a presence at Leon’s Centre to treat fans with a variety of poutines, fries, hot dogs and burgers. The Craft Brew & BBQ stand offers fresh BBQ options like pulled pork and the Pizza Pizza stand offers slices. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at Leon’s Centre and bottled water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and slushies can also be found. A pregame spot to stop for a drink inside the Leon’s Centre would be the Molson Brew House which offers a full bar as well as wine, beer and ciders. Prices are not out of line for an OHL venue. Atmosphere 5 Leon’s Centre offers an atmosphere for Frontenacs hockey that is among the best in the OHL. Outside of the arena, in the northwest corner sits actual ruins from the original Fort Frontenac. Across Ontario Street is the current Fort Frontenac, which is a Canadian Military venue. The exterior of Leon’s Centre is attractive with light coloured brick. The south side of Leon’s Centre is Tragically Hip Way, a portion of Barrack Street that Kingston City Council renamed in honour of the famous Kingston band. Inside the concourses of Leon’s Centre fans will have the opportunity to check out some of the local flavour. The pillars in the concourses are all wrapped with photos of big shows in Leon’s Centre history. Bryan Adams, Russell Peters and Gord Downie all have a presence here, just to name a few. A number of local displays and tables are found throughout the concourse, but the Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame will require a few minutes look. Don Cherry, Doug Gilmour and Kirk Muller all have a presence and more can be found. The exterior of the team store, Frontenacs Originals, features classic jerseys from the original Frontenacs, Canadians and Raiders on display. Team photos for all of the modern era teams can also be explored. Inside the seating bowl, fans will notice the single seating bowl circled by an upper level concourse. The ice surface runs from west to east with the best view of the centre ice logo coming from the south side. A banner on the east side of the building memorializes the final Tragically Hip show in Kingston. On the west side the honoured numbers of Mike O’Connell, Tony McKegney, Brad Rhiness, Ken Linseman, David Ling, Mike Zigomanis and Keli Corpse hang proudly. When the Toronto Maple Leafs replaced their honoured numbers banners the old ones were distributed across the country. It is no surprise that the number 93 of Doug Gilmour from the Air Canada Centre hangs on the west side. The Frontenacs have started a new program where on Remembrance Day, they honour a local veteran. They are memorialized with a banner on the west side entitled the Honourary Captains. Having such a significant military presence as Kingston does, it is another excellent way for the Frontenacs to connect with the community. The game day experience at Leon’s Centre has improved significantly. Much research and work has gone into an improved experience which begins with the pregame rituals. The video presentation is solid and captures a local flavour unlike any other OHL venue. It is clear that the Frontenacs have forged a relationship with Fort Henry as the historic, military motif is felt throughout the presentation. Some of the clips are even filmed at the fort. Live mascot Cap’n Frank pontificates the importance of the city and the game on the ice before The Battery, the local drumline, welcomes the Frontenacs on the ice as they enter through an inflatable fortress. The Trevor Walsh Group plays during intermissions and before games and Barrack, the Frontenacs mascot, can be found interacting with fans around the arena. The Frontenacs should complete the local feel with a goal song which is original and local, probably one by The Hip. Neighbourhood 5 You can’t find a neighbourhood in junior hockey better than the surrounding area in downtown Kingston In just the immediate area alone there are a ton of food options. All are easily within walking distance of the Leon’s Centre. Head to Princess Street and you will find what you are looking for. In recent years the Kingston downtown has been hit with the major restaurant chains and those are easy to find right nearby. Jack Astor’s, The Keg, Milestones and Lone Star Texas Grill are all right there and all safe, well-known bets. If you are looking for something a little different, and something uniquely Kingston you will not have to venture far. Some options to consider include The Toucan, Chez Piggy, The Merchant Tap House, Wooden Heads, Grizzly Grill, and The Public House. This is just a small sampling of what is available to you. Make sure that you save time either before or after the Fronts game to do some investigating and check out the food options downtown. Kingston is a bit more of a summer tourist city, but there are plenty of things to do here. The Leon’s Centre is right across the street from the waterfront. The ferry to Wolf Island Provincial Park is right there as are the meeting spots for the Kingston Trolley Tours and Kingston 1000 Island Cruise tours. Confederation Park is also right downtown and is a terrific meeting spot when waiting for friends. Across the water you can see the campus of the Royal Military College of Canada and just beyond that is Old Fort Henry. The college influence is not lost on Kingston and there are a ton of spots to catch some live music on Princess Street. If you are looking for other sporting options in Kingston, there are a few. Other cultural endeavours you may wish to consider include the Pump House Steam Museum and the Kingston Penitentiary Museum. The RMC Paladins play hockey at Constantine Arena, which is just across the bridge from Leon’s Centre. The other main options would be found with the athletic teams from Queen’s University. The Queen’s Gaels football team plays at Richardson Memorial Stadium , which was recently renovated. The Gaels basketball team plays on campus in the Athletics and Recreation Centre and the hockey team plays in the former home of the Frontenacs, the Kingston Memorial Centre . There are also a ton of places to stay downtown. Three you may wish to consider include the Delta, Holiday Inn and Confederation Place. All are mere steps from the Leon’s Centre and the heart of downtown Kingston. Although there remains a lot to do in Kingston throughout the year, the best time to catch a game and enjoy the city would definitely be during the opening month. Fans 3 The Frontenacs have felt the sting of not having a great amount of success on the ice. Kingston has welcomed between 3,000 and 4,000 fans on average since 2016. The 2018-2019 season has been a rebuilding one for the team after making a strong run the previous year. As a result, the attendance has fallen significantly and the game that was reviewed was scarcely attended. It is unfortunate as the Frontenacs are working diligently to put together the best possible game day experience. Hopefully some more success on the ice will translate into steadier crowds and a stronger following. Access 3 The Leon’s Centre is located at the St. Lawrence River in downtown Kingston. Getting to this point can prove challenging from those coming from out of town. Downtown is a significant distance from Highway 401, the major highway connecting Southern Ontario. It is near Highway 2, but it is not a really significant highway. Therefore, travellers will have to travel a significant