Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hughes Stadium Morgan State Campus Rd Baltimore, MD 21251 Morgan State Bears website Hughes Stadium website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 10,000 Old Line State Football Home of the FCS’ Morgan State Bears of Baltimore, Maryland, Hughes Stadium opened in 1937 and seats 10,000 fans. Unlike many sports venues, the facility is not named after a sponsor nor a donor, but is named after a former student – William Hughes, Sr. was an 1897 MSU alumnus who introduced football to the university by organizing a team that played in a nearby vacant lot. Hughes later became a prominent Methodist minister while his son, William Hughes, Jr., negotiated the sale of the school from the Methodist church to the State of Maryland. The Bears went 7-0 in their first season at Hughes Stadium, and have since won 21 conference championships, most of them in their CIAA days, but 3 since they moved to the MEAC. The Bears utilize an orange and blue color scheme, and their main rivalries are against two nearby schools, the Howard Bison and the Towson Tigers. Food & Beverage 3 Hughes Stadium has two concessions stand on each side of the field, serving up pizza, nachos, chicken tenders, hot dogs, fries, pretzels, candy, and chips, as well as bottled soda, water, and Gatorade, plus cups of hot cocoa – prices range from $2 (chips, bottled water) to $8 (chicken tenders with fries, small whole pizzas). No alcohol is sold inside the stadium, and note that the concessions lines are shorter on the east end of the visiting side, and the west end of the home side if you want to use those stands instead. Atmosphere 3 While the stands may be a little empty here (more on this later), there is a ton of activity at Hughes Stadium during football Saturdays. Out on the quad (behind the west end zone), there are tons of inflatables set up for the kids, including jousting and football tosses, and Morgan State students can even get free burgers and hot dogs out in front of the food court (other fans are welcome to partake as well). There are also vendors on hand giving out freebies, such as popcorn and Pepsi, while inside the stadium there are additional giveaways of mugs, footballs, pencils, koozies, etc. from tents set up by the US Army, Morgan State ROTC, and other groups – you can even play cornhole with the Army recruiters. The school also hands out rally towels to fans in attendance, and the MSU mascot prowls the stands taking photos with the Bears faithful. There is also a DJ out on the quad playing music for the fans during the pregame. Like many HBCUs, the highlight of the day just may be the halftime show – the Morgan State marching band puts on a great show with flag twirlers, dancers, and drum majors, and besides the halftime show it is a lot of fun to watch the band come onto the field before the game, swaggering in a long line as they make their way up to their seats in the stands. Neighborhood 3 Located in northeast Baltimore near a hospital and a cemetery, there is a slew of restaurants 2-3 miles to the southwest of the stadium, including Boz’s Burger Bistro with a huge range of burgers to choose from, with many unique options such as the Caesar, Kim Chi, or 3 Cheese Fondue burgers. Another interesting option in the same area is Busboys and Poets, known more for its coffee and lunch/brunch offerings, but which also has dinner options including lots of great seafood. Also being in Baltimore, further to the southwest near the Harbor there are plenty of entertainment options, such as tours of historic ships, and the National Aquarium, or if you pick the right weekend, you may even be able to take in a Ravens game the day after you watch the Bears. Fans 2 Unfortunately, Hughes Stadium is pretty empty of late, mostly due to the team’s record on the field, even on special occasions such as Senior Day or Military Appreciation Day – you may only see the facility one-quarter to one-third full during a typical game. I also didn’t see much of a student section on my most recent visit – at a lot of sports venues the student section is so loud and prominent you can’t miss it, but here I couldn’t even tell if there was a specific section assigned for them. The crowd does seem to get larger as the game progresses, however. Access 3 Hughes Stadium has a traditional layout for stadiums of its era, with grandstands only along the two sidelines and no seating behind the end zones. The home side has blue plastic chairback seats in the center with metal bleachers on the ends, while the visiting side has metal bleachers all the way through. There is a walking path around the stadium once you enter, so you can move from side to side during the game, but the staff outside the facility are sticklers for the right ticket type – meaning they won’t let you enter through the wrong gate (based on your seating assignment). Depending on where you are coming from, traffic could be pretty hairy – certainly, if you are coming from the south thru Washington D. C. you will struggle with it, or when driving thru parts of Baltimore over the many bridges or via the several tunnels in the area. Note that a lot of the bridges and tunnels, and the roads, around here are toll only, so an E-Z Pass is a godsend. However, once you get inside the stadium itself it is pretty easy to move around; there are plenty of restrooms, the concessions lines are short, and there is plenty of room on the concourse. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to football games at Morgan State are $18 if you purchase online beforehand, or $20 at the gate. This may be a little higher than other FCS schools, but I chalk it down to big-city pricing – it seems like you will pay less in more rural settings. The concessions prices are typical (think $4 for a hot dog), while parking is $15 in the garage right behind the stadium, or you can park for free further away if you don’t mind walking – I would recommend paying the $15 and parking close; rarely have I been able to park this close at a football game. That said it may cost a little to see a game here, especially if you are bringing a large group. While this gets you a lot of fun activity outside the stadium, and a good number of freebies, if you are looking for a high-energy experience this may not be it right now – however, it should get better over time as the Bears start to win more games and start drawing bigger crowds. Extras 3 The Bears radio announcer, LG, is great – a laugh riot with all the colloquial phrases and (perhaps a little too) honest reporting on the game he throws out, throwing shade at both the home team and their opponent. They also play a lot of great music during the game, which gets some of the fans up and dancing, and you get a great view of the trees and the campus buildings (most notably the clock tower) during the game – from the rural feel inside the facility you can’t even tell you are smack dab in the middle of a large city. Final Thoughts Despite its age, Hughes Stadium looks great on the inside and offers a lot of entertainment for fans. While the Bears don’t have the best record of late, a day at the stadium could be a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon if you are in the Baltimore area.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey CHI Health Center Omaha FANFARE Score: 4.29 CHI Health Center Omaha 455 N 10th St Omaha, NE 68102 Creighton Bluejays website CHI Health Center Omaha website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 17,390 Bluejay Basketball at CenturyLink Center CHI Health Center Omaha (previously CenturyLink Center and Qwest Center) opened in 2003. It is a multi-purpose arena hosting various concerts, pro wrestling events, and sporting events. The arena is home to University of Nebraska-Omaha hockey and Creighton basketball. Creighton moved to the arena in 2003 from the Omaha Civic Auditorium. The move provided an upgrade in the quality of arena along with a large increase in capacity for the Bluejays. Creighton made the switch from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big East beginning with the 2013-2014 basketball season, bringing more prestigious teams to Omaha. Despite not being built specifically for basketball, the arena provides a great venue for the team and the fans. Food & Beverage 4 If you can't find something to eat here, you aren't looking very hard. The prices are a little on the high side, but CenturyLink Center offers a wide range of food options. Among the highlights are the hand-carved beef sandwich ($12), grilled macaroni and cheese sandwich ($8.50), and traditional, chicken, and vegetable gyros ($8). Philly cheesesteak ($8), along with the traditional burgers, hot dogs, etc are also available. Many of the options are provided by outside vendors. If you are a barbecue fan, I highly recommend the BBQ nachos ($8) available from Famous Dave's. For those that would like Gluten-free choices, you have your own stand with options such as hot dogs, burgers, nachos, etc. Pepsi products are the soda of choice here. As an off-campus arena, a litany of different choices of alcoholic beverages is also available. Bud and Bud Light cans ($7.50), Goose Island ($7), wine, and other non-beer options can be had. A nice touch here is a "build your own Bloody Mary" stand. Someone from concessions pours the liquor for you but you make the rest as you like it. Atmosphere 4 The CHI Health Center Omaha is a multi-purpose building and it is all about entertainment. There are a few items to see in the concourse. The clear highlight is the band that plays jazz tunes near the Creighton fan store. For the kids, there is also a Mutual of Omaha display with various animals to look at. Another thing worth noting is the number of televisions hanging from the inner walls of the concourse. They are everywhere and allow fans to watch the game while standing in line for food and drinks, walking to the restrooms, or anything else. A huge scoreboard adorns the ceiling directly over the center of the court, and it is easily viewable from all seating areas. Separating the upper and lower seating bowls are the skyboxes. There are a few ancillary scoreboards and a ribbon board clearly visible as well. The excitement ramps up for the fans when the Bluejays take the court. The dance squad, cheerleaders, and band are all quite active before the game. A nice touch here is the heavy curtains that close off the concourse once play begins. It is still easy to get in and out of the seating area but the curtains keep a lot of unnecessary light out. Neighborhood 5 The arena is located near downtown Omaha. Be sure to go by TD Ameritrade Park, home of the Bluejays baseball team and the College World Series. It is visible from the arena and a quick walk across a couple parking lots to get there. There is no shortage of options when looking for places to eat and/or drink before or after the game. On 12th Street is Blatt Beer & Table. During the spring and summer, Blatt's has a rooftop beer garden worth seeing. The extensive beer list is impressive and they have good food, so it is still a great stop during the basketball season too. On Mike Fahey St. is Goodnights Pizza. The barbecue chicken pizza is quite tasty. Another place to have a drink or meal before or after the game is The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill. "The Matt" is very popular with the locals and more than one fan suggested that it is "the" place to go. On Capitol Ave is DJ's Dugout Sports Bar. They offer various daily specials and have a decent choice of food options for almost anyone. The arena is also mere blocks away from the riverfront. If the temperature is agreeable, be sure to go have a look, there are some great views. Fans 5 Creighton ranked fifth in attendance in all of college basketball in 2014. The fans are a knowledgeable bunch, very into their team, and good at sensing when their team needs some extra help. They are loud when the occasion dictates and nearly everyone that attends a game (and is rooting for the Bluejays) is dressed in Creighton's colors. An added bonus of this fanbase is that they are a friendly group, and conscious of not taking away from the enjoyment of those around them. Access 5 It doesn't get much easier than getting to CenturyLink Center. The arena is easily accessible from I-480. There are plenty of signs once you exit the freeway and the building is so large, you won't miss it. Once inside, you can move between floors using escalators, elevators, or stairs. The concourses are wide, making it easy to get around. The different seating sections are clearly marked so it is simple to find your seat. There are plenty of clean restrooms on all levels, as well as plenty of good seating for fans in wheelchairs or those needing special help. Return on Investment 4 The only seats readily available to the public are in the upper bowl. The going rate for a ticket is $33, not a bad value to see Big East basketball. Parking is available around the arena for $8-$12, but you can find free parking a few blocks away if you are willing to walk. Couple the tickets and parking with average food prices and you get a fun time for a reasonable amount of money. Extras 3 An extra point goes to the fans. They really are a super-nice bunch and more helpful than most, even to fans of the visiting team. Another point goes to the banners that celebrate Creighton athletics. Final point goes to live music in the concourse before the game. The band was playing various jazz tunes prior to the game and it was quite an enjoyable experience. Final Thoughts Many of the Creighton athletes and fans are spoiled, in a good way. They get to watch their baseball team play at TD Ameritrade Park, a fabulous venue. The basketball team is also privileged to play in a great arena. CHI Health Center Omaha has great food, a fabulous atmosphere, and the fans are tremendous. It is rarely thought of among the elite arenas in college basketball, but the arena combined with a fabulous downtown Omaha makes any effort to attend a game here well worth the trip.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 McKale Memorial Center 1 National Championship Dr Tucson, AZ 85721 McKale Center website Arizona Wildcats website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 14,655 Bear Down at McKale The Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team is a nationally prominent program that calls the McKale Center home. Technically the McKale Memorial Center, the venue hosts men’s and women’s basketball for the University of Arizona, as well as volleyball and gymnastics. There are also many offices located throughout the venue for various Wildcats athletics. McKale Center opened in 1973 as a replacement for the Bear Down Gymnasium. Bear Down is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the “Adams College” gym in the 1984 blockbuster film Revenge of the Nerds. McKale Center was named after J. F. “Pop” McKale, who was the Arizona athletic director from 1914 to 1957. The court itself at McKale Center bears the name “Lute and Bobbi Olson Court” after the legendary Arizona head coach and his late wife. There was a recent renovation to McKale that included the installation of the center-court scoreboard, two LED banners along each sideline, new seating and concessions areas, and relocation of bathrooms to the exterior concourse. McKale Center is the second-largest arena in the Pac-12 conference after Utah's Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. Arizona gets larger attendance than the Utah venue and has a long streak of leading its conference in attendance in conference history. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage score is higher than one would initially think. There are not much food stands in the renovated venue, but the ones that are there off a great variety of food options, including many alcoholic options. Owing to its southwest location, McKale Center has many options such as Burros and Sonoran Dogs. Prices are fairly good, especially for the high caliber of the venue. Atmosphere 5 The University of Arizona is serious about basketball. No matter the successes (or downfalls) of other sports, basketball is the king at this Tucson school. McKale Center is packed with students and local fans for all games. The ZonaZoo is the boisterous student section along the north baseline. Students line up before the game for a good spot in this section. There will be many chants and screams from this section during the game. There is also a good pep band and cheerleaders to enhance the noise. The fans do stand at the start of each half until a basket is made. Although the venue is not the newest one out there, the renovations have made sure that the McKale Center is a perfect, modern venue for high-end basketball. The scoreboard and other displays are what this level of play should have. The venue is pretty interesting in terms of accessing the seating bowl. There is not one main entrance but a series of tunnels and hallways, often through office areas, to get you inside the venue. Neighborhood 4 Tucson, Arizona is the second largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area over one million people live. McKale Center is located on the southeastern corner of the campus near Arizona Stadium, home of the university’s football team. There are many restaurant options near the venue. You can’t go wrong with places such as Frog & Firkin, No Anchovies, Gentle Ben’s Brewing, or Dirtbags. If you want to venture away from campus we also recommend Mercado San Agustin and the MSA Annex. In that area, Seis Kitchen is a great Mexican restaurant and Beaut Burger is a great Vegan burger restaurant. Burgers at Beaut are so good, you may not even realize it is not real meat. The Aloft Tucson University is a hotel very close to the McKale Center. We can also recommend the Loews Ventana Canyon resort if you want to go a bit higher end. Fans 4 McKale Center is filled for every game. Basketball is a big deal in Tucson. The student section will be loud and crazy, while the older fans will more likely cheer in a more orderly manner. Access 3 Being located on a crowded urban college campus, parking will be a bit difficult. There are many lots and garages, all at varying price levels. Please plan and either buy parking ahead of time or be very aware of your parking options before heading to the game. There is a good public transportation option in Tucson's Sun Link Streetcar system that stops very close to campus. A good option is to park at the Mercado San Agustin mentioned above and take that option to the game. Return on Investment 3 With the basketball team being such a big deal, prices will tend to be high. Dynamic pricing is used, so you will have to research carefully the particular game you wish to attend. . Extras 4 The unique and varied entrances to the seating bowl are an extra all on their own, but it also offers a fan a way to check out the various displays of past team successes for all the programs that play in the McKale Center. Try to check out Arizona’s Hall of Champions and the Lute Olson statue and display. The varied food offerings, especially southwestern items, are a nice touch. The external concourse, added during recent renovations, allows a nice meeting spot for fans. Final Thoughts The University of Arizona Wildcats is a well-known basketball program and the McKale Center is a great venue for a high level of play.

Photo by Aaron Terry, Stadium Journey The 2022 Bowl Season Kicks off with Two Thrillers Orlando, FL – December 16, 2022 In what may turn out to be one of the better matchups of the 2022 college football bowl season, the #24 ranked Sun Belt Champion Troy Trojans took on the #25 ranked Conference USA Champion UTSA Roadrunners in the Cure Bowl on the first day of bowl action; both teams had records of 11-2 coming into the contest. After falling behind by double digits in the first half (including a safety scored against them on a bad snap), Troy rallied in the 4th quarter to win 18-12, despite 4 sacks on their QB and starting inside their 10-yard line on 4 separate drives. UTSA was ultimately doomed by penalties and a total 5 turnovers, and was unable to score in the second half – most notably they turned the ball over on downs after a first-and-goal from the Troy 2 with about 7 minutes left in the 4th, in what could have been the go-ahead score. The Cure Bowl is held at Exploria Stadium, a soccer-specific stadium that is normally home to Orlando City SC , Orlando City B, and the Orlando Pride, but which began hosting the Cure Bowl in 2022 after the game was moved from nearby Camping World Stadium; the 2022 Cure Bowl is sponsored by Duluth Trading Company. Coincidentally, the other bowl game on this first day of the 2022 bowl season was also a matchup of two teams with the same record coming in, as the 6-6 Miami (OH) Redhawks took on the 6-6 UAB Blazers in the HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl. That contest also came down to the wire, with 4 lead changes occurring in the 2nd half as UAB overcame 3 turnovers to win 24-20; one of those turnovers even gave Miami (OH) a first-and-goal from the UAB 4 after a muffed punt during the 3rd quarter, which the Redhawks turned into a touchdown 1 play later. The Bahamas Bowl is also held at a soccer stadium, that being Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in Nassau. The Bahamas Bowl was previously sponsored by Popeye’s and Makers Wanted, and in 2017 and 2020-2021 had no title sponsor, before being picked up by HomeTown Lenders for 2022. The 2022 Bowl action continues on December 17th with a whopping 7 different contests throughout the day all across the country, by far the busiest day of Bowl Season, and culminates on January 9th with the National Championship at SoFi Stadium .

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Moody Erwin Center 2001 Robert Dedman Dr Austin, TX 78712 Texas Longhorns website Moody Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 11,313 Moody Center brings a New Culture to Texas Basketball The University of Texas Basketball teams opened their 2022-23 basketball season inside their new home, Moody Center. Moody Center is a multi-purpose arena built on the campus of the University of Texas. Moody Center, which holds 10,000 plus for basketball, replaces Frank Erwin Center as not only a University of Texas venue but as Austin’s premier entertainment venue. Moody Center’s cost of $375 million was funded by the Moody Foundation's grant of $130 million to the university, as well as Oak View Group, Live Nation/C3 Presents, and Matthew McConaughey as partners in the construction of Moody Center. They will manage the building in exchange for the right to keep most of the income from non-UT events, such as concerts and shows, for at least the first 35 years after opening. The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team held their home opener here on November 7, 2022, against the UTEP Miners. The Longhorns won the game, outscoring UTEP 72-57 with a sold-out attendance of 11,313 spectators. Food and Beverage 5 Moody Center went out into the local food scene and brought in vendors that serve the City of Austin’s favorite food flavors and beverages. The food and beverages for Austin’s newest entertainment venue have plenty of variables that come with the typical event pricing, that people complain about yet still pay. You can’t go wrong with Texas BBQ, and Stubbs BBQ is a popular Austin establishment that provides not only BBQ but local music talent. Stubbs BBQ is located on the main concourse and serves brisket and pork sandwiches, smoked sausage, and potato salad or coleslaw available as sides – the main dishes cost $11 while the two ala carte sides cost $6. If you are looking for something outside of BBQ, then Tony C’s New York Style Pizza has cheese, pepperoni, and sausage available in slices. Or, if BBQ or pizza won’t do then maybe a mac and cheese bowl or a Walking Frito Pie at Scratch Bowl. Other options inside Moody Center are Koko’s Bavarian, Gelato, Austin Hot Links, Big Chicken, and Right on ‘Cue Tacos. Moody Center is a Coca-Cola venue, and the soft drinks available and pricing are similar to other venues, with a 16 oz. bottle costing $4. There are also plenty of alcohol choices throughout Moody Center – you won’t have a hard time finding a good variety of beer if you go over to the Moontower Market on the main concourse, ranging from $8 for a 16 oz. domestic beer to $10 for the craft. Moody Center’s food and beverage are outstanding for the size of the venue, although it is always better to pick up food and drinks in the local neighborhood. However, Moody Center brings in the flavor of Austin to those fans that may have travel limits, providing them with a unique food culture. The biggest reminder when it comes to buying food and beverages inside Moody Center is that this is a cashless facility; Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 5 Moody Center hasn’t been open very long, but it has already changed the basketball atmosphere for the University of Texas basketball teams. Moody Center is a smaller venue than its predecessor, with closer seating bringing an intimate feeling to every game. The lack of a Texas student body attending a Texas basketball game has also disappeared – students lined up 4 hours before the Gonzaga game. Although Gonzaga is ranked and has a top-tier basketball program, the students also show up for non-ranked opponent games such as Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Texas fans can finally be heard, and give energy that was lacking in the larger big drum arena down the street. The fans are engaged, and loud, and stay throughout the game. In addition, the human mascot Hook ‘em, band, and spirit squads all interact well with the crowd, and the LED scoreboards are the best around in any venue, enhancing the atmosphere by revolutionizing the game for fans. Neighborhood 5 Moody Center is in the center of downtown Austin and on the campus of the University of Texas. Austin is the capital city of the state of Texas and has numerous restaurants, bars, hotels, and places to visit all within a small radius of Moody Center. The first restaurant within walking distance for pre-game is ScholzGarten; ScholzGarten is a popular place and packed for Texas football games, but for the smaller basketball crowd it is easy to get served food and drinks. If you’re looking for Texas BBQ, walk a little further to Stubbs BBQ and you won’t regret it. There are plenty of places, as a matter of fact, over 100 of them on Austin’s well-known Sixth Street, with Coyote Ugly Saloon, Dirty 6, or Darwin’s Piano Bar being a few. You can either venture to those or try to find your favorite spot, as there isn’t just one. One of my favorite places is a couple of blocks south of Sixth Street, Moonshine Grill. As with the restaurants, Austin has plenty of nearby lodging – it all depends on your taste in hotels or financial choice on which one you stay at. The closest hotel is the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin, an easy walk across Interstate 35 to Moody Center; the others nearby are between Sixth Street and the Colorado River, while JW Marriott, Hilton Austin, and Four Season Austin are all higher-class hotels in the same area. One hotel in the area, even if you don’t stay there, that is an interesting visit is the Driskill, on the corner of 6th Street and Brazos Street – this hotel is one of the oldest in the State of Texas. Austin, being the capital of Texas, also provides an opportunity for visitors to visit the Capitol building for a tour. Also, as mentioned with the restaurants, travel to Sixth Street for live music, as Austin is considered the live music capital of the world; Austin is also home to the LBJ Presidential Library and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Lastly, just walking the University of Texas campus or walking down South Congress Avenue are extras for people to do while in Austin. Fans 5 This is one of the most surprising parts of Texas basketball in this review – it could be the new venue, it could be that Texas has a Top 10 basketball team this season, or it could be the combination of them both coming together in 2022, but while Texas fans seemed very disinterested in the basketball program when games were played at Frank Erwin Center, even when the program was competitive, they have come to life in Moody Center. The basketball season has already sold out, there is a waiting list for Texas Basketball season tickets, and 11K fans are showing up even to mid-week games when tickets used to be given away. The fans are energetic, and loud, and have given the Texas basketball team a home-court advantage that lacked until they moved to Moody Center. Access 4 Moody Center is located just south of Mike A. Myers Stadium and east of Daryl K. Royal-Memorial Stadium alongside Interstate 35. Moody Center is also 10.5 miles from the closest airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. There is plenty of public transit to/from Moody Center throughout the Austin area. There is limited parking for fans that drive to the arena, as is typical for downtown venues due to lack of space. There are parking garages around the campus used for Moody Center events, however, including Manor Garage (near Mike Myers Stadium, enter through Clyde Littlefield Drive), East Campus Garage (near Interstate 35), Trinity Garage (at the corner of Trinity Street and East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd), State Garage R and State Garage Q (both on San Jacinto Boulevard). The best advice is to plan ahead and maybe prepay for the garage parking if you are going to a game, as this can save you time and money. There are two main entrances into Moody Center for fans, as well as a special one for suite tickets. The east gate is along the interstate (you’ll notice this is also the area for students to enter), while the other is the southwest gate facing DKR-Memorial Stadium and the UT campus. The latter entrance is where the main University of Texas Team Shop is located. This a reminder that the clear bag policy is in effect to enhance existing security measures and expedite venue entry at Moody Center. Once inside Moody Center, there is plenty of space throughout the concourse, great signage, and easy access throughout the venue. Return on Investment 3 The inaugural season at Moody Center and the high expectations of the Texas basketball program have put Texas Basketball tickets at a premium – 2022-23 Texas basketball games have been sold out. All fans looking to buy tickets must use third-party websites; there are games during the week that you can still get tickets for a reasonable price, but these games are very hard to find this season. Moody Center is a premier arena and the cost to see a game comes with a premier cost. Extras 4 This may be a higher score due to the excitement of having such an incredible venue in Austin. The sightlines are amazingly close to the action with not a bad seat in the place. There are also great concessions options, bringing local food choices and interesting new ideas with the premier clubs. The artwork inside the arena showing off Austin is also great – Texas basketball is in demand and is no longer an afterthought because of Moody Center. Final Thoughts Overall I want to say Moody Center is the best new basketball arena in the country, and it just might be a true statement. It is a venue that any sports fan should visit, whether it is for a University of Texas event or a non-UT event. Texas Basketball has an amazing new home, a venue that will bring in recruits, and fans, and give a home-court advantage like no other. Moody Center has already shown that the price was worth the investment for the city of Austin; now it is only time to see if the new culture of Texas Basketball will bring in championships.

