Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Bob Davis Gymnasium Walker Complex Brock University University Rd W St. Catharines, ON L2T 4C6 Brock Badgers basketball website Bob Davis Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,400 Brock is the Rock In 1964 Brock University opened its doors in St. Catharines, Ontario. Since then the university has blossomed into an institution of over 18,700 students and has a solid reputation as an academic institute. The school was named after Major General Sir Isaac Brock, a British General who led the defence of Upper Canada against the Americans in the War of 1812. Although victorious, Brock would die in the Battle of Queenston Heights, which was not far from the current location of the university. Some of the distinguished alumni from Brock in the world of sports include former NHL player Dennis Hull, North Bay Battalion head coach Stan Butler and current Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager and wunderkid Kyle Dubas. Athletics would take the field at Brock in the late sixties and the Brock Badgers basketball team would first take the court in 1967. In 1971, Brock would join the OUAA, the precursor for the OUA, their current conference. The Badgers would toil near the bottom of the standings for the bulk of their early existence, but the hiring of head coach Ken Murray would change the fortunes of the Badgers in 1986. The Badgers would become a consistently competitive team for the remainder of their existence up to the present and claim the Wilson Cup as conference champions in 1992 and 1995. Brock would shock the Canadian basketball world on two separate occasions claiming the National Championship in 1992 and 2008. Home for the Badgers is the Bob Davis Gymnasium. The gym is named after the Badgers’ number one fan and former Athletic Director for three decades, and first president of the OUA. The home of the Badgers is known as one of the more intimidating venues in the OUA for opposing teams. Brock has also earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best travelling fan bases in the conference, often sending bus loads of fans into enemy territory. When in the Niagara area, checking out the Brock Badgers and Bob Davis Gymnasium is worth a look and a rock solid OUA basketball experience. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions options at the Bob Davis Gymnasium are pretty limited. Just outside the main entrance, popcorn and cans of soda are available. The prices are pretty cheap but the selection is obviously limited. For fans who are interested in something a little more substantial, walking through the Walker Sports Complex will bring fans to the Hungry Badger, which has many more options including Pizza Pizza. Atmosphere 3 The home for Brock Badgers basketball is the Bob Davis Gymnasium, located inside the Walker Sports Complex. The Walker Complex is a nice looking facility from the outside. First time fans will be surprised when they find out that the gymnasiums (which can be seen from University Avenue) and the huge glass windows are not where the varsity basketball teams play. Fans will need to enter the Walker Complex and meander through to the Bob Davis Gymnasium. The Badgers do a great job of advertising their famous sports alumni and currently have a few banners showing current Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas. Other Brock memorabilia can be seen on the trip through the complex. When the Walker Sports Complex was originally built in 1973, it is clear that Gym One, which is now known as the Bob Davis Gymnasium, was built to mostly facilitate classes and recreation. Outside, there are some Brock Badger markings to build the atmosphere, but inside the gymnasium is very simple. The basketball court runs east to west with bleacher seating on both the north and south sides. A simple rectangular design, the Bob Davis Gymnasium is a throwback to high school facilities that so many fans are familiar with. The best descriptor of the gym is cozy. On the east and north walls hang a plethora of championship banners. Most of them are for wrestling and rowing, however the 1991-1992 CIAU Basketball National Championship and 2008 CIS Basketball National Championship banners hang proudly. Although the Badgers have retired four numbers for honoured members of the Badgers basketball teams, nowhere in the Bob Davis Gymnasium is that evident. A simple scoreboard with tracking for players hangs on the west wall. The most iconic image in the Bob Davis Gymnasium, however, is the massive, red Badgers logo on the south wall. The game day production for a Badgers game is simple. They don’t try too hard and successfully embellish the atmosphere. Music selection is what would be expected and Brock does not bother attempting fancy lights or anything like that. The Badger cheerleaders cheer from behind the baseline and perform a stunt or two during stoppages in play. Overall, the Badgers put together a game day package that is perfect for their venue. Neighbourhood 3 The Bob Davis Gymnasium is located in the Walker Complex on the campus of Brock University. The campus is in the Glenridge neighbourhood of St.Catharines on the southern border of the city, just west of Thorold. Many may not think of St.Catharines as a great tourist destination, but with close proximity to the tourist Mecca of Niagara Falls makes it worth the trip. There are a few spots for fans to get pre and post game food and drink near the Bob. Isaac’s Bar and Grill is the on-campus pub and may be worth a look. Cracker Jack’s, Cat’s Caboose and Johnny Rocco’s are other spots of interest. The Badgers hockey team plays at the Seymour-Hannah Sports Complex, which is off campus and may be able to provide a doubleheader opportunity with basketball. Also, the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League play in the relatively new Meridian Centre for other sporting options. Other entertainment options in the area include the Welland Canals Centre / St.Catharines Museum / Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Also, the Niagara winery scene is world famous and there are tons of vineyards in the area that are worth touring. Rockway Vineyards is close to campus. For fans that need a place to stay, the Stone Mill Inn and Four Points St.Catharines Niagara are good choices. Fans 4 Assessing fans for OUA basketball is difficult. In most cases, attendance at basketball games is not reported. That being said, Brock does a pretty good job bringing fans out to the game. There are plenty of students in the gym for Badgers games, which can be a real challenge for many OUA teams. The cozy nature of the Bob lends itself to the size of crowd that shows up. Brock also has a reputation for being one of the best travelling fan bases in the province. Bus loads of fans have been known to hit up a rival location or two. Access 4 Getting to Brock is not very difficult. The campus is located south of the Queen Elizabeth Way and west of highway 406 so getting to campus is very simple from out of town. The Bob Davis Gymnasium is located inside the Walker Sports Complex. The Walker Complex is located on the edge of campus on University Road West. There is plenty of parking on campus, however there is a charge depending on the lot. For fans who are interested in public transit, there are buses that go right on the Brock campus. Fans should check out the St.Catharines Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. With the vastness of the Walker Complex gives plenty of space to get around. The Bob Davis Gym itself is a little on the tight side and there is not a ton of room to move around. However, the moulded plastic bleachers are fine and decent once you are settled. The washroom facilities are adequate for the size of the crowd at Brock games. Return on Investment 4 OUA basketball continues to be a fabulous value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for Badgers basketball are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Brock University students are free of charge. Each ticket is a doubleheader with the women’s basketball team playing before the men. Parking on campus will have a charge and concession prices are not very expensive. For that small investment, fans get excellent basketball action, close to the game amongst some of the best fans in all university sports. Put it all together and the return more than makes up for the small investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for possibly the best travelling fans in the OUA. An extra mark for the success Brock has earned on the court, an accomplishment for a small school for sure. Final Thoughts Going to a Brock Badgers basketball game at the Bob Davis Gymnasium will not blow fans away with anything too fancy. The gym is simple and cozy and the production befits the venue. Brock provides great value for the dollar and have one of the best fan bases in the conference. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 American Express Community Stadium Village Way Brighton, England BN1 9BL United Kingdom Brighton & Hove Albion website American Express Community Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 30,250 The Seagulls’ Long-Awaited Nest The American Express Community Stadium, known primarily as “the Amex” or its locational name of “Falmer Stadium,” is the home of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. It opened in July 2011 and had long been in the pipeline since the club was forced out of its historic Goldstone ground in 1997. Following a ground share at Gillingham, the club returned to Brighton in 1999 to play at the whilst planning permission was sought for a new development in Falmer on the outskirts of the city. The directors had sold Goldstone Grounds in 1995, an old-fashion venue that was surrounded by residential homes and that was the home for generations of fans. The grounds were dilapidated and rundown at the time, but fans loved it and did not want to see their football club disappear. The supporters also pushed for a regime change to secure the future of the club. A dozen local fans met 2-3 times a week to plan and organize media attention to alert everyone what was going on with the club through protests and pitch invasions. The Seagulls won their last game at the 95-year-old stadium and secured its place in the Premiership for the next season. However, the club did not have a home and had to play at Priestfield at Gillingham, 140-miles way from Brighton for the next two years. The home club was treated more like away fans and had to abide by certain restrictions A movement began to bring the team back home with the council threatening that a Seagulls political party would be formed to run against them in the next elections. The council found the club home in a very small, Withdean Athletics Stadium was converted for football but offered uncovered grandstands. However, a national campaign began that included player involvement with banners at games, a bouquet of flowers being sent by other EFL teams to city council, and a chart-topping hit in the UK charts. Planning permission was given by the unitary authority of Brighton and Hove in June 2002, with a completion date of 2005. However, due to several delays, the stadium did not open until 2011. The persistence paid off by its supporters’ ad the 30,000 plus venue is the home to Brighton & Hove Albion in the highest level of English Football. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stands and kiosks provide beef and brisket burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken burgers, vegan rolls, and fan favorite, Piglet’s Pie. Piglet’s Pies are made locally and the stadium sells around 5,000-10,000 per game. The pies have captured 30 awards including the Football Hospitality Awards. Options include steak and blue cheese, chicken balti, chicken gammon and leek, butternut squatch with spicy vegetables, steak in Harvey Ale’s pie There is also a variety of crisps, sweets, chocolate and non-alcoholic drinks. Kiosks now include new digital signage and additional faster contactless payment points to speed up service. Atmosphere 3 The Amex’s layout of the stadium helps retain the noise levels, and when full, the atmosphere is as good as any in the Championship. The club also does its best with regards to pre-match entertainment to get the crowd singing. The West Stand is a three-tiered structure housing luxury boxes and the majority of the club’s facilities that includes banqueting suites, conference rooms, and a nursery. The East Stand was expanded to two tiers, while the remaining stands are single-tiered, with the whole structure joined by a continuous sloping roof. Although ten years in the making, the stadium is amongst one of the best for comfort in English sport and blends in well with the surrounding Sussex countryside. Match Day activities begin two hours before kickoff at the northeast corner that includes musical performances from local talent, activities for the kids, and the ability to grab a bite or pint before the game at Dick’s Bar. Fans also have access to the Seagulls Superstore, Neighborhood 4 The Amex is located on the outskirts of town, very close to the University of Sussex and University of Brighton campuses. The South of England has something to offer everybody: fantastic country side views and seaside towns. Brighton is a busy seaside city with an excellent town centre offering High Street stores and novelty shops in The Lanes shopping area. With a wide selection of hotels and restaurants to cater for all budgets, finding somewhere will not be a problem. Harry Ramsden’s famous Fish & Chip shop can be recommended and is not too expensive. The nearby town of Lewes is also only ten minutes from the stadium and offers alternatives, as does the resort of Eastbourne. It was Eastbourne where we decided to stay and The New England Hotel was excellent value for money. Fans 4 The Seagulls’ supporters have had a rough ride over the past fifteen years, and the move to the new stadium has helped with a lift in fortunes on the pitch. Unfortunately, in 2013, the club just missed out on the play-off final and will not compete in the Premier League for yet another season. Supporters have stayed loyal during the years of not having a stadium of their own, but things are on the up and crowds have risen from seven to twenty-five thousand, on average. Access 4 The stadium is easily reached by car by taking the A27 towards Lewes (when leaving the M23) and is visible as you approach the district of Falmer near the University of Sussex. There are three park and ride sites around the city at Mill Road, University of Brighton & Brighton Racecourse. Falmer Station is just a couple of minutes from the north Concourse of the AmEx. The Southern Rail and is around 9 minutes from Brighton Main Line Station that includes train service every 10 minutes on matchday. The stadium does provide plenty of parking facilities that cost £15 per car on a pre-booking online site. Return on Investment 5 There are five zones for ticket prices for adult tickets that range from £20-£45 per person against league opponents. Youth and senior tickets are less and range in price from £15-£35. All tickets will cover public transport on the day of the game between Brighton, Lewes, and Haywards Heath. The club should be commended for this as this is a rarity in England and helps ease traffic congestion and parking problems. Extras 4 There is a well-stocked club shop at the stadium, and match day programmes are on sale for every game priced at £3.50. There are Betting Kiosks in the stadium, and the concourses are more than well equipped with televisions by the food outlets, so that you have something to watch whilst you are eating the famous Piglet pies. Another novelty is that the concourse walls are covered with old photographs, again showing that the club has tried to do something different. The Seagulls are looking at cutting down on plastic bottle used and have introduce on a trial-basis, paper-cups for beer and soft drinks.

Photos by Dave Hanson and Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Yankee Stadium 1 E 161st St Bronx, NY 10451 New York City FC website Yankee Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 49,653 City Blues New York City Football Club got their start in 2015 as the 20th expansion franchise in MLS. Owned by Premier League club Manchester City and the New York Yankees, the team began to play at Yankee Stadium with the expectation that a soccer-only venue would be constructed somewhere in the five boroughs in the next few years. As the club begins their fourth season, however, there is no sign of that new stadium on the horizon. One proposed location for a new facility, which is actually outside the city proper, will instead be used for the Islanders new arena and no other options are currently being explored. This is bad for both NYCFC and the Yankees. Last season, changes to the baseball schedule forced City to play two home matches elsewhere, Rentschler Field and Citi Field . The constant changes to the turf as the soccer field is laid down and then removed is not good for the long-term health of the infield, although no problems have arisen so far. So what it is like attending a game at the only baseball stadium in the MLS? As you might expect, it leaves most fans singing the blues. Food & Beverage 3 Most concession stands are open for NYCFC, and the variety is good though prices are the same as when the Yankees play, which is far too much for an MLS game. As well, all items are now priced to end at 9 cents, such as the Bronx Bomber hot dog for $7.29. Other options at the NY Grill portable stand include bacon on a stick ($6.89) and Italian sausage ($8.09) while the NYY Steak next to it has 3 beef sliders ($10.99) and a steak sandwich for $14.69. The Triple Play Grill is a permanent stand and hungry fans will opt for the value bucket of 8 chicken tenders and a pound of fries for $19.69. Frugal fans can have a grilled chicken sandwich for $6.39 or a New York pretzel for $4.89. Many other stands can be found around the concourses, so get there early and have a look to see what appeals. Coors Light is the official supplier of beer, and a regular beer is just $5.59, while a larger one is $10.89. Specialty beers include Stella Artois and Goose Island for $11.89, while a giant can of domestic beer is $12.99 and premium and extra 90 cents. Pepsi products are available with a souvenir size going for $5.89, while bottled water is $4.79. There are sit down eateries as well, such as the NYY Steakhouse and the Hard Rock Café inside the Great Hall. As well, you can bring in your own food and water, as long as it has not been opened. Atmosphere 2 NYCFC is the only MLS club to play in a baseball stadium, and the atmosphere suffers as a result. The club does try to spice things up with a band called City Beats who play outside on River Avenue before and after the game, but once inside, you will quickly remember that this is Yankee Stadium. The field is set up to run from first base to left field, so there are no sideline seats right next to the pitch, at least at midfield. The best location on a sunny day is in the bleachers between sections 201-203, but these are uncomfortable benches and not padded box seats that you would expect for the price you pay. Not only that, but you won’t be able to see the main scoreboard. The other set of bleachers (235-238) is the supporters’ section and this is the loudest place in the stadium. You will not be sitting down if you choose to be in this area. My favorite place to watch the game is from the batters eye between the two bleacher sections. Although you are standing for the game, you have a small table to rest a drink on, and there is no one in front of you. Even with the upper deck closed off, the stadium is too big to really generate a lot of consistent noise throughout the game. An in-stadium host and DJ try to get the crowd fired up before the game, but that energy doesn’t last much past kickoff. For youngsters and those young at heart, a fan zone can be found behind the batters eye where fans can get their hair or faces painted for free. Before the players walk onto the pitch, a Tunnel of Honor is formed with uniformed members of the NYPD and FDNY lining up on either side of the procession. This is a nice touch and adds a bit of ceremony to an otherwise pedestrian experience. After the match, regardless of the result, the final 11 on the pitch have signed mini-balls and throw them out to fans, so stick around and sit down low if you want to get one. Overall though, it is tough to overcome the limitations of playing soccer in a cavernous baseball stadium. No doubt the team and their fans will be best served by a new facility that allows them to be closer to the action. Neighborhood 3 The Bronx is not a great place to hang out in general, but the area just east of the stadium on either side of 161st Street between River Avenue and Walton Avenue has a few places worth checking out before or after the game. All of these do very well for Yankee games and are usually a little less busy for NYCFC. Stan’s Sports Bar is the most famous, while Billy’s Sports Bar is not far behind. For a quieter spot, try the Yankee Tavern instead. Craft beer fans should head to the Bronx Drafthouse. In terms of food, the Crown Diner offers affordable comfort food, while the Eating Tree serves of Jamaican fare. Fans 3 In their fourth season, NYCFC has established a good fan base, many of whom seem to be entire families, which is good to see. Still, they did not sell out the home opener and although average attendance was over 22,000 in 2017, there is room for improvement. Those fans in attendance are knowledgeable about the game and the team and I haven’t seen any overly drunken behavior in the many games I have attended. A more raucous crowd would doubtless be appreciated by the players, but as mentioned, it is tough to generate much enthusiasm in a ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Yankee Stadium from Manhattan is easy as there are two trains that make the trip to the 161st Street stop – the 4 and D. The B train also serves this station, however it does not operate on weekends, which is when most NYCFC games are held. If you are attending a weekend match, check MTA’s Weekender site for updates to the train schedules as there is always maintenance and sometimes trains don’t even run. If you are driving, you should be able to find street parking in the residential areas nearby, but this is not the recommended option. If you have a party of 3 or so, consider a ride-sharing service or a taxi. Security can be slow if you arrive just a few minutes before kickoff, so try to get there at least 30 minutes before and use Gate 8 if the main entrance is too crowded. Inside, the upper deck is closed off for all matches except those when New York Red Bulls are visiting, but the remaining concourses are generally free-flowing. After the game, there may be a small delay in exiting the stadium but nothing that you would find frustrating. Concessions are not busy before the match and you can easily get something before the game without any waiting, but if you are hungry at halftime, expect to wait. Similarly, restrooms do see lineups at halftime and after the game, but these move very quickly. Return on Investment 2 Tickets start at $30 for general admission, which is a bit steep. The next price up is $32 for end zone in the 200 level, then $38, $40 for the bleachers at midfield, and continuing up to $78 for the lower level seats at midfield (along the third base side). From 2018, NYCFC has an agreement with StubHub, so they will be the best place to look on the secondary market. Note that all season ticket holders use a card to enter, so there are few hard tickets to be found outside; if you are a collector of this disappearing type of souvenir, best is to use the box office. Looking at the ticket prices and food prices, this is not the most affordable MLS experience out there. Extras 2 Monument Park is open before the game and worth visiting for anyone who has yet to see Yankee Stadium. The Yankee museum has been open in the past but was not during the first two games of the 2018 season. If it is open, it is rarely busy and you can really take your time there when compared to visiting during a Yankee game. The smokestacks in front of the supporters’ sections are set off before every match, after every goal, and to close out every home victory. Final Thoughts NYCFC is aware that playing as the second tenant in Yankee Stadium is not ideal, and they are committed to finding a new home. The latest idea involves a 26,000-seat soccer-only stadium in an area of the Bronx about two miles from the stadium. The new venue would be part of a larger mixed-use development, which would include retail, affordable housing, and a community park. Dubbed Harlem River Yards, the concept is just in the introductory stages, but it does look promising and if it proceeds, would be completed by 2022. It’s definitely something to look forward to for City fans, who are doubtless getting tired of having their team play in a ballpark, even one as impressive as Yankee Stadium.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 The Pit 1111 University SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Map It New Mexico Lobos website The Pit website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 15,411 The Pit The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team, known as the Lobos, play their home games at The Pit.   The Pit, built in a 37-foot-deep hole on Albuquerque’s southeast mesa, has served as home for some of the most vocal fans in the nation.  The arena has had upgrades and expansions throughout the years, modernizing it with a remodeled concessions area, video boards, ribbons boards, graphics package, constructing a suite level, and adding NBA-style locker rooms and a player’s lounge. Even though it’s 58 years old now, it is a fantastic venue in which to watch college hoops. New Mexico men’s basketball is relevant nationally because of The Pit (its sunken court structure, and the noise level that it creates).  The Lobos play in the Mountain West Conference.  The men’s team began in 1899 and started competing with local colleges in 1920.  Though the school has never advanced to a Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, the basketball team plays to capacity or near-capacity crowds at the venue on a regular basis. They have reached the NCAA Tournament 15 times (their last appearance was in 2014) and have been conference champions 12 times.  Food & Beverage 3 Plenty of concession counters surround the entire concourse, with all open for the men’s games.  Additional adult beverage carts are available at a men’s game.  Be sure to walk the entire concourse, as no two counters provide exactly the same choices.  All concession stands are cashless. Choices include: Laguna Burgers ($11 - $13) Grab N Go (snacks and drinks) Louie’s Pizza Den ($8 a slice) Sugar Snack (funnel cake, ice cream, fries, nachos) Nacho Mama’s Nacho (a variety of nachos $10 - $13; most come with green chile) Paletas (A Mexican frozen treat made from fresh natural fruits) Section U Fan Zone (Frito pie, chicken tender basket, burrito, chimichanga $7 - $12) Cool-ickle Bar (pickle flavored popcorn and lemonade) Multiple stands with the traditional choices of hot dogs, corn dogs, chips, fries, and candy With this being New Mexico, expect to find green chile in many of the offerings. Pepsi products are the soda of choice ($6 - $7).  The concessions sell a variety of canned domestic and premium beers ($10 - $11). My recommendations:  Stay away from the pizza concession stand, as the slices taste awful.   The Laguna Burgers are tasty (and can be made to order), and the nachos from Nacho Mama’s look scrumptious.  If you like pickles, be sure to visit the Cool-ickle Bar kiosk. Atmosphere 4 It’s called The Pit because that’s exactly what it is.  A dug-out arena with the seating below ground level.  The concourse is at street level  and surrounds the top of the seating bowl.    Row 1 is the closest to the concourse (not counting handicapped seats), and row 27 is the closest to the court.  Sections A – G are chairbacks; the rest are bleachers (without backs).  The seating area has much-needed handrails. The seating is cherry and silver colored (team colors), has   no cup holders, and there’s no legroom between the rows. Suites are above the concession level.  The arena has two video boards hung up behind each basket, which show game action, replays, and player stats.  Ribbon boards provide the score, half, time left, and time outs.  I recommend not getting the top four or five rows at the ends and in the corners as an overhang blocks the view of the video board. Refreshingly, game day operations do not constantly blare music.  Fans do not need ear plugs , although the fan energy is loud. T he game day music is a good mix of the pep band and canned music.   The temperature is a tad on the cool side, so bring an extra layer if you chill easily. Game day operations turn off the lights during the introductions, and fans wave their phone flashlights in honor of the players introductions.   It’s all quite impressive. Cheerleaders entertain the crowd and perform at half-time.  And the cheer squad throws t-shirts into the stands, which riles up the fans even more. Neighborhood 4 The Pit is part of an athletic venue complex that includes University Stadium (Lobos football) across the street and Isotopes Park catty-corner to the northeast. The Santa Ana Star Field (Lobos baseball) and Lobos Softball Field (softball) are just south of The Pit.  The Pit is aglow at night, showing off the outside beauty of the arena.  The area is well lit and has lots of security, making patrons feel safe. A mile south gets you to the nearest restaurants or watering holes; most are chain restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings, Fuddruckers, Chilis, etc. Your best bet for local fare and nightlife entertainment is to head north to the Old Route 66 (Central Ave), Nob Hill area.  Frontier Restaurant, a long-standing UNM favorite establishment featuring traditional Mexican food and burgers, is in this area.  For traditional Irish fare, try the Two Fools Tavern.  Saggio’s and Dion’s, local pizza chains, offer good pizza and Italian fare. Several breweries are within a few miles of The Pit:  The 377 Brewery, Differential Brewing Co, Flock of Moons Brewing Co, Bosque Brewing Co, and more.  For places to stay, a slew of hotels are over a mile or two away near the airport, with all the national brands present:  Hilton, Marriott, Best Western, Holiday Inn, and more.  Or check Airbnb or VRBO, if staying more than one night.  