distance through the city of Kingston to get downtown. Be prepared for a plethora of traffic lights. There are Kingston Transit buses that travel along Princess, Brock and Ontario Streets. For those who are interested in public transit, check out the Kingston Transit website for maps, schedules and fares. The Leon’s Centre does not have any parking of its own. Fans who drive to the game will be required to find parking in one of the surface lots near the arena. There is a decent sized parking lot across from the arena, on the other side of The Tragically Hip Way, however it is pretty much a dirt lot and is extremely messy during mild temperatures. Surfaced lots will probably run around $5 for the event, which is not terrible. There are a few entry gates around the arena. They are not huge but do the trick. Ticketing windows operate outside for the most part. If you are needing to wait a bit before the gates open, then waiting in the gate on the northeast side of the arena is probably best. There is early entry for season ticket holders. The concourses are not huge in the Leon’s Centre, however considering the crowd size is normally well below capacity, there is ample space to move around. The lower concourses do not travel 360 degrees and at either end of the arena you will have to turn around. The washroom facilities in the Leon’s Centre are also adequate for the experience. Return on Investment 4 As with other OHL experiences, Kingston Frontenacs hockey offers terrific value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Fronts will go for between $19 and $22.25. Concession prices are not too troublesome and parking isn’t awful either. Junior hockey offers a terrific product on the ice. Although the Frontenacs aren’t terrific on the ice in 2019, the cyclical nature of Junior Hockey ensures that the Fronts will be back challenging for the post season soon enough. Extras 3 An extra mark for the best neighbourhood in all of Junior Hockey. There is not really a better spot to be than downtown Kingston. A great tourist spot with a terrific nightlife and a grand history. An extra mark for the Leon’s Centre being built on the site of the original Fort Frontenac and incorporating the ruins as part of the site and maintaining the heritage. An extra mark for the work the Fronts have done in their pregame show. Definitely unique in Junior Hockey, the Frontenacs are pushing the entertainment envelope in the OHL. Final Thoughts Kingston is one of the truly great places to visit in Ontario. The Kingston Frontenacs can be a part of a stop in Kingston and the Leon’s Centre is a solid facility. The Fronts are pushing the envelope in what fans can expect for a game day experience and the product on the ice can only get better. Hockey fans should definitely take a trip to Eastern Ontario to the historic, vibrant city of Kingston and make plans to catch the Fronts in action. There will be no regrets. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Andy Pregler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Schoellkopf Field 513 Campus Rd Ithaca, NY 14853 Cornell Big Red football website Schoellkopf Field website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 25,597 Big Red Review of Schoellkopf Field Nestled in the rolling hills of Central New York is Cornell, a school known just as much for its academics as the beautiful plot of land the campus occupies. Tucked away on this historic campus is also a historic football stadium. Schoellkopf Field has been the home of the Big Red since opening in 1915. Now in its 98th season, the field has one of the most unique architectural features of a stadium that you'll find. The eastern stands are a huge sloping arch (aptly named "The Crescent) that from the outside, model a coliseum. The Crescent was added in 1924 as one of the eight main renovations the stadium has undergone. The largest crowd recorded at Schoellkopf Field was 35,300 when the Big Red defeated the Michigan Wolverines in 1951. Since 1970, the largest crowd Schoellkopf Field has seen was 23,000 when Cornell defeated Columbia in 1971. Cornell has five National Championships with the last coming in 1939. The Big Red also has three Ivy League championships with the last coming in 1990. Food & Beverage 3 The food offerings here are comparable to almost any other stadium across the country. The key is knowing what side of the stadium to go to. On the west stands beneath the press box, there are just two concession stands (in reality just one that is divided into two) that features the bare minimum of offerings: peanuts, candy, popcorn, pretzels, sodas, hot coffee, chocolate and teas. Ironically enough, these are the stands where most of the visiting fans and band sit! Under The Crescent is where to satisfy your in-game cravings. There are three large concession areas all with many more offerings. These include burgers, hot dogs, sausage, chili, chili dogs, cheese dogs, chicken fingers, fries and slushies along with the same offerings from the west stands. All of the food is priced fairly between $2-$7 dollars. Since Schoellkopf Field is an in-campus facility, no beer or alcohol is available on campus. Atmosphere 2 When you drive into Ithaca, you can't help but smile at just how beautiful and tranquil the area is. It brings you back to small town USA. This is similar to how I would describe the football game atmosphere. Before the action started, I found one small tailgate in the lot adjacent to the east stands near the band building. The marching band performs for the fans before marching into the stadium. As I wandered the stadium, it felt as if most of the fans for both sides were families of the players or families from the area looking for a way to create new young fans of the game of football. Talking to ushers, you immediately comprehend that they know most of the fans on a first name basis. The bands for Brown (visiting team) and Cornell were both active instead of the usual hard rock/pop music over a sound system. The stadium's scoreboard is located in south end zone and while it doesn't have all of the extra bells and whistles of jumbotrons, it does show a high quality video of the action on the field. And I'll give the cheerleaders for Cornell credit; they are loud and into the game even if the fans they are cheering to are not. Neighborhood 4 The area immediately around the Cornell campus will only keep you in the area longer. It's a built up area intended to cater to the students at the school and thus offers many choices when it comes to food and drink. I made a venture into the College Town area with a friend who goes to the school. It's a few (admittedly crammed) streets full of restaurants, coffee shops and student apartments just a five minute drive/fifteen minute walk from the stadium. If you like Greek/Mediterranean food, Aladdin's has fantastic authentic food at a good price with a nice selection of bottled beers and wines. If that's not your scene, Agava is a Mexican restaurant on the other side of campus that serves upscale Mexican food. If you venture into downtown Ithaca, multiple people have recommended the Ithaca Ale House. It's a place with great pub food and local beers and TV's for all sporting events. Fans 2 As seen in many of the pictures above, there were not great numbers when Cornell took on Brown in Oct, 2013. In fairness, it was the first weekend that Central New York was hit with "football weather," the trademarked cool temperatures with biting winds. Most of the seats taken are in between the thirty yard lines in the center part of The Crescent, which offer the best view of the entire field. However, almost no one was at the lowest section, leading many high schoolers to stand over the railing for a time. The cheerleaders are positioned in front of the band for most of the game as there is no discernible student section to be found. At this game, those who did brave the cold knew their football and were incredibly friendly and familiar with Cornell football. Some of the most unique views and seats are found as you walk the upper-most concourse on that east set of stands; there are folding chairs set up to watch from on top of The Crescent and have a bird's eye view of the action. Access 3 It is not my attempt at creative writing, when I say that Ithaca is nestled in the hills of Central New York. You exit I-81 at Cortland and proceed to take the New York State routes through Cortland and the winding hills and towns between the highway and Ithaca. It the fall, this drive is absolutely gorgeous with the changing leaves which perfectly coincide with football weather. It's best to find your way to Hoy Road as this will lead you to the campus entrance closest to Schoellkopf Field. After you've navigated your way to Cornell's campus, there is plenty of free parking just off the campus. However, on campus parking is cheap and available at lots scattered throughout the school or in the Hoy Garage. If you can nab a metered parking spot in the Garage, both the baseball field and Schoellkopf Field are adjacent to the garage. The garage will bring you to the northwest corner of the stadium, where you can find the visiting team's fan section and bleacher seating. Just walk around the north end zone and you'll be over at the west stands where most of the Cornell faithful will be and where I discovered the small tailgate with the band. Return on Investment 4 With adult admission seating at just $10, Schoellkopf Field offers tremendous value. You can grab great seats for your whole family for under $40 with their children rates, and food won't break the bank either. Factor in the wonderful neighborhood, the scenic drive and sights around the area and the relatively workable prices of food in the area and that weekend trip to Ithaca can be complimented with a quick swing to Schoellkopf to see some D1 football action. Extras 3 When you grab your seat at Schoellkopf Field, you'll notice a brick building in the north end zone modeled after an older style mansion but clearly much newer. This is the Schoellkopf Memorial Football Building where the offices of all of the coaches and staff are found as well as the teams locker rooms. The bottom level is where you'll find the band room and locker rooms and are off limits to the public. However, the top level is where you'll find the offices and a Hall of Fame area, commemorating legends of Cornell football. There is also a dining area for "select fans" with seating available on the terrace for these fans. Final Thoughts There is a special charm to Ithaca, NY and the Cornell campus. While it isn't an area that screams passion for football, Schoellkopf Field is a historic stadium with character that offers a family friendly atmosphere to watch a collegiate football game with all of the extras that make collegiate football different from anything else. Couple this with the friendly staff and fans and there is no reason not to swing by and watch the Big Red play if you're in the area for a weekend.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Wolves’ Den 1801 E Cotati Ave Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Sonoma State Seawolves website The Wolves’ Den website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,000 Wine Country Volleyball While the Sonoma area may be better known for being part of California’s wine country, or home to Sonoma Raceway, often overlooked Sonoma State University provides a sports haven for college athletics fans who don’t want to drive an hour or more to watch Cal. Here, inside the halls of Sonoma State’s The Wolves’ Den, you can watch some top quality college volleyball for a small price in the quiet serenity of wine country. Food & Beverage 2 There isn’t much at the concessions stand, but thankfully it won’t break your bank either. Drinks are limited to water or soda for $2 or Gatorade for $3. For food, nachos ($4) and hot dogs ($3) are the biggest items, with popcorn ($1), candy ($1.50), chips ($1.50), or a cookie ($1.75) as the only other options available. Nevertheless, the staff are always friendly and helpful and the food never comes out cold. And unlike many small concessions stands, they accept credit cards without a purchase minimum. Atmosphere 3 The interior of The Wolves’ Den is reminiscent of 1980’s California architecture for large buildings. Giant concrete and cement walls, accented wood paneling for the ceiling, and sound-absorbing panels mounted on all the walls. With the acoustics inside, even a modest crowd can sound like a full house for Sonoma State. In addition, the close proximity of the seats to the benches mean the fans get a great view of the coaching staff during the game, as well as the bench. Neighborhood 4 There are few areas in the United States more beautiful than California’s wine country. Nestled outside of Santa Rosa, Sonoma State University is a campus with lots of foliage and greenery to contrast the brown of California’s hills in the dry months. There are countless wineries not far from the school, meaning your visit will be chock full of places to visit. Popular attractions include Jack London State Historic Park and Matanzas Creek Winery. For hotels, nearby locations include Graton Resort and Kenwood Inn & Spa. For eating, not much tops In-N-Out Burger in Rohnert Park or Sushiko. Fans 3 The fans at Sonoma State are loyal like most colleges, and they cheer on their team as if they were a mid-major division I college. Most fans are family or friends of the players and staff, though there is a decent student turnout during most games. A lot of youth athletes will come watch as well, hoping to pick up some skills by watching college level play. Access 3 Getting to Sonoma State University can be a hassle thanks to California’s notorious traffic. Just a few miles away from Highway 101, the campus is on the east side of Rohnert Park. Once on campus, plenty of signs help direct you around the property, making finding the gymnasium easy to find. However, one must look for signs that say gymnasium and athletic facilities instead of something name-specific. Once you have arrived, parking is plentiful and free on site. Return on Investment 3 Kids 12 and under are free to games, while visiting students pay just $5 with their ID. A reserved seat is $10 while general admission runs just $7. Adding this to the free parking on site and the inexpensive concessions, and you can take your friends and family out to watch college volleyball without spending a ton of money. While getting there is a bit off the main highways of the greater bay area, a visit can still yield an enjoyable time for fans. Extras 3 Outside the arena’s entry doors lie the three main points of interest here. First is the massive trophy case for the school. From numerous athletic NCAA National Championship trophies to individual medals, these large cases show that Sonoma State is a school with a lot to be proud of athletically. Across the hall from these cases is the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Here you can see some of the great names that have passed through Sonoma State’s halls over the years. Beyond this, fans can step outside into the beautiful courtyard for a breath of fresh air under some trees. This quiet and serene spot is a lovely addition to the arena and contrasts the game action well just steps away. Final Thoughts Taking in a college volleyball game at Sonoma State University is something you can easily do for little out of pocket expense. Going to a game is a great option for the family, and the fun factor can be high for all attending as the game intensifies. Sonoma State may not be NCAA Division I, but they sure play and party like they are, meaning the fan experience is not one to be overlooked. Where some may see something average and uneventful, a visit to Sonoma State is always one that can leave even the most modest of sports fans with a smile on their face.