Photos by Lloyd Brown & Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Fiserv Forum FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fiserv Forum 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203 Marquette Golden Eagles website Fiserv Forum website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 17,341 Where Golden Eagles Soar The Marquette University Golden Eagles basketball program is one of the most storied NCAA basketball programs in the country. The Golden Eagles are members of the Big East Conference. The program holds the record as the ninth highest number of NCAA postseason appearances with 30 NCAA Tournament appearances and 15 NIT Tournament appearances. The Golden Eagles won the 1977 National Championship, was a finalist in 1974 and went to the semifinals in 2003. They have been led by such coaching legends as Al McGuire and Rick Majerus. Amongst the elite players to come out of the Golden Eagles programs are Dwayne Wade, Jimmy Butler, Butch Lee, Maurice Lucas, Doc Rivers, and Jerome Whitehead. From 1988-2018 the Marquette basketball program called the Bradley Center in downtown Milwaukee their home court. In 2018 they moved next door to the brand-new Fiserv Forum, which also serves as the home of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Fiserv Forum was built to replace the Bradley Center, as it no longer met NBA standards for an arena and was the oldest non-renovated arena in the league. Marquette signed a lease with the Fiserv Forum through 2025, leaving them the option to move to a smaller capacity, an on-campus arena at Marquette in the future if they decide to build one. The Fiserv Forum has a capacity of 17,341 for basketball, with 10,000 of those seats in the lower seating bowl. It is the first new sports and entertainment arena built in Wisconsin since 2002. It has thirty-four suites and three clubs and offers excellent sightlines from anywhere in the facility. It offers a full electronics package, including ribbon boards and the largest symmetrical scoreboard in the NBA. The scoreboard weighs 76,00 pounds and its panels measure 25 feet high by 29 feet wide. Naming rights for the arena belong to Fiserv Financial, a financial services technology company based in a Milwaukee suburb. Food & Beverage 4 Fiserv Forum has followed the lead of many of the other new stadiums and arenas that promote local restaurants heavily in its concessions program. Its program is known as “MKE Eats” and it features such local eateries as The Laughing Taco, Canal Street Pizzeria, Sobelman’s Burgers, Gold Rush Chicken, and Klements. It does have a smattering of national brands represented, including Chick-fil-A. As you would expect, in a town known worldwide for its beer, the arena’s alcoholic beverage offerings cover nearly every beer brand in the country. Brands with stands in the Fiserv Forum include Coors, Miller, Leinenkugel’s, and Pabst. There are four craft beer spots located around the arena featuring the beers from the local brew makers. The frequency of concession stands in the upper level of the Fiserv Forum is much lower on the upper level of the facility than the lower. You may want to make your purchases on the concourse level of the arena to avoid the long lines. Atmosphere 4 It is not a big secret who the primary tenant is at Fiserv Forum, as the Milwaukee Bucks signage is predominant throughout the building. However, once you are in the seating bowl of the arena, the Marquette logo and branding are everywhere on game day. The blue and gold color scheme of the court and huge “MU” at midcourt and Marquette Golden Eagles printed along the baselines assure you that you are in the right place. There is also signage at the tops of each of the two student sections featuring the Marquette branding. The video board above the playing surface also plays Marquette on a consistent basis, although upcoming events at the Fiserv Forum are promoted during the game as well. If you look up at the rafters, you will find that they are filled with banners reflecting the many championships the Golden Eagles have won and the many future NBA legends who wore the blue and gold during their college days. The student sections are divided behind each basket, assuring the visiting team will be distracted at their offensive end of the court throughout the game. The Golden Eagles fans can match the decibel level found at any Milwaukee Bucks game. They are assisted by the Marquette University Pep Band and Iggy, the Golden Eagle Mascot. The baseline seats are a sea of golden and blue at every home game. Most alumni of the school stay in the greater Milwaukee area after graduation. They also make up a sizable portion of the audience at Golden Eagles home games. It is not unusual to find many of the players from the National Championship team of 1977 in the house, as they are incredibly supportive of the basketball program. Neighborhood 3 The district surrounding the Fiserv Forum is known as the Deer District. This is a play on the Milwaukee Bucks moniker. The 30-acre area is being developed as Milwaukee’s live/work/play area within its downtown confines. An entertainment block has already been established across the street from the arena, with tenants including Good City Brewing Company, Punch Bowl Social, and Drink Wisconsinbly. Other restaurants in the area are the MECCA Sports Bar and Grill, the Cluckery, and Insomnia Cookies. Loft apartments near the arena opened in 2019 to begin to fill the “live” component of the district and a new office tower has been built to encompass the “work” portion of the triad. These are just the preliminary wave of development in the Deer District, with numerous projects in the construction phase. Another area close by is the Milwaukee Riverwalk, which includes a wide variety of restaurants and shops along its length. The “Bronze Fonz” statue is also a popular photo stop as the statue of Fonzie from “Happy Days” salutes Milwaukee for serving as the fictitious home of the Cunningham family. Fans 3 Marquette has a much longer winning tradition than the Bucks, as their appearances in the postseason have far outpaced their NBA brethren. Before 2019, the Bucks had only won one NBA title back in the days of Kareem Abdul Jabbar. The Golden Eagles fanbase is used to winning teams and is very loyal in its support. The alumni base for Marquette University is also heavily skewed to residents of the Milwaukee area, so they have never lost touch with the team over the years. Access 4 The Fiserv Forum offers easy access from every direction in the greater Milwaukee area. It is located less than a 15-minute drive from the city’s main airport General Mitchell Airport. The arena also offers easy access from both I-94 and I-43, the main interstates serving the Milwaukee area. Directions from I-43: From I-93 North take exit 73A (McKinley Avenue). Go right on McKinley Avenue to 5th Street. Turn right on 5th. Fiserv Forum will be one block left and a right onto 4th Street. Directions from I-94: Take I-94 East to I-43 North. Exit at 72C and proceed through the Kilbourn Avenue tunnel. At the next light turn left onto 6th Street and go two blocks north. Fiserv Forum will be on your left. Once at the arena, you will be able to find parking either connected to or adjacent to Fiserv Forum. This is especially important when winter comes, and the temperatures drop. There are three main entrances into the facility, in addition to a season ticket owner-only entry. The concourses in the building are wider than most NBA and college arenas. The Fiserv Forum has ten escalators and ten elevators to transport you to the second level of seats. There are nineteen women’s restrooms and fifteen men’s restrooms in the facility, so you should not encounter any long lines, even during the halftime breaks. Return on Investment 4 A night out at a Golden Eagles game is much easier on the pocketbook than attending a Bucks game at the same facility. Tickets range in price from $32-$38 for most games, with variable pricing in place for marquee games such as Notre Dame, UCLA, and the University of Wisconsin and Big East Conference games. Parking is available in the 5th Street Parking structure, which is attached to the Forum by a sky bridge, for $20. The Highland parking structure also serves the Forum for the same cost. The prices for concessions at the Fiserv Forum are quite reasonable in comparison with other NBA-level facilities. Extras 4 The Fiserv Forum’s unusual, curved exterior is meant to represent the major waterways, the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, which serve as important parts of the city’s history. The Fiserv Forum has a “no bag” policy in effect for entry into the facility. Its security rules are amongst the toughest in the nation in this regard. The Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame is located just down the street from the Forum. It is located outside of the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Arena. This building was formerly known as the MECCA, and it served as the home to both Marquette and the Bucks during the 1970s. Make sure you look up during your visit to the Fiserv Forum. There are a vast number of Marquette banners hanging from the rafters saluting the many championships the Golden Eagles have won over the years. Final Thoughts The Fiserv Forum is a wonderful NBA arena and makes a good home for a high-end college basketball program.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 A.C. Jordan Arena 14000 Jericho Park Rd Bowie, MD 20715 Bowie State Bulldogs website A.C. Jordan Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,200 Bulldogs In Bowie Bowie State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bowie State is Maryland’s oldest historically black university and one of the ten oldest in the country, opening in 1865. In 1963, Bowie State College was officially named and in 1988 became a university. It is now a member of the University System of Maryland. The school has 22 undergraduate majors, 19 master’s programs, and two doctoral programs. A few members of the singing family, the Braxtons, have attended Bowie State. Christa McAuliffe, one of the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, got a Master’s degree at Bowie. The sports team at Bowie is called the Bulldogs. They compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, at the NCAA Division II level. The A.C. Jordan Arena is a part of the larger Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex and has a stated capacity of 2,200 although not all the seats seem to ever be in use. Food & Beverage 2 There is a simple food stand but I was fairly impressed. One would have had no problem grabbing a hot dog, nachos, or another snack at this well-stocked stand. Atmosphere 3 The arena seems like a small version of the Towson Center, the former home of the Towson University athletics program. There are many architectural similarities, with the exterior entrance and other interior features being identical. With both being opened in the 1970s, there must have been some state contracts in play here. There is an external box office in front of the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex to buy tickets. The venue holds 2,200 but it looks like only one side of seating is being used. Not sure if this has always been the case, or if it is a holdover from Covid. You will enter the arena at court level and proceed to your seats by way of the endlines. On both sides, there are lower and upper sections of seats, with the upper deck having a slightly obstructed view of the sidelines of the basketball court. The PA announcer was very hard to make out and the sound could often be distorted. There was a cheer/dance squad to enhance the atmosphere. There is no overhanging scoreboard, but there are video boards on both ends of the arena. They do not display much in terms of info, with both showing the video of active game action rather than stats. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing too exciting about the residential Bowie neighborhood near the university. Not too far away is a major highway (US Route 301) and is near many shopping centers and fast-food restaurants. Baltimore is 30 miles away, DC 18 miles away, and Annapolis 15 miles away, so you should not be limited by the uninspiring suburban choices right near the school. Poncho n’ Pepe’s Cantina in Crofton doesn’t have the most exciting food selection, but is a colorful restaurant with many foods and drink specials for pre and post-game gatherings. Rip’s Country Inn is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality good food, this is a great option. Comfort Inn on Crain Highway is a decent hotel option. Fans 3 Bowie has a decent number of resident students, but there is also a good commuter student base, so the attendance from students may differ from game to game. The fans who attend seem to do a good job of providing a good atmosphere for the teams. Access 3 Access is good at Bowie State. Sitting near US Route 301, US Route 50, and State Route 3, one should have no problem getting to the game. Traffic can be a bear at times, as this intersection is right between the triangle of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC. Plan a little leeway in timing for early evening games. Parking is close to the complex, although if classes are in session you may have to walk further away. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are not too bad starting at around $20. The Division II caliber of play makes this an okay value. . Extras 2 There are a couple of nice display cases in the lobby displaying past successes of various Bowie State athletic programs. Many banners are hanging from the roof of the A.C. Jordan Arena that continues the display of athletic success. It is nice to see the many bowing banners, as that is one of Bowie State’s most successful teams. Final Thoughts The arena here at Bowie State University is not fancy, but the good level of Division II basketball put on display here at this nice venue is worth the small price of admission.

Photos by Brian O'Sullivan & Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Carnesecca Arena FANFARE Score: 4.00 Carnesecca Arena 8000 Utopia Pkwy Jamaica, NY 11439 St. John's Red Storm website Carnesecca Arena website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 6,008 The Perfect (Red) Storm New York City is home to some of the most famous teams in all of sports, including the Knicks, the Yankees, and the Rangers. When it comes to college basketball, however, there is a team that holds the crown as one of the Big Apple’s biggest teams: the St. John’s Red Storm. The St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball team splits their home games between Madison Square Garden in Manhattan and Carnesecca Arena, located on the campus of St. John’s University in Queens. While the bright lights of MSG are most definitely appealing, there is something truly special about being able to play in front of your own crowd on your own campus. The Red Storm have seen moderate success in recent years under the direction of Chris Mullin, the native New Yorker and former NBA star and current Hall of Famer. Although they have yet to have more wins than losses in a season under Mullin, the Red Storm are trending in the right direction, with big wins against Duke and Villanova during the 2017-18 season. Although mostly home to a majority of the smaller opponents for the Red Storm, Carnesecca Arena offers a tremendous atmosphere for any college basketball fan, with a passionate fan base and a great amount of talent on the court. Food & Beverage 4 While there is not much variety in the food available at Carnesecca Arena, the prices are tremendously reasonable for New York City. Concession stands are located behind both sides of the arena, with a nearly mirror image on both sides of the concourse. Traditional options include nachos ($4.50), soft pretzels ($4), and popcorn ($4). If you are looking for something a little bit more substantial, definitely check out the “Stormburger” ($5). Coca-Cola products are served throughout Carnesecca Arena ($4), with water and Powerade ($4) also available at most concession stands. One of the most popular options among fans is the number of combo deals that are available, all of which are named after something basketball related. For example, the “3 Point Play” gives fans a Nathan’s hot dog, a bag of chips, and a drink for only $9. The lack of variety at Carnesecca Arena is most definitely made up for by the reasonable prices. Atmosphere 5 Before attending a game at Carnesecca Arena, you may not know just how much noise just under 6,000 fans can make. With its intimate setting, every seat in the house is right on top of the action and makes you feel like you are right on the court with the players. There are three jumbotrons located throughout the arena, with the two main boards located at each end of the court. It is important to note that if you decide to sit at the top of the seating bowl, it may be difficult to see the jumbotrons, but you will have absolutely no problem seeing the action on the court. The seating sections for fans are limited to the two sides of the court, with the sections seemingly stretching all the way to the ceiling of Carnesecca Arena. There are also two student sections in the arena, with one behind each basket. While this setup may be somewhat unusual, it creates a rocking atmosphere that definitely energizes the Red Storm. Neighborhood 3 The area around St. John’s University is not the best for providing grub or entertainment before or after a game at Carnesecca Arena. There are, however, some options for food and drink near campus. A favorite among fans located just a few blocks away from campus is Acquista Trattoria, which serves up delicious Italian favorites at moderate prices. If you are looking for a place to grab a drink, check out PreGame Sports Bar & Lounge, although it is a little bit farther from campus. If you are willing to venture into Manhattan, the options for food become nearly endless. One hidden gem among New Yorkers for a great bite to eat is Friedman’s, which has locations all throughout the city. Additionally, there are a plethora of other activities located throughout Manhattan and the rest of New York. Fans 5 Since only about half of the Red Storm home games are played at Carnesecca Arena, the fans come out in loyal support of their team when they are in town, especially for big games. The fans have a tremendous knowledge of the game and have an amazing level of attentiveness as well. Given the smaller setup of the arena, the noise of the crowd travels quickly and makes the home court advantage as strong as any team could ask for from their fans. The St. John’s students that attend the games Carnesecca Arena also get into the action on the court, performing a variety of known cheers as well as giving a confidence boost to their team throughout their effort on the court. Access 3 Even though Carnesecca Arena is located within one of the boroughs of New York City, it is not the most accessible arena in the city. Located in the borough of Queens, there are a number of ways to get to the St. John’s campus. If not coming directly from Manhattan, driving is not a bad option, as there is a substantial amount of free parking on campus located directly near the stadium. If coming from Manhattan, however, the two easiest options are either taking the F train on MTA to 169th Street, which is under a mile from campus, or by taking one of the many trains on the Long Island Railroad to the Jamaica stop, which is about two miles from campus. Once on campus, navigating is easy. The arena is centrally located and is located right next to a free parking lot, which is nearly impossible to find in New York City. The inside of Carnesecca Arena provides a great atmosphere, but it is not the most accessible one. The concourse is relatively cramped and can really start to get busy if the concession stands are crowded. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to a Red Storm basketball game vary in price, but are within a reasonable window. For non-premium games, tickets range from $25-$40, with these prices increasing by $5 for premium games. Getting any seat in the house for under $50 in one of the best college basketball conferences in the country is truly magical. With the reasonable prices for food as well, a trip to Carnesecca Arena can be an economically feasible night out. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for free parking right next to Carnesecca Arena. The support from the local community for the Red Storm is also something really great to see. It is obvious that fans are willing to come out and support their team even when they are struggling. Additionally, even if the Red Storm find themselves in a big hole, the fans stand by them and stay throughout the game. Finally, the two student sections, located behind each basket, deserve a point for their constant level of noise during the game. Final Thoughts While it might not be in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, Carnesecca Arena is an overlooked gem of college basketball. With its intimate setting and passionate fan base, it is a great place to catch in some quality basketball if you ever find yourself in New York City.