When in Albuquerque, a must-visit is riding on the Sandia Peak Tramway, which transports you 2.7 miles to the top of the Sandia Mountains (not for those with acrophobia).  For those interested, Albuquerque offers Breaking Bad RV Tours.  Or a visit to the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden & Zoo may be of interest.  With 19 Native American Pueblos in New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is another must-visit. There’s plenty to see, do, eat, and drink in Albuquerque, but all over a mile from The Pit. Fans 5 The Lobos fans are passionate and vocal.  They all stand at the beginning of each half and cheer on the players till each team makes their first basket.    The student section stands the entire game; some come decked out in face paint.  They bring flags, posters, and big head cutouts.  And you’ll see all kinds of Lobos shirts, hats, and jerseys throughout all seating areas.  There’s the pep band, spirit squad, and cheerleaders regaling the fans pregame, after each basket, and at half-time.  So far, in this early part of the 2023-2024 season, the average attendance per game is 11,707, with a sellout crowd against their in-state rival New Mexico State Aggies.  Access 4 The arena is on the University of New Mexico campus, one-half mile off Interstate 25.   It is across from the football stadium (University Stadium), next to the baseball stadium (Santa Ana Star Field), and diagonally across from Isotopes Park, where the Isotopes and New Mexico United play.  Various parking lots are around the venue.  Parking costs $12 for men’s basketball games. The Pit is about three miles from the airport.  (The Pit) University @ Avenida Cesar Chavez is the closest bus stop just in front of the main entrance.  Check the transit website for maps, fares, and schedules.  Be sure to check the time of a return trip.  Uber and Lyft are easily available with drop off and pick up in front of the main entrance. Gates open an hour and a half before game time.  Getting through security is painless.  Fans hand their bags to security personnel, empty their pockets, and walk through a scanner.  Clear sports bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed.  Check their bag policy for more details. The concourse on top of the seating bowl gets very crowded at a men’s game.  Serviceable, but unremarkable, restrooms are scattered around the concourse. Plenty of handicapped parking and seating are available for those fans who need it.  Not uncommon in college sports, closed captioning is not offered. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Lobos men’s basketball game is a decent value. Ticket prices run from $15 to $45, with club level seats running $75, which is typical for mid major conferences.  The team has chairback rentals for $6, with proceeds benefitting the UNM Spirit Program.  Parking is $12 for men’s games and can be purchased online pregame.  Concession prices are what is expected at a D1 college venue. Extras 4 Several other items are worth noting. Lobo is the Spanish word for wolf, and the arena exhibits two wolf statues outside the main entrance. The venue’s interior displays historic timelines of Lobos basketball history all around the concourse walls, all worth reading. The atrium stands tall with a 56-foot glass tower with white steel structures.   The extensive glasswork envelopes the street level, adding light and providing views of the Sandia Mountains to the east.  It’s quite a marvel. Finally, the arena has a huge merchandise store (called the Lobo Den Store) selling all kinds of Lobo paraphernalia, shirts, sweatshirts, other clothes, hats, etc. Final Thoughts Visiting The Pit, watching a New Mexico Lobo’s men’s basketball game and participating in the crowd experience is an exciting evening out.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 The Pit 1111 University SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 New Mexico Lobos Women's Basketball website The Pit website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 15,411 Women's Hoops at The Pit The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team, known as the Lobos, play their home games at The Pit.   The Pit, built in a 37-foot hole on Albuquerque’s southeast mesa, has served as home for some of the most vocal fans in the nation.  The arena has had upgrades and expansions throughout the years, modernizing it with a remodeled concessions area, video boards, ribbons boards, graphics package, constructing a suite level, and adding NBA-style locker rooms and a player’s lounge. Even though it’s  58 years old now, it is a fantastic venue in which to watch college hoops. The Lobos play in the Mountain West Conference.  The women’s team began in the 1974 – 75 season.  They have been to 20 postseason tournaments and in the NCAA Tournament eight times, with their last NCAA postseason appearance in 2022-23. Food & Beverage 3 Plenty of concession counters surround the entire concourse, with most open for the women’s games.  Be sure to walk the entire concourse, as no two counters provide exactly the same choices.  All concession stands are cashless. Choices include: Laguna Burgers ($11 - $13) Grab N Go (snacks and drinks) Louie’s Pizza Den ($8 a slice) Sugar Snack (funnel cake, ice cream, fries, nachos) Nacho Mama’s Nacho (a variety of nachos $10 - $13 ; most come with green chile) Paletas (A Mexican frozen treat made from fresh natural fruits) Section U Fan Zone (Frito pie, chicken tender basket, burrito, chimichanga $7 - $12) Multiple stands with  the traditional choices of hot dogs, corn dogs, chips, fries, and candy With this being New Mexico, expect to find green chile in many of the offerings. Pepsi products are the soda of choice ($6 - $7).  The concessions sell a variety of canned domestic and premium beers ($10 - $11). My recommendation:  Stay away from the pizza concession stand, as the slices taste awful.   The Laguna Burgers are tasty (and can be made to order), and the nachos from Nacho Mama’s look scrumptious.  Atmosphere 4 It’s called The Pit because that’s exactly what it is.  A dug-out arena with the seating  below ground level.  The concourse is street-level and surrounds the top of the seating bowl.    Row 1 is the closest to the concourse (not counting handicapped seats), and row 27 is the closest to the court.  Sections A – G are chairbacks; the rest are bleachers (without backs).  The seating area has much-needed handrails. The seating is cherry and silver colored (team colors), has no cup holders, and there’s no legroom between the rows. Suites are above the concession level.  The arena has two video boards hung up behind each basket, which show game action and player stats.  Ribbon boards provide the score, quarter, time left, and time outs.  I recommend not getting the top four or five rows at the ends and in the corners as an overhang blocks the view of the video board. Refreshingly, game day operations do not constantly blare music.  Fans do not need ear plugs. The game day music is a good mix of the pep band and canned music.   The temperature is a tad on the cool side, so bring an extra layer if you chill easily. Game day operations turn down the lights during the introductions, so you can’t really see the players when the announcer introduces them.  This mystifies me. Cheerleaders entertain the crowd and perform at half-time.  It’s about the game here, which makes this arena a fabulous place to watch a basketball game. Neighborhood 4 The Pit is part of an athletic venue complex that includes University Stadium (Lobos football) across the street and Isotopes Park catty-corner to the northeast. The Santa Ana Star Field (Lobos baseball) and Lobos Softball Field (softball) are just south of The Pit.  The Pit is aglow at night, showing off the outside beauty of the arena.  The area is well lit and has lots of security, making patrons feel safe. A mile south gets you to the nearest restaurants or watering holes; most are chain restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings, Fuddruckers, Chilis, etc. Your best bet for local fare and nightlife entertainment is to head north to the Old Route 66 (Central Ave), Nob Hill area.  Frontier Restaurant, a long-standing UNM favorite establishment featuring  traditional Mexican food and burgers, is in this area.  For traditional Irish fare, try the Two Fools Tavern.  Saggio’s and Dion’s, local pizza chains, offer good pizza and Italian fare. Several breweries are within a few miles of The Pit:  The 377 Brewery, Differential Brewing Co, Flock of Moons Brewing Co, Bosque Brewing Co, and more.  For places to stay, a slew of hotels are over a mile or two away near the airport, with all the national brands present:  Hilton, Marriott, Best Western, Holiday Inn, and more.  Or check Airbnb or VRBO, if staying more than one night.  When in Albuquerque, a must-visit is riding on the Sandia Peak Tramway, which transports you 2.7 miles to the top of the Sandia Mountains (not for those with acrophobia).  For those interested, Albuquerque offers Breaking Bad RV Tours.  Or a visit to the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden & Zoo may be of interest.  With 19 Native American Pueblos in New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is another must-visit. There’s plenty to see, do, eat, and drink in Albuquerque, but all over a mile from The Pit. Fans 3 Although the arena doesn’t fill up for women’s basketball, the Lobos  fans are passionate and vocal.  They know the players’ names and get thrilled or disgusted depending on their play on the court.  A small student section makes an appearance at the women’s games, and of course, there’s the pep band. Attendance numbers generally run between 4,000 – 6,000 a game. Access 4 The arena is on the University of New Mexico campus, one-half mile off Interstate 25.   It is across from the football stadium (University Stadium), next to the baseball stadium (Santa Ana Star Field), and diagonally across from Isotopes Park, where the Isotopes and New Mexico United play.  Various parking lots are around the venue.  Parking is free for women’s games. The Pit is about three miles from the airport.  (The Pit) University @ Avenida Cesar Chavez is the closest bus stop just in front of the main entrance.  Check the transit website for maps, fares, and schedules.  Be sure to check the time of a return trip.  Uber and Lyft are easily available with drop off and pick up in front of the main entrance. Gates open an hour before game time.  Getting through security is painless.  Fans hand their bags to security personnel, empty their pockets, and walk through a scanner.  Clear sports bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed.  Check their bag policy for more details. The concourse on top of the seating bowl does not get as crowded for a women’s game as during a men’s game.  Serviceable, but unremarkable, restrooms are scattered around the concourse.  One or two were not open at the game I attended.  Plenty of handicapped parking and seating are available for those fans who need it.  Not uncommon in college sports, closed captioning is not offered. All in all, getting to and around The Pit for a women’s game is smooth and uncomplicated. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Lobos women’s basketball game is a decent value. Ticket prices run from $10 to $17.  The $10 seats are upper-level bleachers; the $17 are chairbacks.  The team has chairback rentals for $6, with proceeds benefitting the UNM Spirit Program.  Parking is free for women’s games.  Concession prices are what is expected at a D1 college venue.  . Extras 4 Several other items are worth noting. Lobo is the Spanish word for wolf, and the arena exhibits two wolf statues outside the main entrance. The venue’s interior displays historic timelines of Lobos basketball history all around the concourse walls, all worth reading. The atrium stands tall with a 56-foot glass tower with white steel structures.   The extensive glasswork envelopes the street level, adding light and providing views of the Sandia Mountains to the east.  It’s quite a marvel. Finally, the arena has a huge merchandise store (called the Lobo Den Store) selling all kinds of Lobo paraphernalia, shirts, sweatshirts, other clothes, hats, etc. Final Thoughts Visiting The Pit and watching a New Mexico Lobos women’s basketball game is a pleasure and an affordable way to see this historic arena.

Photos by Drew Cieszynski , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Tony Gwynn Stadium 5500 Campanile Dr San Diego, CA 92115 San Diego State Aztecs website Tony Gwynn Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 3,000 Gwynn from Ear to Ear Sometimes all it takes to build a great experience at a stadium is pride. At Tony Gwynn Stadium, there is more than enough pride in a quietly storied Aztecs program to go around. Tony Gwynn, the stadium’s namesake, is the hero of the Aztec faithful partly due to his time at San Diego State as a player and manager at San Diego State and also because of his legendary tenure with the hometown Padres. But he’s far from the only legend to play between the lines at Gwynn Stadium. Mark Grace and Stephen Strasburg are Aztec legends in their own right. Along with Gwynn, one of the most notable things about an Aztec baseball game is their presence. Tony Gwynn Stadium was originally named Smith Stadium in honor of longtime Aztecs coach Charlie Smith. In 1997 it was rebuilt and renamed Tony Gwynn Stadium, with the field retaining the Charlie Smith name. The $4 million stadium seats 3,000 and was funded mostly by John Moores, ex-owner of the San Diego Padres. Food & Beverage 4 Food options are local and delicious at Tony Gwynn Stadium. In the general grandstand, your options include hot dogs ($4), nachos ($6), chili cheese nachos ($7), chili cheese bread bowls ($4), PB&J sandwiches ($3), chicken caesar wraps ($5), pulled pork sandwiches ($5), pretzels ($4), peanuts ($4), churros ($2), buttered popcorn ($5), kettle corn ($5), and frozen lemonade or ice cream ($3). The more interesting options are found at the other stands around the small concourse. Belinda’s Mexican food offers a variety of tasty Mexican items including burritos, quesadillas, street tacos, nachos supreme, and customizable plates. The meats are your choice and ready to serve in front of you and no matter your choice, the meal will cost you under $8. There is also a local pizza place that sells gigantic slices of pizza. There is also a Jamba Juice stand as an additional option. Overall, there are a lot of available options for food compared to most college parks around the country. Atmosphere 4 While there are bigger and more beautiful college ballparks around the country, there’s something special about the sense of local baseball history at an Aztecs game. The aforementioned Tony Gwynn is more than a San Diego State legend and stadium namesake, he’s a symbol of the program and fans. His stamp on the program is as ingrained as any you’ll see in the collegiate ranks. From the mural on the outfield wall to the merchandise sold behind the grandstand, and into the hall of fame near the 3rd base seats, Tony Gwynn is omnipresent. The atmosphere here starts and ends with him. But the outfield wall is adorned by more than just the image of Gwynn. Stephen Strasburg’s image on the wall is a more recent face of the program. But names like Travis Lee, Aaron Harang, Chris Gwynn, and Mark Grace speak to the tradition as well. The park itself is the centerpiece of the SDSU athletic complex and is adjacent to the lacrosse and softball fields. The area is a hub of athletic activity, so you’re likely to get a couple of sports events for the price of one. Fans are proud of their past and show up in pretty good numbers to cheer on the Aztecs. They aren’t always as rowdy as some of the best fan bases in baseball, but they hold their passion in their way. Some of the coolest features of the park tie into that tradition as well. Behind the 3rd base grandstand is a spectacular program Hall of Fame full of jerseys, photos, and memorabilia from their rich past. Hall of Fame banners, plaques, and images surround the ballpark. On the field, Aztec pride is strong as well. The team takes the field to “Welcome to the Jungle,” and plays with intensity from that point on. Add the reliably beautiful San Diego weather, and you have a recipe for success and an enjoyable day at the ballpark. Neighborhood 4 It’s San Diego, enough said….right? Well, while San Diego offers a huge variety of local options and beautiful weather, the area immediately around San Diego State doesn’t quite meet the top-level college town vibes. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty to like in the area. A variety of Mexican options and burger joints make for typical college-level food venues around College Avenue. The real options are in downtown San Diego though. The Gaslamp Quarter is the most “happening” part of the city and consists of so many hotels, clubs, bars, and restaurants that you’ll have difficulty picking the right one. Some of the more popular options for you include Searsucker, Barleymash, Meze, and Neighborhood, but you won’t go wrong with other options there either. Seaport Village is not far either and offers shopping and food on the water. Overall, it’s hard to top San Diego as a setting for any athletic event. Fans 3 The numbers will be there. Fans show up sporting Tony Gwynn and Aztec gear in pretty solid numbers. They aren’t particularly loud or intimidating, but they show up. Word also has it that they travel pretty well for road games. All of this is respectable and has a lot to do with the tradition and pride around the program. Access 3 Getting to Tony Gwynn Stadium is as easy as one can expect in southern California. If traffic isn’t a nightmare (particularly if you’re coming from the north), it’s easy to get to. Located east of San Diego just off of I-8, it’s just a short drive from Qualcomm Stadium. Once you get to campus, there’s a parking garage located just outside of the athletic complex. While convenient, the garage itself is poorly planned. The ticket booths are $1 per hour and require the purchased ticket to be displayed on your dash. Oddly, all of the ticket booths are located on the stadium side of the garage. If you happen to park across the garage, prepare to hike back to your car to display the stub on your dash. My best advice? Stop the car at the ticket booth on your way in and grab your ticket before you park, as this can be an inconvenience for the first-time visitor. Just a short walk from the garage past the lacrosse field will take you to Tony Gwynn Stadium at the heart of the athletic complex. The walkway behind the grandstand is open and nice, making it easy to get around to your seat. Due to crowds and the lack of redundancy on concession stands, expect lines to get food. You’ll be better served to take in a few innings before eating to let the lines die down. Return on Investment 4 Prices are across the board better than average for big-time college baseball. Parking will cost you anywhere from $3-$5 and game tickets are $6 for General Admission only (that’s right, sit wherever you’d like). All of the food items will run you less than $8, so put it all together and you have a very reasonably priced athletic event. Extras 3 Extras here are pretty exclusively related to the tradition of the program. The plaques and banners boasting their famous players greet you at every turn. Tony Gwynn has a large raised stone plaque directly behind the home plate. But the jewel of the stadium is the Stephen and Mary Birch Baseball Museum. This museum is overflowing with everything the baseball lover would want to see, including Tony Gwynn Aztec and Padre jerseys, bats, pictures, and baseballs from events dating back to the beginning of the program. Get there before the 7th inning though, because the door is locked late in the game. Final Thoughts Tony Gwynn Stadium is one of those parks that exceed expectations. While it doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of some of the more well-known college baseball venues, it inspires an “I didn’t know the program had this much tradition” reaction that grips you from your first step into the stadium. Stop by the stadium, catch a game and buy a Tony Gwynn souvenir from the early days of his greatness. You won’t regret it.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Snapdragon Stadium 2101 Stadium Dr San Diego, CA 92108 San Diego State Aztecs website Snapdragon Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 35,000 New Digs in Diego For many years the San Diego State football team shared Jack Murphy (later Qualcomm) Stadium with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers and MLB’s San Diego Padres . However, with the Padres moving to a new stadium in 2003, and the Chargers moving to LA many years later, it no longer made sense to maintain such a dated facility, and thus “The Murph” was eventually demolished in 2020. However, in its place rose Snapdragon Stadium, a jewel of a facility that serves as a great, modern home for the Aztecs. The new facility also hosts soccer and rugby. Food & Beverage 4 Snapdragon Stadium offers all manner of food and beverage items from concession stands all around the stadium, including two bars that overlook the facility from their perches on the stadium’s highest level. One of these bars (Cutwater) is open to all fans, and is accessible via the ramps or the elevators, while access to the other (Sycuan Piers) can be purchased as part of your ticket, or as an add-on on game day. The most fun concessions stand is called Crack Shack, hosted by a local chain and serves chicken nuggets and sandwiches, including spicy versions, but if chicken is not your thing you can also find all kinds of other options such as burgers, hot dogs, tacos, barbecue, cheesesteaks, pizza, salad, cookies, ice cream, packaged candy, and more. Most of these items can be found in basic versions as well as more upscale versions depending on your wallet and palate – check out this link for a complete listing of Snapdragon Stadium’s concessions offerings. The concessions at Snapdragon Stadium are very high quality but also come with higher-than-average prices compared to other college stadiums, with prices more on par with pro sports teams such as those in the NFL or NBA. There are also certain stands that there is only one of in the whole stadium, so I recommend walking around a bit to check out the different options, so you can find the thing you crave. Atmosphere 4 Snapdragon Stadium is an amazing facility, with its only real downside being there are not many fans there for Aztec football games (more on that later), so you don’t get all the crowd noise you might like to hear. But the amenities are mostly top-notch – the best amenity by far is the Sycuan Piers, which includes semi-private, super comfortable plush seating, its bar, and best of all, access to a platform that juts out toward the field to give you a stunning view of the action, a view you can’t find at any other sports stadium. You can purchase a wristband at the Piers entrance for $20 if you don’t already have a ticket for this section. San Diego State also boasts a huge marching band and cheer squad, and cones of fire and smoke as the team comes onto the field. The staff also shoots off fireworks every time the Aztecs score. In addition, there are all sorts of different tables and chairs scattered around the facility, including standing areas with beverage rails, so you can more comfortably consume your food and beverage rather than trying to juggle them in your regular seat. Surprisingly there is only one giant videoboard (above the Cutwater bar) in the facility, however, instead of having one above each end zone like many modern stadiums have nowadays. Neighborhood 3 There is not a lot near Snapdragon Stadium, as the facility is surrounded by parking lots, green spaces, and of course, the freeways moving people to and from the venue. There are of course plenty of options further out – Little Italy closer to downtown is a popular, upscale destination for locals and tourists, full of brewpubs, trendy eateries, and boutique clothing stores. Or if Italian food and culture are not your things, you can also find other enclaves in the city with different ethnic offerings, such as Little Saigon and Old Town (Mexican/Spanish). In terms of attractions San Diego offers plenty, with the two biggest being the beach (including Mission Bay) and Sea World San Diego – there are about a million hotels along I-8 to accommodate all the visitors to this area, some of which are closer to Snapdragon Stadium (the facility is about 8-10 miles from the ocean). Fans 3 There are a decent number of fans in attendance at the Aztecs game, but the stadium is by no means full. There is a decent tailgating scene in the parking areas, however, and you will hear some decent crowd noise at times. The student section is located behind one end zone, and you will see almost pure red being worn by those fans, while in other parts of the stadium, there is more of a mix of colors being worn. Access 3 Getting to Snapdragon Stadium is easy enough, as several major freeways pass practically over the top of it – remember that the traffic patterns/ingress and egress were originally designed to accommodate much larger NFL and MLB crowds, as the new, smaller stadium was built on the same footprint as the old one. Once inside the stadium, there is plenty of room to walk around, but even though you can park right next to the stadium, because of some lingering construction you have to walk quite a way around the facility to get to an entrance, and even then, certain entrances do not allow casual fans (they are reserved for those with special passes), so getting into the venue from the parking lot will take a little time. One great feature is there is an elevated train that brings students from campus – you can see its track from the stadium’s upper levels; there is a bridge over one of the parking lots that riders can use to get from the train station to the venue. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Aztec football games are rather pricey – a lot more expensive than they used to be. For this level of college football (mid-major), you might expect to pay a little less, but here you could easily spend almost $100 for a decent ticket after all the fees, more around what you might expect to pay in the SEC or Big 12. Parking also costs $45 in the lots right next to the stadium, although you can find parking for cheaper if you are willing to walk further. That said, this is an amazing facility, especially the view from the Sycuan Piers – I think it is a stadium any sports fan should visit at least once, but given the cost, not sure I would recommend going to multiple games. Extras 5 The Aztecs do a lot that you won’t see at most college football games, for example, the fireworks whenever they score and the flames and smoke when the team comes onto the field. The different viewing options are amazing as well, with the bars and Sycuan Piers on the top level, and other places to watch from like the standing rails, as well as the picnic tables near some of the concessions stands, which you can see the field from. There are also giant “water stations” dotted around the stadium – giant coolers where you can refill your water bottles for free. Final Thoughts I recommend coming to see Snapdragon Stadium at least once – this ultra-modern stadium with all the bells and whistles will let you watch a college football game in style.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 US Bank Stadium 401 Chicago Ave Minneapolis, MN 55415 Minnesota Vikings website US Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 66,655 A Vi”King” for a day The impressive home of the Vikings debuted in 2016 and has already hosted a Super Bowl in 2018 and an NCAA Final Four in 2019. The facility is made of a carbon steel surface with a vast amount of glass incorporated into its design that allows for picturesque views of the Minneapolis skyline. For those who remember the days of the team playing at the cavernous Metrodome on these grounds, this is an improvement of a major magnitude. The old bubble has been removed and in its place, a glass structure commanding respect and attention from above has been erected. A fan plaza and Viking ship greet visitors near the entrance from the outside and once inside, this structure shows its splendor in the form of over 66,000 seats and 1,200 HD televisions. The glass roof allows for spectacular views and allows sunlight into the building. Doors along the west side can be opened to allow for open air. Gates open 90 minutes early. It would be wise to get in and truly see all that there is to offer from its design and aesthetics due to its massive size. The playing field is built into the ground and is a mixture of Viking horns, music, and stadium sounds combined with visions of open space, purple, lights, and the playing field. Food & Beverage 4 US Bank Stadium offers plenty of choices of concessions on game day. Looking for the usual, there are hot dogs ($5.75), peanuts ($6), cheeseburgers ($9.25), and loaded nachos ($14.50) readily available. Pepsi products are the beverage of choice at $5.19 or for souvenir size at $8.39.Looking for something a little different? The stadium offers some great choices. Want seafood? Lobster can also be had in mac and cheese or try some crabfries for $9.49. Local favorites such as Johnsonville Bratwursts ($8) and cheese curds ($8.49/tray and $16.25 for a bucket) are in great supply. The selection is excellent for beer and mixed drinks. There is a robust variety of domestic and craft beers that start in the $9 range. Single mixed drinks begin at $12. Atmosphere 5 The fan plaza outside is abuzz hours prior to kickoff and due to the downtown stadium location there isn’t traditional tailgating like seen in large lots, but there are various parking lots throughout the area where serious tailgaters can still satisfy pregame urges. Inside, an hour before kickoff, feels like a feast with the masses getting ready to embark on the game. Fans are decked out in purple as well as those who choose to go with gear in more of the Norse traditions. Outside there is a Viking ship; inside there are a plethora of cultural references such as the Viking horn and drum. “Skol ” is a salute or toast. This is something that will be heard from the fan plaza outside prior to kick-off and up until well after the game has ended. Overall there is a definite jovial camaraderie shared between fans and even rival fan bases Neighborhood 3 US Bank Stadium is not far from downtown Minneapolis, but it is a little secluded. Within a mile due west is the Target Center , Target Field , Nicollet Mall, and for Prince Fans–1st Avenue (nightclub). To the east, and on the other side of the Mississippi River, is the University of Minnesota. Fine and casual dining, plenty of lodging, and regional shopping experiences can be found readily at both locations. Lobster rolls are a pride at many Minneapolis establishments. 