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Schneider Arena 331 Huxley Ave Providence, RI 02908 Providence College Friars men’s hockey website Schneider Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 3,030 50 Years of Friar Puck Schneider Arena is a small on-campus hockey arena located in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as home to Providence College’s men’s and women’s varsity hockey teams. In addition, many local youth teams call Schneider Arena home, as do the Rhode Island Interscholastic State Championships. The arena was named after the Reverend Herman D. Schneider, O.P., the founder of Providence College hockey and a longtime teacher at the school. It was built to bring the popular Friars hockey team back on campus, as they played their home games at various rinks around Providence, including the old Rhode Island Auditorium. Ironically, before 1973, the school’s basketball team played on campus at Alumni Hall, and the hockey team played off campus. In 1973 the basketball team moved off campus to play at the Providence Civic Center and the hockey team moved back on campus into Schneider Arena. The Friars compete in the Hockey East conference along with many of the top teams in New England. They have qualified for 15 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four on five occasions. Providence College won the national championship in 2015. 45 Friar alumni have played in the National Hockey League. Food & Beverage 4 There are a pair of concession stands in Schneider Arena’s lobby. They feature your basic arena food, including hot dogs, pizza slices, chicken tenders and nachos. There’s a good selection of snacks, including pretzels, assorted candies, popcorn, giant cookies, and even hummus. To sample Schneider Arena’s marquee menu items, fans must leave the arena and head outside, where local favorite Saugy Hot Dogs operates a food truck. They serve up some of their signature specialty dogs here. Under the Calabria Pavilion of Champions, fans will find a selection of Chick-fil-A sandwiches. You’ll have plenty of time to duck outside during intermission, grab a bite to eat and be back at your seat for faceoff! The pavilion is even open in the cold winter months, as it comes equipped with heaters. Coca Cola products are sold at Schneider Arena. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find Bud Light, Narragansett Lager and Whalers Rise IPA along with Black Box wines and High Noon Peach Hard Seltzer sold at the concession stands. Atmosphere 3 With Schneider Arena’s tiny size and low roof, you would think it would be a loud place with an intimidating atmosphere for visitors. While Providence College has had a lot of success over the years at home, Schneider Arena is not as intimidating a venue as perhaps it should be. We at Stadium Journey often say that the atmosphere at a college game is driven entirely by the student section and pep band. While the pep band does their thing throughout the game and there’s a good turnout by the student body, they don’t make a whole lot of noise and are quite reserved when compared to other student sections in the area. Even worse, many of the students leave well before the end of the game, no matter the score. Schneider Arena is a very attractive facility, with several murals decorating the walls, and a crisp four-sided video board hanging at center ice. This board is put to good use with replays, graphics and crowd shots. Younger fans in attendance will certainly enjoy the trivia contests, youth team skates, and other diversions presented during play stoppages. Since the 2023-24 season is Schneider’s 50th, videos highlighting the arena’s history are featured. Neighborhood 3 Schneider Arena is located on the northern edge of the Providence College campus, near many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Anderson Stadium . The Elmhurst neighborhood where Providence College is located is a residential neighborhood, so visiting fans will need to venture out a bit to find some of the city’s excellent dining, entertainment and lodging options. Luckily, downtown Providence is only about two miles from the PC campus. In addition to all the city’s attractions, the Amica Mutual Pavilion , home of the Friars basketball team, is located here. For fans wanting to stay near campus, Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and selection of 92 draft beers. Otherwise, we recommend you head downtown towards Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for more great dining options. Fans 3 The Friars annually average about 2,500 fans per game at Schneider Arena, which ranks them solidly in the middle of the nationwide Division One attendance rankings. Unlike many schools in this part of the country, hockey is not the top athletic attraction at the school, as Friar basketball rules the scene at Providence College. Still, hockey fans in Rhode Island are among the most passionate and knowledgeable in the country, and those at Schneider Arena are no exception. You’ll find fans who have been coming to the rink for decades alongside locals. Unfortunately, the student section isn’t as large or as loud as you’d expect. It’s quite a letdown after watching the students stream in before opening faceoff through their own dedicated entrance in the back of the building. With many of the Friars conference foes in Hockey East located close to Providence, you can expect to see a good turnout from visiting fans at Friars games. Likewise, when the annual Mayor’s Cup game against Brown University is held at Schneider Arena, you can expect a filled building and a boisterous atmosphere. Access 3 Given Schneider Arena’s location in a residential neighborhood close to both Interstate 95 and Route 146, most fans drive to Friar hockey games. Parking is plentiful around the arena, either in a small garage adjacent to the facility or on-street. For those fans using public transportation, RIPTA’s number 55 bus has a stop directly next to Schneider Arena, which stops hourly at the facility. Check the RIPTA website for schedules and maps. Recent renovations to Schneider Arena completely reconfigured the facility. Fans will enter a bright, attractive lobby, which contains the concession stands, rest rooms, a souvenir stand and displays honoring Providence College’s long hockey