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Pope Physical Education Center 180 Remsen Street Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201 St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers website Pope Physical Education Center website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,200 Brooklyn Basketball Located in the oversized shadow of the mega Barclays Center, nestled in the idyllic Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn’s St. Francis offers an awesome basketball experience. With a capacity of just 1,200, it’s very intimate. You’re practically on the court. You might even have to toss a ball back onto the court, so look alive! If you want a chair back, you’ll have to sit on the sideline facing the team’s benches. There’s no seating behind either team’s basket. St. Francis, which plays out of the one-bid Northeast Conference, is a low mid-major. On any given night, however, these Terriers can compete with the Goliaths. Earlier this 2018 – 2019 season, they lost by five at Boston College. In short, the Terriers have talent… but they’ve never danced in March Madness. In 2014-15, they came close, winning the NEC regular season championship but stumbling in their conference tournament. Food & Beverage 3 On game days, the St. Francis cafeteria offers pizza, pasta, and other Italian standbys from a local pizzeria. An array of packaged treats are also available. Prices are reasonable. If you’re craving an alternative, there are plenty of options on Montague Street to sample at half-time. If you can muster it, save your appetite. Brooklyn Heights has some of the finest cuisines anywhere. Atmosphere 3 Folks are into it at St. Francis. There’s almost no choice, as you’re practically on the court. St. Francis doesn’t have a band, but they have cheerleaders and a mascot, who might be one of the most mellow in all of the college sports. Neighborhood 4 Just a quick walk from the must-walk or bike Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights is one of the most unique neighborhoods in New York City. With its picturesque brownstones, it’s wonderful for a stroll or a bite. In that realm, there are a plethora of dining options. Henry Street, a gem of a block, offers a gamut of options. If you’re looking for cheap, solid eat, Fuscati Pizza is the spot for a slice. Heights Falafel offers middle eastern goodies. On the higher end, there are long-time neighborhood favorites Noodle Pudding and Henry’s End. If you want to stare at your phone or watch others do just that at a coffee spot, there are plenty of those. If you don’t mind a longer stroll, Lucali in nearby Carroll Gardens is highly recommended for elite, New Haven-quality pizza. Fans 3 Terrier fans run the gamut, from students to neighborhood hoops junkies to kids, who are often allowed on the court during game breaks to shoot free throws or scrimmage. St. Francis offers a very family-friendly experience. When games get tight, Terrier diehards chant. For regular season games, the Terriers seem to get about 600 fans, give or take. Thus, getting a seat on game day shouldn’t be a problem. However, come conference tournament time, attendance is certain to increase. Access 3 Brooklyn Heights is steps away from almost every imaginable public transportation option. For drivers, you might have to hunt and peck for a parking space. Either that or prepare to pay for one of the many garages or lots in the area. If you decide to go this route, Icon on Livingston Street is recommended. Return on Investment 3 St. Francis puts on a good show, and it won’t break the budget. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Extras 3 In a way, St. Francis has two head coaches. Glenn Branca is the head coach. Ron Ganulin is an assistant. However, Ganulin was the head coach for the Terriers from 1991-2005. Often, during games, both pace opposite ends of the sidelines. There’s no Jumbotron at St. Francis, but they have a mural, a montage of popular Brooklyn images. Final Thoughts St. Francis’ facility isn’t the Carrier Dome, to say the least, but that’s a good thing. You’re close. You can hear the coaches, the bounce of the ball, and the rim reverberate. Bottom line: St. Francis offers big basketball in a small place. When St. Francis finally dances, the serene neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights will go ballistic. ----- Jon Hart is @ManVersusBall

Photos by Benjamin Evensen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Beasley Coliseum 225 N Grand Ave Pullman, WA 99164 Washington State Cougars website Beasley Coliseum website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 12,058 Lacking in Pullman Located in the southeast corner of Washington in the Palouse region, a few minutes from the Idaho border sits Washington State University in Pullman. A Pac-12 school of 19,756 at the main Pullman campus, the Cougars men’s and women’s basketball teams play at the Beasley Coliseum on campus which seats 11,671. It was opened in 1973 and is named for Wallis Beasley, a sociology professor and executive vice president who died in 2008. The first game at Beasley Coliseum was an exhibition game between the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics and Portland Trail Blazers. The first Cougar men’s game was in 1973 against LSU. It has played host to the NCAA Tournament three times, hosting sub-regionals in 1975, 1982, and 1984, while teams such as UCLA, Michigan, Georgetown, and Duke participated in, top-15, for those years. Overall, Beasley Coliseum is a nice venue that has a good atmosphere when the team is winning. That isn’t happening much these days though, and today Beasley Coliseum is a very good, but not great, college basketball arena. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are not lacking in selection, and while the prices are not overly high for a sporting event, they certainly are not low. Hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, candy, Coke products, and popcorn are all in the $3-$6 range, while special food items like sandwiches and pizza are a bit more. If the prices were a little lower a 5-star rating would be awarded, but for now, it receives a 4-star. Atmosphere 1 The team isn’t winning and has not had much success at all in quite some time, but you would expect so much more for a Saturday game against a top-15 conference opponent (this game was against #13 Utah). The arena had no more than 3,000 people and the student section was almost non-existent. More fans will come with wins, but for this type of game and the atmosphere that was there, it was pitiful. Neighborhood 3 The arena isn’t close to much walking-wise except for student housing and dorms, and if you drive into downtown Pullman you will find a good amount of restaurants and bars in this college town. Nearby Moscow, Idaho, about a ten-minute drive, is full of restaurants and bars as well. There just is almost nothing for miles and miles outside of Pullman and Moscow, and not many places to go from there. Fans 1 Much like I explained in the atmosphere section, the fans are lacking in attendance and noise. There isn’t anything positive about the fans at Cougar basketball games as of late. Access 2 Pullman is a very isolated town with not much near it. About a 2-hour drive from Spokane, a 4-hour drive from Seattle, and a 5-hour drive from Boise on two-lane highways. During brutal winter conditions, it can be dangerous. There is a small regional airport that comes from Seattle, Spokane, and Lewiston, Idaho if you wish to fly into Pullman. Parking isn’t ideal near the arena and it may require high pries or walk from a distance. Return on Investment 4 The prices for Cougar games are not that bad, with upper deck tickets around $10 and lower bowl tickets around $25 and up. Some games will charge more when it is a marquee opponent like the University of Washington. Overall though, the price of admission is worth the game. Extras 2 If you like seeing colleges, head over the Moscow, ID just a few minutes away to see the University of Idaho. Martin Stadium is also right across the street 2-hour4-hour Beasley Coliseum. Otherwise, there 5-hourthe fromaren’t too many extras. Final Thoughts Overall, Beasley Coliseum is a nice arena, but while the team is doing so poorly the venue is empty and very unenergetic. With team success, it is not a bad arena by any means to see a Pac-12 basketball game.

Photos by Benjamin Evensen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Alaska Airlines Arena 4131 15th Ave Seattle, WA 98195 Washington Huskies website Alaska Airlines Arena website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 10,000 Husky Basketball Alaska Airlines Arena, or “Hec Ed” as it’s known around Seattle, has been home to University of Washington basketball since it opened in 1927. The stadium sits on the University’s campus and right next to Husky Stadium where the football team plays. The arena is named after Clarence S. “Hec” Edmundson, who coached Husky basketball and track and field from 1920-1947. Hec Ed has also been the host of two Final Fours, in 1949 andparksbusesthe1952. In 1999, the arena underwent major renovations, costing $40 million in all. Seats, locker rooms, athletic offices, and Hall of Fame sections were all overhauled and replaced in the renovations. The seating capacity was brought up to 10,000, which is what it still is at today. It is the third-smallest arena in the Pac-12. Hec Ed is also home to Husky women’s basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics teams. Food & Beverage 2 The food at Hec Ed is nothing special, but simply what you would expect at a typical sporting event. Their basics are there; hot dogs, pizza, candy, soda, etc. But nothing stands out. This does come as a surprise though, as the other Seattle sports stadiums such as Lumen Field, Climate Pledge Arena, and T-Moble Park have many food options that are unique to the Seattle area. The options at Hec Ed are underwhelming, to say the least, but they are not bad either. Prices are your typical, overpriced stadium prices as well. Atmosphere 4 Hec Ed has been the home of Husky basketball for over 70 years, and in the rafters of the stadium hang the banners of Pac-12 Championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and more from other sports. The arena has a feeling of the entire history of Husky basketball; the good times, the bad times, and everything in between. That being said, there is still just something lacking. The University of Washington has not had much success in its history of men’s basketball but the arena is certainly a place with a lot of history that has come with its age. It is different than that of Kansas, Duke, or North Carolina – schools where the atmosphere of the stadium is tied with championships, Final Fours, All-Americans, and legendary coaches. Hec Ed just doesn’t deliver the same type of historical feel. It isn’t a must-see in the world of college basketball, but it’s still a unique venue that brings a very strong sense of pride to Husky athletics. Neighborhood 4 While it may be a smarter idea to drive, as the arena isn’t within short walking distance to many attractions, the area around the campus in North Seattle is one of the best in the country. The campus is right on Lake Washington, and the views of the mountains in the distance are breathtaking. University Village has many unique options to get a bite to eat, and if you hop on I-5 for a short drive into downtown Seattle, famous attractions such as Pike’s Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Waterfront are more than doable or after the game. Fans 5 The University of Washington is the premier college school in the city of Seattle, and the loyal following of Huskies across the Pacific Northwest flock to Hec Ed to support their team every home game. They are loud, proud, and very into the game. The student section is always packed and very into the game, sporting the purple and gold, along with crazy costumes to add to the fun. The stadium was about 95% full, and for a midweek game, that is certainly not bad. The fans were very into the game, and as it came down to the wire, they made sure to be loud and created a very intense environment. Access 4 With Husky Stadium immediately next door, there is more than enough parking for the much smaller seating capacity-wise arena. Prices are expensive though, so expect to pay around $10 to park in the lots next to the arena. Getting to the arena can be a hassle if you are unfamiliar with the area, but it shouldn’t cause too much of a problem. If you do not plan on doing anything before or after the game, an option I choose to use quite a bit is the metro service. There are many parks and rides across the Eastside and south of Seattle, and buses always run right to the arena. It can be a great way to avoid problems getting in and out of the stadium parking lots, and getting home in a faster, more efficient manner. If you do choose to drive yourself, you should not expect to run into many problems. Return on Investment 2 The University knows how popular they are around the Seattle area and takes full advantage of that in their ticket prices. Even for the very top levels, you can expect to pay $36. The mid-levels are in the $40-$50 range and only go up from there. But that only is when they are playing just any-old team. In the case of my game, that was Stanford, which big-time does not have much of a following in Seattle. It is much more expensive for a team like Oregon who has a large following in the area. Tickets for those games are about $20 higher than normal rates for the nose-bleeds, which is nowhere near the value of the experience. You can expect that for games against Oregon, Oregon State, instate-rival Washington State, and other big-time programs that may come to Seattle. Unless you have strong ties to those schools, I do not suggest attending games vs those schools. For most games, when the prices are “normal,” it still can be frustrating how much you are paying. For just a college basketball game, I have a hard time convincing myself that it is worth around $80 per person with the ticket price, parking, and food for just one game – and that isn’t even against a “marquee” opponent. You might be better off paying about $20 per person (including tickets and food) at Key Arena for a Seattle U basketball game, who also is a division 1 basketball program. Extras 5 One of the best things about Hec Ed is the other attractions inside the arena. The school’s athletic Hall of Fame is open to everyone inside the arena and has bowl game trophies, historic sports memorabilia, and walls of famous Husky moments in all sports. It which a must-see if you attend a game there. There also is a large team store in the arena, with lots of Husky apparel and memorabilia available for sale. Final Thoughts As far as college basketball arenas go, Alaska Airlines Arena is just not a “must-see” arena. It feels old at times, lacks more than basic food options, and is severely overpriced. Yet for Husky fans, it still holds so much history to the University, and once inside, it certainly is not a bad place to see a basketball game. It just is not a “top-level” venue in the college basketball world. Around the arena, there is a beautiful campus, a city, and so much to do. If you have the budget, making a trip to Seattle with a Husky basketball game as part of the plan will make for a very fun day. It holds a lot of value to the millions of Husky fans in Seattle, and you are not going to have a bad time going. If you love Husky basketball and are in the Northwest, then you are in for a nice time going to a game at Hec Ed.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Jon M. Huntsman Center 1825 E. South Campus Dr Salt Lake City, UT 84112 Utah Utes website Jon M Huntsman Center website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 15,000 The Dome is the Utes Home The University of Utah was founded in 1850 and is the largest school in the state with nearly 30,000 students. It offers more than 190 graduate and undergraduate areas of study. The school is in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains overlooking Salt Lake City. One of the most unique buildings on the University of Utah campus is also the home to the Runnin’ Utes basketball program. The silver-domed building is the Jon Huntsman Center, home to Utah basketball since 1969. The 15,000 arena is the largest basketball venue in the PAC-12. It has been a very intimidating place for opponents, as the Utes have a .803 winning percentage in home games. Many people credit the dome design for amplifying the noise within the facility, making it hard for the visiting team to communicate. The basketball program has been the crown jewel of the athletic department ever since the 1940s. The Utes’ won the NCAA National Championship in 1944 and came in second in 1988. The team won 12 WAC Championships before relocating to the PAC-12 in 2011. Utah has made it to the Sweet Sixteen 10 times, the Elite 8 six times, and the Final Four on four occasions. It has made 29 NCAA Tournament appearances and has 38 NCAA Tournament wins in its history. Some of its most noteworthy players over the years include Andrew Bogut, Andre Miller, Keith Van Horn, and longtime coach Rick Majerus. Food & Beverage 3 The Huntsman Center has six concession areas spread evenly around the concourse of the arena. They serve the typical arena fare, with no local favorites that stand out. A review of the menu includes hot dogs ($5), brats ($6), burgers ($7), nachos ($5), pizza ($8) pretzels ($5), popcorn ($5), candy ($4), and ice cream ($4). Beverages include Pepsi brand sodas ($5), bottled water ($4), and frozen lemonade ($5). Alcohol is not allowed to be sold in university facilities. Atmosphere 4 The school made major renovations to the arena in 2014. These changes were all made to improve the fan experience. The seating was replaced and moved much closer to the floor. All seats in the arena are now box seats and are much more comfortable for the fans. A new scoreboard was installed in 2014, which includes closed captioning for the hearing impaired. The Center also widened the concourse to improve traffic. The lighting and the sound system were overhauled to provide fans at both athletic events and concerts with a more satisfying experience. Additional improvements include a new basketball floor with updated graphics and the installation of banners honoring the great Ute teams of the past and the retired numbers of Ute players from over the years. Neighborhood 5 The area surrounding the Jon Huntsman Center is known as the University District. It has a very different feel to it than downtown Salt Lake City … just a mere three miles away. The University District feels like a small college town with students and professors living next door to each other. It is filled with tree-lined streets and many historic homes dating back to when the University of Utah was founded. Most of the activity in the area is found along 1300 East, the main street cutting through the area. You’ll find great restaurants like Pie Pizzeria and Eggs in the City, alongside mom-and-pop type shops and boutiques in this area. Hotels near the campus include the Salt Lake City Marriott University Park and the Hampton Inn University. If you like the great outdoors, you will love the University District. It is at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains that surround Salt Lake City and offers tons of hiking trails in the moderate months and easy access to several ski resorts located less than 50 miles from the campus. Just the view alone as you exit the Huntsman Center will give you a wonderful view of the Wasatch Mountains. Fans 5 The team is known as the Runnin’ Utes because they play an up-tempo offense that usually results in high final scores. This energy is transferred from the court to the stands and gets the crowd lights-out free-throw fired up. Make sure you are in your seat in time for the player introductions, as it is a lights-out production using a 3D mapping video projected onto the court surface. One of the key fan groups for the Utes basketball program is the student section known as the “MUSS.” MUSS is an official athletic fan club and its name stands for the Mighty Utah Student Section. They come prepared for each game with specific chants aimed at the opposition. They also revel in creating a MUSS by trying to disrupt the communications and concentration of the other team, especially at the free-throw line. Helping to lead these cheers is Swoop the Red-Tailed Hawk, the school’s official mascot. Even though Utah is a relatively isolated state, the Utes have some fierce in-state rivalries. Their top rival is Brigham Young University, followed by games featuring Utah State, Weber State, and the University of Southern Utah. These are guaranteed sellouts and are sometimes moved to the larger Vivint Smart Home Arena in downtown Salt Lake City which can hold more fans. Access 3 Getting to a Utah game can be very easy… or very confusing… due to Salt Lake City’s penchant for using East, West, North, or South in virtually every street name. Here are the best directions via the two interstates in the area. From I-15 or I-80: Take the 600 South exits. Take 600 South to 700 East. Turn right at 400 South. Continue east on 400 South until you reach the Campus Center Drive intersection. Turn left onto Campus Center Drive, then bear left onto South Campus Center Drive. Proceed east to Mario Capecchi Drive. The parking deck will be just east of the silver-domed Huntsman Center. Parking is extremely limited on campus for any weeknight games. Additional parking is available at the Rice–Eccles Football Stadium, where free shuttles will run you up to the Huntsman Center. By far the best deal to get to Utes games is via the UTA / TRAX public transportation system. Your game ticket serves as your pass on game days. This allows you to ride for a free round trip to and from the Huntsman Center. The train stop to take is at the South Campus rail station. It is a very short walk to the Huntsman Center from the station… just look for the silver dome. Return on Investment 5 Free parking is available at Rice-Eccles Stadium or free rides are available on the UTA/TRAX rail system by using your game ticket on game days. There are pay lots on campus at the Marriott Library, the Olpin Union, and the Business School. Game tickets range from $30 up to $300 depending on your seat selection. Extras 5 The Ute name used by the Utah Athletic teams refers to an Indian nation whose tribal grounds are in Northern Utah. The university has the approval of the Ute Tribal Council to use the name and shows great respect for the tribal customs and people in all marketing and promotional references. The red block “U” on the hillside above campus was originally built in the 1930sdays and has been upgraded many times over the years. It now features red and white lights that outline the letter. It is lit up on game days/nights and other special campus events. It flashes after a Ute victory. An extra goes to the agreement between the university and the transit authority to allow a game day ticket also serves as a train or bus pass. This reduces congestion and traffic issues and is good for the environment. One of the most viewed college basketball games ever took place at the Huntsman Center. The 1979 National Championship game featured Larry Bird and his Indiana State Sycamores versus the Magic Johnson-led team from Michigan State. It would be the last college game for both players, as they both went pro soon after. Before the now common practice of using professional sports arenas for league tournaments and NCAA Tournament games, the Jon Huntsman Arena was a very popular site for these tournaments as the largest venue in the West. It hosted countless WAC tournaments, the NCAA Western Regional in 1971 and 1981, and the Final Four in 1979. Final Thoughts Jon Huntsman often serves as the site for regional tournaments due to its large city capacity and the large inventory of hotel rooms in downtown Salt Lake City. The Utes play a crowd-pleasing up-tempo game that has brought them success since the championship days of the late Rick Majerus, a time when the Utes were regulars in the NCAA tournaments. The renovated arena continues to draw well, second only to the Utah Jazz playing down on the valley below at the Vivint SmartHome Arena.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Galen Center 3400 S. Figueroa at Jefferson Los Angeles, CA 90089 USC Trojans website Galen Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 10,258 The Conquest of Los Angeles After years of calling the now-demolished L.A. Sports Arena home, The Galen Center would open on November 16, 2006. With the opening of a new athletic facility that the basketball program could finally call its own, this would be the beginning of a new era of USC basketball. The Men of Troy hoopsters have made the NCAA Tournament six times during this span. Since coach Andy Enfield arrived from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2013, the Trojans have had 3 winning seasons. The 2019-20 edition is off to a hot start and is making a serious case for Pac-12 supremacy. Food & Beverage 3 The dining selection is nothing beyond your basic arena fare, hot dogs, burgers, to Mexican. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available: Dogs, Burgers, and More: jumbo dogs, footlong, mac & cheese, taco dogs, cheeseburgers, and crispy/grilled chicken sandwiches. Mexican food includes burritos, soft shell tacos, and nachos supreme. Coke products are available and include a plastic souvenir cup. The snack options include bagged chips, candy, and soft pretzels. Atmosphere 3 The Trojans have an in-house DJ that does a great job getting fans pumped up. If his voice sounds familiar to those in Southern California, that’s because the Resident DJ, Jamal McCoy, aka DJ Malski has collaborated with several Southern California radio stations, most notably LA’s 102.3 KJLH. In addition to sharing the stage with well-renowned acts such as Kanye West and Stevie Wonder, to name a few, he is also the in-house DJ for the WNBA’s LA Sparks. He can also be seen roving the sidelines during USC Football and Rams games. Football is still king at USC. Even with an exciting team on the court that is a serious Pac-12 contender the Trojan hoopsters still have a hard time drawing huge crowds in. The fans that have shown up have been a vocal bunch. During evening games, the curtains in the north end of the Galen Center are opened, giving fans, particularly those on the upper level a nice view of the Downtown L.A. skyline. Neighborhood 3 Over the years, the surrounding neighborhood on campus has not been the safest. Though I still would not recommend a nightly walk along Figueroa Street the scene along what is known as The Figueroa Corridor has brought new life along that particular stretch of Figueroa, lined with townhouses and various eateries, including The Lab Gastropub, located next door to the Galen Center. One of the more popular choices among USC students is La Taquiza, with their claim to fame being the mulita, two handmade tortillas with cheese, meat, and guacamole. Aside from the standard food chains along the Corridor and not far from campus Figueroa and Adams is Dirt Dog. Open as late as 11 PM to 1 AMits the line can be long. My favorite is the Pastrami Dog. Not far from the arena is Exposition Park, home to the Coliseum, where the football team plays its home games. The Natural History Museum, the California African American Museum, and the California ScienCenter are also located inside the park. To be able to visit all of the museums and fully take in the experience, you would probably need two days. If you’re limited on time, however, you may just want to visit the California ScienCenter, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Fans 3 No one will ever compare the fan experience here to that of Duke’s Cameron Crazies. Trojan fans do not deny the fact that football is the featured sport on campus. While there is plenty of truth to that, when Galen Center is packed, mostly against rival UCLA, the fans can provide a daunting presence. Unfortunately, the stands are rarely ever packed. With coach Andy Enfield putting together one of the more exciting teams since his arrival, this current Trojan team is making a serious bid for a Pac-12 title and a run toward March Madness. Access 4 Located on the corner of Figueroa and Jefferson Streets, with easy access to the 110 or 10 freeways, Galen Center is easily accessible. Depending on which day of the week and what time the game is, chances are you will be dealing with the usual LA traffic. Should you decide to use public transit rather than drive, the MTA’s Metro Expo Line has a station conveniently located across the street from The Galen Center. Return on Investment 3 With tickets starting at $20, and $50 for games against Arizona and UCLA (add $5 if purchased the day of the game at the ticket office), you can still search third-party sites and pay below face value. Advanced planning is not necessary should you decide to catch a game here on a whim. Extras 4 Perhaps its signature feature has to be the large windows located on the north end of the arena. Depending on what time of day the game is played, the windows are covered with a large curtain to avoid creating glare during games, particularly afternoon games. If the curtains are opened, fans are treated to sweeping views of the downtown LA skyline along with the distant San Gabriel Mountains. In the lower concourse fans can view the National Title trophy’s on display from each sport, as well as a timeline of some of the school’s greatest sports moments. Also, on the street level concourse is a bust of Louis Galen, who the arena is named after. Next to the bust on the wall is a portrait of Louis and Helene Galen. Louis Galen was more than generous in helping provide his alma mater with, over $50 million for the new arena. Final Thoughts Though USC basketball’s play has raised the level of excitement, home games are still a tough draw here in Los Angeles, a city with a plethora of entertainment options. L.A. fans can be some of the toughest to entertain when a team doesn’t have a long-standing tradition of winning excellence. The Galen Center is now in its 14th season of operation. USC has made it to the NCAA Tournament a respectable six times during that span. They are expected to make another run to the Tourney. With former Trojans OJ Mayo, DeMar DeRozan, Taj Gibson, and Nick Young having made their way through the NBA, USC has proved it does have the potential to recruit good talent. For now, attending a USC basketball game still requires little to no planning, a fact even the most devout Trojan hoops follower will admit.