1029Bar serves a classic. Across the street from the stadium is Erik the Red. This establishment is a party on game day. Another restaurant with many locations within the Twin Cities is Red Cow. They serve a wide variety of dishes including specialty burgers that are worth a try. If one is looking for something just a little further, a trip to the area may not be complete without a venture to the Mall of America. The nation’s largest shopping mall is situated in Bloomington and on the site of the original Metropolitan Stadium. Levels of food, shopping and adventure await. What is even better is that the METRO Blue Line offers fast, quiet light-rail service between US Bank Stadium and Mall of America for about $5, along with all major stadiums and sites in the Twin Cities. The Mill City Museum takes visitors on a trip through the history of the milling industry in the city as is located along the river at Mill City Park. The Foshay Museum and Observation Deck offer great views of the city for $10. Fans 5 Viking fans are a feisty, loyal group and they have weathered play-off and Super Bowl heartbreak for over 50 years. They come out of the groves no matter how cold it is during the winter and are routinely (depending on the poll) in the top 10 of the loudest stadiums. In 2017, during the “Miracle,” decibels actually reached 120.1. They are boisterous. The “Skol” chant begins each game along with the Viking horn. The chant reaches a fever pitch. The costumes adorned seriously rival the Raiders game as the most elaborate in the league. Some may be fans dressing like the Norse, whereas some are actually part of the group effort. The VWO (Viking World Order) is an inner circle of fans committed to the experience. It is a group with its own by-laws. The process to become a member can take months and concludes with a ceremony for new members. In addition, new members fulfill their pledge with a tattoo. In speaking with a member of the VWO, they follow 5 sacred rules. These are: respect fellow members, respect other fans, respect other team’s fans, help mankind, and be honorable in their actions. This group has a commitment to leading the way and is conscious of their public face for the team. It really shows in the fan experience. “Minnesota nice” is a way of life there. Fans may be rooting for their team, but they are genuine and tremendously knowledgeable about all facets of the event. Access 4 The Twin Cities is the largest metropolitan area between Chicago and Denver. There are major highways crisscrossing the entire metro area from Minneapolis to St. Paul. There is a bus, train, and impressive skywalk system between city buildings to aid in the arrival of the horde. Signs are plentiful and easy to read. As one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Upper Midwest, the Twin Cities are served by an excellent highway system, well laid out street grids and an excellent public transit system. Signage guiding you to US Bank Stadium is can be found along the highways, major cross streets, and on all buses and trains. MetroTransit, the bus and light-rail line, offers a weekend pass for $4. This also can be used to connect to shopping and other parts of the cities. Getting to the stadium is the relatively easy part. There are plenty of parking ramps and lots. Thousands of spaces are available and, as can be expected, the closer one wants to be the stadium will come at an increased cost. Many lots within blocks are around $40-$50. Once inside, gridlock can ensue especially around the concourse corners. There are some accessibility issues within an hour of game time and at peak moments like the end of quarters and a half. The concourses seem plenty wide two hours prior to kickoff. The main level is a giant oval of sorts and those aforementioned corners get backed up with sometimes no semblance of which direction the flow is going. The views of the field are excellent. Like with a lot of venues though, there can be a few stairs separating one from their seat. Return on Investment 3 The experience is legendary but it does come for a price. An average ticket right at the middle of NFL prices. The ticket prices one could expect to pay is at least $100 for an upper deck seat and more than $300 for lower or more preferable views. Depending on the budget, managing the experience is important. If priorities lean towards the game, seats, food, and drink can be given preference over parking or outside shopping. Using the rail or bus then proves very economical. Parking on a ramp about a mile away is about $5. If one wants to do more of the tailgate and fan experience—then that can be balanced out with a good parking lot and fun events in the plaza or nearby local establishments. Or to truly plunder, one could just do it all in the spirit of the Vikings themselves. Extras 2 US Bank Stadium is home to the Minnesota Vikings but is fully functional across multiple genres. The stadium has hosted concerts, college baseball, Summer X Games, the NCAA Final Four and the big one, Super Bowl LII, have all been hosted there. Each stadium seat has a game program on it that includes many fun facts on the staff, stadium and of course the teams playing the game. It is a nice free souvenir and sometimes is joined by other swag like mini banners. Inside the main concourse is a fan interactive area. Fans can test their knowledge or play a variety of games at no charge. There are also displays showing the commitment to the community and volunteer hours by the organization. Final Thoughts Regardless of where the Vikings find themselves in the standings, their boisterous supporters arrive early and stay late. The stadium is a magnificent centerpiece in Minneapolis. The two are a perfect pairing.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Co-op Place 2802 Box Springs Way NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 0H3 Medicine Hat Tigers website Co-op Place website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,100 Den of Tigers Since the Medicine Hat Tigers’ inaugural season of 1970-71, they’ve won two Memorial Cups and five Western Hockey League titles, making them one of the most consistent performers in WHL history. Not surprisingly, they’ve produced a ton of talent, graduating 109 players to the NHL, including Jay Bouwmeester, Rob Niedermeyer, Chris Osgood, Lanny McDonald, and Kelly Hrudey.   Until the fall of 2015, the Tigers spent the entire history of their franchise playing in the Medicine Hat Arena, located just east of the city’s downtown core. The Tigers relocated to a brand new arena at the start of the 2015-16 season; after 45 seasons in the Arena, it was time to move into a more modern facility. Originally called Canalta Centre, it was specifically designed to Memorial Cup specifications in the hopes of luring the CHL championship to Medicine Hat in the near future.   Now called Co-op Place, it has room for 3,000 more fans than Medicine Hat Arena did, includes 22 luxury suites, 350 club seats on the south side between the blue lines, a lounge, and state of the art technology throughout. Food & Beverage 4 There are four main concession stands at Co-op Place, one in each corner of the arena. The north west and south east concessions, known as the Badlands Grill and the Gas City Grill, offer pretty standard fare. A plain burger with fries is a bargain at $10. Add cheese for $1 and bacon for $2 and it’s quite tasty. You can also find hot dogs ($8, also including fries), candy and chips, pop in a bottle or from the fountain.   There is also a selection of alcoholic drinks available at these concessions. You can get Molson Canadian, Coors Light, or Coors Original for $7, a selection of craft beer for $8, plus a few cocktails and other drinks.   The northeast and southwest concessions are Express locations where you can grab and go. The menu has the same beverage options, while the food is a little simpler—snacks, nachos, hot dogs (without the fries), and so on.   Additionally, there are several locations around the arena exclusively selling adult beverages, including the Molson Hockey House lounge area on the south side. Between periods the lounge fills up with fans looking to enjoy a cocktail and some conversation away from the ice.   On the east end, between the two main concession stands, are two smaller set-ups selling popcorn and little donuts. On the north side you’ll find The Blue Line, offering a more in-depth cocktail and beer menu. In the southwest corner of the main concession is the Grit City Caesar Bar, if you’re looking for that Great Canadian drink. They offer five different blends, including a non-alcoholic version.   Upstairs in the west concourse behind the upper seating is the Whiskey Bar, selling a variety of unique whiskey options as well as some other cocktails. This spot is only open for Tigers games on Fridays and Saturdays. If you head downstairs in the southwest corner, you’ll find one more concession stand, called The Tigers Den, serving up made-to-order pizza, if that’s what you’re looking for.   Food and drink pricing throughout Co-op Place is very good compared to many other venues. Definitely a plus. Atmosphere 3 Watching junior hockey around Alberta and Saskatchewan, you’ll find that the buildings tend to be fairly subdued for most of the game, but get much louder and more energetic as soon as something exciting happens in the game. At the Co-op Place things are much the same. You get the sense that the place is locked and loaded to erupt when the Tigers score, but that energy level does seem to come and go. It’s pleasant and friendly, but not quite edge-of-your-seat intense. Crowds tend to fill this venue to about half capacity for most games, so that also results in a little less energy in the stands.   The banners that used to decorate the Arena downtown are now located on the east end of Co-op Place. Lanny McDonald’s retired number is hanging from the rafters and the many, many championship banners the Tigers have earned over the years run the entire width of the roof at that end of the ice surface. All this history does a good job of helping make this place feel like the home of the Tigers. Medicine Hat Tigers Banners, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighbourhood 2 There was some controversy when the location of Co-op Place was originally announced. Located in the Box Springs Business Park, a developing industrial area on the west edge of Medicine Hat, the arena is about as far away from the city proper as it can get while still remaining in the city limits.   The area itself is largely empty prairie land, with a few warehouses and store fronts. Therefore, if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite before or after the game, your options are extremely limited.   In fact, there are really only four food options in the immediate area, and by “immediate area” we’re talking less than a 20-minute walk. The busiest spot is the Boston Pizza located at 2500 Box Springs Rd., a little more than a half kilometre away. A Keg franchise has opened right next to the Boston Pizza as of 2016. A little farther away you can also find El Super Taco (103 - 2201 Box Springs Blvd.) which specializes in authentic Mexican food. Finally, if you’re looking for something quick and simple, an A&W can be found in the Petro Canada gas station a little further west at 2900 Box Springs Blvd NW. And next door to that is a McDonald’s and a Subway.   On the upside, with a relatively small city like Medicine Hat, the drive to more dining and entertainment options is really only 10 minutes or so. But plan to make that 10-minute drive. Fans 4 The fans at Co-op Place are fairly relaxed for most of the game. However, they get loud when there’s a big hit, big save, or big goal. Looking around the seating bowl, people appear engaged on the game and, like other Canadian hockey crowds, they know their game.   Medicine Hat crowds have a reputation for being dedicated to their Tigers and seeing all the people proudly wearing their black and orange confirms it. Clearly these are fans who love their team and that’s always nice to see. Access 3 Getting to the arena is pretty easy, although it’s a bit of a drive for most people. There is ample free parking around the building and the parking lot is designed well enough to allow vehicles to get in easily and for the lot to empty in a reasonable amount of time after games.   The concourse appears at first glance to be quite wide and roomy, with plenty of space for the crowd. This is indeed the case at the ends of the rink. However, due to lineups for The Blue Line, community events tables, and the Molson Hockey House queuing into the corridors, both the north and south sides can logjam between periods, although this has improved in the last few years. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets to see the Tigers cost $23.40 each for adults, $16.65 for youths (13-17 years old), and $12.65 for children 12 and under. That seems to be right in line with other teams in the league and a pretty good deal to check out the next generation of talent. Extras 5 The Tigers Store is located just inside the main entrance on the west end of the building. Here you’ll find all the shirts, hats, jerseys and stuffed toys you could want with the team logo and colours.   The Tigers mascot, Rroary, has an awesome name for a mascot tiger and spends the game in the stands pumping up the crowd and high-fiving the kids, providing some family friendly entertainment away from the ice.   It is always pleasing to see facilities that try to look out for the environment, so seeing recycling bins around Co-op Place is a definite positive. As a LEED-Silver certified building, it just makes sense that they’d place a priority on green practices.   One excellent feature is that there are glow-in-the-dark strips on the leading edge of the stairs in the stands, adding to fan safety without being overly distracting or intrusive. This is a great idea that other arenas could learn from.   The video screen over centre ice is huge and state-of-the-art, with high definition video that is clear from all areas of the arena and tack sharp.   As with most WHL arenas, the top of the lower bowl features standing room viewing locations around most of the rink, with the remainder of the area reserved for wheelchairs and mobility-challenged fans.   The north side of the concourse had several tables set up promoting several local causes and businesses. This helps keep a community focus at the event. Final Thoughts Co-op Place is still relatively new, clean, and fresh. It’s continuing to mature into an excellent venue for the Tigers. Although they have yet to host a Memorial Cup, they continue to work hard to earn that distinction somewhere in the not-too-distant future.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Shirley Povich Field 10600 Westlake Dr Rockville, MD 20852 Bethesda Big Train website Shirley Povich Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 710 Train Time Located in Bethesda, Maryland, in the D.C. suburbs, Shirley Povich Field is home to the Bethesda Big Train of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League (CRCBL). The CRCBL consists of eight teams from across the DC Metro area, and the Big Train is by far the most successful team in the league, winning or sharing all but one championship since 2016 as well as three in a row from 2009-2011. Povich Field is named after longtime local sports columnist Shirley Povich, who covered baseball for over 50 years and was one of the last living reporters to have covered Babe Ruth. He began his career with the Washington Post in 1923, and although he officially retired in 1973, he never stopped covering the game. His last column was published in 1998, one day after his death. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession options at Shirley Povich Field, all from local vendors. A hot dog truck is located down the third baseline. Fans can buy hot dogs with just ketchup or mustard for $5 or can purchase specialty hot dogs for $8. There are several specialty options to choose from, or fans can customize their own from up to 12 toppings. Combos are available to lower the price - two classic dogs, a bag of chips, and a drink cost $12, or if you want specialty hot dogs instead, the combo costs $18. You can get the kids' combo, with one hot dog, chips, and a drink for $8. The main stand is located behind home plate and has several more options. Cheese pizza is $5 a slice, while pepperoni pizza is $6. The pizza is from the local restaurant Gregorio's Trattoria and is much better than most ballpark pizza. At least for this area, it is very good pizza in general, even by regular rather than ballpark standards. Chick-fil-A sandwiches cost $6.60, or you can get eight nuggets from Chick-fil-A for the same prize. A pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw is $8, while a cheeseburger or Beyond burger with lettuce and tomato will cost you $9. Several snacks are available as well. Candy or Big League Chew costs $3, as do chips, Cracker Jack, and popcorn. Blow pops are two for a dollar, and a giant soft pretzel (and we do mean giant) costs $6. Fries are $5, and you can get a side of cheese sauce for $3. Bottled water will cost $3, while Powerade, lemonade, sweet tea, and assorted Coca-Cola products will cost $4. A Kona Ice truck is also located down the first base line selling its wares. Atmosphere 5 While most CRCBL stadiums are very basic, Shirley Povich Field could easily be a minor league stadium if not for the small size. Other than a few bleachers down the right-field line, all seats are chairbacks and have an excellent view of the action. The stands only go about five rows up, so every seat will get you close to the action. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore and count as well as the time and temperature. The only major downside of the stadium layout is that the sun sets in centerfield and will be in your eyes for the first few innings. As for the gameday experience, that is also comparable to the minor leagues. There is often pregame music on the concourse and there will typically be multiple first pitches by special guests. Once the game starts, the experience is every bit what you would see at a higher level. Between innings, there will be contests on the field or promos over the PA system. There is a costumed mascot named Homer, who is a dog and can be seen roaming the crowd during the game. The Big Train strive to create a community feel to games, and they have certainly succeeded at their mission. There are giveaways in almost every home game and there are often pregame performances on the concourse. Check the schedule for specific nights, but the Big Train has featured a mariachi band on Latin Baseball Night, a group of dragon dancers to honor Montgomery County's sister cities, and more. Photo by Maggie Laird, Bethesda Big Train Neighborhood 4 Shirley Povich Field is located in Cabin John Park, which is operated by Montgomery County. There is an ice rink and some recreational fields located near the stadium, all part of the park. A shopping center is located across the street which includes a Five Guys, a taco place, and several other shops. There are several hotels on Democracy Boulevard a couple of miles from the stadium, and Cabin John Park also has a campground for those visitors to the area looking to stay in a more natural environment. The Cabin John Village shopping center is about a mile and a half away and has many shops and restaurants. Gregorio's Trattoria, which also tells their pizza at the ballpark, is an Italian restaurant located here. The Grove (a standard bar and grill) and The Pretzel Bakery (which sells freshly made soft pretzels and related items like pretzel hot dogs and calzones) are worth checking out as well. Washington, D.C. is a short Metro ride away and features various museums, monuments, and other sites, although you will need to drive to a nearby station and park first. Whether it’s visiting the Smithsonian or taking a walk along the National Mall, there is something to do for everyone in our nation’s capital, and most of it is free. Fans 5 The Big Train consistently ranks at the top of the Cal Ripken League in attendance, and it isn’t even close. The Big Train average over 500 fans per game, which may not seem like much, but it puts the stadium near capacity and all the other teams struggle to draw even half that. The crowd is a mix of longtime fans, young families, and everyone in between. It is truly the community affair that the team's founders envisioned. Fans are knowledgeable about the Big Train and passionate. Most of them stay for the whole game even as the hour gets late and the score isn’t particularly close. A lot of them can be seen wearing their own Big Train gear. Games here are often family affairs with lots of small children in attendance, but you get some older people as well, many of whom have been following the team since its inception in 1999. Access 3 Shirley Povich Field is located just off I-270 and I-495. Take the exit for Democracy Boulevard, follow it to Westlake Drive, and the entrance to Cabin John Park will be up ahead on your left. From there, head past the ice rink, and the stadium will be up ahead. There are several other baseball fields in the complex used for recreational purposes, but Shirley Povich Field will be very clearly signed. Due to the large complex, there is more than enough parking available. However, the parking lot can be a tight fit and make exiting after the game difficult, especially if people are trying to enter the lot as well to go elsewhere in the park. You may have to park a short distance away, but you will find a space. Unfortunately, Shirley Povich Field is not easily accessible via the D.C. Metro. Restrooms are small but sufficient for the crowd in most cases. The men’s restroom can be hard to find as it is hidden off in the corner and not, as one would expect, across from the women’s restroom. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $12 per game. While this is on the high end for the Cal Ripken League, the experience at a Big Train game is far superior to the other teams, so it is well worth it. Concession prices are higher than other teams in the league, but it is better than most ballpark food and is less expensive than at most professional stadiums. Overall, a Big Train game is an excellent value whether you are a solo traveler or visiting with the whole family. Extras 5 Look for the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League Hall of Fame down the first-base line. Extensive Big Train programs are available in the stadium. There are also banners honoring Shirley Povich and Walter “Big Train” Johnson behind home plate and a plaque honoring Povich by the entrance. Be sure to check out the Shirley and Walter Plaza to the left of the main concession stand, featuring a statue of Shirley Povich interviewing Walter Johnson. It is a popular photo opportunity to take your picture with the statue. Down the first baseline past the Picnic Pavilion, there is a kids' play area featuring a moon bounce and chalk for children to draw on the ground with. Although we can only award five stars in this category, there is a sixth extra worthy of mention. Down the first baseline, there is signage that displays Big Train players who have made the major leagues, the date of their debut, and arrows pointing to their major league ballpark along with the distance from Bethesda. Final Thoughts The Big Train have certainly succeeded in creating a top-notch community baseball experience in Bethesda. On a warm summer night (or the occasional 10 AM Sunday game), baseball fans in Montgomery County will certainly want to make the trip to Shirley Povich Field. It is baseball fun for seasoned fans, young families, and everyone in between.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Haymarket Park 403 Line Drive Cir Lincoln, NE 68508 Nebraska Cornhuskers website Haymarket Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 8,419 Cornhusker Baseball at Haymarket Park Haymarket Park opened in 2001 and is home to the Nebraska Cornhuskers of the Big Ten Conference and the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association. The complex also houses Bowlin Stadium, a softball stadium home to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Prior to 2002, Nebraska played their home games at Buck Beltzer Stadium on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln. The stadium was named for Beltzer, a well-known Husker, after a donation from his family in 1979. The Cornhuskers played at 'The Buck' through the 2001 season, closing out their tenancy by hosting a Regional and Super Regional for the first time. In 2002, the Huskers moved to Haymarket Park where they have called home ever since. The stadium has 4,500 seats and can hold an additional 4,000 in the grass berms beyond the outfield wall. The field has won numerous honors for being among the best fields in the country to play on. In 2012, a college baseball writer ranked the field as the fourth best 'big game' atmosphere in college baseball. Haymarket Park is the first collegiate venue to use a system (SubAir) that can heat and cool a field year round, a well needed feature in Lincoln. The Cornhuskers took the field at Haymarket Park for the first time on March 5, 2002 and cruised to a 23-1 victory over Nebraska-Kearney. The Cornhuskers have averaged among the top 20 teams in terms of attendance the majority of the past ten years. In 2005, fans were witness to the Cornhuskers compiling a ridiculous 33-4 record at Haymarket Park. Food & Beverage 3 Pepsi products are the beverage of choice at Haymarket Park. Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, and Mug Root Beer are available with Pepsi for $5.00 or $7.00 a large cup. Bottled soda ($5.00) water ($5.00), Gatorade ($6.00), coffee ($5.00) and hot chocolate ($5.00) are also available. Standard ballpark food can be had at three different spots in the concourse. Hamburgers ($7.00), BBQ pork sandwiches ($9.00), brats ($6.00), and pizza ($6.00) are among the food items. For snacks, peanuts, popcorn, candy, pretzels, sunflower seeds, etc. are available for about $3.00 to $4.00. For Friday and Saturday games, South of the Border Nachos can be had for $10. Alcohol is not served at Haymarket Park during Cornhuskers games, but does appear to be available during Saltdogs games. Atmosphere 5 Haymarket Park has a nice look and makes you think baseball as soon as you walk in the gates. The field is nicely manicured and the concourse is clean. Berm seating is available all the way around the outfield except for a portion of center field that houses some television cameras and serves as the batters eye. The stadium style seating is comfortable and the seats have cup holders. There is a great view of Memorial Stadium, home to Nebraska Cornhuskers football, beyond the left-center field fence. When the game gets started, the design of the stadium makes the crowd noise reverberate around the stadium, making it sound like there are more fans than it appears. Neighborhood 4 Haymarket Park is located just west of the University of Nebraska campus. Being a college town, there are plenty of places to have a drink and/or a bite to eat before or after the game. Lincoln has a wonderful downtown area, including the capitol building which is worth a visit (free) and less than two miles away. The capitol building was completed in 1932 and the tower can be seen throughout Lincoln. Located on 8th Street, Brewsky's is one of the places the locals assemble before or after a game. Brewsky's is a great place to stop and is only about a mile and a half from the stadium. The patty melt is very tasty. Bison Witches Bar & Deli is another stop worth making. There are plenty of choices of beer both domestic, import, and microbrew. The sandwiches and their chips and salsa are delicious. For lodging, the Cornhusker Hotel is located about two miles southeast of Haymarket Park, in downtown Lincoln. The capitol building is only a few blocks away as are numerous restaurants and bars. The Cornhusker Hotel is part of the Marriott chain and priced as such. For those looking for something a little cheaper, there are numerous choices for lodging about a mile and a half northwest of the stadium, near I-80. Fans 4 Nebraska fans are a dedicated crowd. They are into the game and know their players. Don't be surprised to hear the majority of the crowd break into the Nebraska fight song between innings. Even when their team is out of the game early, far more fans will remain on-hand than you would expect. Access 5 Haymarket Park is easily accessible off of I-180. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the complex. The concourses are wide and easy to maneuver. There is plenty of seating for handicapped fans and their guests. There are six restrooms throughout the stadium. They are clean and sufficient for a decent sized crowd. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range anywhere from $7-$14. Every seat in the stadium has great views and going with the lower priced tickets will not take away from your experience. Couple the ticket cost with the fact that parking is free and Haymarket Park is a heck of a deal. Extras 5 There is a large play area for kids in the right field corner. The best part about it is there is plenty of standing room area for parents that want to see the game, yet keep an eye on their kids. A net separates the kids from potentially being hit by a ball. The concourse has banners hanging up that display all the Cornhuskers conference and post-season honors. One point for the program/scoresheet available for free when you walk in the gates. One point for a Cornhuskers merchandise store that carries a large supply of various baseball-specific Cornhusker items. The location of the ballpark is advantageous for any sports fan. In addition to the massive Memorial Stadium, many of the other athletic venus are in the same area, including the multi-purpose Pinnacle Bank Arena, which hosts Cornhuskers basketball, concerts, and many other entertainment shows. Final Thoughts Haymarket Park is a great place to watch a game. Cornhuskers fans are pleasant and are very into the game and behind their team. The park is aesthetically pleasing and Lincoln is a very nice college town with plenty of other things to do and see. A trip to Haymarket Park should be on the list of any college baseball fan.