history, including the championship trophy won by the Friars in 2015. Fans will enter the arena through one of three vomitories which lead from the lobby to a walkway which completely encircles the arena. All the seats at Schneider Arena are individual silver stadium seats. The seating bowl is raised about three feet above ice level, putting fans right on top of the action and ensuring excellent sight lines from all seats. Unfortunately, the presence of numerous safety railings and the walkway make some seats less desirable than others. You may want to avoid the first few rows in the upper level due to foot traffic on the walkway. Schneider Arena is a small barn, but it’s easy to get around here. Lines do form at concession stands and rest rooms during intermission, but they move quickly. Return on Investment 3 Providence College utilizes a variable pricing schedule for their games at Schneider Arena. Tickets for most conference games cost $20 per ticket. Some games are priced at $15 per ticket, with selected marquee games priced at $25 per ticket. Free parking is available in a small parking garage adjacent to Schneider Arena as well as on-street all around the facility. Concessions are priced similarly to other area facilities. Extras 5 Extra points are awarded for the displays all around Schneider Arena that honor Providence College hockey’s history. In addition to the 2015 NCAA Championship Trophy proudly displayed in the lobby, there are murals adorning the walls throughout the facility. Providence Frozen Four teams, Olympians, and alumni who have represented their countries in international competition are honored. Plaques commemorating Friar All-Americans, both male and female, line the outer façade of the luxury boxes. Inside the arena, Providence has eschewed the tradition of hanging banners from the rafters. Instead, conference championships, NCAA tournament and Frozen Four appearances by both the men’s and women’s teams are painted directly on the walls of Schneider Arena. An exception is made for the 2015 Championship banner. Retired numbers for Friar legends Lou Lamoriello, Ron Wilson and Cammi Granato are displayed in the lobby and on the walls of the arena. Providence’s mascot, Friar Dom, earns an extra point for being one of the more unique mascots in the country. He can be found interacting with fans and skating on the ice throughout the game. Final Thoughts Providence College is one of the rare New England colleges where hockey is not king of the school’s sports scene. This fact does not diminish Schneider Arena’s charm. This cozy rink is an attractive, affordable place to catch some quality college hockey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Kessler Stadium 107 Larchwood Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website Kessler Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 4,200 Blue Hawks of the Jersey Shore Located just a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and 50 miles from New York City, Monmouth University is right in the heart of New Jersey. Kessler Stadium is located on Monmouth's campus and is home to the Hawks' football program. The stadium opened in 1993 and was renovated in in 2017 to expand the capacity to 4,200. Monmouth football has competed in several different conferences in recent years. Until 2013, they were a member of the Northeast Conference in all sports. When the athletic department accepted an invitation to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (better known as the MAAC), the football team had to move elsewhere as the MAAC does not sponsor football. Despite being located in New Jersey, they became a football-only member of the Big South Conference. In 2022, Monmouth joined the CAA for all sports. Then known as the Colonial Athletic Association, the conference chanced its name to the Coastal Athletic Association in 2023. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at Kessler Stadium, located on the concourse beneath the seats. The menu is pretty basic here. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and chicken tenders are the main courses, with the tenders coming with fries. Soft pretzels, popcorn, and nachos are also available, as are candy, chips, and cookies. Bottled soda and water are available to drink. Prices are reasonable, and combos that come with a food item, fries, and a drink can add additional value. Atmosphere 3 Kessler Stadium has seats on only one side of the field, with red flower bushes lining the other side. There are some chairbacks at midfield, and the remainder of the seats are bleachers. A track surrounds the playing field, but all seats still have a great view of the action. The seats should be in the shade for most of the game, which is great on a hot day early in the season, but less so on a chilly day in November. A large videoboard is located behind one end zone, and will be to your left as you sit in the stands. Before the game, it shows a hype video interspersing Monmouth football highlights with players posing for the camera at the Jersey Shore. During the game, it shows the video feed as well as serving as the scoreboard and showing detailed stats for each team. Monmouth has a mascot named Shadow, who unsurprisingly is a Hawk. He hangs out in the stands during the game interacting with fans and is happy to take photos with kids. A marching band plays on the field before the game, but is not too active after that. After the game, they play the Monmouth alma mater. While most fans don't sing along or even know the words, the tune will be instantly recognizable to anyone as it is the same as Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." Neighborhood 4 Located just a mile from the Jersey Shore, there is plenty to do in the vicinity of Monmouth University's campus. Although it is in a residential neighborhood, the beaches of Long Branch are just a five minute drive away. While these won't be helpful later in the season when the temperature of air and ocean is chilly, it is extremely popular early in the season, over Labor Day Weekend before it cools off. Long Branch and West Long Branch offer numerous restaurants, serving everything from tacos to pizza to Portuguese. While it is definitely more lively when the weather is warm, it can be nice to experience the area without the crowds later in the fall. Fans 3 Monmouth football averages a couple thousand fans a game. The stands will be fairly full, but there will still be a lot of empty seats despite the small size. Monmouth's student section sits with the band at the far right side of the bleachers but there do not seem to be too many of them either. This is a pretty standard crowd for the FCS level. They care about the team when they show up, but there simply aren't that many who bother to show up. Access 4 Monmouth University is about 15 minutes off the Garden State Parkway via Exit 105 or a 90 minute train ride from New York City. If you do choose to drive, parking is available in a large lot next to the stadium, but costs $20, cash only, upon entry. Restrooms are located on the concourse and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowd. It is easy to get into and around Kessler Stadium, and getting out after the game is no problem either. Return on Investment 2 Tickets to Monmouth football are $20-$25, depending on whether or not you opt for a chairback. This is about average for FCS on its own. However, you will also have to pay $20 to park, which is unnecessarily expensive, and may pay $5-$10 in tolls on the Parkway or Turnpike, depending on how you get here. Concessions are reasonably affordable, but a Monmouth football game is still more expensive than it probably should be. Extras 1 Look for the team store on the concourse selling Monmouth athletic gear. Final Thoughts A Monmouth football game down the shore is an enjoyable way to spend a fall afternoon in New Jersey. Although you will not find the fanciest stadium or the largest crowds, it is well worth checking out on a Saturday afternoon.