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Matthew Knight Arena 1585 E 13th Ave Eugene, OR 97401 Oregon Ducks website Matthew Knight Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 12,541 Ducks Basketball at Matthew Knight Arena Matthew Knight Arena, named after the son of Nike founder and University of Oregon alumnus Phil Knight, is the home for Oregon basketball and volleyball. In addition to sporting events, non-university-related activities such as concerts, monster truck rallies, and the like are held in the arena. Opened in 2011, the MKA (as it’s known by many fans) replaced the Ducks longtime home at McArthur Court, where they resided from 1926 – 2011. McArthur Court was no doubt a classic venue, but one that was ready to be replaced. Matthew Knight Arena provides more restrooms, concessions, TVs in the concourse, and better seating than its predecessor. There are a handful of Duck alumni playing professional ball in 2015. Representing the U of O in the NBA are Luke Ridnour (Magic) and Aaron Brooks (Bulls). Tajuan Porter currently plays in the NBA D-League. Former Duck players in Europe include Chris Christofferson (Denmark), Bryce Taylor (Germany), E.J. Singler (Estonia), and Malik Hairston (Italy). The Oregon basketball program is on the rise. In 2008-09 the Ducks had a horrid record of 8-23 (2-16 in conference). Steadily, the program improved. The Ducks made appearances in the NCAA tournament in 2013 and 2014, so the future looks very bright for the team. Food & Beverage 3 Fans can expect most of the normal fare at concessions at Matthew Knight Arena. Hot dogs ($5), popcorn ($4), souvenir soda ($5), and nachos ($7) are available. Some specialties available are a Pacific Salmon sandwich for $10, a Hawaiian plate for $10, and hand carved turkey or roast beef sandwich on ciabatta for $11 (very good). A practice gym on the outside part of the arena has beer and wine for $7 and $8 respectively, and the consumption of these beverages is confined to that room. Atmosphere 5 As with other sporting events sponsored by the University of Oregon, the buzz in the stands is very impressive. A big game atmosphere is what you can expect when attending a basketball game at Matthew Knight Arena. The staff has fun at some unsuspecting fans' expense when they activate “Oblivicam.” It’s humorous watching someone on the screen until they realize what’s going on. There are student free throw and 3-point competitions during breaks and halftime as well as musical chairs for kids and the ever-popular “Shell Game” type entertainment on the video board hanging over the floor. Of course, the signature feature of Matthew Knight Arena is its unique floor design. Meant as a nod to the program’s history, and the team that won the 1939 NCAA Championship, the floor depicts “The Tall Firs.” This is both the nickname of that championship club, but also a tribute to the natural beauty of the state of Oregon. Neighborhood 5 Matthew Knight Arena is situated on the edge of the University of Oregon campus. A residential section is directly behind the arena with other school buildings and dormitories very close as well. Hayward Field, Oregon’s track & field home is also very close. Hayward Field hosts the annual Prefontaine Classic, an event named after former U of O standout and 1972 Olympic distance runner Steve Prefontaine. There are many restaurants very close to the arena, including Café Seoul, House of Chen, and Track Town Pizza (a local favorite). If you are coming from out of town, there are quite a few lodging options nearby. Best Western and Holiday Inn are just a sampling of the options available. Fans 4 The fan base at an Oregon sporting event is like no other school in the Pac-12. One can argue that the fans in Eugene should receive a one-star rating or a five-star rating. This reviewer leans toward the latter. I find Duck fans to be vocally passionate. Matthew Knight Arena gets as loud as any arena I have ever been to. The student section is vocal whenever the visitors have the ball. The crowd is engaged and reacts to the action on the floor. At most sporting events, you can find a few fans that are socializing and not paying attention, but not here. Duck fans love their teams, and it shows at Matthew Knight Arena. Access 3 As with any sporting event affiliated with the University of Oregon, parking is a big negative. There is no parking structure or specific lot for fans at Matthew Knight Arena. Parking on the street or in business lots for a fee is the norm. Most lots have parking spots available in the $10 range, which is fairly reasonable. The arena is at the edge of a residential neighborhood, so even street space is limited. If and when you find parking, be prepared to walkways, sometimes for up to 15 minutes. Once you get there though, Matthew Knight Arena has nice wide aisles, and plenty of room for all fans to navigate. The bathrooms are nice and big to accommodate large crowds. Return on Investment 5 Regular season single-game tickets are $14-$53 depending on the opponent. The padded stadium seating is very comfortable. There are activities for everyone to enjoy aside from the game itself. If you are not attending a sporting event, the venue has all the necessary features for an enjoyable experience. Attending an event at Matthew Knight Arena is a first-class occurrence and well worth the price of a ticket. A Duck basketball game is akin to attending an NBA game, only on a slightly smaller scale. Extras 4 On the day of this review, Oregon’s 2014 Pac-12 football championship trophy was on display as well as the Ducks’ Rose Bowl trophy and Marcus Mariotta’s Heisman Trophy. Fans could get their picture taken with these trophies and have a life-long souvenir from their trip to Matthew Knight Arena. As a halftime attraction, the football team was brought out to the center court as an acknowledgment of the team’s achievements this last year. The Duck Store has anything a Duck fan might want. Items range from hats ($25-$30), t-shirts ($10-$30), sweatshirts, team gear, window stickers, and license plate frames. You name it, they have it. One extra point for the unique floor design. Some like it, and some hate it, but there is no doubt that it is one-of-a-kind. Final Thoughts A trip to an Oregon basketball game should be on any fan's bucket list. Matthew Knight Arena is modern with fantastic sightlines throughout the facility.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Haas Pavilion 14 Frank Schlessinger Way Berkeley, CA 94720 California Golden Bears website Haas Pavilion website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 11,858 Who’s Haas ? Bears Haas ! Opened in 1933, Haas Pavilion underwent extensive renovations before the 1999-2000 season, increasing capacity from just over 6,500 to just under 12,000. Thanks to this increase in seating, Haas Pavilion just may rank as the loudest venue in the Pac-12 when filled. Food & Beverage 3 Aside from your standard hot dogs, sausages, and burgers, specialty sandwiches such as the Mesquite Turkey with Bacon, Thai Chicken, and Tofu Wrap, as well as Caesar and Harvest Green Salads, are available at a reasonable $10. Standard snacks such as nachos, pretzels, chips, and popcorn are also available, with the souvenir popcorn costing the same as the sandwiches. Candy and Mrs. Field’s ice cream sandwiches are also available for $5. Atmosphere 4 The moment you step inside The Haas you get the sense that even with the enhancements made almost 20 years ago, you still get an old-school vibe here. There are no luxury boxes to be found and the seats rise immediately from the basketball floor, putting the fans right on top of the action. A good number of seats are bench seating, and when filled and at its loudest, the Bears Haas Pavilion can be a very daunting place for the visiting 5 to deal with. Adding to the atmosphere is the new floor and its design, featuring the famous Cal script at mid-court, replacing the growling bear. Along with the famous Cal script, the new floor design, not only clean and simple, is practically similar to the football field’s design at ​ Memorial Stadium ​, with the signature Sather Stripe being featured on the baselines. Neighborhood 4 Should you decide to arrive early, public transit is a great option. A great way to arrive is by way of the Bay Area Rapid Transit subway (BART). The BART has a station in Downtown Berkeley on Shattuck Avenue. Along Shattuck, you will find plenty of pre and post-game entertainment and dining options. If it’s your first time in Berkeley and you would like to soak in some of its histories, you will want to walk up Bancroft Way toward the historic Sather Gate. Once the formal south entrance to campus, the Sather Gate has been the site over the years of many free speeches, and a key location for countless political movements. Fans 3 For the past season or two, the Bears home squad has been a young team, so hard times on the court can be expected. Nonetheless, the home fans have turned out in respectable numbers. Though Haas Pavilion is not always filled, the fans who turn out do a great job rallying the home team throughout the game, creating a loud and exciting atmosphere. One can only imagine how loud Haas Pavilion can be when the home 5 is in contention for an NCAA tournament berth. Access 4 Like any college town, parking can be a hassle. Fortunately, there is a sufficient amount of public transit passing through campus, provided by Alameda County Transit. If you are traveling from San Francisco, Oakland, or points beyond, the Bay Area Rapid Transit rail system (BART) is also a great option. The Berkeley BART Station is a 10-15 minute walk from Haas Pavilion on Shattuck Avenue – if possible you will want to avoid any potential parking hassles and use the BART. Once you step outside the BART station, if time permits, you will want to stroll along Shattuck Avenue, as there are plenty of pre and post-game entertainment and dining options to be found there. Return on Investment 3 Currently, with a young and struggling team, tickets are not hard to access. Starting at $23 for general admission seats, prices do go up when certain opponents, particularly Stanford, Arizona , or UCLA are in town. However, once inside Haas Pavilion no matter where you are seated, you are always on top of and never too far from the action. Extras 3 As you wander through the stands, there’s a great chance that you may come across Oski, the proud mascot of the Golden Bears. Always keeping the same stoic expression, Oski is still happy to mingle among the fans nonetheless. Just don’t let Oski catch you wearing the dreaded “red,” the prime color of Cal’s longtime rival, Stanford. Wear red in Oski’s presence and you just may feel his wrath, along with the student’s wrath, who just may yell out “TAKE OFF THAT RED SHIRT!” In the lower and middle concourses, you will see tributes to past Cal Bear alumni – two of the more notable Bears honored are Kevin Johnson and Jason Kidd. Also along the middle west concourse is a statue paying tribute to former head coach Pete Newell, in front of a mural of his 1959 National Title team. Known as “America’s Basketball Guru,” Pete Newell is also synonymous among NBA circles, having organized the “Big Man Camp,” attracting the likes of Shaq, Hakeem, and Bill Walton. As nice as the tributes are along the concourse, why not show some of that off high up on the rafters as well? For such a venerable venue, it’s surprising that there are no banners paying tribute to Cal basketball’s storied past, which could include the years in which they won conference championships. Final Thoughts Recent Golden Bears squads are young, and some growing pains are expected – that should not discourage you from paying a visit to the Bears Haas. Opened in 1933, thanks to the renovations made before the 1999-2000 season, Haas Pavilion continues to rank favorably among historic and venerable college venues. Also, thanks to the renovations, Haas will continue to ​Roll On​ for years to come, preserving a place in college basketball that retains its classic charm, while continuing to serve the needs of the present-day fan.

Photos Courtesy of Lafayette University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allan P. Kirby Arena 218 Hamitton St. Easton, PA 18042 Lafayette Leopards website Allan P. Kirby Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 3,500 A Patriot League Gem Originally constructed in 1973 as an unaccompanied gymnasium and christened the Kirby Field House after a prominent Lafayette family, this small college gem has undergone two major renovations since, transforming the now Allan P. Kirby Sports Center into arguably one of the finest athletic complexes of any college or university of its size in the United States. The first renovation, a $35 million project dedicated in 2000 saw the addition of an extraordinary atrium overlooking Fisher Field, the Leopard’s football field. This remarkable facility also boasts a 110,000 square-foot area dedicated to the college’s intramural and recreational programs including three 50-by-84-foot courts for basketball and other sports, an elevated 1/10-mile jogging track, and six courts reserved for racquet sports. There is also a spacious 6,600-square-foot fitness center and accompanying weight room which includes a full strength-training circuit, a sizable free-weight area, more than 30 cardiovascular machines, a 35-foot climbing wall, an aerobics area, and several offices. The more recent renovation which took place before the 2013-14 season for $2.5 million truly placed it in the upper echelon of small-college basketball venues as new seating was installed (1,462 chairback seats and 1,188 bleacher seats), a large four-sided video scoreboard was hung high above mid-court and an LED scorer’s table was placed on the north side of the arena between the player’s benches and an entirely new paint scheme put the finishing touches on this masterpiece. Food & Beverage 3 As with most small venues, the concessions are usually limited as is the case here. Although the menu is quite modest, the prices are reflective of this and very easy on the wallet. The diminutive menu consists of hot dogs ($2), soft pretzels ($2, or 3 for $5), Cuban pork tacos ($5), chips ($1), candy ($1), and beverages ($3). The concession area located behind the bleachers on the west end is quite roomy though and very accommodating with plenty of high-top tables and comfortable chairs for your enjoyment during a break in the action. Atmosphere 4 Outside of the Kirby Center with torrential rains pounding the streets at a record-setting level and on the inside, a mid-week match-up of teams that were occupying spots at completely different ends of the Patriot League’s standings, one would assume that there would be little to no excitement in this contest as the intimate arena would be… a…let’s just say intimate. I was already prepared to consider these factors consider these factors before the tip. Not so fast. A Lafayette fan base, although a little smaller in numbers than last season’s when it witnessed their Leopards capture a fourth league championship and play the role, albeit a short-lived one, of Cinderella in a dance with top-seeded Villanova in the NCAA tournament, had every reason to pack this season in a few weeks ago and not venture out into the horrendous weather conditions; but they did just that. They showed up and energized the home team to a near upset of the Bucknell Bison, eventually losing in double-overtime 86-83. The action on the floor was non-stop even during timeouts with the Leopard’s Dance Team performing for the crowd. There was a free-throw shooting contest that took place with two students in the first half and a young co-ed missed the opportunity to leave the Kirby Center with an extra $1,000 as her three attempts from half-court fell way off the mark. Neighborhood 4 Lafayette is located in Easton, Pennsylvania with the school just a 5-minute commute to downtown and Northampton Street where there are several options for a cold beverage and a hot meal before, or following the game. Two Rivers Brewing Company, located in the 500 before, has a great selection of craft beers brewed on the premises. Choose the Colonel Left Eye IPA (6.8%) named after Lafayette College grad Colonel Charles Wikoff who lost his life leading the charge up San Juan Hill and pair it with the Peanut Butter Bacon Cheeseburger. Porter’s Pub, located on the 700 blocks is another option, a quaint corner spot with a vast selection of beers. Join the Porter’s Mug Club and begin the task of drinking 60 different beers from an established list before your mug. Fans 4 I only wish that I could have been there last March when the Leopards defeated American University to win the Patriot League Championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament or for a game with their rival Lehigh. At the game of this review, the fans were a little scarcer than last season but energized. With a game that was back-and-forth down the stretch and eventually into overtime, the crowd repeatedly voiced their displeasure to the officiating crew when a call went against the home team. Access 5 The college is easily accessible off Interstate 78 at exit 75 and parking is free outside of the Kirby Center, so it does not get any better than that. Return on Investment 4 With the comforts and intimacy following the newest renovations, the quality of play in the Patriot League which is getting better with each passing season blocks receiving, and the fact that they manage to keep ticket prices well below average awards you a high ROI. Ticket prices are as follows: Adult ($7), Senior (65 and older $5), Children (3-13 $5), and Courtside ($20). Extras 4 Lafayette does a tremendous job of incorporating the “new” with the “old’ as they showcase a completely modernized lobby, bold with the maroon and white school colors and logo, and blend it superbly with athletic trophy cases and a Hall of Fame exhibit honoring its past in the vintage hues of its history all under bright lights that make it a great gathering area. The athletic staff at Lafayette is amazing in their friendliness and eagerness to assist and I can honestly say that I look forward to my return to the Kirby Center.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Sojka Pavilion 701 Moore Avenue Lewisburg, PA 17837 Bucknell Bison website Sojka Pavilion website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 4,000 The Orange Menace of Sojka The Bucknell Bison men’s basketball team has been the most successful in the Patriot League over the past few years. The Bison won at least a share of the regular season title all but one season between 2011 and 2019. They won the conference tournament four times during that period and nearly pulled off a couple of upsets over high seeds in the NCAA Tournament. However, the Bison’s biggest moment in March came in 2005, when as a 14-seed, they shocked national powerhouse Kansas 64-63 in the First Round in a stunning upset. The Bison play their home games at Sojka Pavilion, which opened in January 2003. Sojka (pronounced Soy-ka) is a 4,000-seat arena that is named for former university president Gary Allan Sojka. It is part of the Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center, which also includes a swimming pool, fitness center, and Davis Gym, the former home of Bison basketball which now hosts the wrestling team. Food & Beverage 3 Sojka Pavilion has two concession stands on the concourse which serves pretty average fare at affordable prices. Options for meals include hot dogs ($3), hamburgers ($4.75, or $5.25 with cheese), veggie burgers ($4.75), and chicken tenders ($6). Buffalo sauce is available at a table next to the concession stand with the other condiments, so you can make your buffalo tenders if you want. Sides include French fries ($3.25), soft pretzels ($2.50), nachos ($3.50), chips ($1), candy ($1.75), and popcorn ($2.50). Cheese can be added to the fries and pretzels for 50 cents extra. Each Bucknell venue has its signature item, and Sojka is no exception. The Bison basket costs $6.75 and contains beer-battered French fries, bacon, scallions, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Drinks include Powerade and bottled water for $2.25, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for $2, and soda for $2.75-$3.25. Combos are also available to add to the already excellent value. Atmosphere 5 When you enter the arena, you will be in the lower lobby of the Langone Center. Depending on which entrance you use, you may have to head down a hallway to get to the lower lobby of Sojka itself. From there, you have to walk or take an elevator up to the concourse. All seats in Sojka Pavilion are chairbacks except for a few bleachers behind the baskets. Several scoreboards are scattered throughout the arena and each one is somewhat different. There is a center-hung scoreboard that also shows timeouts and team fouls and a smaller scoreboard in one corner which shows more basic information. There are also video boards in two corners that show player stats and rotating team stats, but oddly enough, not the score, plus another player stats board behind one basket. Bucknell has contests and promotions during almost every timeout, but the real atmosphere attraction here is the pep band. They play before and throughout the game and are among the very best at this level. Although they may be small in number, they are certainly mighty. The Bison also have cheerleaders and a costumed bison mascot named Bucky. Neighborhood 3 Lewisburg, Pennsylvania may be in the middle of nowhere, but that does not mean there is nothing to do here. Your best bet heading out of the arena is to head north into town on Route 15. Reba & Pancho’s on West Market Street is a local favorite, as is the 7th Street Café, which is exactly where you’d expect it to be. There are also more options just across the Susquehanna River in Milton. Fans 4 Bison fans show up in good numbers for their team, wear orange, and make noise. Although the team doesn’t always sell out the arena, they often come close. Fans are loud, passionate, and knowledgeable, and cheer their team throughout the game. That being said, they’re not afraid to get on their case when the team is doing poorly. As the Bison have been successful for many years, they have gained a larger and larger following among the locals. Access 1 The one major downside of Sojka Pavilion is access. Just getting to campus in the first place is a challenge, as it is far removed from the nearest major cities. Harrisburg is the nearest city of any decent size and is over an hour away. Scranton is two hours, and Philadelphia is two and a half. Unless you’re a local, you’re going to have to drive quite a way. Once you finally make it to campus, parking is a challenge. No signs or directions are telling you where to park, and while there are a few spaces close to the arena, most likely you’re going to have to park in a more distant lot. There are shuttles available, but unless one is ready and waiting, there’s no indication of that. The challenges don’t end there. The Langone Center has numerous entrances and it’s not readily apparent which one to use. Making matters worse, some of the entrances can be locked while others aren’t, meaning fans may have to walk around the building to find an open door. Depending on where you managed to make it, you might have to walk through the building to get to the lobby after you get in. One entrance is signed as the Event Entrance, but the sign isn’t visible until you get close, the door is sometimes locked, and other entrances will also put you directly in the Sojka lobby, assuming they’re open. It should not be nearly this complicated and confusing to make it to a basketball game, and while Bucknell can’t do anything about its remote location, the rest of the issues need to be fixed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bison basketball game are $15 for adults, $8 for children under 18, and $10 for seniors. Although this is on the high end for the Patriot League, this is also one of the nicest venues in the conference. Throw in the affordable concessions and free, if confusing parking and there is good value here. Extras 5 There are many extras here at Sojka Pavilion. The rafters are almost filled with banners honoring the Bison’s athletic success. There are murals and retired numbers displayed on the concourse. The breezeway to the lower lobby has a display honoring Bucknell's athletic greats of years past. One final star here for the outstanding pep band. Final Thoughts Sojka Pavilion is one of the top basketball venues in the Patriot League. Whether it’s the fans packing the building, the fantastic pep band, or all the displays honoring Bucknell athletics, this is an experience not to be missed for basketball fans in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, getting to the arena can be a huge challenge for many reasons, some within the school’s control, some not, but once you’re here, you won’t regret it.