Photos by Josh Eastern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Spiro Sports Center One Campus Road Staten Island, NY 10301 Wagner Seahawks website Spiro Sports Center website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 2,100 Staten Island’s Home Team On the top of Grymes Hill, overlooking the island is Wagner College. The college has become somewhat of a rallying point for the community. With many of Wagner’s students from the immediate area, the whole school has a very local feel to it. At the center of campus is the Spiro Sports Complex, which is the home of Wagner’s basketball team, the Seahawks. The building was built in 1951 and was expanded in 1999. It has a gym, a natatorium, a fitness center, and the athletic department offices. The Seahawks play in the Northeastern Conference and are one of three teams in that conference that call New York City home (Long Island University and St. Francis (NY) are the other two). The team and university have a long athletic heritage, with veteran NBA head coach P.J. Carlesimo and University of Rhode Island head coach Dan Hurley having previously coached at Wagner. Let’s take a closer look at the Spiro Sports Complex, home of the Wagner Seahawks. Food & Beverage 2 Wagner’s concession offerings are somewhat average, but they won’t break the bank. Wagner offers standard snack bar fare, including hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, chips, and soda. No item is over $4, so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money on food. The pizza is pretty good, and it should be, as Staten Island is known for its good pizza. The line at the snack bar was a little long at halftime when I attended, and it seemed that the service was a bit slow. It would probably be a good idea for Wagner to open up another place to get food in the gym. Most Northeast Conference schools are average in terms of concessions, and Wagner certainly fits in with that criteria. Atmosphere 3 When I say that Wagner is a part of the Staten Island community, it shows the number of kids and families that go to Seahawks games. It’s not your typical college basketball crowd at all. The feel of the crowd is much more of a high school contest than a college game. This isn’t a terrible thing, just kind of different from what you may expect. The student section is located behind one of the baskets. I’ve been to two games at Wagner, and in the first one I attended, the student section was loud and made their presence felt. For the second game, the section was barely half full and didn’t quite fill the gym up with noise. There was no pep band, which would have livened up the atmosphere a little bit. The adults and families filled the bleachers behind the team benches but didn’t seem as involved in the outcome of the game. The Spiro Sports Center seats 2,100 for basketball and I’d say about 1,500 people were at both games I attended. Neighborhood 3 Wagner College is in the middle of Staten Island on top of a hill. The campus itself is really attractive, filled with gothic buildings, and pretty easy to navigate around. The benefit Wagner has from being on top of a giant hill is the view. You can see downtown Manhattan and the Verrazano Bridge twinkling at night all from different vantage points on campus. The problem with Wagner’s campus is that there’s nothing in the way of food or drink after the game within walking distance. If you’re driving, you can likely find some tavern or pizza place in Staten Island (there are many). As far as Wagner’s campus goes, I couldn’t find a single place to get a burger or a beer. The closest restaurant is The RoadHouse on Clove Road, but this is a long walk up the hill back to campus, and it closes at 10:30. Fans 3 The fans that come to the Spiro Sports Complex are about a 50/50 mix of students and families that live in the community. I noticed that there are a lot of incentives for kids to get in free, whether it’s part of a little league team or getting perfect attendance on their report cards. Having promotions like these helps foster the family atmosphere that is prevalent at Wagner games. It doesn’t get particularly loud during games, and there are absolutely no bells and whistles when it comes to the arena. The lack of a replay screen, two out-of-date scoreboards, and a very weak sound system does not do much to pump up the crowd. It seems as if Wagner games are like going to the movies or the mall in Staten Island, just something to do on a Saturday with the family. This is not a bad thing, but the Spiro Sports Center may not be the best environment for someone who wants to scream and yell at a basketball game. Access 3 There is a big parking lot across from the Spiro Sports Complex next to the football stadium. Parking is free, which is a pretty good deal. Wagner College is located off the Staten Island Expressway (I-278) on exit 13 (Richmond Road/Clove Road). For public transportation from Manhattan, take the Staten Island Ferry to Port Richmond. From there, take the S66 bus to Wagner. This is about a 20-minute bus ride that will put you at the front door of the campus. There is a shuttle service back to the ferry on campus, and it leaves every twenty minutes. Return on Investment 4 There is one price to pay at Wagner, and that price is a $10 general admission fee. You can sit wherever you like with that ten-dollar ticket, as seats are first-come, first-served. This is a pretty good deal for Division I college basketball, and if you want to bring the kids, as long as they have a uniform on, or do well in school, they will get in for free. Extras 4 One star for all the baseball memorabilia in the lobby outside of the gym. There are some cool paintings and autographs which are worth a look. One star for the friendliness of the athletic department at Wagner. The media relations department is fantastic, and Coach Mason goes out of his way to thoroughly answer every media question. Two stars for the way the Wagner College community has helped the Staten Island community with recovery efforts after Superstorm Sandy. There were several 50/50 raffles held for the victims during the game and posters all over campus encouraging students to volunteer to help Staten Island. Wagner truly does care about the community in which the school resides, and is doing its fair share to help. Final Thoughts While the Spiro Sports Complex was expanded in 1999, the gym still looks like it did when it opened in 1951. Wagner could truly stand a facility upgrade. The school deserves a top-notch basketball facility, and a new or upgraded facility would benefit the program and the community in the long run.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Dunkin’ Park 1214 Main St. Hartford, CT 06103 Hartford Yard Goats website Dunkin’ Park website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 6,121 The GOAT of Minor League Ballparks? Dunkin' Park is sporting a new, streamlined name to reflect the change in branding of their corporate naming rights sponsor for the 2023 season. The saga of the building of Dunkin’ Park is an interesting one that has been told in detail on this website. In short, when the franchise announced it was leaving New Britain for Hartford, a contractor was hired who had much local experience, but who had never built a sports facility before. Design plans changed and changed again, construction lagged , and a battle between the city and the contractor ensued. Eventually, construction was stopped, the contractor was fired, and a new company was hired to finish the job. While all this was happening, the Yard Goats were forced to play their entire 2016 season on the road. The new ballpark opened in the 2017 to rave reviews and hasn’t looked back. You may be asking yourself, “What exactly is a Yard Goat?” Well, a yard goat is a railroad term for the switch engines or terminal tractors that move railroad cars between different locomotives. This name was chosen from among over 6,000 Name the Team submissions. Since Dunkin’ Park is located adjacent to the Hartford Rail Yards, this nickname makes sense. It also easily lends itself to the use of animal imagery, which the team uses masterfully in its logo, merchandise, and presentation. The team’s primary blue and green colors are a nod to the Hartford Whalers, which called the XL Center, located just a few blocks from the ballpark, home. 2023 will be the sixth season in Hartford for the franchise, which dates back to 1965. Over the years, the franchise has called Waconah Park in Pittsfield, MA, McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI, Muzzy Field in Bristol, CT, and Beehive Field and New Britain Stadium in New Britain, CT home. That doesn’t even count the 2016 season, which was spent entirely on the road due to construction delays at Dunkin’ Park. During the franchise’s long history in the Eastern League, it has won five championships, most recently in 2001. Food & Beverage 5 As is the case with most new ballparks built today, concessions are a major focus here at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. All the ballpark standards can be found at the various concession stands and portable carts. Fans looking for something a bit different may want to try the chicken and waffle bites or burgers featuring goat cheese. Many items can be combined with chips and a soda to create a combo meal and save a few dollars. Coca-Cola products are featured at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. The longest concession lines at Dunkin’ Donuts Park are at Bear’s BBQ, which has been moved from its traditional left field spot to a new location behind the batter's eye. Lines are as long as ever for their popular brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. Chowder from local favorite the U.S.S. Chowder Pot is sold at the Dark Blues Diner concession stand. Of course, Dunkin’ Donuts runs a concession stand here, where fans can purchase various pastries and Dunkin’s famous iced coffees. Bacon-wrapped Munchkins are sold at the Screaming Goat concession stand and fried chicken sandwiches featuring donuts as buns are sold at the Dark Blue Diner. The craft beer game is strong at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. In addition to your standard national brews, local favorites City Steam Brewery and Thomas Hooker are sold throughout the ballpark. City Steam’s Naughty Nurse is a favorite of Stadium Journey. The Alvarium Beer Hive in the right field features beers brewed in nearby New Britain. In addition, beers from Kona Brewing (HI) and Lawson Brewery (VT) are among the many craft beers featured throughout the ballpark. Atmosphere 5 The best way to describe the game day experience at a Yard Goats game is “organized chaos.” Activities are going on in virtually every nook and cranny of the ballpark, and the compact footprint here ensures that you’ll be able to take in every single one of them. Greeting fans as they enter the ballpark is an oversized photo of the original Hartford Eastern League entry, the 1946 Hartford Chiefs. Underneath, the day’s Yard Goat lineup is well, lined up with giant player photos. The video board in left field, complete with an extra-extra large Dunkin' coffee cup on top, dominates the presentation and is put to good use throughout the game with stats, videos, and other promotions. The Goat Pen, which features live goats, is a popular destination for not only the younger fans in attendance but all fans. The Yard Goats employ a pair of mascots, Chompers and Chew Chew, who roam the park interacting with fans and participating in promotions. Neighborhood 4 Hartford is dissected by a pair of interstates, I-84 and I-91, which meet right at the banks of the Connecticut River a long fly ball’s distance from the ballpark. Downtown Hartford, the state capital, the XL Center, and virtually all of Hartford’s skyscrapers, restaurants, and tourist attractions are located to the southwest of this intersection. Dunkin’ Park is located on the other side of I-84 in an underdeveloped parcel of land in a long-neglected neighborhood. The ballpark is to be the centerpiece of a larger development plan called Downtown North (DoNo). Housing, retail space, restaurants, a brewery, and a supermarket are all part of the master plan for the site. The area is starting to develop, as an apartment complex has been completed across Trumbull Street from the park. While the restaurants and hotels of downtown Hartford are only a few blocks from Dunkin’ Park, Interstate 84 serves as a physical and psychological barrier separating the ballpark from the downtown region. Downtown Hartford has long suffered from a poor reputation, which keeps many fans from exploring the area. This is unfortunate, as downtown Hartford is a safe area that features a great many restaurants and points of interest worth checking out before or after a Yard Goats game. A detailed map of downtown Hartford’s dining and lodging options can be found here . Fans 5 Yard Goat fans have made this one of the toughest tickets in the area. It is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance if heading to Hartford, particularly for weekend games. Even with an affiliation with the distant Colorado Rockies, many dedicated Goat fans are knowledgeable about their team. The Yard Goats annually rank at or near the top of the Eastern League attendance listings. As is the case at most minor league games, a Yard Goats crowd is a mix of serious baseball fans, casual fans out for a night on the town, and families. There’s a serious buzz all around Dunkin’ Park. Access 4 Dunkin’ Park is located at the intersections of Interstates 91 and 84 a stone’s throw from downtown Hartford. Traffic in the area can be heavy, so give yourself adequate time to arrive at the ballpark. Most fans will drive to Dunkin’ Park, where parking is available in several surface lots and parking garages within a short walk of the ballpark. For fans wishing to search for it, on-street parking is available on the streets of downtown, but the convenience of the lots trumps these spots. Fans using public transportation will arrive at Union Station, a half mile from the ballpark. Detailed parking and transit information can be found here . The main entrance to Dunkin’ Park is located in the right field. Fans will enter into a narrow 360-degree concourse that can be quite cramped when there is a big crowd in attendance (this is most nights, BTW). The concourse contains views of the field from most spots, but it does dive in and out of sight in the outfield. Unfortunately, there is precious little standing room available, as reserved bar stools take up residence atop much of the seating bowl. The seating bowl in this bandbox of a ballpark is small and features fantastic sight lines no matter where you sit. Stadium Journey recommends the upper-level seats in right field, where you are a mere 305 feet from home plate. It’s a rare combination of outfield seats that feel right on top of the action and distant from the crush of the crowd. Be warned, the ball comes at you out here in a hurry. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Yard Goats games range in price from $23 for swivel top bar seats to $11 for left field grandstand seats. Purchasing tickets in advance will save you three dollars. Active members of the military receive an additional two-dollar discount. Tickets in the Hartford Terrace sections cost $23 and include access to the club level. Parking in the lots and garages near Dunkin’ Park costs five dollars. There is some on-street parking downtown but pay attention to when meters are in operation. Be prepared for a bit of sticker shock when purchasing concessions, particularly at the craft beer stands. A large beer will cost you $14.25. Overall, ballpark standards are priced in line with other venues in the area, but specialty items can get a bit pricey. Extras 4 A pair of extra points are awarded for the awesome tongue in cheek way the team has used its unique name to promote itself, through varied merchandise and outstanding social media channels. The goat theme runs throughout the ballpark, too, with goat-themed menu items, concession stands (i.e. The Screaming Goat), and even live goats in attendance on Sunday afternoons. Historic banners located throughout Dunkin’ Park earn an extra point. A giant team photo of the Hartford Chiefs greets fans as they enter the ballpark in right field. Plaques detailing Hartford’s baseball history along with other notable Hartford sports teams line the concourse. Concession stands such as The Dark Blues Diner and Huck’s Hot Corner give a nod to Hartford’s baseball past. While it has become a cliché in Connecticut to tie a sports team in with the long-departed Hartford Whalers, the Yard Goats deserve an extra point for their efforts. From the blue and green color scheme to the hockey-style jerseys and alternate logos used for “Whalers Weekend,” the baseball team pays homage to the city’s last Major League franchise. A great tidbit of trivia: Dunkin’ Park opened twenty years to the day of the Whalers’ final game. Final Thoughts It feels like a lot of new ballparks attract big crowds for a few years until interest fades and attendance settles in at a lower baseline. Dunkin’ Park seems to be bucking that trend as they play their sixth season in downtown Hartford, with crowds that continue to increase every year. Complaints about the long road to building the ballpark have disappeared as Connecticut baseball fans enjoy one of the best ballparks in all of the minor leagues. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI

Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey A study from online sportsbook My Betting Sites Canada  has revealed the NHL teams most supported by European fans. While 13 different teams ranked as the favorite in at least one country, the overwhelming favorite team by the majority of European fans is the 13-time Stanley Cup champion Toronto Maple Leafs . Researchers with the betting site analyzed Google Keyword Planner  data and determined the number of searches for NHL teams and related info, such as “ Toronto Maple Leafs  score” or “ Boston Bruins  highlights,” over a 12-month period. The searches were tabulated by team across 47 major European countries. “To illustrate the favorite teams across Europe, each team was given a score according to its rank in every country,” said a spokesperson for the site in a news release. [Five] points for ranking 1st, 1 point for ranking 5th, etc. This score was dubbed the ‘ European ranking score .’” Out of the 47 countries that were analyzed, Toronto  ranked first in 23, including in large countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. One of the highest search volumes for Toronto came from Sweden, where ice hockey is particularly popular. The overall European Ranking Score for the Maple Leafs was 168. “Whilst ice hockey is enormous in Canada, and experiences great popularity in the US with the NHL spanning the two countries, it’s a relatively underrepresented sport in much of Europe where soccer takes much of the limelight from all other sports,” said Ben Smith, Website Manager at  My Betting Sites Canada . “With this, it’s interesting to see the teams that European fans of the game chose to follow, perhaps due to a lack of televised hockey, and huge travel demands for spectating live matches.” In distant second place on the rankings was the Boston Bruins  with a score of 119, followed by the New York Rangers (74), Florida Panthers (66), and Vancouver Canucks (27) rounding out the rest of the top five. Research results courtesy of My Betting Sites Canada ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Criswell Automotive Field at Kelley Park 400 Victory Farm Ln Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Gaithersburg Giants website Criswell Automotive Field at Kelley Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 500 Summer Collegiate Baseball in DC The Gaithersburg Giants are one of six teams in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate summer wood bat league in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, and play their home games at Criswell Automotive Field at Kelley Park. Kelley Park is currently a town park but is in the process of being converted to an elementary school. Although this should not affect the stadium in the long term, the effects of construction will be noticeable if visiting a Giants game at the moment as the field is surrounded by it. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located out of a window behind home plate. The stand serves basic items like hamburgers ($5, or $5.50 with cheese), hot dogs ($3.50), nachos ($3.50), and various snacks which range from 25 cents to a dollar. Water and soda are available for $1 or Gatorade for $1.50. Combos are available with a meal item, chips, and a drink which can reduce the price a bit. The concession stand is cash only so come prepared. Additionally, it typically does not open until right before the game starts, so be prepared for that as well. Atmosphere 2 There are four small sets of bleachers at Criswell Automotive Field similar to what you would see at a Little League stadium. All but one of them are behind the backstop, which is a black chain link fence that can be hard to see through. There is one set of bleachers down the first baseline with a relatively unobstructed view. The third base side is shadier in the afternoons and early evenings, but also has an obstructed view of the scoreboard which is located down the left field line. Other than the game, there is not a whole lot going on here. The team will play music in between innings or batters but doesn’t do much else. It is a barebones experience. The one perk of that is that you can hear just about everything that happens on the field. Whether it’s the umpires asking for more balls or the dugouts chirping after a bad call, you can hear just about everything that is said. Neighborhood 3 Kelley Park is located in a residential area, which makes sense as it is (for now) a neighborhood park, but this also means there is not much to do in the immediate vicinity. Your best bet is to head into town where you will find a lot of things to do, both chain restaurants and local. Most of the good options are on the other side of I-270. Coastal Flats is a favorite restaurant locally known for its seafood and steak, and the Old Town Pour House is a top-notch pub, but all of these are quite a ways from the stadium so you will need to drive. Fans 2 The Giants typically have about 50 fans a game, 100 if they’re lucky. Sadly, this is consistent with most of the CRCBL. However, those fans who do show up are extremely loyal, and most of them are either the players’ real families or host families. Many of them go to just about every game throughout the whole season. As a result, they can be quite passionate. Sadly, the Giants don’t seem to draw much more than this. It would be nice if the Giants could draw from a wider pool of fans, but unfortunately, few who have no connection to the team even know they exist. Access 2 First, the easy part. To get to Kelley Park, take I-270 to I-370, then take that for about a mile, and Kelley Park is about two more miles off the highway. Unfortunately, once you get to the park, the access becomes a lot more complicated. The normal lot is currently being used as staging for construction vehicles to build the new elementary school, so fans are unable to park there. There is a small gravel lot right next to the stadium that involves driving down a long gravel path, but that fills up very quickly as it is where the players park so you will need to arrive very early if you want to park there. Additionally, the lot is in foul territory, so park at your own risk. If you choose not to park in this lot, you will need to park on the street. Victory Farm Lane is the road right outside the stadium, but all legal spaces on this road may be taken when you arrive. If so, you will need to park on one of the back roads near the stadium. Just be mindful of where it is legal to park and where it isn’t or you could get ticketed or even towed. If walking in from the street, you will need to walk down a narrow pedestrian path to avoid dealing with cars coming to and from the lot. Once you are at the field itself, it’s easy enough to get around. The restrooms are small but of sufficient size for the small crowds that normally show up. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all Giants regular-season games is free, and concessions are affordable. There’s no charge for street parking in Gaithersburg, so you don’t have to worry about that either. However, there simply isn’t enough here to earn the top rating for this score. Extras 1 There are free roster sheets available at the concession stand. That’s about the only extra here. Final Thoughts Most in the D.C. area don’t even know the Cal Ripken League exists. Those that do generally are those with some connection to one of the teams. Sadly, the Gaithersburg Giants are no exception and a visit to Criswell Automotive Field is very barebones. There are Little League fields that have more to offer. That being said, it’s a chance to see potential future stars of the majors for no cost at all, and it’s hard to argue with that opportunity. While it would be nice to see the Giants attract more fans from Gaithersburg, a game at Criswell Automotive Field is still worth checking out if you are in the area.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 First Responder Field 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd Olney, MD 20832 Olney Cropdusters website First Responder Field website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: N/A Crop Dusting in Olney The Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League consists of seven teams from across the Washington, D.C. metro area, in Maryland, Virginia, and the District itself. The newest team in this league is the Olney Cropdusters, who play their home games in Olney, Maryland, at First Responder Field, formally known by the much more verbose name First Responder Field by ServPro at OBGC Park. Whatever the name of the stadium, it is located on the grounds of the Olney Boys and Girls Club. The team just joined the Ripken League in 2022, and while Phase 1 of construction on the stadium was completed in time for the 2022 season, there is still a lot of work to be done, including adding lighting and permanent seating. Food & Beverage 4 Although there is no permanent concession stand at First Responder Field, the team partners with local food trucks, who will be parked down the right-field line for each game. Selection will vary by game and may or may not include a local beer vendor, but will generally be high-quality food if a bit on the pricier side. The Cropdusters post a list of the food vendors on social media before each home game, so check there if you want to know before you go. Water is available at the team store for $2.50 a bottle, but if you want to eat or drink anything else, you will have to buy it from one of the trucks. Atmosphere 3 First Responder Field is a very basic stadium at the moment, as of the summer of 2022. It is not even really a stadium at all, more of just a field. There are a few hay bales fans can sit on, but other than that, fans will need to bring their chair or blanket and set them up behind home plate. We recommend that fans either set up right behind the backup or further back, on the hill. Anywhere in between will have poor sightlines. The sightlines are not great from the hill either, but they are decent enough. The PA system is far too quiet, although the announcer is passionate and does a great job of getting fans involved when he can be heard. Despite the lack of infrastructure, the Cropdusters do put on a good show here. There are multiple between-innings contests, including a race at the “third-inning stretch” where kids race miniature tractors down the two baselines, and a relay race at the “fifth-inning stretch.” There is music and giveaways which will vary by night but serve to keep the fans in the game and entertained. Unfortunately, the quality of the stadium itself (if you can call it that) takes this down a couple of notches, but that should be resolved by 2023. Neighborhood 4 Olney is a thriving suburb of Washington, D.C. with the typical options one might expect there. Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company is just down the street from the field, but your best bet is to head a couple of miles away to the downtown area near the intersection of Georgia Avenue and State Route 108. Unless you are coming from within Olney, you will have to head through that intersection anyway on your way to and from the ballpark, so it is not as burdensome as it seems. The Greene Turtle is a popular regional sports bar, and the Olney Grille is a nice restaurant as well. You can find a wide range of cuisines here ranging from traditional American to seafood to Vietnamese. The Olney Theatre is a short drive east of the intersection, for those looking for some non-sports entertainment. Fans 4 Despite being a new team, the Cropdusters draw very well for the Ripken League, attracting several hundred fans a game. Most of those in attendance are young families with small children, but the fan base represents a wide swath of the Olney community. Given a couple of years to develop a fan base, the crowds could be even larger. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the seating area, the crowd does not seem as loud here as it would if there was permanent seating. That is not their fault, but it does bring this score down a notch. Access 3 First Responder Field is located a few miles off State Route 200 (the Intercounty Connector, a toll road, and an expressway) via Georgia Avenue (State Route 97) and State Route 108. Once you get to the OBGC, you will see large signs announcing that there is a Cropdusters game that night and prompting you to turn into the stadium. Once you get in, single-game ticket holders, and those looking to purchase single-game tickets, will enter using the right lane, while those holding season tickets will use the left lane. Tickets are purchased at the entrance and are $10 for adults, but children are free of charge. Although this is officially the cost of the game ticket, and parking is officially free, it functions as more of a de facto parking charge. There is plenty of parking available in the lot once you get through the checkpoint. Restrooms are available in the red pavilion down the right-field line by the food trucks and are of sufficient size for the crowd. However, the lack of permanent seating and the need to bring your chair or blanket hurts this score significantly. As mentioned above, this will be resolved in 2023. Return on Investment 4 As mentioned above, tickets are $10 per person and children are free. It had previously been $10 per carload. Concessions are a bit pricey, but worth the cost given they are much higher quality than most stadium food. Parking is officially free, but it may be easier to think of the $10 as a parking charge rather than the ticket cost. Regardless of how you classify it, it will cost $10 for your party to get into the stadium, no matter how many people are in it. This is a stadium with a lot of potential, and it will likely earn a higher score in this category once construction is complete, but it’s hard to give it the top score in value when the infrastructure is currently so basic. Extras 4 There is a team store down the first baseline which sells Cropdusters merchandise. Free programs are available at the team store as well. The hay bales certainly provide a unique way to watch a game if you get there early enough, but there are only a few of them so be sure to arrive early if you want one. Although Stadium Journey does not usually focus on team uniforms, the Cropdusters’ jerseys are unique enough to merit a star here. They are designed to replicate the overalls and checkered shirts worn by farmers in the area, although they are standard uniform shirts and pants. Perhaps this would make them fauxveralls. In any case, the most unique jerseys in baseball are certainly worthy of a star here. Final Thoughts Although First Responder Field isn’t quite finished yet, an Olney Cropdusters game is still an enjoyable way to spend a summer evening as long as you remember to bring your chairs. Once the permanent seating and lights are added for the 2023 season, and hopefully, a better sound system, the atmosphere here will be even better. If visiting a Cropdusters game during the 2022 season, it is important to remember the stadium is still very much a work in progress and not be discouraged from attending a game in future years because of the very basic setup. This is a great place to watch a game, and it will only get better.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman and Harrison Huntley, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark 1251 21st Ave N Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Myrtle Beach Pelicans website TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 6,600 The Ticket to Success in Myrtle Beach The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have called TicketReturn.com Field their home since 1999 and it is an excellent minor league facility. Located across the street from a large entertainment/dining/shopping complex named Broadway at the Beach, anyone could make an entertaining day of the two properties. The City of Myrtle Beach is heavily oriented to tourists and families, offering many hotels/resorts/golf courses/restaurants, and the Pelicans staff appear to do a great job of attracting local residents and tourists. An unusually good amount of food and entertainment is available for children to make attending a game a great experience. The stadium offers 4,800 seats while there is room for a total of 6,599 including standing room. The Pelicans are the Advanced Class A team that have been affiliated with the Chicago Cubs since 2015. Food & Beverage 5 For a Class A ballpark, the Pelicans offer many choices and some unique food items. Start out at the Clark and Addison Grille in the right field corner which provides signature items such as the Chicago Double Play (beef and sausage) for $14.75, the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Burger for $12.75, Buckner’s Beef Sandwich for $10, Lee Arthur Grass Fed Burger for $9.75, and Santo’s Italian Sausage for $9. There are also homemade potato chips (often included with sandwiches) and fried pork rinds served on the side. Other food stands in the lower concourse offer Chick-fil-A sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, corn dogs, locally made crab cake sandwiches, assorted cheesesteaks, and chicken waffle bites. A Boar’s Head stand offers three wraps and pulled pork. Hand-dipped or soft-serve ice cream is available in multiple flavors and preparations. The Windy City Wieners assembles the traditional Chicago hot dog with all the fixings. One item recommended by a number of fans is The Mordecai – three large “Chicken Bog Balls” with a spicy sauce and chips for only $7. Other fun alternatives are Hawk’s Chips and Dip, Sosa’s Turkey Dog and a Grand Slam Veggie Burger. Pepsi fountain products are served here, just like Wrigley: $3.75 for 24 oz or $5.50 for 32 oz in a souvenir cup. A wide-ranging choice of beers are available: 16 oz premium draft for $7 and 24 oz domestic drafts for $7.50. A “Pelicans Beer Bat” is $15. One stand offers Tito’s Vodka mixed drinks for $8. Bottled water goes for $3.75. If all these options do not serve you well, you must have gone to a seafood buffet before the game! Atmosphere 4 ReturnTicket.com Park offers something for everyone: casual and intense baseball fans, families, groups, tourists, local residents; even “foodies.” The natural grass field is well maintained and many trees behind the outfield walls provide an excellent backdrop. Seating alternatives include comfortable traditional plastic seats (originally from Angels Stadium of Anaheim – they are starting to show some wear with chipped paint), metal bleacher seats with backs, and bench seating in left field. Nine luxury suites are on the upper level around the infield. One unique option is Tito’s Beach Party along the left field line, where the beach comes to the park as fans are encouraged to take off their shoes and dig their toes into the sand; groups of 50-125 can enjoy this beach for $10/person. For some games, fans can buy tickets for this area. One major improvement is new LED lighting for the entire field. It is programmed to do light shows between innings. Like many minor league parks, activities between innings on the field abound and entertain the fans. An enjoyable mix of music is played throughout the game. Games are played at night here, perhaps to allow fans to enjoy the beach or golf during the day and/or to have cooler temperatures. Neighborhood 5 The Broadway at the Beac h across the street from the field consists of a lake surrounded by a Fishing Village, Boardwalk, and Mediterranean Village with 33 restaurants, entertainment venues, lots of shopping, three hotels and many other things to do. When large crowds are expected for a game, some fans spend time here before the game, leave their car parked in Broadway’s lot, walk across the street to the stadium, and can then avoid backed up traffic after the game. Since the park is located about 1.5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean with its many beaches, it’s easy to spend a day there and then enjoy a Pelicans game. Myrtle Beach has an amazing number of high quality restaurants at all price levels. So many, in fact, that we recommend using your favorite dining app. Fans 4 Because of the unique combination of tourism (one estimate shows over 14 million people visiting the area annually) and local population of 32,000 plus residents, the Pelicans draw some devoted local fans, groups, and local/tourist families to the park. The tourist factor is somewhat unique for Myrtle Beach. Fans come to see some promising young ballplayers and to enjoy the great food and entertainment. In 2018, the Pelicans averaged 3,327 fans per game, good for fifth in the Carolina League. Team mascot Splash is a lively, entertaining character who interacts with the fans throughout the stadium. Slider the Bat Dog is featured in a story about Bat Dogs around the Minor Leagues. The Pelicans Pro Shop is behind first base and accessible from the concourse as well as the parking lot; it offers a wide range of items for the fans. One quibble: all fans are given a small program at the gate that contains limited information and other parks offer a lot more. Access 5 Even though the city attracts so many tourists, getting to TicketReturn.com Field is convenient as US-17 and US-501 intersect nearby. The parking entrance is off Grissom Parkway; paved lots are behind the stadium and the parking is free (a word Stadium Journey really likes). Physically challenged fans will enjoy seating near section 103. The concourse is reasonably wide at the seats. The concession stands are below the seats, so fans cannot see the field while grabbing a bite or drink; same is true for the bathrooms. Return on Investment 5 Lower level seats go for $13 and upper level are $11, while left field bleacher seats cost $9. The team offers combination tickets to the game plus popular local attractions as well as many specials each day of the week. Considering the quality of the food, specials, and free parking, along with typical seat prices, this is a great value. Extras 5 One point for the new LED lighting and another for the innovative beach area. Another point for the Clark and Addison Grille and its friendly, customer-focused staff. Slider the Bat Dog is great fun to watch as he retrieves the bats for all players – another point. A final point for the large, well-stocked Pelicans Pro Shop. Final Thoughts Great food; excellent choice of craft beers; free parking; nearby Broadway at the Beach; Splash and Slider; friendly welcoming staff; and Myrtle Beach combine to make TicketReturn.com Field an easy choice for your visit. It is one of the best in the minors.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Worthen Arena 1699 W Bethel Ave Muncie, IN 47306 Ball State Cardinals website Worthen Arena website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 11,500 Worthy of an Experience at Worthen Arena In the heart of campus at Ball State University is the John E. Worthen Arena, the home to Cardinal basketball and volleyball since 1992. The arena dominates the landscape featuring an octagonal-shaped structure that has a capacity of 11,500. Its size is the perfect venue for commencement ceremonies, trade shows, concerts, and other special events. The Cardinals basketball program began the year the school was founded in 1920, and they have been members of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since the 1971/72 season. They won six conference championships in basketball during that time. The Cards have also made six NCAA Tournament appearances, losing to the eventual tournament champions UNLV 69-67 in the Sweet 16. The arena received an upgraded court, new scoreboards in the corners of the court, and a new Daktronics six-panel video board installed above the center court. Before the opening of the Worthen Arena, the Cards called the 6,600-seat capacity Irving Gymnasium home. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverages have improved at Worthen Arena. There is plenty of options to choose from that are all served by A-Team Concessions. Fans can choose from bratwurst, pretzels, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, and bbq pork sandwiches. There is also Chick-fil-A and Papa John's available at the concession stands. If you have a sweet tooth the Dippin' Dots kiosk has quite a variety and cotton candy and elephant ears are available for purchase. There is also a selection of candy and Pepsi products. Two beer kiosks have Bud, Coors, and Miller Lite, along with locally brewed varieties from Guardian Brewing Company, that are worth checking out after the game. Atmosphere 3 Worthen Arena is somewhat of a mixed bag in terms of the atmosphere; this may be because it was built right before sports stadiums started to focus on aesthetics and fan comfort. The 11,500-seat venue offers plenty of comfortable red theater-style seats, but the last ten rows are of the metal bleacher variety and are somewhat of an eye-sore. Seats in the corners are angled toward the court, providing a good view no matter where you sit in Worthen Arena. Cheerleaders and the Code Red Dance team get the crowd excited with energetic performances during breaks in the action and at the beginning of the game. The large group is quite impressive and drowns out the student section that seemed to be absent the night of our visit. Adding to the festivities is Charlie the Cardinal, the school’s official mascot who greets fans at their seat launches shirts from a cannon, and cheers along with the band The vaulted ceiling offers a myriad of banners from all three sports teams that utilize the arena, along with a couple of retired basketball jerseys. Graphic lettering and school sports are featured on larger banners on the top walls of the seating bowl to break up the rather gray and red tone in the interior of the building. The main concourse features a small play area for younger fans that includes paint facing, balloon animals, and inflatable rides, Also, a small kiosk is set up that offers university-themed merchandise and schedule posters. Neighborhood 3 Worthen Arena is located on the main campus and a few miles away from the village area of town. The area can become somewhat congested at times with mall shoppers, but there are a few ideal locations to seek out before or after the game. There are plenty of options for beer, pub food, and the college atmosphere during your visit. Amazing Joe’s offers giant tenderloins and steak dishes, and Savage’s Ale House is your typical brewpub that features juicy burgers, chicken wings, and a bevy of fried appetizers – try the aloha burger. Downtown Muncie features Heorot Pub and Draught House, and the Fickle Peach. Elm Street Brewing Company and The Guardian Brewing Company are two local spots for craft beer. If you are interested in more basketball, the Muncie Fieldhouse is one of the state's oldest and most historic venues for high school hoops. The home of the Muncie Central Bearcats was constructed in 1928 and is home to eight state championships and an impressive historical room. Fans 3 Crowds for Cardinals basketball games are around 3,000 per game, but the fans who are in attendance do an admirable job cheering for their team on the court. The student section appeared barren during our visit, something that was surprising since it was the last home game of the season. Access 4 Worthen Arena is located on campus, just a few blocks south of SR-332, the main drag that brings motorists off of I-69 from Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne. Fans enter the building at floor level and take the stairs to the main concourse and seating bowl. There is a main outer concourse that wraps around the seating bowl and provides access to concession stands, bathrooms, exits, entrances, and the stadium club room. Large exposed piping and windows add a touch of character. The seating bowl does not offer a wraparound concourse, but once the game is over, fans can exit either from the main concourse or at floor level. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to a Ball State game is quite affordable on the wallet or pocketbook. The lowest cost ticket is $10 while the highest priced ticket is $20. There are certain games when prices for upper deck seating are just $5 and parking is free for all games. Concession prices are reasonable with food products costing between $4 and $6, while beer sells for $7 and $8. There is a souvenir stand with shirts, caps, and hoodies for fair pricing as well. The Cards offer a $16 ticket that includes two 20-ounce beers from Guardian Brewing Company. Extras 3 The Ball State cheer and dance team are both energetic and provide a good old-fashion college atmosphere during breaks in the action or when the crowd needs to be fired up. During certain breaks, the group throws out t-shirts to fans and waves flags around the court. The updated video scoreboard above the center court is a nice addition to the arena and provides stats, replays, information, and player profiles. Final Thoughts The Worthen Arena does not stand out like quite a few other college venues in Indiana, but it is rather easily accessible, affordable, and a great canvas for MAC basketball. Muncie is certainly close enough to the state’s major cities of Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne that making a trip is quite easy during the basketball season. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Lynn Cottrell Arena at UNG Convocation Center 180 Alumni Dr Dahlonega, GA 30597 North Georgia Nighthawks website Lynn Cottrell Arena at UNG Convocation Center website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 3,600 There’s a Basketball Goal in Them Thar Hills! The University of North Georgia (UNG) opened in 1873. It is located in Dahlonega, GA, and has a student body of 18,046. Its largest areas of study are biology, psychology, and business. The University of North Georgia is one of only six senior military colleges in the U.S. Students are not required to be in the military programs at UNG, but a sizable percentage of the student body does enroll in the military sciences area of study. The athletic teams at UNG are known as the Nighthawks. They participate in sports at the Division II level of the NCAA as a member of the Peach Belt Conference. This conference includes smaller schools from the states of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. The home of men’s and women’s Nighthawks basketball is the on-campus UNG Convocation Center. It opened in 2018 and has a seating capacity of 3,600. The Convocation Center also serves as the site for UNG graduation ceremonies, campus concert performances, and large community meetings for the citizens of the city of Dahlonega. Both the men’s and the women’s basketball teams have seen great success since moving into the Convocation Center. The men’s team has won several regular season championships and the women’s team made it to the Elite 8 in 2018, the Sweet Sixteen in 2021, and the Division II Final Four in 2022. Women's Achievements the Last Three Years, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 There is one concession stand located along the concourse at the south end of the Convocation Center. The stand is well-staffed and the lines move relatively quickly, with the exception of halftime and the break in between the women’s and men’s games. The stand serves a very basic arena standards menu. However, the prices at the concession stand are much lower than we find at most college venues. The menu includes hot dogs ($3.75), nachos ($3.75), pretzels ($3.50), candy ($3.75), and chips ($1.50). The stand carries Coca-Cola brand beverages ($2.50) and bottled water ($2.50). Beer is not sold on the University of North Georgia campus. Atmosphere 4 The UNG Convocation Center is a great place to enjoy a Nighthawks basketball game. It is a very modern facility, as it opened in only 2018. The arena features the blue, gold, and white team colors of UNG. One wall of the arena is all glass, letting in much more light into the facility than other sports facilities (Electronic blinds come down in the case of day games) The basketball court is surrounded on three sides by the blue seats of the seating bowl. All seats are below the concourse, which goes 360 degrees around the court. This assures that you will have a great view of the action no matter where you are in the arena. The Convocation Center also features a state-of-the-art electronics package. There are large flat-screen videoboards at each end of the court. A new four-LED screen center-hung scoreboard was also installed in the arena in 2022. The sound system in the building is extremely clear. Neighborhood 4 UNG is located in Dahlonega, GA. Dahlonega was the site of the first Gold Rush in the U.S. in 1828. Gold in very small amounts can still be found in the area. The city of Dahlonega is located 66 miles north of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains. The heart of Dahlonega is Courthouse Square, which is just two blocks east of the UNG campus. The square is filled with unique shops, great restaurants, and services that fill the everyday needs of both the year-round population and the UNG student body. The old courthouse in the square is now home to the Dahlonega Gold Rush State Historic Site Museum. Among the more popular businesses located on the square are the Dahlonega Brewing Company, and the iconic Smith House Inn and Restaurant. The Smith House Inn opened in 1899 and is still an active lodging site. Its’ restaurant is famous for its family-style dining, and it is packed on a regular basis with both locals and tourists. Dahlonega hosts several festivals each year, with the biggest being Gold Rush Days in October. This festival celebrates both the town’s heritage with gold and the fall leaf colors in the North Georgia mountains. The area is also a hub for the wine industry in Georgia. There are more than 15 wineries amongst the hills surrounding the town. The surrounding mountains also draw many outdoor enthusiasts to the area for hiking, white water rafting, and mountain biking. For more information on things to do during your stay in the area, go to www.dahlonega.org . Fans 4 The fan base at Nighthawk games consists of students and faculty members from UNG and the townspeople of Dahlonega. One of the most striking elements within the student body are the military cadets. They are easy to identify, as each unit in the military population has its own color. They wear all military fatigues for pants, but a T-shirt in their unit’s colors. This results in a rainbow of colors in their section of the arena. The Greeks section of the student body also tends to wear their Greek colors. Rainbow of Colors at a Nighthawks Game, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey UNG and the townspeople of Dahlonega share a great town/gown relationship. UNG literally is the only sports game in town, other than the lone high school in the county. They proudly wear the UNG colors, even if they have no official link to the school. The University of North Georgia Pep Band does a great job of keeping the fans fired up with the assistance of the Nighthawk Drumline. Nigel the Nighthawk is the University mascot, and he does a great job of keeping the fans entertained with his antics. Access 4 The UNG campus and the Convocation Center are located 66 miles North of Atlanta. They are easily reached via Highway 400 and US Highway 19. Directions from Atlanta: Take Highway 400/US 19 North for 32 miles. When Highway 400 ends, continue on Highway 19 North for 8 miles. Turn left at the red light for South Chestatee Street (US 19) This will bring you up and over a steep hill that overlooks the city of Dahlonega. After you have passed the hospital, go down the hill to the next traffic light. Turn left onto Morrison Moore Parkway. Turn right at West Main Street Turn right at Alumni Drive and park in lot L-52 just outside of the UNG Convocation Center. You can park in any space in this lot after 5 pm on weekdays and anytime on weekends. Return on Investment 5 You will not break the bank when you attend a basketball game at the UNG Convocation Center. Parking is free in Lot L 52 just outside the building on Alumni Drive. Ticket prices are $10 for General Admission seats and $7 for Seniors/Students/Military. The items at the concession stand are priced well below the typical costs charged at most college venues. Programs for the basketball program are free, as they are digital, and are available by snapping a photo of the QR code at the entrance to the arena. Lodging in the area can be found for less than $100, except during the leaf-changing season each fall and Gold Rush Days in October. Extras 4 The University of North Georgia turns 150 years old in 2023. Several special observances will be held throughout the season, highlighting the athletic achievements of various Nighthawk teams over the years. Dahlonega gold covers the steeple of the Price Memorial Hall on the UNG campus and the Georgia State Capitol Dome in Atlanta. As an active Senior Military College, UNG still has military observances of Reveille, Retreat, and Taps. While only students in the military studies programs observe Reveille and Taps, all students, faculty, and staff stop when Retreat is sounded at 5 pm. They stop whatever they are doing and put their hands over their hearts and face the Drill Field while the Colors are taken down and the cannon on the field is fired. Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band is a native of Dahlonega and he took classes at UNG. Final Thoughts The UNG Convocation Center provides a better-than-average experience for a small college basketball fan. Its’ state-of-the-art facility offers a bright facility with an electronics package that you would expect to have at a much larger school. The fan base is a model of town/gown cooperation, with everyone wearing the school colors. The unique nature of UNG’s military programs also adds to the pageantry of the game. Finally, the town of Dahlonega offers visitors plenty of things to do before or after the game.