Stadium Info FANFARE: 4.29 PPG Paints Arena 1001 Fifth Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Pittsburgh Penguins website PPG Paints Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 18,087 The House That Mario Built When the Pittsburgh Penguins began back in 1967, they played their games in the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, known as the Igloo. The team was very low on the list of Burgh sports fandom until 1984 when it drafted a kid from Montreal named Mario Lemieux. Even with lengthy breaks due to health issues, Le Magnifique racked up not only Hall of Fame numbers but captained the team to two Stanley Cup victories. However, the team was still in a lot of financial trouble in the late 1990s, to the point that serious discussions ensued about moving the team to Kansas City. Lemieux discovered that he was the Penguins’ biggest creditor, so he came up with a unique solution–create some equity, make deals with local media, and become the Pens’ majority owner in 1999. In 2005, he drafted Nova Scotia native Sidney Crosby, who almost immediately became an NHL superstar. With the team’s popularity skyrocketing, particularly after its 2009 Stanley Cup win, the team worked out a deal for a new arena to replace the Igloo. Opening in 2010 as Consol Energy Center, it was renamed PPG Paints Arena in 2016, the same year that the Pens won the first of their back-to-back Stanley Cups. Eleven years after its opening, the Pens’ continued success means a packed house at the arena just about every game. Food & Beverage 4 Whether you just want a snack or a full-on meal, you can satisfy just about every craving at PPG Paints Arena. Of course, it contains Pittsburgh favorites like Burgatory and Primanti Brothers, but you can also get Smith’s brand hot dogs at the Butcher’s Dog and good barbecue from Smokehouse BBQ. All the arena favorites like nachos and popcorn are well-represented too. A unique feature is an in-house outpost of the GetGo convenience store, where fans can pick up subs, snacks, and drinks. Sadly, arena inflation prevails here, so those $4 mac and cheese bites you get while you’re filling up the car are going to cost $9 here. A hot dog and a domestic beer will run you about $28, but there are so many food options here that you can get something a little more interesting for the same price or less. Atmosphere 5 PPG Paints Arena holds 18,187 for hockey, with great views from every seat, which are all comfortable and well-spaced. Those with balance or mobility issues should note that the upper bowl is very steep, although there are handrails on the staircases. PPG has an excellent HD center-ice screen and two LED ring displays for replays and score updates. Club and loge seats are available, as well as party suites. The Lexus Club is accessible for a $25 fee, offers a buffet for an additional $57 for adults and $28.50 for kids, and gives fans a great view of downtown Pittsburgh. The Penguins’ mascot, Iceburgh, roams through the stands, beating his drum or blowing his horn in time to the LET’S GO PENS chant. Unless the Penguins are getting routed, which doesn’t happen often, there’s always a fun buzz in the building. Neighborhood 3 The area around PPG Paints Arena has some smaller restaurants, but Penguins Fan Central is Souper Bowl on Fifth Avenue, a block away on Fifth Avenue. While there’s some question about why “soup” is in the name when the restaurant doesn’t have it, it does offer burgers, sandwiches, and other pub food. The honey mustard chicken sandwich is not to be missed, nor are the bacon-and-cheese-loaded Souper Fries. On game days, there’s a ton of drink and food specials. There seems to be an article in Pittsburgh media every week about plans to develop the area around PPG to entice people to hang around. Still, government vs. development is a long-time battle that doesn’t look to be won by anyone any time soon. Because Pittsburgh’s downtown is so compact, though, it’s an easy walk to the Strip District a few blocks away, where there’s something for every taste. Fans of Thai food should check out Little Bangkok, home of the best Thai cuisine in the city, and seafood lovers shouldn’t miss Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille, owned by a scion of the famous Wholey Fish Market family. Fans 5 The Steelers may reign supreme in the Pittsburgh sports hierarchy, but the Penguins aren’t too far behind and have had the most recent championship parade (2017), which means that PPG Paints Arena is always well-populated for home games. The stands will be awash in black and various shades of gold, depending on the era a fan’s jersey is representing, with some old-school sky-blue sweaters popping up too. Penguins fans are knowledgeable and welcoming to opposing fans, with the possible exception of Philadelphia and Washington fans since the Flyers and Capitals are the Pens’ main rivals. However, seeing a Pens fan in his Jaromir Jagr sweater being companionable over a beer with someone in an Eric Lindros jersey gives hope for possible future world peace. Access 5 No matter how you choose to get here, PPG Paints Arena is exceptionally accessible. Interstate 579 runs right past it, with a dedicated exit. Parking garages and lots surround the arena, with an average cost of $20. Pittsburgh’s Port Authority offers numerous bus lines that will drop you right in front. If you want to use the light rail system, aka the T, the nearest stop is Steel Plaza, a five-minute walk, but the First Avenue and Wood Street stations aren’t that much farther away. In fact, if you’re staying downtown, all hotels are at worst a twenty-minute walk from PPG, a favorite stroll among visitors. The arena itself features wide concourses and aisles, so it’s easy to move around even if a game is sold out. Restrooms are clean and well-maintained, with wheelchair-accessible stalls. Right now, ticketing is mobile-only, and unless it’s a diaper bag, you’re not going to get a bag of any size into the arena. PPG does have a holding area for oversized bags if you need it. Return on Investment 3 Going to Penguins games at PPG Paints Arena is not an inexpensive proposition. An upper-bowl seat will cost you a minimum of $75, more if the game features a rival like the Washington Capitals or Philadelphia Flyers. Add in food, drinks, and souvenirs, and … well, yikes. Also, the Penguins are good enough to regularly fill the arena, which means the team offers next to no breaks on single-ticket prices. However, the nearby Strip District is full of Penguins merch and good restaurants, so if you don’t have your heart set on authenticity, you can go out there and save some money on food and souvenirs. People complain, but they still come, so there’s that. Extras 5 The 4,000 square foot PensGear store in PPG Paints Arena is open