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Christl Arena Fenton Pl West Point, NY 10996 Army Black Knights website Christl Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 5,043 Basketball Knight at Christl Arena Christl Arena (pronounced like “crystal”) is located on the campus of the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, and is home to the academy’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. Cristal Arena is somewhat unusual as it is located within the Holleder Center, a building it shares with Tate Rink , home of the Black Knights’ hockey team. Although the common facilities, such as the lobby and concession stands, are shared between the two venues, the playing and seating areas are distinct. Christl Arena and the Holleder Center are both named after USMA graduates who died serving the country. Major Donald W. Holleder was a 1956 graduate of West Point who was killed in Vietnam in 1967, and Edward C. Christl, Jr. was a 1944 graduate who was killed in Austria the next year during World War II. Despite the school’s storied history, this has not carried over to the Black Knights’ basketball team. Along with William & Mary, The Citadel, and St. Francis (NY), the Black Knights are one of just four original Division I members who have never made the NCAA Tournament. This lack of success on the court does not seem to deter some fans from coming out, but ultimately this is a small college where basketball just isn’t that big. Food & Beverage 2 Although selection varies by game, there is always one main stand open in the upper lobby of Christl Arena. Although this stand doesn’t have much available, what it does have is affordable. Hot dogs, nachos, and pretzels are all $4, as are Coca-Cola products and bottled water. Cracker Jacks are $4 as well, chips are $3, and popcorn is $5 for a very large bucket. Other portable stands may be open depending on the game but were not when we went. A stand called The Grill sometimes serves up more substantial offerings such as cheeseburgers and chicken tenders. There is a Dippin’ Dots stand as well which is open sometimes. Ultimately, however, unless you want to take a chance on The Grill being open, it’s best to eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 When you walk through the entrance of the Holleder Center, you will be in the lower lobby, which has the ticket window and turnstiles. However, unless you are going to courtside seats, you will then need to walk up a staircase to get to the upper lobby and concourse, from which you will walk up or down to your seat after going through a portal. As all seats are general admission for most games, you will generally be walking down unless you want to sit up high. Christl Arena has chair backs on both sidelines with a few bleachers in the last few rows which are never used except for the Navy game. Behind both baskets, there are risers which are generally used by any cadets who show up. However, the crowd of cadets will be significantly smaller than at football games, as they are not required to attend, and will be non-existent over Thanksgiving and winter breaks. There are dot-matrix scoreboards behind each basket. One just shows the score and time, while the other shows more detailed information as well such as timeouts and player stats. Christl Arena shares a building with Tate Rink, so you can peer into the hockey arena before the game if you want. There are several unusual architectural elements of Christl Arena. One is the bright yellow piping in the ceiling. Although visible pipes aren’t all that unusual, the coloring certainly is and makes them stand out. Additionally, there are windows behind one of the baskets which enable people to watch from the concourse. Occasionally you’ll see people standing and looking through those. Neighborhood 3 Although there is a lot to do on Academy grounds, there is not that much in the surrounding area. With all the history at West Point, a visit there could easily make a full day on its own. Guided tours are available for a small price and are well worth it if you have time. Although the fall foliage can be beautiful at West Point, the leaves are usually mostly off the trees by the time basketball season starts. The nearest town is Highland Falls, which is small and has very limited offerings. A couple of restaurants and hotels are available, but not much else. Andy’s on Main Street is a local favorite, serving up burgers and other comfort food. Fans 3 The Black Knights get a typical crowd that you’d expect from this level of play. Although the arena will never be anywhere close to full except for when they play fellow service academy Navy and maybe Air Force, it will seldom be deserted either. Many of the fans are small children with families, and usually, the children are more into the game than the adults, screaming and cheering for their team at every opportunity while the adults sit silently most of the game and politely clap after making baskets. For games against another service academy, it’s a completely different story, however. Christl Arena will be packed to the gills and will be an amazing atmosphere. It’s not quite the same as Army-Navy football, but still very much a good experience. Access 2 Unsurprisingly, considering it’s on an active military post, Christl Arena is hard to access. Just to get on post, you will have to go through a security checkpoint, show ID, and possibly have your vehicle searched. Just to add to the confusion, some of the guards don’t know what is required and will tell you that you need a visitor’s pass even though this is not required when attending an event on the post. Keep in mind, however, that all of this could change at a moment’s notice depending on the state of national security at the time. Before coming to a game, be sure to check the athletics and USMA websites to make sure everything here is still accurate. It should not be this hard to get to a basketball arena, but it’s somewhat understandable given the unique security situation. Once you finally do get onto the post, parking is available for free in lots a short walk from the arena. The guards at the checkpoint will direct you there if you ask. From the lots, it’s about a three-minute walk to the Holleder Center, down a couple of staircases and a hill. This seems easy until you realize you have to go back up all that when the game is over. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $12 for general admission seating for most games, $15 for a couple, and $20-$30 for reserved seats for the doubleheader against Navy, which also gets you into the women’s game. A few other games are doubleheaders with the women as well, mostly during the non-conference schedule; for these, the $12 ticket will get you into both. You can pay $30 for courtside seats, but as the $12 ticket will get you literally anywhere else in the arena, this hardly seems worth it. Note that there is usually one other game a year with reserved seats, as it is a weekday afternoon game where local schools bring students in on a field trip, but the tickets to this game will still be $12. Throw in the free parking and affordable if limited concessions and Army basketball can be a great value for the whole family. Extras 3 One bonus star for all the history right on the West Point grounds. A second for the fact that the Holleder Center is basically two venues in one, so you can check out the hockey arena as well without even having to leave the building. A third and final star for the displays in the upper and lower lobbies, including a trophy case and plaques showing the Black Knights’ athletic captains for each year. Final Thoughts Fans looking for the same raucous atmosphere as at Army football games at Michie Stadium will be deeply disappointed. It’s clear that this is a one-sport school as far as the fan base is concerned, and basketball isn’t it. However, attending a game at Christl Arena can be an enjoyable and affordable experience for the whole family if you’re just looking to spend an afternoon or evening watching a basketball game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Tinsley Center 325 Plymouth St. Bridgewater, MA 02324 Bridgewater State Bears men's basketball website Tinsley Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 1,000 Bridgewater Basketball Bridgewater State University is one of nine state universities in the Massachusetts Public Higher Education System. It was founded in 1840 by Horace Mann as the Bridgewater Normal School. As one of the first schools in the nation established to train teachers, it is considered by many to be the “Birthplace of teacher education in America” and has one of the most prominent Teaching and Education programs in the country. The university currently has an undergraduate enrollment of just under 10,000 students with an additional 2,000 students enrolled in graduate programs. The Tinsley Center is an 84,000 square-foot facility that opened in 2002. It serves as home to the school’s basketball and volleyball teams. Athletic Department offices, classrooms, laboratories and a walking/jogging track are also contained in the facility. It is named in honor of Adrian Tinsley, who was the first female president of the college, serving from 1989-2002. She oversaw the expansion and modernization of the school as it transitioned from a college into a university. Under her leadership, Bridgewater State became the second-largest public school in Massachusetts. The Bears compete in Division III’s MASCAC Conference, consisting of teams from around the state of Massachusetts. The Bears men’s basketball teams have qualified for the NCAA D-3 Tournament seven times, reaching the sweet sixteen in 2009. The women’s team has qualified for the NCAA tournament nine times. Food & Beverage 2 There is a snack bar in the lobby of the Tinsley Center, which serves pizza slices, nachos and snacks. Water and Gatorade are also sold here. While not the most extensive menu you’ll ever come across, if you need a snack during the game, you’ll find what you need. No item costs more than five dollars. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere at the Tinsley Center is pretty standard for a small school. With a small crowd taking in the action in a small facility, the focus is entirely on the game going on down on the court. While the crowd present is into the game, they are not overly rowdy, with good sportsmanship ruling the day. You’ll find much that is familiar here at Bridgewater State. The cheerleading squad lines up along the near baseline, with the pep band set up on the opposite side of the court. There is a good sound system put to use with music during play stoppages and a PA announcer who leans into his work without being too over-the-top. Simple scoreboards hang on three sides of the court displaying basic game information. Neighborhood 3 The Tinsley Center is located about a mile from the Bridgewater town commons, which is where you’ll find most of the action in this small town. Visitors looking for a place to eat before or after the game will notice most of the choices in the area are fast-food chains. Locals recommend a stop at Barret’s Ale House, Emma’s Pizza or the local outpost of 99 Restaurant as the best choices near campus. There are no lodging options in the immediate area around campus. Visitors will have to check out the areas by the highways. Fans visiting Bridgewater from out of town will likely want to continue on to Boston, located 25 miles to the north, or Cape Cod, about 30 miles to the southeast, for more points of interest, dining and lodging options. Also located nearby are the coastal towns of Plymouth and New Bedford. Fans 2 As is the case at most small schools in the area, you won’t find a huge crowd at the Tinsley Center. The average BSU crowd numbers between 200-300 fans, with many of those in attendance having a personal connection with the players down on the court. You’ll be sure to find family members from both teams in attendance along with a decent turnout from the student body. Access 3 Bridgewater State University is a town of just under 30,000 residents located in southeastern Massachusetts. Boston is located about 25 miles to the north and Providence is located about 30 miles to the west. Bridgewater State University can be found in the north-central part of town about a mile from the town common. Driving is the primary method for getting to campus, as Route 24 and Interstate 495 both pass just a few miles from campus. Visitors utilizing public transportation will find the Bridgewater MBTA Train Station on campus most convenient. Complete transportation information to the BSU campus can be found here. Tinsley Center is located on the northern edge of the Bridgewater State University campus in the Swenson Athletic Complex. Parking for basketball games can be found adjacent to the football stadium, which will require a short walk to arrive at the Tinsley Center. A small lobby contains the snack bar, rest rooms and the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame. The gym will be on your right as you enter. Seating consists of wooden bleachers which run along one side of the gymnasium. There is also limited seating on either end of the court. A walking/jogging track runs along the second floor overlooking the court and might be available for fans who wish to stand and take in the action. In a small gym like this, all seats feature excellent views of the action. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Bears game costs six dollars. All seats are general admission. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the football stadium. Concessions are inexpensive, with no item costing more than five dollars. Free lineup sheets are available for fans to take as they enter the gym. A game at Bridgewater State is an inexpensive entertainment option for local basketball fans. Extras 2 Banners honoring all Bridgewater State championship teams, tournament appearances and notable achievements across the school’s 22 varsity sports hang around the facility. The school’s athletic department Hall of Fame is located right outside the gymnasium, displaying the hardware won by the school over the years. Final Thoughts While the Tinsley Center is a basic facility, it provides a solid home for the Bridgewater State Bears. Small gyms such as this can be found throughout the country, providing quality competition at an affordable price. Those of you who don’t consider lower levels when watching college sports might want to reconsider. Don’t sleep on Division Three sports! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Daniel Armstrong, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Show Me Center 1333 N Sprigg St. Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Southeast Missouri Redhawks website Show Me Center website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,972 Show Me SEMO The 2022-23 college basketball season marks the Southeast Missouri State Redhawk's 35th year of showing Cape Girardeau what they’ve got at the Show Me Center. In addition to housing the Redhawks men’s and women’s basketball programs, the Show Me Center serves as the main entertainment venue for the over 250,000 residents of the Tri-State Area. The venue’s construction was duly funded by the City of Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri State University. In its 35 years of operation, the Show Me Center has earned itself a national reputation for service and flexibility. It has won the Facility and Event Management PRIME SITE AWARD every year since 1997. Food & Beverage 3 Between the upper and lower concourses, the Show Me Center contains seven concession stands. Only the two on the main level and the one on the balcony overlooking the atrium are open for Redhawks games. The lower stands offer a wider selection of food offerings while the upper stand offers more beverage and snack options. There is nothing that stands out on the menu but all items are reasonably priced, ranging from one to five dollars. There will be a considerable line during the half so I would recommend going beforehand. Don’t expect to get anything during the second half either as they close immediately following the intermission. Atmosphere 3 There is nothing special about the game night atmosphere. It is typical of the low-major Ohio Valley Conference. During my most recent visit, I was disappointed in the small student section and there were fewer than 25 band members. There were only a handful of students, all of whom seemed more interested in socializing than having an impact on the game. Without a prominent student section any college basketball experience is lacking and this was no exception. While there were a few traditions that seemed promising, such as SEMO fans standing until the opponent scores the first basket, only the faithful partook in them so it had little effect on the overall feel. The arena is lacking in several modern amenities such as a video board, and the scoreboard is dated at this point. Neighborhood 1 Don’t expect to find exciting nightlife in the area. There is nothing notable within the immediate neighborhood around the arena. There are a few small bars down towards campus, a strip of chain restaurants a few miles up the road, and a handful of places in the dilapidated downtown district. Fans 3 I saw SEMO in a handful of away games prior to my visit and they always had an impressive following both in numbers and enthusiasm, so I had high expectations heading into the game and I was disappointed. The small band seemed more into the game than anyone else. Things did pick up as the game went on and the Redhawks battled back from a 15-point deficit to capture the victory but nonetheless, I was expecting more. Access 2 The parking lot outside the arena is free and large enough to accommodate a majority of the crowd, but once that fills up there are few alternatives in the immediate area. I would recommend coming early to secure a spot. The ticket office is outside, which can be unpleasant during a Midwestern winter. My biggest complaint is that there are only two general public entrances open during RedHawks games which makes a small-time crowd have a big timeline. You enter the arena into an appealing atrium and have the option of continuing around to the floor level of the arena or going up the stairs to the balcony. Once inside the arena, there are six restrooms. I would recommend using the ones on the upper concourse as the line is typically shorter and they are also cleaner than the ones downstairs. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are low ($6-$15), concessions are reasonable, and parking is free. There is also a variety of reasonably priced souvenirs inside the atrium. As far as college basketball experiences go this is a bargain. As long as you have reasonable expectations of what to find within you will leave the Show Me Center feeling satisfied. You might even become a SEMO fan in the process. Extras 4 I love seeing championship banners. They show that a school is proud of the tradition its athletic programs have set. And while even though it has been over 70 years since the RedHawks captured the national title, I feel their 1943 NAIA National Championship is worth an extra point. I before the atrium and the hall of fame area. It is top-notch and makes you feel welcome. The new basketball floor that was installed following the 2011-12 season looks very nice and is a vast improvement from the prior parquet floor. The staff at the Show Me Center are all very friendly and helpful. It’s amazing how much a pleasant and knowledgeable staff can add to the experience at a sporting event.

Photos by Daniel Armstrong, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Sam M. Vadalabene Center Strasen Road & Pin Oak Rd Edwardsville, IL 62025 SIU-Edwardsville Cougars men's basketball website Sam M. Vadalabene Center website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 4,200 The Road to Edwardsville Moving along I-55 towards Saint Louis you will see the sign for the ramp to Edwardsville. Most people won’t give that sign a second look. That may just be their mistake, because in the heart of that city lies the campus of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and more importantly for me the Vadalabene Center. The arena has been the home of Cougar basketball since 1982. Food & Beverage 3 The food is certainly not overpriced. It is one of the most reasonably priced venues I have ever visited. It’s just that there is nothing out of the ordinary, possibly even less than would be expected. The only thing that was worth mentioning is a personal pizza from Domino’s, which was slightly overpriced at $5. The other menu items are a 20 oz. drink for $2, hot dog ($2.50), popcorn ($1.50), and candy ($1). Access to the concession stands is also less than ideal. They are all located in the east lobby, so if your seats are on the other side, you have to walk all the way around. There are three windows, but during my visit, only one was open so the line circled the entire lobby making navigation difficult. They did open a second window, but there still was a line until around the ten-minute mark of the second half. If you ask me it is not worth the wait. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere was the high point of the visit. The arena is smaller than many Division I basketball arenas, and that can be a good thing. It resembles a large high school gym and one thing about high school basketball is the atmosphere is far more intimate than seeing a game at a bigger venue. Even with the renovation of the building before the move to Division I, this is more of a gym, rather than an arena. The atmosphere wasn’t what I would call electric, but it was cozy and you can’t say that about many basketball experiences these days. One high point would be that the building has a nice echo so it can get very loud and exciting after a big play. Neighborhood 2 This was another low point of the visit, being stuffed in the middle of the campus there are not many surrounding restaurants close by. I did notice a few places just out of walking distance but they all appeared closed by the time the game was over. My recommendation would be to go to the center of town where there are a lot of places to grab something to eat. Fans 2 The fans filled two-thirds of the 4,000-seat arena, and probably half of them were the opposing team's fans who were more into the game. I was almost mystified by the fan situation. They were there and all seemed to be paying attention to the game, but they rarely clapped or cheered except for about 25 die-hard fans. After a big play or when the other team called a time they would get up and cheer and clap, but the rest of the time it was like they were in a trance watching the players run up and down the court. One high point would be the previously mentioned echo, as it made those die-hard fans a lot louder and added to the atmosphere. It also worked the other way though making the SEMO fans almost sound like the home crowd. Access 3 The arena itself is easy to find, but hard to get to. It is tucked away in the center of campus surrounded by a maze of one-way streets. For a local, I am sure it would be far easier and I need to factor in my malfunctioning GPS, but it took me 10 minutes to get to the lot. The parking situation is excellent as there are two large lots directly across from the arena both with free parking. Once inside you may have some trouble finding bathrooms. When you do find them, they are large and you shouldn’t expect a wait, but they are in the lobbies on the East and West sides of the arena so you may have to go around. There are also bathrooms in the season ticket club which would be my recommendation for fans in the upper bleachers. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are a little high, but still well within reason with 100-level seats for $15 and 200-level general admission bleachers for $9. The sight lines are good throughout and the bleachers are comfortable. I think they are the best value. The concessions are cheap – so with free parking, a hot dog and a drink, and the price of the ticket – the total comes to about $15 which is about perfect for the experience you will find. Extras 3 I liked the overall feel of the place, it was just something that you seldom find anymore. Eddie the mascot did an excellent job of going around and greeting the kids all around the arena. The cheerleaders and band did a good job of keeping the energy up even with the Cougars being down by quite a bit in the game.

Photos by Jonathan Martin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ellis T. Johnson Arena 150 University Blvd Morehead, KY 40351 Morehead State Eagles website Ellis T. Johnson Arena website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 6,500 More From Morehead State Ellis T. Johnson Arena is home to the Morehead State men’s and women’s basketball teams and has been since 1981. The arena seats 6,500. Johnson Arena is named for the former Morehead State athletic director and coach. Morehead State is located about one hour from Lexington, Kentucky. The university plays in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). Since opening, Johnson Arena has also hosted several national music and comedy acts such as Alabama, David Letterman, Gary Allen, the Newsboys, M.C. Hammer, the Goo Goo Dolls, Alan Jackson, Dashboard Confessional, Jeff Foxworthy, and Tim McGraw. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Johnson Arena lack variety, but you can find the standard stadium food. Drinks are available for just $2.25 for Pepsi products. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are also available in case you need to warm up on a cold winter’s night. They also offer pretzels, slices of pizza, nachos ($3.50), and hot dogs. The low prices help to make up for the lack of different options. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere can be electrifying at times, but can also be dead silent at others. There isn’t a bad seat at Johnson Arena, so you have a good view of the court no matter where you sit. The dance team and the cheerleaders do a great job of keeping the crowd entertained. There is not much in the way of entertainment during time outs, although during my recent visit there was one instance where the kids in attendance came on the floor and did the chicken dance. Neighborhood 3 Johnson Arena is located in Morehead, Kentucky. Morehead has a small college-town feel to it. The town has ample places to eat, but hardly any that are near the arena. The best option is to go to the Buffalo Wild Wings before game time. It sponsors Morehead State Athletics. There are no eating choices within walking distance of the arena. Cave Run Lake, on the northern edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest, is a good place to hike if the weather is favorable while you’re in the area. Fans 4 While the crowd might be small in size, it makes up for it with intensity. The small crowd is very much in the game from start to finish. Fans will show their disagreement with the referees without hesitation. There are a few games on the schedule where you can expect a large turnout. Eastern Kentucky and Murray State are two of Morehead State’s biggest rivals. Access 5 The arena is very comfortable and easy to navigate. The arena is also handicap accessible with ramps leading into Johnson Arena. There is no public transportation in Morehead, so you will need to drive to get to the game. Parking is very easy at Johnson Arena. There are two areas where you can park. Parking is only $5. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to a Morehead State basketball game are very affordable and offer a good return for your money. Ticket prices range anywhere from $8 to $15 for single-game admission. Season tickets range anywhere from $50 to $270. Extras 2 One bonus point for the charming valley location. The university is located a three-mile pass away from the interstate, so the actual valley containing the town is separated from the big city outlet and interstate buzz. Driving in around dusk produces mental images seen in films set in quiet 1960s towns and can be one of the highlights of the trip. One bonus point for the OVC connection, which has a history of producing respectable NCAA tournament teams. The Eagles upset Louisville in the first round of the 2011 NCAA tournament in their 7th appearance. Often forgotten about in the regular season, the OVC champion regularly makes its presence felt in the post-season tournament. Final Thoughts If you love NCAA basketball, then Morehead State offers a good experience. You will receive a good return on your money and the experience would make the perfect date night. I highly recommend checking out Johnson Arena when Morehead State has a home game.