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bobby Dodd Stadium 155 North Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30332 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets website Bobby Dodd Stadium website Year Opened: 1913 Capacity: 55,000 Welcome to the Flats When considering historically significant college football programs, schools like Rutgers , Army , Navy , Princeton , Harvard , or Yale  may come to mind, or possibly more modern legendary programs such as Alabama , Georgia , Michigan , Notre Dame , and Ohio State . However, one name often overlooked in these discussions is that of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. On what had been dubbed “The Flats,” when it was simply a graded field on the edge of campus in 1905, the stadium around the field would not take shape until 1913. The construction of a grandstand led to the name Grant Field, in honor of Hugh Inman Grant, the eldest son of John and Annie – Hugh died at the age of 10 from peritonitis following surgery for appendicitis. In 1988, Coach Bobby Dodd’s name was added to the stadium in recognition of his over 30 years of service to Tech Athletics as a football and baseball coach and athletic director. In 2023, however, the stadium dropped Grant’s name from the field in favor of corporate naming rights given to Hyundai; a plaque at the southeast end of the stadium commemorates the Grant family’s contributions. Bobby Dodd Stadium is the oldest on-campus Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football stadium, and it is still in use today. Throughout its history, Georgia Tech has played as an independent program on several occasions and as a members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Southern Conference, Southeastern Conference, and currently the Atlantic Coast Conference, of which they have been members since 1979. In their history, the Yellow Jackets have captured sixteen conference titles and claimed four National Championships (1917, 1928, 1952, and 1990).   Food & Beverage   4 Bobby Dodd Stadium offers an impressive range of concessions, going well beyond the standard stadium fare – the general concession stands here offer chicken tenders, burgers, hot dogs, and pretzels, along with a variety of snacks and sweets. The concession stands are fairly evenly distributed around the stadium, though the east and west stands both have some items that are specific to their side of the facility. The eastern side, with more limited space, has converted part of Techwood Drive into a food court with food trucks, beer carts, and snack vendors; the west side does not have food trucks but does have some of its specific concessions. A bit out of place in Atlanta, but still amazing nonetheless, is the Nola Style Nacho Shop – nacho options include Cajun pot roast, blackened chicken, Cajun hot sausage, shrimp creole, and vegetarian red beans and rice. The menu also includes dessert options, such as Cajun boiled peanuts and bread pudding a la mode. Other notable vendors include Chicken Salad Chick and Williamson Bros. Barbecue, which both have limited but delicious menus. With Coca-Cola’s headquarters less than a block from Bobby Dodd Stadium, it only makes sense that Coke is the beverage of choice at Georgia Tech athletic events. Georgia Tech has also partnered with New Realm Brewing Company to create two Georgia Tech-branded craft beers, Helluvienna Lager and Ale of an Engineer. There is also New Realm’s Hazy IPA, along with their Cherry Limeade cocktail, and similar cocktails from Wild Leap Brewing Co. Wines. Hard seltzers are also offered. On the whole, Bobby Dodd Stadium's food and drink choices go above and beyond average stadium offerings.   Atmosphere   4 Though it is the oldest on-campus FBS football venue in the country, Bobby Dodd Stadium has undergone several renovations, but the use of brick and iron gates has helped to maintain its classic charm. From well before kickoff, there is plenty of excitement surrounding game day here. Beloved mascot Buzz is a consistent presence during the game itself and pregame festivities; it is Buzz who leads the Yellow Jacket Marching Band onto the field for their pregame performance. The cheer squad then leads the team onto the field with a flurry of flags spelling “JACKETS” and riding out on the Georgia Tech “Ramblin’ Wreck,” a 1930 Ford Model A. Tech’s in-game presentation makes use of the campus’ industrial steam whistle to signify first downs, the need for 3rd down stops, and to celebrate scoring plays. It is also a featured part of stadium concession signage – the whistle that is believed to date back to 1896 is a big part of the game day experience. What does seem a bit odd is adding the use of what could best be described as minor league baseball-like audio drops following plays; it is definitely not unheard of, but with a band as much a part of the game as Tech’s is, and as responsive as the fans here are to big plays, the latter audio drops just don’t seem to add much to the game presentation. Before the 2024 season, construction began on the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center, set to open in 2026. For the next few seasons, the northeastern corner of the stadium will have an “in-progress” feel due to this project.   Neighborhood   5 Located on the western edge of Midtown Atlanta, Georgia Tech serves as a buffer between Atlanta’s high rises, which provide a breathtaking backdrop for the stadium, as do the city’s historic railroad and warehouse district. The area surrounding Georgia Tech is full of restaurants and entertainment options. One of the pregame traditions of attending a Georgia Tech football game is grabbing a meal and an F.O. (Frozen Orange) at the iconic Varsity, just a block east on North Avenue. Visitors to town might also look to pair a football game at Tech with a trip to the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, which is less than 2 miles to the south, just off Centennial Olympic Park. In some places, Bobby Dodd Stadium sits just feet from academic buildings – it is part of Georgia Tech’s campus community. However, with its metropolitan location in the heart of one of the country’s largest cities, there is no mistaking Georgia Tech’s location as that of a “college town.”   Fans   3 Recent years have been tough on Georgia Tech fans, with only three winning seasons in the last decade. The national prominence of their in-state rival has further impacted fan enthusiasm – at times, visiting fans from teams like Clemson , Notre Dame , or Georgia  can heavily influence the atmosphere at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The interest in Georgia Tech football has ebbed and flowed with the level of the Yellow Jackets' on-field success. A recent coaching change points to an uptick in on-field success, however, and the start of more local interest from alumni, students, and college football fans in the region.   Access   3 With Bobby Dodd Stadium’s location just off one of the most congested interstate junctions in the nation, it is no surprise that traffic around Georgia Tech’s campus can get significantly backed up. For those simply looking to get to campus, using MARTA, Atlanta’s rail system, could be an option. Make sure to park at the Doraville station to take the Gold Line; the northbound Red Line has limited late-night service on weekends. Stadium access points are spaced into each corner of the stadium, with entries at each end of the expanded concourse on the facility’s eastern side. Entry is rather smooth, but backups can be expected – they are no worse here, though than at most major sporting events. The east concourse has extremely tight quarters, not much more than 4 feet wide in some places; the western concourse is a bit wider but can still be a bit tight, given this is where the highest concentration of seating is located.   Return on Investment   4 Declining fan support has inversely affected ticket prices. Entering the 2023 season, Georgia Tech significantly dropped ticket prices and donation requirements for season tickets, meaning tickets for non-conference or less prominent conference opponents are typically available right up to kickoff and start at only around $30-$40. Georgia Tech suggests purchasing parking ahead of time through Park Mobile  – parking can run as low as $13, but that level leaves quite a walk from the north side of campus. Parking closer to the stadium can run more than $50 but does sell out quickly, so planning well in advance is a must. Concessions tend to be consistent with what would be expected at most sports venues. Items from the outside vendors do tend to be a bit more expensive but are of higher quality than the run-of-the-mill concession options.   Extras   4 On game day mornings, North Avenue between Luckie Street and Techwood Drive is closed off to host the “Helluva Block Party” leading up to kickoff. This area is full of vendors with promotional giveaways, a live pregame radio broadcast, and live music. Georgia Tech recognizes the history of its program both inside and outside of the stadium. The inner concourse pays tribute to Tech’s 20 College Football Hall of Fame inductees, as does the facade of the eastern stands, while the north stands honor Tech’s NFL Hall of Famers, and the facing of the western upper deck memorializes Clint Castleberry, whose B-26 went missing during World War II. Outside the facility, statues of former coaches recognize the contributions of Bobby Dodd and John Heisman, along with former Athletic Director Homer Rice. The north end also has a series of displays sharing the history of Georgia Tech’s football facilities – it is disappointing that the display is behind barriers and thus not completely accessible. In addition, large Georgia Tech-branded logos are also placed around the stadium, providing fans with fun photo ops. Lastly, make sure to stick around after the game is over for the Georgia Tech band’s performance of The Horse . As the song plays, band members, cheerleaders, the spirit squad, staffers, and fans bob forward and back and slide side-to-side as the band plays. Then, at the first musical break, everyone scatters through the stands to finish the performance – it is traditions like this that make college athletics such a special experience.   Final Thoughts While Georgia Tech is still a competitive college football program, recent inconsistencies that have lasted the better part of a decade have put a dent in the weekly turnout of support. This does adversely impact the overall game experience; it typically takes a high-profile opponent to fill Bobby Dodd Stadium nowadays. During its history, Georgia Tech has shown it can be a major player, both in the ACC and on the national college football scene, but right now, it is simply searching for the consistency it had when the Yellow Jackets were a ranked program regularly. Signs point to the program moving in the right direction, but time will tell if the turnaround is an upward trajectory or just another brief sign of a turnaround before heading back into the recent inconsistencies and mediocre game-day experience.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Segra Park 1640 Freed St. Columbia, SC 29201 Columbia Fireflies website Segra Park website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 9,077 Segra Park – Columbia Fireflies Professional baseball would make a return to the South Carolina capital in 2016 when the Savannah Sand Gnats would leave coastal Georgia for a newly built stadium in Columbia. The city had gone without professional baseball for over a decade following the relocation of the Capital City Bombers to Greenville. Initially, the South Atlantic League Class A affiliate of the New York Mets , the Columbia Fireflies garnered national attention when former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow began his professional baseball career with the Fireflies. Tebow’s presence in Columbia went a long way in boosting the attendance numbers in 2017. The 2021 restructuring of minor league baseball saw changes for the Fireflies – not only did their affiliation change from the Mets to the Kansas City Royals , but they also moved from the South Atlantic League to the Carolina League but would remain a Class A affiliate. Despite the change in leagues and affiliates, the Fireflies have done well in drawing fans and putting on an entertaining game experience since their inception in 2016 through today. Food & Beverage 4 Concession stands at Segra Park are what would be expected at most typical sports venues; hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, fries, and candy are all abundantly available. The pimento cheese sandwich, or adding the southern classic to a hamburger, does add a bit of a local touch to the concessions menu. In addition, each home stand does feature a specialty hot dog related to the visiting team. While the traditional concession stands provide just about all fans might want when it comes to food, the real gems are in the carts around the concourse – the food carts serve up fried snacks, Philly-style steak, barbecue, burritos, and even healthy options by way of salads, wraps, and hummus plates. Segra Park does offer a full line of Pepsi products, as well as Gatorade. Fans looking to grab adult beverages for an outing to the ballpark have Coors and Bud products to choose from, local craft brewer River Rat Brewery, and a handful of other regional craft and craft-type beers. Wine, seltzers, hard ciders, and mixed drinks are also available at several locations around the ballpark. Concession prices on the whole are not astronomically priced; specialty items that are found at the food carts do come at more of a premium price, but nothing costs more than the $15 beef brisket plate. The key to finding the best food available is to not limit yourself to the traditional concession stands. Though there are pimento cheese options there, the real treasures are in the carts around the concourse. Atmosphere 4 The gathering of Palmetto trees and multi-tiered stairs guide fans to the stadium's main entry point and give off a warm feel of southern hospitality. The front of the stadium is very welcoming, and the combination of brick and large arched windows, combined with the iron gates, is a nice mix of classic and modern stadium design. Fans have a full, uninterrupted 360-degree concourse to navigate around the stadium. The open concourse provides views of the action on the field no matter if fans run to grab a bite to eat, need a trip to the restroom, or just want to get up and walk the stadium for an inning or two. Segra Park’s outfield wall itself plays into the excitement of the game – at just 319’ left field can be a home run haven, but is made more challenging with a high wall. The height drops down 7 to 8 feet in places, making home run-saving catches a real possibility. The angles and outcrops can also create unpredictable carroms. In dead center field, the wall steeply angles up and back on both sides, making the area ripe for triples. The Fireflies in-game entertainment team does an excellent job engaging fans throughout the evening with their use of sound effects as a sort of commentary on the game. They are also tuned in to what sound effects fans are responding to and use those as long as they are getting a response. Though some clever sound effects can quickly become annoying through repeated use, the Fireflies have found a nice balance in not overusing something to the point it becomes stale. Mid-inning contests see some new takes on old favorites like the dizzy bat race, now using impaired vision goggles, but pieces like the air guitar contest, flex cam, and guess the attendance are common at many parks around the country. Segra Park’s traditional seating area is relatively small compared to most stadiums its size; fold-down seats run twenty rows deep from the cut of the outfield grass on the third baseline, to midway up the right field line. What is lost in the typical stadium seating is more than made up for in specialty areas that are comprised of mostly social group seating. For example, high-top tables with high-backed barstools and shorter outdoor dining-style tables make up the Bullpen Boxes down the left field line, while the right field line has several picnic-style tables in the Picnic Pavilion. There are two separate areas of berm seating, one in left-center and a second in right field, that combine a grass embankment with an area of amphitheater-style tiers. Berm seats are always going to provide excellent value and, given the low prices, you do not feel you are missing out on the experience of the game if you decide to venture out and explore the stadium a bit. Given the affordability of ticket prices though, upgrading to any of the seats from dugout to dugout will only set you back anywhere from $13 to $15 max, so these seats are terrific options, also. Neighborhood 4 Segra Park was built on the grounds of the former South Carolina State Hospital. Opened in 1828, a handful of the historic buildings on the grounds have been preserved and repurposed into office spaces, businesses, and residences. The centerpiece, the Babcock Building, served as a mental health hospital from as early as 1885 through the early 1990s, but today has been converted to apartments. Along with the historical buildings that have remained, new construction has also started to pop up around the stadium from local, regional, and national businesses – familiar names such as REI and Starbucks have opened stores. In addition, Iron Hill Brewery and Mexican fusion restaurant Publico, which are just steps from the front gates of Segra Park, add to the culinary and beer options in the district. Even though it has taken some time to get to where it is today, the BullStreet District has been beautifully developed into an area that can easily attract fans to enjoy it long before the game’s first pitch. If in Columbia for an early season game, a visit to Founders Park for the often nationally ranked University of South Carolina Gamecocks could be planned, or summer trips could be paired with the Lexington County Blowfish of the Coastal Plains League. Fans 4 The Fireflies' first two seasons were a bit of an anomaly when it comes to analyzing attendance numbers; the return of baseball and a new park after such a long absence, plus a season with Tim Tebow significantly boosted attendance numbers. Today, average attendance sits at just over 3,000 fans per game, putting Columbia in the middle of the pack for Carolina League teams. Fans in Columbia do a fantastic job staying involved with both the action on the field and with the stadium entertainment team, which engages them with several call-and-respond prompts throughout the game. Access 4 Columbia is located at the junction of several interstate highways; I-20, I-26, and I-77 all feed directly into the city, and I-95 is not much of a side trip away either. This all makes Segra Park an excellent part of a baseball road trip, with its accessibility to major highways. The parking deck on nearby Freed Street provides parking for just $7. Alternatively, those showing up early enough might be able to grab one of the spots on the streets surrounding the ballpark, but the parking lots of residents and businesses in the area are not open. Any of the parking options at Segra Park will leave fans with only a short walk to the stadium. Lines to get into the stadium can be a bit long for Friday and Saturday night games, but after the initial rush when gates open, there is not much of a wait. Once in the stadium, the concourse is generously wide, especially once leaving the cover of the grandstand. There is plenty of space for fans to move about, so there does not tend to be much trouble getting around the stadium or to the seats. Return on Investment 5 You would be hard-pressed to find better ticket prices in Minor League Baseball than those offered at Segra Park – it is not just the price, but how close to the action on the field you can get for what you are paying. Ticket prices do increase by $2 the day of the game, so plan to avoid the dreaded day-of price hike. You will still pay the extra $2 for each ticket by way of a service fee if ordering tickets online, so there is no avoiding the price hike unless possibly buy tickets through the box office ahead of time. With some free parking and reasonable rates for the parking garage, to go along with affordable concession prices, fans are getting their money's worth at Segra Park. For those in the Columbia area, the Neighborhood Pass allows unlimited games for $25 per month. This might be a good way to get the most out of your baseball dollar if looking to attend several games in a month. Extras 4 The Fireflies do a fantastic job recognizing the history of baseball in Columbia. The club level and outfield concourse features photos and information on Columbia’s minor league teams and the stars who have passed through on their way to major league stardom and Hall of Fame status. Columbia was one of the first teams in minor league baseball to use neon as one of their primary colors. The glow of the team’s neon green with its navy blue and gray accents is a nice combination that does not leave the feeling of slow-pitch softball uniforms. Segra Park has a 1/3-mile walking/running loop which is open to the public daily from 7 a.m. until dark, unless there are ticketed events or baseball games, in which case the loop closes 3-4 hours beforehand. The BullStreet District goes a long way in creating more of a game day feel to the area, which will continue to improve as the district fills out. Final Thoughts The Columbia Fireflies have done a wonderful job building an experience that offers fans what they want from a stadium; those wanting a more traditional baseball game have plenty of seats to choose from in the grandstand, whereas fans wanting to use the game as more of a social backdrop to their evening have both a considerable number of field level table boxes or the Bowtie Bar in center field. Segra Park is a beautiful facility that provides multiple experiences for what fans might want out of their visit to the ballpark. In addition, the BullStreet District that continues to grow around the stadium just adds to what Segra Park has to offer.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Duane Banks Fields 960 Stadium Dr Iowa City, IA 52242 Iowa Hawkeyes website Duane Banks Fields website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 3,000 Hawkeyes on the Diamond Duane Banks Field, originally the Iowa baseball field, opened in 1974 when Duane Banks was the manager. The Hawkeyes went on to tie for the Big Ten Conference that season with an 11-4 conference record. Banks was a legendary coach for the Iowa Hawkeyes baseball team, taking over in 1970 and remaining head coach until the end of the 1997 season. Banks compiled an 810-575-4 record in his tenure at Iowa and led the Hawkeyes to their only College World Series appearance in 1972. In 2001, the Iowa baseball field was renamed Duane Banks Field. Hawkeye baseball alums include Jim Sundberg, Mike Boddicker, and Wes Obermueller. Upgrades have been made to the stadium over the years including stadium chair back seats behind home plate in order to entice season ticket holders. Wooden bleachers were replaced with metal bleachers on either side of the stadium seats and fencing and drainage were also improved. Lights were installed in 2002, and paid for by a donation by former Hawkeye and major league pitcher, Cal Eldred. More recently, a new video board was installed over the left field wall. The next phase will include more stadium seating and a new press box. Food & Beverage 3 Currently, only credit cards are accepted. Duane Banks Field just covers the basics. Hot dogs, brats, and walking tacos along with nachos, popcorn, pretzels, candy, and ice cream are available and range from about $3-$6. Coke products are the soda of choice, with bottles being $4. A relatively new addition to the menu is beer, which can be had for $7. With some quality restaurants in the area, you’re better off just having a snack and something to drink and taking in the good eats around town before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is aesthetically pleasing. The field is well manicured and trees line your view beyond the outfield wall. Stadium seating is below the press box but is largely for season ticket holders. Until the planned upgrades are made, bleacher seating makes up the rest of the ballpark. There are no bad views anywhere in the ballpark. During the game, Herky the Hawk makes the rounds entertaining fans and getting them involved in the game, while cheerleaders entertain the crowd between innings. The Hawkeyes have hit on the right balance of in-game entertainment without overdoing it. Neighborhood 4 Duane Banks Field is located amongst the other sports stadiums on the University of Iowa campus and, frankly, there is nothing to see. However, there is plenty to do and see in Iowa City, all within a few miles of the sports stadiums. If you are looking for somewhere to have a drink before or after the game, the Vine Tavern and Eatery and the Wig and Pen Pizza Pub are directly across Second Street. Wig and Pen offers up some great pizza (go with the thin crust) and the fried pickles are highly recommended. For those that like the outdoors, there are plenty of parks as the Iowa River runs through Iowa City. The scenery is gorgeous and while plenty of people are out enjoying the weather, the parks don’t seem overcrowded. Less than two miles east are a couple places definitely worth seeing. The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and the Old Capitol Museum are downtown. The Old Capitol Museum, built in 1840, was where Iowa made the transition to statehood. The old building is well worth seeing and the architecture is tremendous. The Natural History Museum is great for kids. Both have free admission and are well worth a look. Directly across the street from the Old Capitol Museum is The Airliner Bar. The Airliner has a tremendous atmosphere, plenty of televisions for sports of all kinds, and daily food and drink specials. Airliner has been around for 70+ years, so it’s no surprise to always find it busy. There are plenty of hotels in the area, with the Hampton Inn being the recommended choice. Fans 3 An overwhelming majority of fans wear something black or gold (University of Iowa colors) at the games. If you don’t wear those colors, you will certainly stand out in the crowd. The fans are pleasant to any fans of the visiting team. Herky gets the crowd going early and the fans are engaged throughout, which adds to the college baseball atmosphere. There is usually a good mixture of both students and other fans in attendance. Access 3 The field is located a couple miles off I-80. Parking is free and there is plenty of it when there aren’t other bigger sporting events going on concurrently. Duane Banks Field is easy to get in and around. The walkways at the bottom of the seating bowl are wide and there are no problems maneuvering around the seating bowl. Restrooms are an issue. They are located on the third base side, are not overly large, and could use some upgrades. They are handicap accessible. Much like the concessions, you may be standing in line for a while, but they have added some portable toilets to help a bit. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children. Parking is free. While concessions are a little on the high side, you can still take in a game for a very reasonable price and see some quality college baseball. Extras 2 Herky’s Locker Room has a stand behind home plate. Here, you can buy Iowa Hawkeye shirts, hats, and other Hawkeye merchandise. Kind of a fun promotion, each time a visiting player strikes out, t-shirts are thrown into the crowd. Final Thoughts When one thinks of Hawkeye sports, baseball may not be the first sport that comes to mind. The Hawkeyes are building a successful program and Banks Field and a fun town with a lot of different options makes for a quality experience in Iowa City.