year-round and is a go-to place for unique Penguins gifts as well as the usual clothing and knick-knacks. The set for pre-and post-game shows broadcast by AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh is located by the Highmark Gate entrance, making it a popular gathering/meeting spot (no heckling the hosts, though). I don’t know who’s in charge of the music in the arena, but they go beyond the usual chestnuts and seem to be a big fan of mid-nineties rock. The Penguins also have an excellent goal song in Andrew W.K’s “Party Hard,” which was brought back by popular demand after it was abandoned in 2019 in favor of House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” If you go to a Saturday game, expect a live band like local favorites the Clarks to entertain you. The Penguins really do go to lengths to make sure fans have a good time–or party hard, as you will. Final Thoughts As far as NHL venues go, PPG Paints Arena gives hockey fans a top-of-the-line game experience. Due to its semi-northeastern location, it attracts hockey fans from all over the U.S. In the waning years of its stars’ careers–Crosby, center Evgeni Malkin, and defenseman Kris Letang are all in their mid-thirties now–it’ll be interesting to see if the arena will still hold the same attraction once they’re gone. The Pens, though, have a knack for finding star replacements, and forwards Jake Guentzel, Bryan Rust, and Kasperi Kapanen, along with dynamic young goalie Tristan Jarry, look to step up and keep PPG Paints Arena one of the most entertaining venues in the NHL.

It's time for another beer and another chat with Dave and Paul. Mario Lemieux saved the Pittsburgh Penguins multiple times and got them the new arena they needed. Does it stack up with the rest of the Pittsburgh venues? The latest episode of Obstructed Views will examine PPG Paints Arena and its place in the NHL and Pittsburgh. You can find Stadium Journey's review of PPG Paints Arena here.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Swanson Stadium 10501 Fgcu Lake Pkwy E Ft Myers, FL 33965 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles website Swanson Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,500 Swingin' at Swanson Taking in a baseball game at FGCU is a different experience than most baseball stadiums. For one, your viewing angle, even in the first row, is about 15 feet above ground level. Secondly, the stadium offers seating along the sides of home plate at ground level for an up-close feel. Best of all is the stunning sunsets one can see, thanks to the stadium’s northward-facing viewing angle. Food & Beverage 3 While there isn’t anything special about FGCU’s food, it is freshly grilled and it is inexpensive. Usually, the Eagles have hot dogs and burgers on the menu. These are always grilled on-site fresh as you order them. They also have a wide variety of candy, snacks, and drinks, with nothing costing more than $4.Because of this, the cost of your concessions is going to stay low, even if you buy enough for the whole family on game day. Atmosphere 3 FGCU isn’t yet known as a baseball powerhouse, and the fans don’t necessarily pack in the stands. Half-full stadiums are normal for the home of the Eagles. The colors are bright and reminiscent of those inside neighboringAlico Arena. The stadium also is somewhat empty underneath the main seating in the concourse area. However, there is a fan merchandise trailer outside of the side entrance. The seats themselves are very comfortable, and form-fitted to make any viewing location one of comfort and not aches. Neighborhood 3 FGCU is a somewhat secluded college campus southeast of Fort Myers, meaning it is situated in a less developed area of a suburb. Within driving distance, there are numerous shopping areas with a growing number of restaurants, stores, and attractions. All of the campus’ athletic facilities are in one section of the college’s property, making getting to a game easy to do night in and night out. For somewhere to stay, one has to look no further than just outside of campus, where several hotels have popped up in the last few years. Fans 3 The fans don’t necessarily pack ’em in for FGCU baseball unless there is a major opponent. Even then, in-state opponents like FAU draw about one-third of visiting fans. A lot of students do attend the games, due to their free entry for attending college, but not as many are hardcore fans, nor for that matter do they necessarily pay attention to the game 100 percent of the time. Plenty of FGCU attendees are also older, thanks in part to the demographics of the greater Naples area. That said, those who do attend the games are pretty family-friendly for college athletics, and they do erupt in applause when a home run is smacked out of the park. Access 5 Getting to FGCU is very easy, thanks to its location near I-75. Located between two major exits on the highway, the campus is well-marked and easy to find. Once on campus, finding the athletics facilities, including Swanson Stadium or anywhere else on campus for that matter, is a breeze, as the signage at FGCU is plentiful and detailed. In addition, parking is plentiful in the area for athletic events at the college. The location of the facilities on the northeastern corner of the campus makes getting to events a breeze. Parking even at the furthest lot only means a short five-minute walk to Swanson Stadium. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are ultra-low, concessions are ultra-low, and parking is free. This said, it is hard not to see a massive return on your investment, especially when taking your whole family out for a night of baseball.FGCU is known for being family-friendly, welcoming to new fans, and very affordable, compared to other sports options in Florida. You do get a sense of having fun at FGCU and it helps that the team is growing in popularity among the college ranks. . Extras 3 Fans almost always are greeted with a free giveaway table at the main entrance, which usually includes posters and wristbands, but sometimes includes more. Fans also are mere steps away from the school’s other athletic facilities for FGCU Tennis, FGCU Softball, and FGCU Basketball/Volleyball. If you want to catch any other games going on on the same day, hopping between the two is a breeze. Finally, for the hardcore fans in all of us, FGCU puts out the starting lineups for both the home and visiting teams right at the main entrance before every game. This makes it easy for you to follow along if you are a hardcore fan of the school, the sport, or even coming to scout some of tomorrow’s stars. Final Thoughts Swanson Stadium has everything one needs to be a great stadium. The bones are there, now it just is up to the meat of the stadium to improve, as well. For fans, comfortable seating and high value for your dollar are to be expected, and an exciting night out in a town otherwise known as being generally quiet and mellow.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Giant Center 550 Hersheypark Dr Hershey, PA 17033 Hershey Bears website Giant Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 10,500 Hershey Kisses The Hershey Bears have quite a bit of history to fall back on. Founded in 1932, the team is the oldest continuously operating professional ice hockey team in North America, outside of the “Original Six” of the National Hockey League. Originally known as the Hershey B’ars and once even as the Hershey Chocolate B’ars, the team is also the oldest member club of the American Hockey League. The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a wholly owned sub-division of the Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company, an entity administered by the Hershey Trust Company. The Milton Hershey School is funded by that trust. The team has also won quite a lot during its history, having won 12 Calder Cups (most recently in 2023).   