Photos by Courtesy of Eastern Illinois University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.56 Lantz Arena 1900 4th St Charleston, IL 61920 Eastern Illinois Panthers website Lantz Arena website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 5,400 Lantz Arena Eastern Illinois University has developed quite a reputation for churning out high-quality NFL players and coaches. O’Brien Field has played home to Super Bowl-winning long-time, coaches Sean Payton and Mike Shanahan, and All-Pro quarterback Tony Romo. Next door is the Lantz Arena Complex, which serves as home to the EIU Athletic Department. Named after long-time coach and teacher Charles Lantz, the facility is home to Lantz Arena, Lantz Indoor Fieldhouse, and Ray Padovan Pool. The building also houses the Panther Athletic Academic Center, a student recreation center, and offices for coaching, staff, and instructors. Eastern’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, along with the volleyball squad, play in Lantz Arena. Completed in 1967, the venue has a capacity of 5,400. The Panthers are members of the Ohio Valley Conference. Food & Beverage 2 The concourse features only one concession stand, with the game day staples at affordable prices. Guests can try a hot dog, nachos, or a pretzel for $2.50. The most exotic food item on the menu is Bosco sticks (breadsticks filled with cheese and served with a dipping sauce), which sell for $3.50. Pepsi products are available for $2 and $3 depending on the size. One of the more popular items is slushies, served in a souvenir cup ($2.50). The south balcony features the Panther Patio, open to fans over 21 years old and sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings. The patio includes seating behind a giant, blue curtain where you cannot see the game or a handful of tables where fans can eat and watch the game. Atmosphere 3 The lower level of Lantz Arena has eight rows of blue plastic bleachers across the court from the benches and scorer’s table. These bleachers hold the subdued “Blue Crew” cheering section and a very lively pep band. The band does quite a bit to entertain the fans and cheer on the home team. The lower level also features chair back seats directly behind the benches and scorer’s table. These seats are mostly reserved for donors. Most of the crowd sits in the balcony on blue plastic bleachers. Balcony seating is general admission and above a walkway that wraps around the court. The seats are comfortable and provide a good viewpoint. The north end of the balcony features wooden bleacher seating, exceptionally often hidden behind a big gray curtain. The end zone seating is only used in exceptional circumstances for large crowds. One of the best things about attending an EIU game is the number of contests held by the sports marketing team. There are several different shooting games including participation by students and fans. The cheerleaders even throw out samples of Jimmy John’s sandwiches. Neighborhood 3 Lantz Arena, along with the rest of the Eastern Illinois athletic facilities, is located on the west side of campus between 4th Street and Grant Avenue. The building is just a couple blocks away from Charleston’s main road, Lincoln Avenue. The closest watering hole is Marty’s, just across 4th Street from Lantz Arena. Marty’s might be more of the college scene than you want if you are not a former student looking to relive your glory days. The bar is named after Eastern Illinois alum, and former MLB pitcher, Marty Pattin. Dirty’s Bar and Grill is right off of Lincoln Avenue and features an extensive food and drink menu. Dirty’s promotes its six homemade sauces (Buffalo, Apple Q, Kansas City Style Q, Yum Yum, Sweet Chili, and Honey Mustard) and its 20 specialty martinis. An order of ten chicken wings (tossed in one of the homemade sauces) is $8 and the specialty martinis start at $6. If you are in a hurry and need something fast and reliable, why not get a sandwich in the town where the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain started in 1983? The Charleston store is no longer in the original building, but the sign identifies the location as “Store #00001.” Make sure you take the time to walk through the small, but pretty campus before the game. The highlight is the Old Main Building, a castle-like structure dedicated in 1899. In front, you’ll also find a flagpole, and memorials dedicated to veterans and Eastern Illinois students who fought and died in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. If I’m in Charleston, though, I’d consider heading a few miles out of the way to nearby Mattoon, Illinois, and visiting Burger King. Mattoon Burger King is not related to the fast food chain and has been in operation since 1957. The family-owned restaurant features a variety of sandwiches and ice cream treats but is best known for its burgers. A double cheeseburger, small fries, and an extra-large drink costs less than $7 and are delicious. Fans 2 The student section on the lower level seems to be at the game because they have nothing else to do. The team fills up, but most of the cheering is done by the band one section over. Groups of students sitting among the fans area on the balcony are more into the game than the Blue Crew. Access 3 Parking is free, with plenty of spots in a lot right next to the building. The lot is used by students and faculty during the week before 5 PM, but basketball fans are free to use the lot for weeknight and weekend games. Patrons enter Lantz Arena on the balcony level and use stairs to reach the lower-level seats. Restrooms are not the most spacious, but can more than handle the crowds at Panther games. The facilities are clean and well-kept. Return on Investment 3 All seats on the balcony are a steal at only $7. Chairback seating on the floor is $12. You will have a clearer, unobstructed view in the cheaper seats. The factor is that in with free parking and affordable concessions and you have an inexpensive night out. This is an especially good deal when Ohio Valley Conference heavyweights Murray State or Belmont are in Charleston. Extras 2 Before finding a seat in Lantz Arena, it is highly recommended to walk through the Baker/Warmoth Hall of Champions. Located in the lobby of the Lantz Arena Complex, the history of EIU sports come alive through interactive displays and displayed jerseys. While the displays cover the football greats mentioned above, they also touch on long-time professionals like Kevin Duckworth (NBA) and Kevin Seitzer (MLB). Inside Lantz Arena, banners hang from the rafters honoring players who have had their jerseys retired and members of the school’s all-century team. Banners are also displayed for conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, most recently in 2001. Final Thoughts Eastern Illinois University’s pride in its athletic accomplishments is evident as you walk into the Lantz Arena Complex. Once you are in the arena, you will find a comfortable venue for college basketball.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl 5500 Canyon Crest Dr San Diego, CA 92115 San Diego State Aztecs website Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 12,414 Madhouse on the Mesa Since the arrival of head coach Steve Fisher, the San Diego State Aztecs have been a force to be reckoned with in the Mountain West Conference. Off of a legendary run where Coach Fisher would gain fame as the architect of the iconic Fab Five of the nineties Michigan Wolverines, Fisher would be a casualty of the booster scandal that put Michigan basketball back decades. Fisher would go on to bring San Diego State to prominence after his arrival in 1999. San Diego State has recognized his contribution and subsequently named the basketball court after him. Aztec basketball history dates back to 1921, but clearly the best years for the Aztecs are the current run the team is on under Steve Fisher. Home for the Aztecs since 1997 has been Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. Built on the former site of the football stadium, Viejas is a single bowl arena that seats over 12,000 fans. San Diego State signed a naming rights agreement with the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, also fulfilling their responsibility to the NCAA with regards to the use of Native American mascot names. Previously, the Aztecs played for thirty years, off campus at the San Diego Sports Arena. The student section at what is locally known as the Madhouse on the Mesa is legendary. They are creative and boisterous and have had much to cheer for over the last few years. The Aztecs success is undeniable. They hold charter membership in the Mountain West Conference, which coincided with Fisher’s arrival. Since leaving the WAC for the Mountain West, the Aztecs have won six Mountain West regular season titles, made eight NCAA tournament appearances, twice to the round of 32 and twice to the Sweet Sixteen, and brought home four Mountain West Tournament titles. College basketball fans should definitely consider a pilgrimage to the Madhouse on the Mesa. Food & Beverage 4 The concession options at Viejas Arena are pretty decent and offer a few surprises that will help your wallet. The main concession stands at Viejas are in the outdoor concourse. Hot dogs ($5), bratwurst, nachos, chilli, PB&J; sandwiches, fried chicken wraps, pretzels, peanuts, popcorn ($3), candy, chips, cookies and churros are all available. At the main concessions there are a few surprise items that will actually cost only $1 or $2. There are also a few unique stands that may peak the fan’s culinary interest. Cold Stone Creamery offers a variety of ice cream treats and pizza is provided by Fat Boyz Pizza. The stand that may be the most worth checking out is the popular Ranchwood BBQ. Offering brisket, pulled pork, tri tip, or smoked chicken platters as well as giant ½ lb. burger options, the Ranchwood is probably the most popular concession option at Viejas. Soft drink choices ($4/$6) are Pepsi products and can be found throughout the arena. Gatorade, bottled water, coffee and hot chocolate are also available. College basketball games are dry at Viejas and alcohol is only served for concerts. Atmosphere 4 Arrival at the Viejas Arena will immediately strike fans as not very intimidating. The basketball court is sunken at Viejas and therefore the arena itself is not a massive structure from the exterior. Large wrought iron fences are where fans will find security and entrance to the outdoor concourse. Large green open space complete with California palm trees give the arena a pleasant and calm look from the street and in no way warn fans of the mayhem that they will find inside. Signs above the fences will remind fans that this location was once the home of the Aztec Bowl, former football home for San Diego State, before their move off-campus to Qualcomm Stadium. The exterior of the arena itself is washed in light brown sandstone, indicative of San Diego. Upon leaving the outdoor concourse and entering the building, fans will immediately be struck with how close and cozy the interior of Viejas Arena is. With the majority of concessions and washroom facilities outside, the sunken court seems so close that fans could reach out and touch it from the inner concourse at the top of the seating area. The court is oriented in an east-west manner with a single bowl of plastic, red arena seats all around. The top six rows at Viejas are contoured plastic bleachers embedded into the concrete and should be avoided by fans. They are not comfortable and don’t offer much in the way of legroom. The perfect picture for the center court logo would be from the south side of the arena. High above the court is the video board, which is clean and clear and on par with what would be expected in an NCAA basketball facility. On the west side, above the court, fans will find 21 championship banners which vary from NCAA tournament appearances to the Aztecs’ Sweet Sixteen appearances in 2011 and 2014. The Aztecs also lay claim to six Mountain West Regular Season Championships as well as Mountain West Tournament Championships in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2011. Championships from previous conferences are also present. San Diego State does honour some of its players who have made exceptional contributions to the program on the court. Around the upper concourse, pillars are decorated with murals for key Aztec Basketball Legends complete with QR codes that lead to info on those players. Legends include Michael Cage, Anthony Watson, Jamaal Franklin, Al Skalecky, Milton Phelps, Brandon Heath, Kawhi Leonard, and San Diego legend Tony Gwynn. A fun Aztec fact is that television personality Art Linkletter was also a former Aztec basketball player. San Diego State puts together a solid game day experience. The southeast corner is where you will find the SDSU band and they contribute greatly to the game day experience. The band is aided by the student section, known as The Show, and the complement of cheerleaders and dancers. The Show is highlighted as part of the video intro before the opening tip. The San Diego State mascot, Aztec Warrior, is a brave student who makes his way throughout the stands and on the court, wearing not too much. Neighborhood 4 Viejas Arena is located on the campus of San Diego State University, in the College West neighborhood of San Diego. There are a couple of spots that may interest fans for pre and post game fare, but for the most part, Viejas is surrounded by the university. Spots within walking distance would include The Habit Burger, Trujillo’s Taco Shop and Senor Pancho Fresh Mexican Grill. College and El Cajon are the streets that offer the most options, many of which are recognizable chains and fast food restaurants. The Rolando Village neighbourhood, just south of College West, has a few more spots including Woodstock’s Pizza and Effin’s Pub and Grill. San Diego is famous for its fantastic weather and wonderful beaches. It is definitely a tourist destination and there are tons of things to do in addition to an Aztecs basketball game. The San Diego Zoo is an absolute must-see experience and SeaWorld is also a San Diego staple. The San Diego Convention Center is world famous and the San Diego Comic Convention is probably the most famous annual event at the Center. Other sporting options in San Diego would include an Aztecs football game at SDCCU Stadium or a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park. San Diego University is nearby and the Toreros also play basketball at the Jenny Craig Pavilion among other sports. The American Hockey League has also recently planted a flag in San Diego with the San Diego Gulls, who play at Valley View Casino Center and are the minor league affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. Fans who wish to stay in San Diego, near San Diego State should consider staying at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Suites or the Holiday Inn San Diego. Fans 5 San Diego State basketball fans are legendary. The east end of the arena is home to The Show, one of the loudest, most boisterous student sections in all of college basketball. It was The Show that pioneered the waving of giant heads during free-throws. When choosing a seat, fans definitely want to consider their proximity to the students. Sell-outs at the over 12,000 seat arena are commonplace and fans are loud and passionate for their Aztecs. Although The Show has a strong presence at Aztec games, the group has been in some hot water before. Inappropriate comments and taking things too far, especially against rivals like BYU has happened before, sullying a bit of their reputation. Access 4 Getting in and around Viejas has its ups and downs. San Diego State is located on the east side of the city of San Diego. It is very close to I-8, the Kumeyaay Highway and getting to the university should not be a problem. Parking can be a bit of a challenge around campus and a little research ahead of time can go a long way. Parking won’t blow your mind away, however $10-$20 is what you should expect to pay. The SDSU Transit Center is very close to Viejas and buses and light rail are available. Check out the San Diego MTS website for schedules, maps and fares. The ticketing and gate entry are very spacious as they are far from the building itself. Getting in and around the outdoor concourse is very spacious and pretty easy. Inside can be a different story. The upper concourse, inside the arena, is very crowded and getting around the building can be a chore. The washroom facilities are accessed from the outdoor concourse and are adequate for the size of arena. Return on Investment 5 There is great value in a San Diego State Aztecs game. Tickets for a conference opponent will run from $20 to $40 and non-conference opponents run $10 to $20. Parking will probably run $15 and concessions can be very reasonable. Combine that with an atmosphere that is fantastic for college basketball and a fan base that is as good as any in the country, and fans have a recipe for a fantastic day’s entertainment. Words of warning for fans who are on the more frugal side, spend the extra money and ensure that the bench seating is not chosen. Extras 3 An extra mark for building Viejas Arena right in the former Aztec Bowl. The north end of the arena gives a pretty good perspective on where the former football stadium stood with remnants of old seating risers. An extra mark for one of the pioneering forces of student sections across the country. The impact The Show has had on college basketball can’t be denied. An extra mark for the success of Steve Fisher at San Diego State and the school recognizing his contributions. Final Thoughts The Madhouse on the Mesa is a great spot to see some college basketball. During the winter months, San Diego State basketball is now the biggest game in town and the fans show up in droves. Do not discount the Aztecs since they are not in a Power 5 conference, there is plenty to cheer about and the Aztecs are a force in college basketball.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.72 Reed Arena 730 Olsen Boulevard College Station, TX 77843 Texas A&M Aggies website Reed Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 12,989 Aggieland Basketball Reed Arena is in College Station, Texas, in the Texas A&M University athletic complex, near the west side of campus. The facility is home to Texas A&M’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, the volleyball team, major concerts, commencement ceremonies, and a variety of other events. The two-level arena has a single concourse with a seating capacity of 12,989. Reed Arena opened in the fall of 1998 and is named for Houston veterinarian Dr. Chester J. Reed and his wife, Billie Jean (Dr. Reed is a 1947 graduate of A&M). Unlike all the other athletic facilities on campus, Reed Arena operates under the Department of Finance, not the Athletic Department. Reed Arena was the home court for the 2011 NCAA women’s basketball National Champion Texas A&M Aggies and has also served as the site for both the men’s and women’s first round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The largest crowd for a men’s basketball game here (13,888) took place on January 19th, 2016 versus LSU. Food & Beverage 3 Reed Arena has nine permanent concession stands located on the concourse level, along with various temporary stands. The concessions here offer all the expected stadium fare at typical stadium prices. At the regular stands, Aggie nachos are $10, while regular nachos cost $5, and you can add extra cheese or chili to either size for an additional $1.75. There are a couple of food values as well, such as a combo including a hamburger, chips, and a souvenir soda, or a souvenir popcorn, for $10. You can also find Slovacek sausage and bratwurst for $6, or an Aggie dog (a basic hot dog), peanuts, or candy for about $5 each. A standard stadium pretzel costs $6 while the popcorn is a dollar less unless you buy a souvenir popcorn for $10. In addition to the main stands, there are temporary stations that provide different menu options than what you can get at the regular stands. For example, the Aggie Hospitality stand provides California nachos, topped with black beans, Pico de Gallo, cheese sauce, pulled pork, black olives, salsa, and sour cream, or you can get a high-calorie, foot-long chili cheese dog with the hefty price tag of $12. There is also a very good BBQ sandwich for $10, or a slice of pizza for $8. All the fixed concession stands accept credit cards. The soda products offered inside Reed Arena are Pepsi products. The concession stands offer two sizes – regular for $4, or large, which comes in an Aggies Arise souvenir cup for $6. Aquafina bottled water costs $4 for a large and $2 for a regular. While Reed Arena may not offer a significant number of novelty concessions, you should find plenty to choose from to satisfy any appetite while attending an event inside the venue. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Reed Arena is above average, and although it may not be on the same level as Kyle Field, the 12th Man and the Spirit of Aggieland are alive and well among the “Reed Rowdies.” The Reed Rowdies consists of a student group that promotes Aggie basketball on campus. However, any student attending a game at Reed Arena is considered a Reed Rowdy – the Reed Rowdies are found on the baselines wearing white t-shirts, and can be seen waving towels to rally the team and their fellow onlookers. These students, along with the Texas A&M Yell Leaders, keep the Aggie spirit and tradition thriving during each basketball game. The most recognizable Aggie tradition comes alive at the beginning of each half, and after the game is over – this is The Aggie War Hymn, when you’ll witness Aggie upon Aggie linking arms and legs and swaying back and forth, in a motion like that of a saw blade. This motion is to symbolize “sawing Varsity’s horns off,” referring to Texas A&M’s most-hated rival, the Texas Longhorns. Legend has it that the Longhorns mascot (a Texas steer) used to be named Varsity, but in 1917 a group of A&M students snuck into Austin and branded him with a 13-0 mark, the score of A&M’s 1916 gridiron victory over Texas. UT students are said to have hurriedly responded by adding some branding of their own, turning the 13-0 into the word BEVO (the 1 and 3 became a ‘B,’ the dash became an ‘E,’ and the ‘V’ was added), which is the current name of the Longhorns mascot. Nevertheless, since tradition is king at Texas A&M, the Aggies continue to sing the original lyrics. Their yells and songs still refer to the university as Texas AMC, about the fact that Texas A&M University used to be Texas A&M College. Some games at Reed Arena feature the Corp of Cadets supporting the team from a section on the baseline, near where the Aggie Dance team is situated; the Aggie Dance team performs choreographed routines during timeouts and at halftime. In addition, since Texas A&M doesn’t have a traditional cheerleading squad, the Yell Leaders and the Reed Rowdies get the crowd to participate in A&M’s signature “yells” – the Yell Leaders use hand signals to tell the crowd what yell to do next, by signaling to the front row and then having the fans pass it back up to the top of the arena, so that all the fans can do the yell in unison. Texas A&M’s Yell Leaders are a group of five students, elected by the student body, who lead yells at A&M sporting events. Overall, the atmosphere here at Reed Arena can be spectacular, especially if Texas A&M has a competitive team on the court. But no matter the opponent, the atmosphere is above average, because of the Spirit of Aggieland. Neighborhood 3 Reed Arena is located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, just off George Bush Drive on the corner of Olsen Boulevard and Kimbrough Boulevard. College Station and nearby Bryan are in East Central Texas, about one-and-a-half hours northwest of Houston. The two cities together are referred to as the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area, and this “twin city” makes up the 16th largest metropolitan area in the state of Texas, with a population of approximately 170,000. College Station is constantly listed among the great college towns, and just north of Texas A&M University, on the other side of University Drive, is the Northgate District. The Northgate District provides many restaurants and bars that have an amazing pre or postgame atmosphere, such as the Dixie Chicken. Commonly referred to as “The Chicken,” this restaurant/bar has been serving College Station since 1974 and is located directly across from Texas A&M’s campus. The Chicken is a great place to grab a beer before or after the game and listen to live country music. Not only is the Dixie Chicken known to be a favorite watering hole among Aggies, but the bar also claims to serve the most beer per square foot of any bar in the United States, and also has a variety of food selections at reasonable prices. For the craft beer lover, just around the corner from The Dixie Chicken is the Blackwater Draw Brewing Company. Or, if you’re looking to find some BBQ in the area, avoid BBQ 13-0, as it is not a good test of Texas BBQ – 13-0 is more for A&M students who need a late-night BBQ sandwich to absorb their earlier alcoholic beverages. But College Station and Bryan have a few much better BBQ places to enjoy, such as Fargo’s Pit BBQ, Kreuz Market, and my personal favorite, C&J BBQ, which has three locations within a few miles of campus, and of which are worth your time. Alternatively, on the south side of campus, there is a well-known College Station burger place, Koppe Bridge. Koppe Bridge has two locations, but the original is on Wellborn Road – originally an old feed store, this restaurant opened in 1992. For history buffs, some of the original timbers on the floor are from the old Koppe Bridge that spanned the Brazos River until the late 1920s, when the bridge was destroyed by flood waters. Texas A&M University’s campus is a great way to spend time before or after a game. The one place on campus that is truly a must when visiting College Station is the Bonfire Memorial, located next to the TAMU golf course. This memorial represents the bond that Aggies have with one another, and embodies the spirit, history, and traditions long celebrated and honored by Texas A&M students and former students; the memorial is a tribute to the individuals who lost their lives or were injured during the tragic 1999 bonfire collapse. The campus is also home to the George Bush (senior) Presidential Library and Museum. Fans 4 Aggie fans are unique compared to those at other schools, in that there is a bond among Aggies. Texas A&M University is recognized as the Home of the 12th Man, a football reference, because the crowd stands throughout the game to show support for their team, each Aggie waiting (figuratively) to be called onto the field to play in the game if needed. This tradition goes back to 1922 when a former Texas A&M football player named E. King Gill was called from the stands during a football game after several players were injured. Gill suited up and sat on the bench for most of the game, but never needed to go in. His willingness to serve, however, ignited Aggie fans to loudly and energetically support their team forevermore; a larger-than-life statue of E. King Gill now stands at one corner of Kyle Field. However, the Aggie Spirit is felt not just in football, but in basketball as well; there are no bandwagon fans when it comes to Aggieland. When you visit Texas A&M you’ll learn that being an Aggie is about much more than just buying school apparel; either you’re an Aggie or you’re not. Despite this extreme loyalty, however, you’ll typically find Aggie fans to be polite and respectful to visitors. Access 3 Reed Arena is located on the campus of Texas A&M University near the intersection of Olsen Boulevard and Kimbrough Boulevard, not far from Blue Bell Park and across from the Davis Diamond softball field. The campus parking lots in the area are reserved or require permits, so it is better to follow the signs for general parking; general parking is cash only at $5 per vehicle. Reed Arena is surrounded by four parking lots, which hold a combined 1500 cars, and the venue is also within walking distance of a 3,750-capacity parking garage. Overall, you should have no problem finding parking, but be aware that while access to Reed Arena is excellent, be prepared to wait at least half an hour in the parking lots after the game, due to the traffic congestion afterward. Reed Arena’s main box office is located at the main entrance, across from the Student Rec Center on Olsen Boulevard. There are also satellite box offices at each of the other entrances, making it very easy to just walk up and buy a ticket. The doors open one hour before tip-off. It is easy to get into Reed Arena from any of the four entrances, and handicap access and restrooms are easily accessible. The concourse is wide and there is plenty of signage to help you find your section, regardless of whether you’re sitting on the lower level or the upper. Texas A&M University does have a clear bag policy for all Aggie athletics home events; to be clear on what bags are allowed into Reed Arena, you can click on www.12thMan.com/BeClear. Return on Investment 5 TAMU men’s basketball ticket prices are very affordable for top-notch college basketball; the price depends on where you want to sit. The best seats in Reed Arena are priced at $25 for courtside, with the rest of the lower bowl at either $20 or $22; balcony seating (upper level) is between $15 and $20. There is also general admission seating for $10 in sections 210-216, which is a great price considering that on most nights you will be able to move over to a better seat. In addition, parking is only $5 and is located right outside the arena, and the concessions prices are very reasonable. Overall the Reed Arena experience has a high return on investment, and Texas A&M University also participates in Flash Seat ticketing, which is a paperless way to manage your tickets. Extras 3 Texas A&M University is one of only six senior military colleges in the United States, and TAMU’s Corps of Cadets is the largest uniformed body outside of the military academies. While all colleges have their unique traditions, at Texas A&M it is a rite of passage to be an Aggie. The song The Spirit of Aggieland speaks of a spirit that “can ne’er be told,” which is not merely a punchline to use at sporting events, but a deep passion that seeps into every Aggie that comes to Texas A&M. In addition, this spirit passes not only throughout the world but even into space, as The Aggie War Hymn was used as a wake-up call on Day 11 of space mission STS-121, for Texas A&M former student and mission specialist Mike Fossum. The people of the Bryan-College Station area show Texas Pride and practice real Southern hospitality, and do not merely preach it, from the simple “Howdy” instead of hello to the “Welcome to Aggieland” water tower and signage throughout TAMU’s campus. Final Thoughts Reed Arena is an incredible venue to see top-level SEC Basketball, with sight lines that are perfect for basketball. And even though basketball isn’t the premier sport at Texas A&M, it says a lot about the program and fans here that the announced attendance was only 2,000 less than capacity for a recent Saturday night game against the #1-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. Reed Arena is also easy to access, has low ticket prices for top SEC games, and boasts the Reed Rowdies continuing the Aggie traditions. College Station is a wonderful college town, but witnessing the Spirit of Aggieland will amaze you. There is a little something here for everyone, but most of all, a simple Howdy from Aggieland makes it worth the trip.