Most people don’t think of Hawai’i (we are using the native Hawai’ian spelling in this review) when they talk about baseball. However, baseball in the Islands has a longer history with the sport than the mainland U.S. It was brought to this Pacific outpost by one of baseball’s pioneers, Andrew Cartwright, who moved to the Hawai’ian Islands (then known as the Sandwich Islands) in 1849. He laid out the first dimensions of a baseball field in Honolulu. The field is still in existence in a local residential neighborhood. His gravesite is located nearby and can usually be found covered by baseball caps and baseballs left by fans who have made the pilgrimage to the area. Baseball in Hawai’i by Jim Vitti explores the rich history of baseball in the Hawai’ian Islands. It traces the beginnings of the sport in 1849 up through the present. Along the way, he talks about the famous teams, ballparks, and notable figures that have played a significant role in the growth of the sport in the area. The first recorded baseball game in Hawai’i took place in 1866 and featured teams known as the “Natives” and the “Foreigners”. King Kalakaua (Hawai’i was a kingdom until it was annexed by the U.S. IN 1898) attended a game in 1875, and the first inter-island game between a Big Island team and a team from Maui took place in 1883. The first teams in the Islands were based on the different plantations that played in the aptly named Plantation League. A second league was known as the Hawai’i Baseball League. There was also an AJA League. This was made up of Americans of Japanese ancestry. (As a side note: Hawai’i has such a diverse population that it has never had segregated teams, beating mainland U.S. teams by more than one hundred years.) The mainland U.S. baseball community took note of baseball in Hawai’i in the 1920’s. Many ballplayers barnstormed through different areas of the country to earn extra money in the offseason. Among these early visitors were A.G. Spalding, John McGraw, and Casey Stengel. Babe Ruth began regularly visiting the Islands in 1933. He frequently did hitting exhibitions on Waikiki Beach and often went surfing afterward with Duke Kahanamoku. He also traveled to Kilauea and hit baseballs into the Volcano’s crater. Lou Gehrig began visiting in 1934. The first native islander to play in the major leagues was Prince Oana with the Phillies in 1934. World War II brought an end to these barnstorming tours but ironically strengthened the links between the mainland and the Hawai’ian Islands. Many baseball stars were stationed in Hawai’i during the war at one of its many military bases. Players included such well-known figures as Joe DiMaggio and Peewee Reese. There was a great deal of competition between the branches of the services to have these “ringers” play on their team for intra-service competitions. The celebrity ballplayers often put on fundraising exhibition games with proceeds going to pay for war bonds. One of these events brought in $500,000… a staggering amount in those days. After the conclusion of the war, the floodgates of players visiting the Islands grew. Players including Yogi Berra, Enos Slaughter, Whitey Ford, Duke Snider, Mickey Mantle, and Billy Martin often visited the Islands in the offseason. Former enemies became friends, as teams from Japan started to visit the islands for exhibition games. A staggering number of MLB players are native Hawai’ians or played for the Hawai’i Islanders minor league team in the Pacific Coast League. This list includes such well-known names as Benny Agbayani, Bo Belinsky, Rafael Belliard, Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonds, Clete Boyer, Joe Charboneau, Pat Corales, Ron Darling, Dave Dravecky, Sid Fernandez, Charlie Hough, Mike Lum, Jerry Manuel, Hank Oana, Joe Pepitone, Lenn Sakata, Bobby Valentine, Johnnie Williams, and Wally Yonamine. The Hawai’i Islanders were the first affiliated team from Hawai’i with major league baseball. They were originally the AA affiliate with Kansas City Athletics and played in the Pacific Coast League. The Islanders would have later affiliations with the California Angles, the Washington Senators, the Chicago White Sox, the San Diego Padres, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Islanders were in minor league baseball from 1961- 1987. They returned for a brief period from 1993-1997. The Islanders were led by future MLB managers Bob Lemon, Doug Rader, Roy Hartsfield, Bobby Valentine, Tom Trebelhorn, and Chuck Tanner. The team also featured some well-known announcers over the years, including Harry Kalas, Al Michaels, Les Kieter, and Mel Proctor. Many future MLB players spent at least some time with the Islanders. They include Ichiro Suzuki, Jason Giambi, Aaron Boone, Buster Posey, and Todd Helton. Hawaii also has intra-island leagues. They feature teams with names such as the Sting Rays, Beach Boys, Cane Fires, Man-O-Wars, and the Whalers. College baseball has also been remarkably successful on the Islands. The University of Hawaii has had a baseball program since 1917. In 1923 the University of California was the first team from the mainland to send a team to compete against the locals. Many other teams have followed, especially teams from cold weather climates that come for an early season series in the warmth of Hawai’i. The University of Hawai’i has been highly successful in NCAA baseball. In a 30-year span, the team has been to postseason competition eleven times. It won the NCAA baseball title in 1979 and finished as the runner-up for the title in 1980. The program has sent 127 players on to professional baseball. The most famous ballparks associated with baseball in Hawai’i are Honolulu Stadium and Aloha Stadium. Honolulu Stadium opened in 1926 and was known as the “Termite Palace”, as it was completely built out of wood. It hosted every level of baseball competition until 1976. It seated a little over 20,000 fans at its largest capacity after several renovations. Its long existence is a miracle, as termites are a major pest in the warm Hawai’ian climate. The all-steel Aloha Stadium has served as its replacement since 1976. It is better suited as a football stadium, as it has a capacity of more than 50,000. It is better known for hosting the Hula Bowl and the NFL Pro Bowl. Even Aloha Stadium is now under a massive renovation. The University of Hawai’i also features the Les Murakami Baseball Stadium, with a capacity of 4,312. In addition to college baseball games, it also hosts the Hawai’i Winter Baseball League games. The stadium is also famous for its terrific views of Diamond Head.                                                   So, what explains the success of baseball in the Hawai’ian Islands? Two possible explanations are the long history of the sport in the Islands and the area’s climate that allows the games to go on year-round. Another explanation could be the Islands’ position midway between the U. S. and Japan… two countries where the sport is considered the national sport. We feel a key to the success of baseball in the Hawai’ian Islands is the strength of the youth baseball programs in the state. Teams from the Islands have been the Junior Little League World Champions four times (1984, 2000, 2001, and 2007). Little League teams from Hawai’i have won two Little League World Series (2005, 2008) and come in second twice (1988, 2010). At the Pony League level of competition, Hawai’ian teams have come home with four world titles (1969,1980, 1979, and 1989). Finally, the Hawai’i representative won the American Legion baseball national title in 1980. Baseball in Hawai’i provides a detailed history of the sport that goes back to the days when Hawai’i was still a kingdom and baseball was in its infancy on the mainland. Readers will be surprised at the role the Hawai’ian Islands have played in baseball on the world stage. We recommend Baseball in Hawai’i to any serious student of the game.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hunter Wright Stadium 800 Granby Rd Kingsport, TN 37660 Kingsport Axmen website Hunter Wright Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 2,500 Along the Appalachian League Trail: Kingsport Kingsport, Tennessee has a long history with minor league baseball, as the city has had some sort of affiliation with major league baseball since 1921. Teams associated with the town include the Dodgers, Orioles, Braves, Pirates, and most recently the New York Mets. Amongst the major leaguers who got their start in Kingsport are Al Cowens, Steve Bedrosian, Dale Murphy, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, and David Wright. The Mets have had the longest tenure of the team with Kingsport, as it has been a Mets affiliate since 1980. Since 1995, the Mets have called Hunter Wright Stadium their home field. The 2,500-seat facility has seen the Mets win one league title and two division titles since it was built. Food & Beverage 4 The main concession stand is in a sheltered area under the grandstand behind home plate. It offers a wide selection of baseball favorites, including hot dogs, burgers, tacos ($6.50), BBQ sandwiches ($5), nachos, peanuts, chips, mozzarella sticks, popcorn, pretzels, and pizza ($3.50). Beverages include Pepsi brand sodas, lemonade, Gatorade, bottled water, tea, and beer. A very popular food cart comes to every game and dispenses more than 30 flavors of shaved ice. Atmosphere 4 Hunter Wright Stadium shares the typical design feature of having premium bucket-style seats in the area of home plate with bleacher seating down each base line.No matter where you sit, you will have an excellent view of the action, as the seating is very close to the field. Unlike many Appalachian League stadiums, there is no roof covering the grandstand to protect fans from the elements. However, there is a large party pavilion atop the hill along the first baseline that can provide shelter from the weather if it has not been rented out for a private party. Neighborhood 4 Kingsport is a city of 52,000 residents located just two miles from the Tennessee/Virginia state border. It is the largest city in the Tri-Cities area. As a result, it offers a wide variety of attractions, dining options, and lodging possibilities. Hunter Wright Stadium is in a residential neighborhood, but it is within walking distance of one of the main thoroughfares in Kingsport, West Stone Road. The mountains surrounding the town serve as the inspiration for two of the main attractions in the area. The Mountain Music Museum and the Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium are both worth checking out before or after a game. Two restaurants we recommend are the Model City Tap House and Braeden’s BBQ. Almost every hotel brand is located at the exit 1 interchange of I-26, but two that provide excellent value and quick access to Hunter Wright Stadium are the Comfort Suites and the Holiday Inn Express. Fans 5 The K-Mets have one of the most established fan bases in the Appalachian League thanks to their nearly 40-year relationship with the city. In addition to the locals, a surprising number of fans travel down from the Big Apple for some summer league action. They are not afraid to cheer loudly or share their opinions of a call with the umpire, but it is all in a family-friendly way. The attendance at Hunter Wright Stadium is nearly always a sellout, with many fans lining the hillside along the first base line. The team store at the stadium is one of the most well-stocked in the league, as every fan seems to have at least one article of clothing featuring the Mets’ orange and blue color scheme. Working hard to keep the fans fired up during the game and entertained during the lulls are Slider, the Mets canine mascot, and the Fun Crew. Access 3 Both Kingsport and Hunter Wright Stadium are easily reached via I-26. The most direct route is to take I-26 to exit #1 (Stone Road/Highway 11) in Tennessee. Go west on Highway 11W for two miles and turn right at Granby Road. Hunter Wright Stadium will be on your left. Parking is free adjacent to the stadium, but the Mets fans arrive early and the lot fills quickly. Get there less than 30 minutes before a game and you will be parking on the grass along the side of Granby Road. The plaza just inside the gate of the stadium is large and spacious. If you sit along the first base side of the field, you should have no problem reaching your seat. To reach seats behind home plate or along the third base line, you must pass through a narrow breezeway with concession stands lining both walls. This area remains a serious bottleneck throughout the game. Return on Investment 3 A visit to Hunter Wright Stadium will not do much damage to your wallet. Tickets are priced are $8 for a reserved seat, $6 for a general admission seat, and for children 12 and under, seniors, and active military get in for $5. The concession prices are very reasonable, and parking is free. The rates are typically under $100 at area hotels. Parking is free at the ballpark. Extras 4 K-Met players sign autographs before each ballgame. The picnic pavilion on the first base side of the stadium offers a great vantage point to watch the game and be protected from the harsh sun of a Tennessee summer. The K-Mets have a stunning display showing the vast number of team members who have gone on to play at Shea Stadium/Citi Field. Season ticket holders are recognized on a banner at the entrance to the stadium. Final Thoughts The Mets and the city of Kingsport are the longest-tenured arrangements in the Appalachian League. This has been mutually beneficial as it is obvious that both the team and the city have worked together to make Hunter Wright Stadium one of the showcase facilities in the league. Each off-season the stadium is evaluated for what can be done to improve the fan experience and the changes are implemented. This is rewarded by the most loyal fan following in the league, multiple sellouts, and a definite desire to return for future games.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Central Recreation Centre 519 Drury Lane Burlington, ON L7R 2X3 Burlington Blaze website Central Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,300 Blaze in the Oven The City of Burlington sits on the shores of Lake Ontario between Hamilton and Oakville. It is Toronto Rock country with the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, and Oakville Buzz to the east in Oakville, and the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League to the west in Hamilton. However, lacrosse fans should not sleep on Burlington as they have a strong connection to the sport. The city with a population of 187,000 has been home to the Burlington Chiefs since 1976. In 2023, amid the move away from Indigenous-based names, Burlington Minor Lacrosse changed their team names, Junior A included, to the Burlington Blaze. Home for the Blaze is the Central Recreation Centre, commonly referred to as Central Arena. Built in 1968, Central Arena is nicknamed The Oven, which seems to be an apt home for a team referred to as the Blaze. Alumni for the Blaze and Chiefs include Andrew Kew, Brent Noseworthy, Ryan Smith, and Ed Comeau. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions for Blaze games are amongst the most simple. A temporary table located in the lobby sells chips, soda, water, Gatorade, chocolate bars, and freezies. Concession prices are very affordable, but the limited selection will push fans to eat elsewhere. Atmosphere 2 Central Arena is part of a larger community centre in Burlington. The Central Recreation Centre building is a simple combination of light stucco and siding on the exterior. A colourful mural at the southwest corner of the building is the exterior highlight. Fans can enter the building at the main entrance on the west or the back end on the east side. The east side has a small merchandise tent for fans. The main entrance leads fans into a small lobby with temporary tables for concessions and ticket sales. The feeling that the building is designed more for recreation as opposed to spectators becomes evident. The main arena is available to fans after traversing a set of stairs. In the hallway, just before entering the main arena, there are many mainly empty trophy cases, one of which showcases some Burlington Minor Lacrosse items under the old Chiefs name and logo. Inside the main arena, fans are met with a very plain area with no markings or banners to let fans know that this is the home of the Blaze. The polished concrete floor runs from west to east with ten rows of step benches on the south side. An enclosed operations/press box is at the top of the south side, dividing the seating area. The simple hockey-style scoreboard is found on the west wall. Inside the arena two other major items become evident. The first is that the moniker “The Oven” is apt as there is no air-conditioning and the arena is very hot in the summer months. The second is that some diagonal structural I-beams can obstruct the view of the floor from the seating area. The gameday production is the most simple there is. No music is played before the game or during down periods. It could be possible that this was due to technical difficulties as during the game that was reviewed the national anthem was unable to be played. However, after Blaze goals, a goal song was provided by a fan holding a large portable speaker. The PA system is very poor and it is difficult to understand announcements that are made. Neighbourhood 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington. There are several other recreation facilities in the immediate Central Park area including the curling club, lawn bowling, tennis club, library, baseball diamonds, and theatre. The practice facility for the famous Burlington Teen Tour Band is in this area also. Other than the park facilities, it is a fairly residential area with little in the way of pre and post-game culinary facilities. Fans should consider heading south towards Lakeshore Road to find bars and restaurants. Some options worth considering are The Carriage House, The North Coal Kitchen & Bar, Joe Dog’s, La Creme de la Creme, and Pepperwood Bistro Brewery. There is not much in the way of other sports options in Burlington and fans would probably need to head southwest to Hamilton for those options. For other entertainment options fans should consider checking out the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Drury Lane Theatrical Productions, and Spencer Smith Park. Fans wishing to stay in Burlington should consider the Waterfront Hotel or The Pearle Hotel. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJLL is difficult as attendance figures are not published. Also, the game that was reviewed was one of the OJLL Finals series. That being said, it appears that the Burlington Blaze has a decent following. Many fans were standing on the floor and even climbing the boards on Blaze goals. The fans in attendance make plenty of noise and are supportive of the Blaze. There were many fans in attendance supporting the visiting team as well for the game that was attended. Access 3 Central Arena is located in the Central Park area of Burlington, east of the Queen Elizabeth Way south of Highway 403, and north of Lakeshore Road. Fans coming to Burlington from out of town will be required to drive a bit through the city, however, the travel is not difficult. There is plenty of parking in the area at no cost, however, it is a busy area with many other recreation facilities where parking will also be utilized. Fans who wish to take public transit to The Oven have several options on Drury Lane, New Street, and Central Park. Fans should consult the Burlington Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules. Traversing the arena can be difficult as there are plenty of stairs throughout the arena. As mentioned above, there are plenty of obstructed views due to the diagonal structural beams and railings. Also, there is no air conditioning in the arena and it is hot in the summer months. Return on Investment 4 OJLL lacrosse offers tremendous value for a small investment. Tickets for the Burlington Blaze go for $12, parking is free, and concessions are very affordable. The product on the floor is top-notch and very fast and exciting. If the Blaze offered a little more when it comes to the atmosphere, then the ROI would be a perfect score. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Blaze earning the 2023 Iroquois Cup as OJLL champions. An extra mark for the strength of lacrosse in the area with the Toronto Rock located in Hamilton and the Oakville Buzz just up the highway in Oakville. OJLL teams are also found in nearby Kitchener-Waterloo , Toronto, and Six Nations. Final Thoughts The Burlington Blaze have a strong lacrosse tradition and has helped produce some strong professional lacrosse players. Their home, Central Recreation Centre, also known as The Oven is a hot spot, but is not fulfilling its potential as a solid lacrosse facility. It will be interesting to see if the Blaze can work with the city and make The Oven a far more hospitable home for the OJLL. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Watkins Glen International 2790 County Route 16 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Vintage Grand Prix website Watkins Glen International website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 38,900 Taking to Watkins Glen’s Turns While Watkins Glen International may be best known for the annual IMSA 6 Hours  or the NASCAR Cup Series race, the yearly celebration of vintage racing that is the Hilliard US Vintage Grand Prix is perhaps the most unique event at the track. Since they first began racing here in 1948, the speedway has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now, this history is celebrated yearly when SVRA, Trans-Am, and IGT take to the track. Sadly, 2024’s event saw increased ticket prices, an earlier date thanks to NASCAR’s shifting schedule taking over the September weekend previously used, and the annual vintage festival no longer happening on the same weekend.   Food & Beverage   3 Watkins Glen International doesn’t have a lot of food vendors, with the main paddock cafe located in the main paddock near the front stretch – fans looking to visit the outer parts of the track may have slimmer pickings than those watching from the finish line. That said, the choices in the fan zone are simple, ranging from burgers ($13) and hot dogs ($5-$9) to chicken tenders ($15) and smaller snacks ($4-$8), while drinks run $4 for coffee or hot cocoa, $5 for water, Powerade, and sodas, $11 for Seltzer, $9-$11 for beer, and $7 for lemonade. Food trucks also line up inside the paddock area, offering various additional options as well.   Atmosphere   3 Watkins Glen International is located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, making the facility a beautifully located racing venue – the area is full of beautiful trees, meaning fans can find some shade in the hot sun. In addition, the track is laid out to be one of the fastest road courses in North America. Large grandstands also line the front straight, Turn 1, the esses, and the final corner complex, offering many different viewpoints for fans to watch from. For a raceway filled with history (the track regularly hosts NASCAR, IMSA, and others, and has also hosted the likes of IndyCar and Formula 1 in the past), you cannot help but feel like you’re witnessing history come alive at this SVRA weekend. Unfortunately, this year saw the removal of the annual vintage festival in downtown Watkins Glen, including the historic car reenactment on the old course, as well as a massively decreased car count from the vintage races as well.   Neighborhood   4 The track itself is about 5 minutes south of the town of Watkins Glen, nestled on the southern shores of Seneca Lake. The town is beautiful and quaint, featuring numerous local shops and restaurants, while north of town is New York wine country, with countless wineries all along the lake. For those willing to drive, the town of Ithaca is just a half hour east, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and shopping in the same town that is home to Cornell University. To the south, Elmira and Corning are 30 minutes away – if you visit the latter you can see the Corning Museum of Glass or the National Soaring Museum. In addition, sightseers routinely flock to Watkins Glen State Park for stunning hiking through a canyon of waterfalls, as well as Lakeside Park to watch the stars rise over the waters of Seneca Lake.   Fans   4 The fans at Watkins Glen International are once again a cross-section of sportscar racing diehards. New York racing fans are among the best in the country, and know how to throw a great party – the camping grounds are full all weekend long, and the fans know who to cheer for when the race is on the line. In addition, Friday’s vintage reenactment will see fans line the street while the cars dive past for hours, propping up folding chairs to get a view of the fun, much like one would see at a Fourth of July parade in a small town.   Access   3 The biggest downside in getting to Watkins Glen International is its relatively isolated location – the nearest major highway is I-86 to the south and west, at least a 30-minute drive away. Traffic thankfully doesn’t back up nearby, though, and the roadways are relatively clear all weekend. Once at the track parking is plentiful all around, but navigating the track’s tunnels, bridges, and walkways can be daunting, as the facility is rather large. Track maps are placed throughout the venue, however, making getting from place to place a little easier.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to SVRA weekend rose sharply in 2024, starting at $69 for a one day weekend ticket to $91 for a weekend pass – this is considerably higher than SpeedTour weekend ticket prices at other racing venues. Parking is free however, so you can get away without having to pay too much more, and the cost of SpeedTour weekend is still much lower than for the NASCAR and IMSA weekends at Watkins Glen.   Extras   4 There are always several autograph sessions throughout the weekend for fans to meet their favorite drivers in each respective series. The track also has several fan zones to get you up close and personal with show cars, as well as to pick up some free giveaways. Fans can also wander the paddock area for free, giving you a great look at the teams working away at their machines, and victory Lane is also open to all fans, unlike at larger race series, offering fans the ability to take part in the podium celebration.   Final Thoughts The Watkins Glen vintage weekend is a showcase of the sport’s history and future, putting on a stellar weekend of racing that stretches across five days in early September. Without a doubt, this event is a great one to put on your racing calendar, offering great weather, unparalleled access for fans, and top-notch on-track activity.