The Milton Hershey School is a private boarding school that was originally opened to assist orphan students. The school is free for students and is funded by a trust containing most of Hershey's fortune, valued at about US$15 billion, making it the wealthiest U.S. private school. The town of Hershey was started by Milton Hershey as a place for his employees to have comfortable homes, inexpensive public transportation, a quality public school system, and extensive recreational and cultural opportunities. The town is still a quaint and pleasant place. On the outskirts of the town sits the area surrounding Hersheypark. For the sports fan, the Hersheypark Arena is a notable venue in this area, as well as Hersheypark Stadium (and, of course, the Giant Center). Originally known as the Hershey Sports Arena until 1972, the historic 7,286 arenas opened in 1936 and were home to the Bears until 2002. Lebanon Valley College ice hockey still uses the arena for home games, as well as being used as a public ice rink. A 2012 fire damaged parts of the arena’s roof, although luckily, no substantial damage occurred. The Giant Center opened in 2002. Built by Populous, the same developers of the new Yankee Stadium in New York and Wembley Stadium in London, it is owned by the Derry Township Industrial and Commercial Development Authority. The arena also was the home of the Harrisburg Stampede indoor football team for one season in 2014 and is a major concert venue for the region. Food & Beverage 5 There are many options scattered around the Giant Center concourse. One of my favorites is the Aroogas Wing Shack, where the chicken bites and the various flavors are a good option. Soda is $3.50 and up around the arena. Hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, cotton candy, and French fries are some of the other options. I also like Uncle Andy’s pretzel stand, where you can get a very good pretzel. There are a few beer stands, with a nice variety of specialty brews. Prices vary, depending on the standard or craft beer option. The variety of food around the arena is quite impressive. There is nothing minor about the Giant Center in this regard. Atmosphere 5 The arena invokes memories of the old Hersheypark Arena. You can almost close your eyes and forget you are in a new arena. But even with your eyes open, you will witness a fantastic old hockey barn kind of arena. It takes the best of the old and mixes it with new, modern amenities. The arena’s interior also feels light and bright compared to many darker arenas. The sightlines and sound are all just excellent. It is one of the best arenas built in decades. It just has that near-perfect “feel” to it. Team mascot Coco the Bear roams some of the lower concourse engaging kids and adults alike. His presence works well and does not interfere with the game's action. A few years back the arena got a new scoreboard, which fixed one of the few major complaints about this facility. Neighborhood 5 There just happens to be a major amusement park located right next door to the arena. That makes this neighborhood different than the standard sports arena. It also means that you will not see the usual assortment of neighborhood bars and restaurants that an urban arena may have. But that does not mean this is still not a great neighborhood. It is, in fact, a great neighborhood. Your first stop should be the Troegs Brewery on Hersheypark Drive. Offering guided and self-tours, as well as a great tasting and food room, the Troegs folks make you feel at home. If you’re looking for more standard dining options, then you will find a Red Robin and Fuddruckers all in the area. I might suggest checking out a lesser-known option, the Parkside Bar and Grill (3 E Derry Rd Hershey, PA 17033), as they have some great burgers and other bar food options. The Chocolatier Restaurant, located at the entrance of Hersheypark, is brand new and is a great option for dining all year round. The Bears' Den sports bar located in the Hershey Lodge is themed specifically to the Bears and is modeled after a hockey rink. Fans 5 This is one of the most knowledgeable hockey fan bases I have ever witnessed. No matter the age or sex of the fans, they know the rules of the game and are loud at all times. This is a wonderful and intense place to watch a game. Access 4 Hershey is located not too far from Interstate 81 and 83 via Route 322 and other smaller roads. This means that access is pretty good, although if numerous events are all happening in the area, one should expect some traffic. One should also expect that the traffic heading back towards Harrisburg will be heavier than in other directions. Route 743 off of Route 322 turns onto Hersheypark Drive and is the main drag outside the arena and Hersheypark. There is plenty of parking in the large lots between Giant Center and the amusement park. You will never have trouble finding a space, although it is not the cheapest parking option around. There is not a lobby so on cold days you may have to wait out into the elements before going through security. Once inside the arena, the concourse can be pretty tight and crowded. Return on Investment 4 The AHL is a high-quality league, so the price range that starts at mid-$20 and up for basic seats is pretty standard. Coupled with the parking fee, the game is a decent value. Extras 4 Chocolate World is almost certainly a required stop before a game. Stop in and take the free ride that displays the processes involved in chocolate production. And you get a free candy sample afterward, so it is a win-win. Then try to tear yourself away from the food and souvenir options as you head to the game. Of course, a chocolate shake handmade here is a no-risk proposition. Of course, if Hersheypark is open, it may be worth a trip to the amusement park before a night game. The historic park has numerous great rides and attractions that will suit a fan of any age. Sky Rush, The Great Bear, and Lightning Racer are amazing roller coasters. If you can find a way into Hersheypark Arena, there is an amazing sense of history. Not only the former home of the Bears, but the arena was also the site of Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962. The arena is open for some public ice time, as well as the home of Lebanon Valley College ice hockey and Shippensburg University ice hockey, so look for those as ways into the venue. I also like the Hershey Kisses used as part of the arena signage around the concourse of the Giant Center. That is something you don’t see everywhere. Check around the arena for other displays and acknowledgments of the long and storied history of the Hershey Bears. Very few teams have the amount of history enjoyed by this team. Final Thoughts Giant Center is frankly one of the best sporting venues around. It takes the best looks and atmospheric elements of the past and adds the modern amenities expected by today’s audiences. This arena is a must-visit for a sports fan.