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Pavilion at Ole Miss Hill Dr & All-American Dr University, MS 38677 Mississippi Rebels website The Pavilion at Ole Miss website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 9,500 Ole Miss Hoops at The Pavilion When you think of Ole Miss athletics, the first thoughts which come to mind are probably the Manning Family, Rebel football, Hotty Toddy, and the entertaining tailgate atmosphere at the Grove. Ole Miss Hoops, however, has the opportunity to earn a place among these popular experiences with their brand new, state-of-the-art basketball arena, The Pavilion at Ole Miss. Constructed in 2015, The Pavilion has replaced the aging ‘Tad Pad’ which served as the home court for the Rebels since 1966. It was definitely time for a new arena, and Ole Miss held nothing back in providing a fan-friendly atmosphere complete with free WIFI, plug-in ports, the largest center-hung video scoreboard in college athletics, and a large lounge area. There’s even a Raising Canes and Steak ‘n Shake on the inside. While there’s still work to do in terms of consistent overall fan energy, the Ole Miss Hoops experience at The Pavilion has made its mark in 2016 as one of the best overall environments to watch college basketball. Food & Beverage 5 The food options at The Pavilion provide the perfect combination of quality and variety. There’s much more than the basics here. The two most popular concessions options, the Steak ‘n Shake and Raising Canes stands, are located just inside the main entrance and nearest to the student section. With popularity comes a bit of a line, but The Pavilion utilizes stanchions for each of their concession stands which helps to manage the line and speeds up service. If you’re not feeling like having burgers, shakes, or fried chicken strips, head around to the other side of the arena for additional options. The Rebel Grill offers classic fare items like a foot-long hot dog ($7), corn dog ($5), sausage basket ($10), and cheeseburger basket ($10). Pizza ($6) is available at the Old Venice Pizza Co. stand. This is a popular chain in Mississippi and their pizza is worth a taste. Chop’s BBQ serves up BBQ nachos ($9), a BBQ sandwich basket ($9), and a Hebrew National hot dog ($4). Other snacks are available at each of these stands including nachos with cheese ($4), pretzels ($5), popcorn ($3), and more. Throughout the concourse, you’ll find a few specialty carts like Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream. Beverages are headlined by Coca-Cola products. You can score a “bottomless” soda for $6, a small soda for $4, and bottled water for $3. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at The Pavilion. Atmosphere 5 Kudos to the Ole Miss Athletics Department for dedicating prime area seating to the student body. While they could certainly cash in on sidelines and end lines seating, these lower-level seats are reserved for students only and wrap from the northeast corner to the west sidelines and back around to the southeast corner. In the first season at The Pavilion, the students responded to this prime seating by showing up early and being in the game throughout both halves. Lower-level seating on the east sidelines is reserved for members of the Courtside and Pavilion Clubs. Despite much of the prime seating near the floor being reserved, there are still plenty of great seats in the upper lower section above the student section, thanks to a smart design. With a total capacity of 9,500, the arena doesn’t feel cavernous and the seats in the mezzanine level (sections 201-218) offer a great view as well. Look for seats in Section 204 for a great mid-court elevated view, with the “Ole Miss” center-court logo facing you. All of the seats at The Pavilion are cushioned You’ll definitely be impressed by the lounge area on the north side of the concourse. There is a small electronics shop, tables and sofas, and plenty of room for fans to eat or meet up away from the action. With both Raising Canes and Steak ‘n Shake located here as well, it’s definitely an active area. In the smartphone age, there just never seem to be enough electric plug-ins available anywhere, much less at a sports facility. One of the really neat aspects of The Pavilion is the installation of a standing “bar” around the concourse facing the floor. This allows fans to watch the game away from their seats and there are also plenty of plug-ins under the bar, so it makes for a great spot to charge up as well. Combine this with free wi-fi courtesy of C Spire and the experience is a smartphone owner’s dream. The center-hung scoreboard is the largest in college sports and makes use of every video panel providing a unique multi-screen, wrap around the display (features nearly 2,400 square feet of LED). The promotions crew works hard to provide both the feel of a college event but with the bells and whistles, you’d expect at an NBA arena including the popular “Kiss Cam,” “Bongo Cam,” and other promotions like the t-shirt toss, and even parachuting t-shirts down from the rafters. Neighborhood 3 The Pavilion is located on the campus of the University of Mississippi in the city of Oxford (technically, the university area is incorporated as “University, MS”). The Ole Miss campus provides the Southern charm you’d expect in the deep south and is a beautiful and comfortable backdrop for Ole Miss basketball. Oxford may be a little short on big-time attractions, but you’ll fall in love with The Square area and the plantation-style homes throughout the region. There are several must-stop restaurants while in town. For lunch, be sure to stop in for the best cheeseburger in town at Handy Andy Grocery. The place doesn’t look like much (it’s a converted small grocery), but it’s a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere on the inside with good old-fashioned greasy cheeseburgers as well as a few barbecue options. Ajax Diner is located in the town square and offers a delicious assortment of southern cuisine dishes (both the chicken fried steak and meatloaf dishes are amazing). Phillip’s Grocery is also a great stop for burgers. While Oxford isn’t overflowing with attractions and entertainment, there are a few stops worth making. Any visit to Ole Miss requires a stop at “The Grove.” While it won’t be beaming with usual activity during football tailgates, it’s still a nice central stopping point on the Ole Miss campus. Bring a football and a throw blanket. You’ll want to spend some time in Oxford’s The Square. From restaurants to coffee, shops, and bars, it’s the central hub of activity in town. Off Square, Books is a cool local bookstore if you’re interested in a little quiet time. Keeping with the book theme, one of the hot attractions in town is William Faulkner’s house (Rowan Oak). Fans 4 The Ole Miss community has embraced the new life breathed into the Rebels basketball program with a state-of-the-art facility. Time will tell if the strong attendance will continue past the first year, but so far, the students are showing up in droves and the facility was nearly sold out for the 2016 season. Average attendance in 2016 was right around 8,000 for the season, which is up by about 1,000 from strong years at the Tad Pad. And that’s not to say there are just butts in the seats. The Pavilion can get extremely loud after big moments. There are a few fan traditions including the infamous “Hotty Toddy” chant just before tip-off. In case you aren’t familiar, the chant goes like this: “Are You Ready? (yelled by the announcer) H*** Yeah! D*** Right! Hotty Toddy, Gosh Almighty, Who The H*** Are We? Hey! Flim Flam, Bim Bam Ole Miss By D***!” Access 4 The Pavilion is located on the south side of campus nearby other athletic facilities like Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the Track, and Field facility, and the former basketball homecourt, the Tad Pad. Oxford and the campus of Ole Miss are located in the northern part of Mississippi at the intersection of Highway 278 and 7. If you’re heading in from the north or south, I-55 is the major interstate that runs nearby. Considering Oxford’s location, it’s not very convenient for fans coming in from out of town with no major airlines or transportation services nearby. In 2016, there was some significant construction taking place in the area south of the arena which impacts traffic and parking. For conference games, much of the parking around the arena, including the adjacent parking garage, is reserved for season ticket holders. However, there is plenty of free campus parking available, though a short walk will be required. Be sure to visit OleMissHoops.com for information about parking. The areas indicated in blue below are open parking lots. Tickets can be picked up at the ticket office at the main entrance on the north side. The lines are very short. You’ll quickly get into the arena without much of a headache. There is a ton of room in the concourse once you get inside. The restrooms are brand new and spacious. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for elite college basketball experiences are definitely on the high side. However, at The Pavilion, prices are relatively affordable, and offer quality SEC match-ups. Upper-level Mezzanine tickets are available for $20 and lower-level tickets begin at $25. This is a great deal to catch top-tier college basketball in a state-of-the-art arena. Concession prices are relatively affordable and parking can be found for free if you don’t mind a walk. Overall, the return on investment for a Rebels game at The Pavilion is excellent. Extras 5 There are more than just a few “extra” components at The Pavilion which help to enhance the overall environment for Ole Miss Hoops. Throughout the concourse, there’s great wall art including a neat historical display along the entire west side concourse. Be sure to spend some time checking this out before the game or during a break in the action. Above the south side is a huge mural that honors the numbers (along with a few pictures) of past Rebel Hoops greats. It’s a great usage of space that could have otherwise been a boring empty wall. Along the north side, banners hang from the rafters for Ole Miss Hoops' accomplishments. The center-hung scoreboard is the largest in college basketball and is a big part of the overall atmosphere. Money well spent. Also, the lounge area is one-of-a-kind and allows those not zoned in on the game to mingle while grabbing a bite to eat. If you need some Rebel gear, you’re in luck. In the southwest corner, you’ll find a Rebel apparel shop offering everything from mini-basketballs to hats.

Photos by Dave Cottenie Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rupp Arena 432 West Vine St Lexington, KY 40507 Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball website Rupp Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 23,500 Big Blue in the Bluegrass State Let’s face it. Lexington, Kentucky is known for two things … horses and Kentucky Wildcats basketball. The second largest city in the Bluegrass State is home to the University of Kentucky, a public university with just over 27,000 students. The men’s basketball team is one of the most famous, iconic sports teams in North America. With a history that dates back to 1903, seventeen Final Four appearances, eight National Championships, and a stranglehold on the Southeast Conference, Big Blue is at the forefront of the national consciousness for college basketball. Add to that a semi-controversial coach in John Calipari and his willingness to exploit the rules to the advantage of Kentucky and you have a formula for a consistently competitive program at the highest level. Of course, Kentucky also boasts massive basketball alumni that include NBA royalty at all levels. Rupp Arena has been the home of Kentucky basketball since 1976. Located in downtown Lexington and essentially owned by the city, Rupp Arena is part of the larger Lexington Convention Center. Although the arena is central to the city, it is clear that it is the home of the Kentucky Wildcats first and foremost. It is, after all, named after iconic Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Rupp Arena are decent for college basketball. All of the expected items are available along with some locally specific spots. Hunt Brothers Pizza, Gold Star Chili, City Barbeque, and Repicci’s Italian Ice and Gelato are some more unique spots. One consideration is the nature of the concourses. They are a bit of a labyrinth and some concession areas are hidden around corners. At the main concession stands peanuts, popcorn ($4.25/$5.50), nachos, pretzels, chips, beef jerky, pulled pork, burgers, sausage and hot dogs ($4) are all available. Soft drink options center around Pepsi products ($3.75/$4.25/$5.25) and include Mountain Dew and Dr Pepper. Bottled water and coffee are also available. Alcohol is not served in the main concessions for Wildcat games. Atmosphere 4 Upon .the first view of Rupp Arena, it is quite clear that it was built in the seventies. Pretty much a rectangular box covered in siding and with little to no windows, Rupp Arena’s exterior pales in comparison to the much nicer, newer attached Lexington Center. Parts of the siding are covered with murals boasting Big Blue Nation’s eight National Championships and honoring legendary coach Adolph Rupp. Otherwise, from the exterior, Rupp Arena is nothing special. The interior is a bit of a different story. The attached Lexington Center offers a bit of a decent entryway into the Rupp Arena. It is littered with banners for Conference Tournament championships, great players, regular season conference titles, and NCAA Championships. A large video wall helps advertise future events. After passing security and entering Rupp Arena proper, fans are assaulted with what seems like blue all over. The floors are blue. The walls are blue. The concessions are blue. The concourses are a bit of a maze and there is plenty for fans to look at as they make their way around the arena. Upon entering the seating bowl, fans will immediately notice the littering of banners in the rafters, which essentially line the perimeter of the east-west-oriented basketball court. Banners honoring,east-west-oriented1948, 1949, 1951, 1958, 1978, 1996, 1998, and 2012 NCAA Champions hang in the east end. They are joined by NCAA runner-up banners from 1966, 1975, 1997, and 2014. Final Four banners also hang for 1942, 1984, 1993, 2011and 2015. Impressive to say the least. The other three sides of the arena are lined with, banners that honor 42 former players, coaches, and contributors. Some names that fans will assuredly recognize include Tony Delk, Dan Issel, Jamal Mashburn, Pat Riley, and Kenny Walker. Coaches Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino, and Adolph Rupp are also honored with banners. It is curious how these honors will change with Kentucky’s embracing of “one-and-done” players who have fame in the professional ranks but spent little time as Wildcats. The best spot to get the perfect center-court logo photo is from the north side of the area. The video board in the center is not massive, but, There are additional video boards in the four corners above the seating bowl showing statistics. As far as seating goes, the lower bowl has typical arena chair seating and the very steep upper bowl has bench seating. The students sit behind the basket in the west end with the band. The production of a Kentucky Wildcats game is about as professional as it gets for a college basketball game with several old-school traditions sprinkled throughout. Pyro and fireworks are featured throughout the significant pre-game introductions. The Wildcats make great use of their video boards. The Wildcats band help remind fans that this is still a college basketball experience. The national anthem at Kentucky is one of the best renditions that will be heard anywhere and the opening tip is precluded by the “First Call” or “Call to the Post,” the traditional bugle melody signaling the beginning of a horse race. The mascot, Wildcat, makes his presence felt in the pre-game and roams the court engaging fans. The cheerleaders also perform several typical stunts and lead students and fans in cheers. One of the best traditions at Kentucky is the cheerleaders spelling out Kentucky with their bodies. When it comes to the “Y” a former player or celebrity is brought out to participate. Neighborhood 4 Rupp Arena is located in downtown Lexington and as a result, there are a plethora of places to eat or drink before or after a game. Most are found between Main and Short Streets. Some spots that fans may want to consider include Bluegrass Tavern, Saul Good Restaurant, Tony’s of Lexington, Goodfellas Pizzeria, The Village Idiot, and Shakespeare and Co. Lexington is the center of horse country. Although not downtown, there are several horse-themed options for fans who are in the area for a bit of a longer stay. Fans are encouraged to check out The Thoroughbred Center and Kentucky Horse Park. While in Lexington, fans can find other sporting options as well. The local horse racing track is Keeneland. , baseball can be found at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends. Of course, state-of-the-art offers other sporting options, most significantly, Kentucky Wildcats football at Kroger Field. Fans who wish to stay near Rupp Arena can stay at the Hyatt Regency Lexington or the Hilton Lexington Downtown and take just a couple of steps to get to the arena. Fans 5 Although there is some mild panic at an average drop of over 1,000 fans for Kentucky basketball games in 2017-2018, Kentucky is still locked into some of the highest attendance figures in the entire NCAA. In 2017, the Wildcats averaged almost 23,500 fans per game to lead the entire NCAA, including the mighty Syracuse Orange, who have the opportunity to bring in more than 30,000 fans per game. The Kentucky Wildcats are the game in town and also have a significant stranglehold on the entire state of Kentucky. Wildcat fans, led by the students, are rabid and loud and ready to support their team. Access 4 Rupp Arena is located in downtown Lexington, a pretty significant distance west of the interstates I-75 and I-64. Fans of several old-schools to the arena from out of town will signal several have to maneuver through the city. It can take a little time, so leaving sufficient time is a pretty good idea. There is parking around Rupp Arena specifically behind the arena and on the other side of High Street. For fans who desire public transit, some buses travel High Street, Broadway, and Main. Check the Lextran website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the arena can be tight at times. There are a ton of corners and pockets that can be challenging to navigate. Combine that with crowds of over 20,000 consistently and you have a good reason to plan your visits to the washroom well. Washroom facilities are adequate, but not spectacular. Return on Investment 3 Although the Kentucky Wildcats are a great experience and a bucket list item for sports travelers, it remains one of the most expensive experiences in college basketball. Tickets are extremely hard to come by and often remain on the overly inflated secondary market. That being said, conference games are over $75 face value for the cheapest ticket, in the upper deck on the benches. Lower bowl tickets are all subscribers and students and come in at an even heftier price. Parking is affordable and concession prices are pretty decent. Fans who attend a Kentucky Wildcats game will have a great time but will pay for it. Extras 3 An extra mark for the national anthem experience at Kentucky. One of the great renditions in sports … mostly run by the fans and led by UK faculty member Everett McCorvey. An extra mark for being a simply legendary program. An extra mark for a facility that remains named after a legendary local figure rather than a corporation. Final Thoughts Kentucky Wildcats basketball is most definitely a bucket list item for any college hoops fan. A trip to Rupp Arena gives fans a taste of what the Bluegrass State is all about. However, fans must be prepared to pay for the experience. If you can get past the price tag, then you will not regret the experience! ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Grand Canyon University Arena 3300 West Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 Grand Canyon University website Grand Canyon University Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 7,000 Purple Party The Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a Christian-based university in central Phoenix. Its spirited athletic teams are the Antelopes (Lopes), proud members of the NCAA D1 WAC (Western Athletic Conference). GCU Arena, which opened in 2011 and expanded in 2014, is a mid-sized indoor arena. It is home to the GCU Antelopes (Lopes) basketball and volleyball teams, as well as other university-sponsored events. While the men’s basketball team draws the larger crowds, the women’s basketball games are enthusiastically attended, especially when they play their in-state rivals, the ASU Sun Devils. The GCU women’s basketball team began in 1988 in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (small college athletics). They moved to NCAA D2 in 1991, then transitioned to D1 in 2013 as a member of the WAC (Western Athletic Conference). While in D2, the team made the NCAA tournament six times. Team colors are purple, black, and white, and it’s a purple party pre, during, and post game. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has five concession stands. The number of them open during an event depends on the expected crowd. Two (on the second level) were operational at the game of this review, which was plenty. The food stands are nicely arranged in the corners, and each has tables and chairs to sit and enjoy food and beverages. One stand even has an outdoor patio deck which is great for warmer Arizona days and evenings. GCU Arena Concessions, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Food choices are the traditional stadium fare: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, walking taco, and chicken sandwich ($4.50 - $7.50). Snacks include pretzels, popcorn, nachos, ice cream, and more ($3.50 - $6). The menu lists the calories next to the food choices; you can decide if that’s a good thing or not. Drinks are Pepsi products, bottles of water, and Gatorade ($3.50 - $4). GCU Arena does not serve alcohol. It’s a decent variety, enough to hold you over for a basketball game. Atmosphere 3 GCU Arena provides an outstanding game day presentation and venue for Lopes women’s basketball games. Cushioned purple seats (somewhat narrow) with cup holders surround the court on three sides. Legroom is adequate. The Thundering Heard Pep Band has a full bleacher section behind one of the baskets. Section 113 is center court facing the logo, though most presentations face the opposite section, 103. A crisp, clear video board is in one corner. Another corner board displays the players’ game day stats and game score. Ribbon boards behind each basket also present the game score. The arena does not have a center scoreboard which fits in perfectly for this intimate arena. The ribbon board displays the players’ names and photos when the team takes the court. The boards do not offer closed captioning. The very end sections (115 and 101) face the bleachers. Don’t sit there. The students, cheerleaders, dancers, and Thundering Heard Pep Band provide most of the fantastic in-game promotions and entertainment. The dancers and cheerleaders number more than 25 and provide energy and enthusiasm throughout the game. Individuals do backflips across the court; they perform jumps, moves, and routines that layer up to three high! The Thundering Heard members dress in purple and white overalls with one arm sleeve undone. The sound booth and the pep band orchestrate a perfect mixture of canned music and pep band music. The volume level is perfect. A prayer is said before the game. On the day of this review, one of the cheerleaders gave the prayer. Neighborhood 3 Grand Canyon University is in central Phoenix. The area around the university is not considered the safest in the metropolitan area. The campus is perfectly harmless, comfortable, and pleasant. Several fast food places are within 1,000 feet of the arena. The Quad Kitchen (across a grass area in front of the arena) just recently opened selling BBQ items. The university is planning to open an on-site restaurant called the Havoc House in the near future. Off campus, we recommend visiting other neighborhoods for a bite to eat before or after the game. The Cracked Egg is a decent restaurant for breakfast or brunch just a few miles from the arena. Huss Brewing has a taproom and kitchen about three miles from campus. When on campus, visit the Jerry Colangelo Museum right next to the arena. Jerry Colangelo was very influential in moving the Grand Canyon Antelopes from D2 to D1, as well as introducing and promoting other sports in the Phoenix area. Hotels are not close to the arena. We recommend driving four or five miles to mid-town where a Hilton Garden Inn Midtown or a Hampton Inn are affordable places to stay. Other nearby sports to see during basketball season include Milwaukee Brewers spring training at American Family Fields. And, of course, visit other Lopes teams like men’s basketball and baseball. Fans 3 For crowd enthusiasm and a packed house, the best games to attend are those against in-state rivals ASU Sun Devils. Over 6,000 fans pack the house for those games, and the environment is electric. The biggest fans are the cheer dancers, cheerleaders, and Thundering Heard Pep Band. Other fans include alumni and student Havoc fans. Everyone stands until the Lopes score. It’s loud and there are not even a lot of people there. Before a Lopes foul shot, the crowd shouts “GCU Forks Up.” The place goes dead silent and fans raise their arms above their heads with index and pinky fingers raised. The women’s basketball team generally draws less than 1,000 fans a game. Access 4 GCU Arena is less than a mile off Interstate 17. Depending on the time of day and what road construction is taking place, you may hit some local traffic. Park in the garage at N 33 rd Ave and Camelback Rd. You’ll pass through security before parking. Tell the guard you’re going to the game, and they’ll direct you to the garage. GCU does not charge parking fees. The current rideshare lot is at the corner of Colter and 30th Drive for drop-off and pick-up, a few blocks from the arena. The arena is about 10 miles from Sky Harbor Airport. Valley Metro provides public transportation to the venue. Bus route 50 has a stop right outside the building. Fans pass through metal detectors prior to entering the facility. Clear sports bags (12” x 12” x 6”) are allowed. It’s painless, and the security staff is quite friendly and welcoming. Fans enter a large lobby area and then take steps up a grand staircase to the second level. Fans can also enter on floor level and walk up to their desired seating area. The venue is not the greatest for those needing handicapped seating or access. The facility has two elevators. One was closed at the game of this review. The escalators only go up. Handicapped/wheelchair seating seems to be only available at the very top of the second level. This may be one area to look at if the university ever decides to do another renovation. The arena has plenty of restrooms which are sparkling clean. Return on Investment 5 The price of attending a women’s basketball match can’t be beaten-- five dollars. And, it’s general admission, so you can sit wherever you desire. And move around. All GCU students with a valid student ID pass get in free. Free parking and affordable concessions make this a fantastic game day or evening out. . Extras 3 Outside the arena is a grassy area called the Quad that usually has some event occurring before a basketball game. At the game of this review, a Mahalo Market was assembled which included tables and tents of many international crafts, wares, and food. The Quad Kitchen just recently opened and sells yummy BBQ and all the fixings. It is open weekdays 11am – 7pm. Be sure to step into the Jerry Colangelo Museum and visit a statue of him just outside the entrance to the arena. Lastly, all the staff are extremely helpful and make you feel welcome. Final Thoughts While the women’s team doesn’t draw the crowds the men’s team does, it’s a fun, affordable afternoon or evening out. Come join the purple party!