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Kroger Field 1540 University Dr Lexington, KY 40506 Kentucky Wildcats website Kroger Field website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 61,000 My New Kentucky Home Kroger Field (formerly Commonwealth Stadium) has served as the home of Kentucky Wildcat football since 1973. The 61,000-seat facility is the newest stadium in the SEC, as judged by date of original construction. However, the University has been very proactive in keeping the stadium state-of-the-art, and recently completed a multi-year renovation costing nearly $120 million. This has dramatically improved the fan experience at a Wildcats game and has caused many locals to refer to the facility as the “New Commonwealth Stadium”. The changes are both cosmetic and functional. The exterior of the stadium has been recovered with a limestone surface native to Kentucky. Once inside, fans will notice much wider concourses and renovated concession and restroom facilities. Seating comfort has been greatly enhanced with the addition of bench back seating on the lower levels and 2,000 new club-level seats. One major aspect of the renovation will have an impact on Kentucky football for years to come. Typically, Kentucky’s recruiting classes have been ranked in the 20s and 30s by Scout.com. The Kentucky program hopes to greatly improve this rating with the brand-new, multipurpose recruiting area in Kroger Field. This facility is a club-like facility above the end zone to entertain high school prospects and their families. It includes state-of-the-art technical facilities and will have graphics celebrating Kentucky’s football history. The facility also includes a patio to watch the game outside, and it will be located adjacent to the student section so recruits can get a feel for the college experience. Food & Beverage 3 In addition to the brick-and-mortar changes made to the stadium and the concession areas, the vendors at Kroger Field have added a number of Kentucky-centric items to the menu. These items include bourbon ice cream, Hot Brown nachos, chicken and waffle cones, beef and cheddar croissants and Twisted Tators. A sampling of food prices at the concession stands includes: barbecue pork sandwich ($9), Cat Tail (bratwurst on a maple glazed long john $5), chicken sandwich ($9.50), nachos ($4), popcorn ($8), and eight-inch Papa John’s pizza ($7.50). Drinks include large sodas ($5), Powerade ($4.50), and sweet or unsweet tea ($5). There is never a charge for water at Kentucky games. Atmosphere 4 While longtime season ticket holders and those who have attended Wildcat games frequently have seen these renovations occur gradually, someone who has been away from the program for a few years will feel like they are in a brand-new facility. In addition to the seating improvements, the field has been redone, a new press box has been erected and 20 more luxury suites have been added to the existing 40. The appearance of the stadium has also been enhanced to feature the UK brand more prominently. Instead of a bland functional silver bowl, there is now a blending of Kentucky’s dark blue color scheme into the stadium design, which fires up the Wildcat faithful even more. The previous video boards and message ribbons are still in place, but have been reconfigured to make them much more fan friendly to read. Neighborhood 4 The University of Kentucky is unique in the SEC (the other exception being Vanderbilt), in that it is not located in a strictly “college town.” Lexington has a population of more than 300,000 residents, and is the second-largest town in the state of Kentucky. It still maintains a small-town feel, but has the restaurants, attractions and nightlife found in bigger cities. The UK campus is located just south of the downtown area. Lexington and the Bluegrass Region surrounding it are known as the Horse Capital of the World for good reason. The city is surrounded by horse farms, and is home to two area horse racing tracks. Both Keeneland (thoroughbred racing) and the Red Mile (harness racing) offer racing schedules during October, so you can add a visit to the track to your sports agenda while in town for a game. One other equine-related attraction that is a “must-see” is the Kentucky Horse Park, located just east of the downtown area. Another claim to fame for Lexington is its leadership as the Birthplace of Bourbon. There are numerous distilleries offering tours (and samples) in the Distillery District. Numerous craft distilleries have also opened their doors recently, including the Barrel House and the Town Branch Distilleries. For those preferring a different adult beverage, take the Brewgrass Trail to craft beer locations, such as Blue Stallion, Country Boy and Ethereal Brewing. There are numerous restaurants of note within a short distance of Kroger Field. These include Crank and Boom, Sawyers and Joe Bologna’s Deli. The closest and most reasonably lodging near UK includes the Holiday Inn Express Downtown, the Hilton Lexington Downtown and the University Inn. Fans 3 Wildcat fans tend to gravitate to two main areas before a game. These are the Wildcat Walk and the Coca-Cola Fan Zone. The Wildcat Walk occurs approximately two hours before kickoff, and takes place between Nutter Field House and the brand-new Kentucky football training facility. The Fan Zone opens three hours before kickoff, and includes musical entertainment, a pep rally, visits with the cheerleaders and the Wildcat mascot, and autograph sessions with greats from Kentucky’s past. One new addition to the fan experience inside Kroger Field are several graphics walls featuring scenes associated with the university and its athletic teams. These will provide an excellent backdrop for fans wanting to get a photo of their family or for selfies. In this way, the stadium will play an active role in promoting the UK brand through social media. One of the goals of the renovation was to make the Wildcat football fans as fervent as their basketball brethren. This is a difficult challenge, as Kentucky has been a basketball school from the days of Adolph Rupp up to the current John Calipari era. Kentucky football averages around 56,000 fans at a game, but often times the crowd tends to thin out early if the game is out of reach on one side or the other. It is hoped that by providing a greatly enhanced fan experience, Kentucky fans will be tempted to give the “other” major sport on campus a closer look. Access 4 On football weekends the population of Lexington swells by more than 60,000 people. The main routes into town are via the Bluegrass Parkway, Broadway St and I-75. While the traffic is heavy once you are on city streets, the university has a well-conceived traffic control plan. Up-to-the-minute information is available at 1700 AM. As is true at most major college stadiums, the parking areas nearest the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders and major donors. For persons with single-game tickets, there are a number of parking options to choose from. Free, on-campus parking is available at lots #2 (near the WT Young Library), #3 (the Kentucky Clinic) or #6 (at the corner of Virginia and Press Avenues). There are also shuttles available from downtown Lexington from the Shops@ Civic Center (430 West Vine) and the Lextran Transit Center (150 East Vine) The shuttles cost $5 roundtrip from downtown or $2 from the on-campus locations. The on-campus locations are within walking distance of Kroger Field and allow you to see much of the beautiful UK campus. Once you reach the stadium, you will find it very easy to navigate. The recent renovations have greatly improved the gate entry process and the traffic flow on the concourses. Return on Investment 3 The Wildcats use a tiered system for single-game ticket prices The prices range from $45 for a non-conference opponent to $60 for games involving an SEC opponent. Parking is free in on-campus lots 2, 3 and 6. The concessions are very reasonably priced, and Lexington-area restaurants and hotels offer a wide range of price points to meet any budget. There are a number of excellent attractions located nearby for pre or post-game entertainment. A trip to Bluegrass Country and a Kentucky Wildcat game adds up to a wonderful fall weekend at reasonable prices. Extras 3 In this age, it is rare for anything to be provided free of charge. The University of Kentucky is to be commended for providing free game programs, free parking (in lots #2, 3 and 6) and free water at any concession stand in Kroger Field. These little touches make a big difference in providing an enjoyable fan experience. The Bluegrass Region offers a wide variety of horse-related activities, including race tracks, museums and tours of horse farms. While in Lexington, a visit to Rupp Arena is required for any basketball fan. It ranks right up with Duke and Kansas in the hierarchy of NCAA college basketball shrines.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Memorial Stadium 5600 Glenwood St Boise, ID 83714 Boise Hawks website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 4,500 Hawks Nesting In Boise Baseball returned to Boise in 1987 after eight years without baseball. Currently the Hawks are the Short Season A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies and play in the Northwest League. Prior to moving to Boise, the team was the Tri-Cities Triplets, who played in Richland, Washington. The Hawks have also been affiliated with the Angels and the Cubs. Boise’s previous minor league teams played in both the Northwest League and the Pioneer League. Boise is a large enough city that seems like it should play in a higher league than short season A ball. Memorial Stadium opened in 1989 and is adjacent to the Western Idaho Fairgrounds on the banks of the Boise River. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are a pretty consistent slate of offerings, although not always exciting. The food prices are very similar to most minor league baseball stadiums. They are very fair and offer many choices. Most entrees are $4 and up and won’t break your wallet. Atmosphere 2 The field faces northeast and the stadium has three separate grandstands around the field. The stands behind the plate and on the third base side have seat backs while the ones on the first base side have bleachers. The design is antiquated and is not how modern stadiums are designed. As with many stadiums nowadays, there is a net around the entire seating area. The team offers most of the traditional minor league giveaways and antics, but the game still ends up being the main focus. The team tries to keep the entertainment happening in between innings so as to not distract from the game. Neighborhood 2 There is nothing much in the immediate area of the stadium. There is not a whole lot to see or do within walking distance except for the fairgrounds. There are many food and dining options within a short driving distance. Downtown Boise offers a thriving environment with many options. There are lots of restaurants and bars for pretty much anyone to enjoy. If you enjoy beer there are many local breweries to try out. Recommendations include 10 Barrell Brewing and Bittercreek Alehouse. Fans 4 There are some hardcore fans with seats around the home plate area. They will be loud and into all aspects of the game. The fans are pretty traditional minor league fans for this area. Some are very knowledgeable about the game, while others are there as part of a family or a group and may be less interested in the actual game. Access 3 Parking is free and the stadium is relatively easy to get to. It is not near downtown Boise and is not near a major highway. Return on Investment 4 The free parking, good variety of food options and the cheap tickets make it a worthwhile visit. Be on the lookout for ticket promotions and other events that can make your game experience better. The team is active in the community, and there are many ways to attend the game. Extras 2 There is a nice kids play area down the first base side. Although they are not hawks, another bird of prey, a couple of osprey, choose to nest on one of the outfield light posts. This is not a planned activity but actual wild birds that chose the stadium as their nesting spot. The team has helped with fixing the nest up between years and to keep them from nesting on the actual stadium structure. Final Thoughts Boise’s Memorial Stadium has seen better days and is far removed from how modern minor league stadiums are normally expected to be designed, but it is still a good place to watch a game. The team is expected to move to a stadium in downtown Boise in a couple of years, depending on various approvals.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Wintrust Field 1999 Springinsguth Rd Schaumburg, IL 60193 Map It Schaumburg Boomers website Wintrust Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 7,365 Boomers Baseball in Schaumburg Wintrust Field opened in 1999 as Alexian Field as the home of the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League. In 2011, the Flyers folded due to financial difficulties (evicted for back taxes) and the Schaumburg Boomers began playing in the 2012 season. The Schaumburg Boomers are a member of the independent Frontier League (a partner league of MLB). The team is named after the ‘booming’ sound of the local prairie chicken during the male mating season. The colors are black and orange, along with an ornithologically detailed logo of the prairie chicken. I would have named the team the Prairie Chickens. According to the team’s official website, Wintrust Field has a capacity of 7,365 with 16 luxury suites, 200 outfield bleacher seats, and an additional 900 fans can be accommodated in the lawn area along both foul lines. The Schaumburg Club, located on the first base side of the suite level, features restaurant-style seating complete with a full bar and glass-enclosed view of the game. It is also available for private parties and banquets year-round. Before the 2024 season, the Boomers renovated the Schaumburg Club and Suites with new enhanced food service areas, aesthetic updates, and a new video system perfect for meetings and non-baseball events.  Salvi Sports Enterprises owns the Schaumburg Boomers, as well as the Gary Southshore RailCats (American Association) and the North Shore Navigators (Futures Collegiate Baseball League). The Boomers have won four (4) Frontier League championships in 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2021. Food & Beverage 3 Overall, the food is quite good. Two main concession areas on the concourse offer a variety of options. They include jumbo hot dogs ($5), grilled brats ($6), cheeseburgers ($8), veggie burgers ($8), pizza slices ($6), and chicken tender baskets. The Boomers have “Specialty food” items such as the Big Chicago , a foot long Chicago Style hot dog, a Bases Loaded Burger , burger patties with pulled pork and crispy onion strings ($20), and my favorite, the Spud Bucket , a souvenir helmet filled with fries and topped with pulled pork nacho cheese and bacon ($23).  Of course, there are the Chicago classics of the Italian beef sandwich ($10) and the Italian sandwich ($6). Popcorn comes in a bag ($4), bucket ($8), or souvenir helmet (12). Peanuts, Cracker Jack, Sour Patch Kids, or M&M’s are $5. The best food choice might be Ben’s Soft Pretzel or jumbo cinnamon sugar pretzel ($7) and $2 more for a cheese dipping cup. This will be the best soft pretzel you have ever had – they are heaven in a wrapper. For your sweet tooth, The Creamery, a local ice cream shop, provides ice cream. They have cones and ice cream sandwiches from $6 to $10. In addition, there is cheesecake on a stick ($9) and chocolate-covered bananas ($5). A regular-sized Pepsi-brand soda is $5 and a larger souvenir soda is $7. Gatorades are $6. There is a decent selection of craft beer at the Goose Island kiosk, where four taps are available at $8 a pint . Picnic tables and chairs are available for fans to enjoy three varieties of the local brew for the same price. Premium beers are $9. More varieties at the concession stands include Church Street, Kona. However, you can enjoy a true Chicago classic, Old Style in a tallboy can at $8. In addition, they have spiked iced teas, Nutrl Vodka Seltzers, and canned mixed drinks ($10). Atmosphere 2 The ballpark is like any other park built during its time; there is nothing too special about it, but it is a good place to see a game. The organization recently painted the park to reflect the Boomer's colors of orange and black. The best thing about the seating area is that each seat has a cup holder. There are two grass berms along the foul line from just past the dugout to near the outfield wall. However, the bad thing about the park is you can’t walk around it; one can only walk from foul pole to foul pole. New to the ballpark this year (2024) is the outdoor suites and added drink rails. Four new concourse-level platforms are behind home plate at the back of sections J, I, G, & F. The spaces in G & I feature new outdoor suites right behind home plate for groups of up to 35. Left Field Grass Berm, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The Left Field Party Deck received a major overhaul with new seating areas, food service areas, and a canopy structure to help provide shade on day games.  Fans can rent this area out for private parties of up to 80 ($25 each includes hot dogs, BBQ pulled pork, brats, pasta salad, ice cream sandwiches, and soda or water, domestic draft beer is available for $2). When there are no parties, anyone can sit there since there are some tables with umbrellas. It is a nice place to view the game, but concessions are not in the area. The stadium has plenty of handicapped seating areas, and the Boomers provide steel folding chairs. Overhead suites cover a lot of the seating, which is nice if it rains, or you want some shade. The Boomers installed a new video scoreboard in 2023 which has the usual features like a video screen that shows up-to-the-minute current players’ stats. The ballpark has the same dimensions (353 feet down the right field line and 355 feet down the left field line) and “wells” in left and right fields like those at Wrigley Field. It was originally billed as a “mini-Wrigley Field.” The newly renovated Kids Zone, behind the party deck, features seven (7) new and fun inflatables for kids of all ages. The Kids Zone is free for fans in attendance. If you are with the kids, you might miss the game since the area will entertain them. There is a speed pitch there by the third base entrance. Between-innings promotions are the usual minor league stuff like t-shirt tosses and fan contests. My favorite is a race that pits three contestants, picked from the crowd, dressed as Repellent, Sunscreen, or Shaving Cream canisters. They race from the right field foul pole to near home plate. The Boomers have been utilizing their new video board between innings with a Kiss Cam, Smile Cam, etc. The gift shop is located on the bottom floor of the stadium at the main entrance. It is kind of small but there is a decent variety of shirts and hats.  Coop the Boomer, the mascot makes several appearances on the field, and he usually walks the concourse too . Neighborhood 3 Residential housing, parking lots, and a Metra train station surround the park. The Schaumburg Regional Airport is nearby, so during a game, you will regularly see small planes and helicopters going over the stadium. The Woodfield Mall, with adjoining big box stores and a bunch of chain restaurants such as Texas de Brazil, PF Changs, Cheesecake Factory, Giordano’s Pizza, and Bulldog Ale House, is about 15 minutes from the ballpark. Three recommended restaurants close to the park are Pilot Pete’s, which is an aeronautical-themed bar and restaurant, Sammy’s Mexican Restaurant, and Rookies Sports Bar & Grill. All are approximately five minutes from the park. The food quality at all the establishments is good and reasonably priced. Fans 3 Since the Salvi group has taken over, the Boomers average a little over 4,000 a game and have been at or near the top for attendance in the Frontier League. On Saturdays, they draw about 4,000 to 7,000 due to fireworks after the game. As with every Frontier League crowd, a few fans are really into the team and game. These fans are usually wearing Boomers jerseys/shirts. Other fans are there just to socialize with family and friends. Access 5 Overall, the access to the stadium is excellent since the park is located off the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway (I-390). It should be noted that the parking is free, but on crowded days (usually Saturdays), it will take a while to get out of the lot. Also, there is a Metra train station one block from the stadium. There are no restrictions on bags, but every bag carried into Wintrust Field is subject to inspection. Return on Investment 3 Reserve seats will cost $16, lawn seats are $12, and expect to pay $1 more on game day at the gate. A screen is in front of the seats in sections E-K (dugout to dugout) to protect fans from foul balls. These are some of the highest prices I have seen in the league. However, the product the Boomers put on the field is worth it. Extras 4 The Boomers are named for an endangered bird that is native to Illinois known as the Great Prairie Chicken. They can be found in greater abundance in the Dakotas, but at one time were prevalent in this area and nicknamed “boomers” because of the loud noise and dance they make during mating season.   Coop the Boomer, the team’s mascot, is out amongst the fans and on the field quite a bit and is popular with the kids. Finally, an extra point for the field since Roger Bossard, the “Sodfather”, the long-time groundskeeper of the Chicago White Sox, installed a new playing surface in October 2011. The ballpark earns a point for free parking. Final Thoughts The Schaumburg Boomers experience is noticeably better than the Schaumburg Flyers experience from many years ago. It seems the Boomers are keeping up their winning ways and are always upgrading the fan experience. Wintrust Field is worth checking out during any ballpark tours of the Chicagoland area.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Stadio Domenico Francioni Piazzale Prampolini, 4 Latina, Lazio 04100 Italy US Latina Calcio website Stadio Domenico Francioni website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 8,000 Football Under the Watchtower Latina is a city founded in 1932, under the name of Littoria, and near the city centre is Stadio Domenico Francioni. The facility hosts the home matches of the Unione Sportiva Latina Calcio, a club founded in 1945, and one that plays, for the 2013–14 season, in Serie B, the second level of the Italian football. The construction of the stadium began in 1932, and ended a little over two years later in 1935, when it was inaugurated. The structure was heavily bombed during the Second World War, and was restored in 1955. In the summer of 2013, the facility was the subject of restyling to meet the needs that the new league demanded. The total capacity is now 8,000 seats (1,500 for the visiting team’s fans). On August 31, 2013, Latina hosted their first game in Series B, where they drew Avellino 1-1. The first Serie B victory came on September 28 of that year when Latina bested Brescia 2-0. Since 1996, the facility is named Domenico Francioni, former president of the “black and blue”. The list of champions who played at least once on the pitch of Francioni includes Diego Armando Maradona, Alessandro Altobelli, Paolo Maldini, and Roberto Baggio. In the past, the facility also hosted events not related to football, such as the concert by British rock band Deep Purple on July 11, 2006, as part of their world tour, “Rapture of the Deep in the World”. Note: all exchange rates are as of the time of this posting, October 2013. Food & Beverage 3 Each section has a food court. We tried one in the Tribuna Centrale. For a hot dog and a Coke (served in paper cups), we spent €6 ($8.10). At the food court, you can buy different types of sandwiches, ice cream, coffee, water, and soft drinks. Atmosphere 3 It is easy to identify Stadio Domenico Francioni. Behind the Tribuna Centrale stands a tall tower in the shape of a mushroom, and is visible from most of the city. Also walking along Via Duca del Mare in the direction of Piazzale Prampolini, you can recognize the monumental entrance to the stadium with its six columns, the inscription “Campo Sportivo D. Francioni,” and flags both with the colors of Italy (green, white, and red) and of Unione Sportiva Latina Calcio (black and blue). The stadium consists of curved seating sections on both ends, and by one set of covered grandstands (Tribuna Centrale and Tribuna Laterale) and one area of bleachers (Distinti Gradinata) along the pitch. On the south side of the stadium (Curva Ospiti) is a metal bleacher section reserved for supporters of the visiting team. Everywhere, black and blue colors dominate, and in the bleachers, some white seats form the words “U.S. Latina”. The view is good from every section of the stadium. The seats closest to the field of play are those in the grandstands. Neighborhood 3 Stadio Domenico Francioni is located near the centre of Latina. Around the facility, there are cafés (where the fans can be found at the end of the match), pizzerias, ice cream shops, and many other vendors. Fans 3 The most fervent fans of Latina Calcio follow the game from the Curva Nord. During the match, they serenade players with songs, along with waving both scarves and black and blue flags. The most important rivalry the team has is with Frosinone Calcio (“Derby del Basso Lazio”). Access 3 It is quite easy to get to Stadio Domenico Francioni coming from Rome (the distance is about 70 km). The distance from the railway station of Latina Scalo is about 10 km. At the train station, there are public bus service links to the city centre as well as taxi service. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices to watch a single match during the 2013-14 Serie B season are: – Tribuna Laterale A or B: from €12.50 to €25 ($17 to $33.90) – Tribuna Centrale Nord or Sud: from €15 to €30 ($20.30 to $40.65) – Tribuna Centrale VIP: €80 ($108.40) – Curva Norda and Curva Ospiti: from €6 to €12 ($8.10 to $16.25) – Distinti Gradinata A, B, or C: from €9 to €18 ($12.20 to $24.40) There are reductions for children from 5 to 14 years old, and for seniors over 65 years. Extras 1 Latina, one of the youngest cities in Italy, was founded in June 1932, under the name of Littoria. In 1946, the city changed its name to Latina. In the city boundaries, there is part of the Circeo National Park, one of the oldest natural protected areas in Italy.