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Frank Erwin Center 1701 Red River St Austin, TX 78701 Texas Longhorns website Frank Erwin Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 16,540 The End of the Frank C. Erwin Center Frank C. Erwin Jr. Special Events Center recently celebrated its 40th anniversary as the premier event center in the City of Austin, and for the University of Texas. Originally known as the Special Events Center, the building was re-named in 1980 to honor former UT Board of Regents member Frank Erwin. The Frank Erwin Center will be a dead-man walking venue next season, as there are plans for a new 10,000-seat arena that will play home to the Texas men’s and women’s basketball teams starting in 2021. The new arena will double as a concert venue and be able to expand to hold 15,000 people for special events. The arena will also come at no cost to either the university or the public as part of the 35-year deal, and will hold 6K fewer fans for basketball, as the basketball capacity of the Erwin Center has increased over the years to 16,540 (the largest in the Big XII Conference). The Erwin Center is referred to as ‘The Drum’ because of its exterior décor – a circular concrete building. Frank Erwin Center has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games, Texas state high school basketball championships, and concerts. Food & Beverage 3 Frank Erwin Center’s two-level concourse serves all the basic stadium fare at the Fan Fare concessions stands – the Fan Fare and State Fair stands occupy most of the concessions space inside the venue. The menu at these stands has only quarter pound all beef hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, candy, and popcorn, as the rest of the concessions stands inside Frank Erwin Center are from local chain restaurants – there is a Quizno’s, 40 Acres Pizza (local chain in Austin), Chick-fil-A, Bush’s Chicken, Pok-E-Jo’s for BBQ sandwiches (sliced beef, sliced turkey, and chopped beef), Amy’s Ice Cream, El Tambor Mexican Cantina, and the Steerhead Grill (burgers, fries and onion rings). The Steerhead’s best food option is the Texas Champions Burger Basket, which is a 1/3 lb. griddled Black Angus smash burger, with beer battered onion rings, cheddar cheese, bacon strips, and a signature 1883 Burnt Orange sauce – this item comes on Texas toast with a side of crinkle cut fries. Soft drink beverage choices here are Coca-Cola products ranging from a small size to the souvenir soda and bottled water. The Erwin Center also serves alcoholic beverages: domestic-premium beer, craft beer, wine, and margaritas. Austin is home to many great restaurants, however, but if you can’t make it to any of them while in town, Frank Erwin Center has plenty of options to satisfy your hunger. Atmosphere 3 Just like most college basketball arenas, the atmosphere changes depending on the opponent and the expectations of the home team. Texas isn’t a basketball-crazed state such as Indiana, and this isn’t Kansas, Duke, or another basketball school that loves the game. Texas basketball fans are more subdued and seem to be waiting for spring football to start. However, the atmosphere is entertaining, making Frank Erwin Center a good place to watch NCAA basketball. The minute you walk through the doors with your self-scan ticket, the concourse becomes more of a theatre atmosphere – not the typical concourse for a sports venue. Be sure to pick up a game day program, which is free and available at all entrances. As you enter the seating area, the arena becomes spacious, and one of the first things you’ll notice is the logo covering center court – a burnt orange Longhorn in the center of the state of Texas mapped out in white. Frank Erwin Center will soon fill up with the burnt orange color that separates Texas from all others school with shades of orange. The tradition of having the ‘Horns Up’ and singing ‘The Eyes of Texas’ will commence before the team’s starting lineups, as well as after the game has ended. There is also the typical hype video of Texas basketball before the announcing of the Texas starting lineup, followed by a pyrotechnics firework display as each player is introduced, which puts a little Vegas-style entertainment into the arena – this display always seems to make for an awesome environment for fans. The jumbotron scoreboard and an LCD screen that loops around the arena also keep the crowd entertained and informed with promotions, Austin’s weather, out of town scores, and any events happening in Texas athletics. The small student section is with the band, in the seating areas behind the baskets on the baselines. Like at some other universities, Texas sets up its seating to appease the donors instead of the students, and this type of seating can cause quiet moments from the crowd. However, to keep this from happening too often the Texas spirit squads use their talents to keep the crowd involved and entertained during the game. The Texas cheer and pom squads also put on a halftime extravaganza during the last two home games of the season; otherwise there is varied entertainment during halftime throughout the season. The Frank Erwin Center is the largest basketball arena in the Big 12 Conference, yet is one of the worst in the conference at which to watch a basketball game. The good news is that the Erwin Center will soon be razed and become part of the Dell Medical School – the University of Texas is already focused on its future arena, leaving the Erwin Center in its final seasons with the average game day atmosphere it currently presents. Neighborhood 5 Frank Erwin Center is situated on the southeastern corner of the University of Texas campus adjacent to downtown Austin. Considered part of the Texas Hill Country, Austin joins the connected region in providing a wonderful recreational area within the state of Texas. Franklin BBQ has earned world-wide fame as one of the best BBQ joints in the area – from celebrities stopping by to appearances on the Food Network, and of course ESPN Game Day, people flock here to join in the BBQ celebration. Keep in mind that Franklin cooks to run out of BBQ each day, which creates long lines that form long before the 11am opening time (don’t be surprised if you get in line at 8am and aren’t served until nearly 2pm). Weekdays typically have shorter lines than the busy weekends. Franklin certainly serves some amazing BBQ, but if you don’t want to spend a day waiting in line, check out Stubb’s BBQ which is not too far away, and will satisfy your BBQ craving. On the walk from Stubb’s to Frank Erwin Center you will also find Scholz Garten, which is ideal for pre/postgame drinking – this restaurant features a huge patio where fans can mingle, and it becomes a festive atmosphere. Besides Scholz Garten, there are many good restaurant choices near Frank Erwin Center, from Eddie V’s seafood and American cuisine to The Shady Grove, or Hula Hut on Lake Austin Blvd. Austin also features several local breweries, which are increasingly popular, including the Wright Bros. Brew & Brew or Hops & Grain Brewing. Or if you are a food truck junkie then you’ll love Austin – the food trucks here serve everything, including donuts, BBQ, cupcakes, tacos, and Asian food. Austin is certainly an interesting city with plenty to do around town. Besides being the state capital and hometown of the University of Texas, Austin is considered by many to be the live music capital of the world. If you want to test that theory, just take a walk along 6th Street and you’ll hear someone performing – 6th Street is a Bourbon Street-style environment with bars, live music, and restaurants. The annual South by Southwest film festival and the Austin City Limits music fest are a staple of the Austin music and arts scene. In addition, nearby Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and the Colorado River provide water activities like kayaking and sailing. There are also trails and parks along the Colorado River that border downtown, and there are numerous caverns to visit throughout the Texas Hill Country. With a population just short of one million, and being the state’s capital city, Austin has plenty of lodging options. The closest to Frank Erwin Center is the Doubletree by Hilton, just on the other side of I-35 and down the hill from UFCU Disch-Falk Field (home of Longhorns baseball), and the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center is another great option just up the road on W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Or if you want to make your stay in Austin extra special there is the Driskill (Hyatt), which is the oldest operating hotel in Austin, and well-known across Texas. While it could be out of most people’s price range, it is an interesting place to visit if you have time. Fans 3 According to the NCAA Basketball attendance numbers last season (2018-18), Texas fans showed up at Frank Erwin Center in a decent amount, averaging about 10,600 fans per game. Although it hurts the energy when the large cavernous arena is only 65% full, the fans are normally on cue in getting loud at the right moments during the game. And for the highlighted games on the basketball schedule such as Kansas or Oklahoma, the place will be filled – the past has shown that when the Longhorns have a quality team in the national rankings, the fans can be some of the best in the country. Access 3 Access to Frank Erwin Center can be frustrating for fans making their first trip to Austin. The location of the arena just off the exit on Interstate 35 is a two-edged sword; the positive is that the facility is easy to find, but the negative is that the traffic goes along with a city like Austin. There is no free parking in campus lots, but by planning using the arena’s website you can prepay for $10 parking. The parking garages along San Jacinto and Trinity Street are also available for event parking on game day, but be prepared to walk, and although many people walk through this area, the terrain is not flat. Some fans choose instead to park in the residential area east of I-35 near the Denny’s restaurant for free, however, it is not recommended to park in this area, as the Austin Police Department patrol it and issue parking tickets. The ingress and egress to Frank Erwin Center is smooth and fast since there are plenty of entrances with access to either the terrace or mezzanines levels. Frank Erwin Center does have the clear bag policy implemented for security measures, but is ADA compliant with mobility impaired and floor guest entry on the Red River entrance of the arena. The locations accessible by wheelchairs are reserved and are in Row 32 of selected sections on the arena level, and in Row 3 of selected sections on the mezzanine level, as well as on the arena floor for all events at which public floor seating is available. If you have any questions concerning ADA ticket availability, please call the Texas Box Office at (512) 477-6060. Frank Erwin Center is divided into a two-level layout: the lower arena and upper mezzanine. The concourse has a theater feel more than a sports arena, and the circular concourse can seem a little tight, but there are enough glass pockets that is it isn’t overwhelming. The sections inside the facility are also well marked – the lower level bowl begins with section 20 and goes around the building to section 49, while the upper bowl begins with section 60 and rotates around to section 95. Return on Investment 3 Texas basketball tickets normally range from $15 to $80, which gives them the second-highest ticket prices in the Big 12, behind Kansas. The best way to obtain Texas basketball tickets is to plan and look at other avenues such as a third-party ticket vendor, instead of buying through the box office, which could save you up to 50% on tickets for games. The added cost of parking in Austin, as well as the high concessions prices, leads to a below average return in a building that is ready to for the wrecking ball. In general, Texas basketball tickets are easy to get – there are games that have the potential of a sell-out, such as Kansas or Oklahoma, but generally you’ll be able to see top level college basketball at a reasonable price. Extras 2 The University of Texas campus being in one of the nation’s most enjoyable cities to visit is a plus – there is so much to see and do in the state capital city, and a Texas athletic event can be just as enjoyable. Final Thoughts Austin is a great travel destination, regardless if traveling to the city for a sporting event or just for a visit. The fact that a sports fan will be able to see NCAA basketball while here is a bonus, however, don’t expect anything extraordinary if you make a trip to the Frank Erwin Center – the University of Texas is focusing on their new arena in improving any game day experience for the fans, spelling the end of Frank Erwin Center.

Photos by Cory Sims, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Fred Bramlage Coliseum 1800 College Ave Manhattan, KS 66502 Kansas State Wildcats website Bramlage Coliseum website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 12,528 Bramlage Coliseum - The Octagon of Doom The Kansas State Wildcats have been a team of extremes for decades, either making a run of Final Fours from 1948-1964 or missing the tournament entirely for a dozen straight years in the 90s and 00s. The fans pack the "Octagon of Doom" when the hated Jayhawks are in town, but you could have a bleacher to yourself if you attended many other games. That makes Bramlage either one of the loudest venues in college basketball, or one of the tamest. In recent years, the team usually overachieves based on its talent, sharing a piece of the Big 12 regular season title in 2013, and claiming an upset over top-ranked Oklahoma at home in 2016. But, this is a school and fan base that worships at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, so oftentimes the achievements of the hoops squad are somewhat ignored. Following the departure of successful and beloved coach Frank Martin, and the hire of the uninspiring Bruce Weber, the future of Wildcats hoops is unknowable. Bramlage is nearing 30 years old, so the concourse feels a little dated with its ruffled concrete walls and lack of windows. But, there are a lot worse ways to waste a Winter day in Manhattan, Kansas than to attend a home game in the Purple Hell. Food & Beverage 3 Nothing unique here, although the prices are modest. My general opinion on food at a two-hour basketball game is to limit it to snacks and find a good local place before or after the game, and Bramlage delivers in that respect. Pretzels, nachos, and popcorn can be had at just about any concession stand, as well as Pepsi products in a small or souvenir size. You can also find brats, burgers, and chili cheese dogs for between $5 and $6, so go for it if you're really that hungry. There is also a nacho cart in one corner of the concourse, but there's no unique ingredients or anything memorable about it. The only local food stand that sticks out is a table set up by the Friendship House which serves homemade baked items, BBQ sandwiches, and bierocks (welcome to the heartland). Atmosphere 3 There is a single concourse at the top of the arena, and all the seats descend down from there, kind of like a bowl. That seems to keep the noise in and makes the whole place feel cozier than the nearly 13,000 capacity. Of course, all of that makes for a fairly raucous environment, given the right opponent. The students, like at any college basketball game, are good for a lot of yelling and creative sign-holding, and they also stand the whole game (as they should). There are regular seats for the higher budget crowd, but a majority of the seating is metal bleachers. There is a pep band, but most of the music is piped in through speakers. A lot of song choices seem to come from a Jock Jams type compilation album. Beside that, the fans love Darude's 1999 techno song "Sandstorm" more than I will ever love anything or anyone. There was literally a student holding a sign saying "We want Sandstorm." When they put that CD in the boombox, generally following a KSU mini scoring run, the Octagon of Doom quickly turns into the underground rave scene your parents used to hear about on the evening news. Do they not realize that a dozen other schools prominently use that song at sporting events, and that it's not a Wildcat original? Neighborhood 3 Manhattan is known as the Little Apple, and that is where the comparisons to the more famous Manhattan ends. This town, about two hours west of Kansas City, is more or less the last city of any size before you hit Denver eight hours later. It is truly a college town, which is a good thing, but it also has a military feel due to the nearby Fort Riley. Because of this, you see a lot more purple and digitized camo pattern than you would ever expect to see in the Big Apple. The university, and in particular, the sports complex is not located in the heart of the city, which means you aren't able to walk from the famous Aggieville over to Bramlage, which is too bad. Aggieville is the bar and restaurant district named for a time when Kansas State University used to be called Kansas State Agricultural College. On a weekend night, there is a large crowd of undergrads and soldiers enjoying the atmosphere at any one of nearly 20 bars or clubs. Because of the quantity of options, there's rarely a line or cover charge for any of these hot spots, and they've all carved out a niche in the saturated market. One great place to stop prior to a game is Varsity Donuts. It's right in Aggieville, and is well-known for tasty and unique offerings. There's plenty of casual chains in the district (Pita Pit, Jimmy John's, Chipotle to name a few), as well as several local pizzerias/delis/taverns. Local boutiques and KSU fan gear stores put a bow on an area that's worth a couple hours of your time. Fans 3 The Wildcat faithful are most fervent at the football games. But, when the hated Kansas Jayhawks make the annual trek to Bramlage, the claws come out. I do believe that a KSU fan's identity is half loving K State, and half hating KU. They loathe the "chickenhawks" coming over from "Snob Hill." It's gotten so bad in recent years that the AD and school president, amongst others, have had to issue apologies for the behavior of the fans, and most notably, the marching band. However, if you're not sensitive to a few F-bombs, then a KU-KSU game is one of the better sports experiences in college basketball. The fans arrive early, they chant loud and often, and they are actively engaged in the game, booing every unfair foul (all of them). The claws retract when the Jayhawks leave town. They may mostly fill the stands when a highly ranked opponent visits, but many games are not well-attended or very exciting. Part of this is because a sizable portion of the alumni live in Kansas City, and it's just too difficult to get to Manhattan for weeknight games when the drive takes as long as the game itself. Access 4 Although getting to Manhattan might be difficult for the masses, once you're there it's easy to get tickets and get to the game. Because the football and basketball venues share space on the edge of campus, away from downtown, there is plenty of parking lots and space for the crowds. Parking is $10, and you're best off paying that to park in a lot, because there's nowhere within walking distance to be able to park for free. There are enough scalpers around that you can easily pick up a ticket walking into the arena, and once you're inside it's easy to find seats, concessions, restrooms, etc. There can be a traffic jam exiting the parking lot at the end of the game, but you end up right on the street that takes you around town to the highway. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to many home games can be had for less than $10 online, so the investment, outside of a major rivalry game, is minimal. Parking doesn't cost much, so your biggest investment is time spent getting to the arena, assuming you don't live in Manhattan already. However, in life you generally get what you pay for, so if you are really interested in going to a KSU basketball game, splurge and pay the $100+ dollars to watch the Wildcats and the Jayhawks. The game is rarely a blowout, and every so often the Cats pull an upset and the fans storm the court. As a neutral observer, or a Wildcats fan, there're few sites more entertaining. Extras 3 KSU has some interesting traditions that make the atmosphere unique. First off, the nickname for Bramlage, the Octagon of Doom. This started up in earnest back in the Frank Martin years when the Cats were playing good ball and made a run to the Elite Eight. The arena is built into a hill in an octagon shape, so when the Wildcats are good, I suppose other teams may find their doom in the octagon. Additionally, the slogan "EMAW" is something only KSU fans would use. "Every Man a Wildcat" has found a renewed popularity on the campus, so don't be surprised if you see it plastered across signs and shirts all over town. Finally, the Wabash Cannonball. Prior to the game, and at least once during the game, the band plays the Wabash Cannonball and the students, and much of the crowd, rock forward and back in harmony. They seem to be really enjoying themselves, but to the outsider, it's something of a mystery.