Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Walsh Gymnasium FANFARE Score: 4.29 Walsh Gymnasium 400 S Orange Ave South Orange, NJ 07079 Seton Hall Pirates website Walsh Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 1,655 Seton Hall’s Walsh Gymnasium Note: Seton Hall plays the majority of their games at the Prudential Center. To see Stadium Journey's review of that venue, click here . There’s a palpable buzz around the Seton Hall men’s basketball team. With the return of their star Myles Powell, Pirate fans are shooting for a deep March-April run. The Hall plays the vast majority of its games at the Prudential Center in nearby Newark. Every season though, The Hall plays a select few games at its on-campus facility, the historic Walsh Gymnasium, which opened in 1941. Walsh is very small, extremely loud and just a magnificent place to watch a college basketball game. It’s big time basketball in a very small place, a wonderful combination. Think Cameron Indoor or Allen Fieldhouse, except much smaller. Food & Beverage 3 Walsh has a small, quaint concessions stand, which offers the standards: hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels and candy. No item costs more than $3. Atmosphere 5 You’re on top of the court, as close as Spike Lee got to Reggie Miller. Seton Hall has a great dance team, cheerleading squad and band. If you’re looking for a quiet night, this isn’t the spot. Neighborhood 4 Walsh is about a mile away from South Orange’s main drag and train station. South Orange is a 40-minute train ride from New York’s Penn Station. South Orange has no shortage of dining options. Jackie & Son, is a hip lunch/brunch spot with plenty of healthy choices. Toro Loco, does fine Mexican. Right next door, The Fox & Falcon is an attractive, upscale option. For something quick and sweet, there’s a Carvel. Fans 5 Pirate fans will sell out Walsh, which is not difficult. When the Pirates are rolling, they’ll sell out the Prudential, which is very difficult. The Hall has a loyal fan base of students, alums and basketball aficionados. They’ll vociferously cheer on their team but don’t count on them singing along to “Sweet Caroline.” Perhaps The Hall’s band might get a better response from “Born To Run.” Access 4 Props to Seton Hall for making this small venue work. Remarkably, congestion is scarce. Seton Hall's campus and Walsh are easily accessible by car and parking is free. South Orange’s train station is just a 20-minute walk away. Return on Investment 5 It’s a trifecta: Cheap concessions, free parking and reasonably priced tickets. Most importantly, the venue is absolutely amazing. You’re practically in the game. Extras 4 Restrooms are modern and well kept. Ushers and security people are friendly and professional. Seton Hall’s coach Kevin Willard is a sight. Even when he appears to be still, he’s in constant motion, either chewing or swigging water. Lastly, The Hall’s women’s team plays its home games at Walsh. Walsh was built in 1941 but has a modern feel thanks to great upkeep. Final Thoughts Walsh Gym is a welcome, Hoosiers-style throwback. In the age of humongous, often half-empty arenas, it’s refreshing to catch big-time college game at this small, beautiful gem. Jon Hart is @ManVersusBall .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Yuengling Center 4202 E Fowler Ave Tampa, FL 33620 USF Bulls website Yuengling Center website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 10,411 Tampa Basketball Fever Tampa is a college town – it may not look like it on the outside, but there are deep ties to collegiate athletics in this city. USF is a big part of that in recent years, thanks to bouts of success across various sports, and because of this the local fan base has steadily grown to one that is quietly one of the best in the state of Florida. The school’s basketball team is part of this culture. Often overlooked by their bigger neighbors in the state, USF’s fans are just as loyal and proud as the rest of them. Playing in an arena that, when packed, provides a loud home court advantage, the Bulls have given reason for their fans to cheer in the past, and the excitement on the court is what keeps fans coming back game after game. Food & Beverage 3 Multiple concessions stands dot the arena’s main concourse. From burgers to pretzels, fans can pick up snacks or a main meal at the arena. All items are under $10, which automatically puts USF basketball at the low end of concessions prices. Beer and sodas are also available at all stands, with large fountain drinks running only $7. The only downside here is the lack of variety. Atmosphere 3 Once inside Yuengling Center you are immediately reminded of some of the great college basketball arenas. Its towering ceiling and bowl seating harkens to those halcyon days of the past where college basketball was played in the 80s. Thankfully, the seating is a bit better than those days as well. While the color palate inside and out is beige and green, it still fits with the feeling of USF. The area’s construction also echoes sound well, meaning even a meager crowd can sound like a packed house to the visiting team. Inside the arena, a large team store greets fans, offering hats, shirts, and all manner of USF items for sale. This is an often-missed aspect of an arena in smaller college markets. Once the game starts, the standard fare greets fans; from the college band in the end zone to the hype video player introductions, the whole event feels like a standard college basketball game. Yuengling Center Team Store, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 To get to USF, a trip north on I-75 will take you near the arena. Located adjacent to Busch Gardens Tampa, the USF campus is easy to find even when exiting the highway, thanks to plentiful signage. The campus itself has multiple hotels and restaurants nearby, thanks in part to its theme park neighbor. However, Tampa itself has become a hotbed of foodie culture lately, meaning finding food in the area during your visit shouldn’t be difficult. Local options like Taco Dirty and Fresh Kitchen offer fans a variety of food options. While hotels are located nearby, fans can also opt for something near the downtown area as well, located just 15 minutes from campus. Fans 4 The fans at USF are loud and proud. While it may not always be a sell-out crowd, the games at Yuengling Center always feel busy thanks to the amplification of the crowd noise from the arena’s acoustics. That isn’t to say the fans aren’t loud themselves – on the contrary, USF fans feel like they have something to prove, and therefore bring their all when it comes to cheering for their Bulls. The biggest example of this is every time UCF visits for the War on I-4 matchup; the Bulls faithful make sure their neighbors to the east know that Tampa is USF territory. Perhaps the best thing about the fans at USF games are the families. Young fans are a big part of the fanbase in Tampa, which only helps grow the team. Regardless of the record on the court, the youngest fans of USF are there to cheer on their favorite players, all the way from freshman year to their senior night games. Access 4 To park at Yuengling Center fans have multiple options. There is close, paid, easy-access parking available outside the door to the arena, while for big games, overflow lots surround the facility, meaning you will have plenty of places to park. In addition, the arena is also easy to navigate, as directional signage is plentiful throughout. Finding the arena is also not difficult as it is located just inside the south entrance to campus. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to USF games are inexpensive, especially when compared to the city’s pro sports options. For the same price as parking at a Buccaneers game, a family of four can have lower bowl seating at USF basketball. Also, given that Tampa Bay has no NBA franchise, USF represents the pinnacle of basketball in the greater Tampa Bay area. In addition, mid-major college basketball is some of the best in the country, so having the opportunity to watch some while staying in a warm, tropical paradise is well worth the visit in itself. Extras 3 The team has a giveaways table at the entrance of all games, which always draws fans as they arrive on game day. You can also find the history of USF throughout the concourse inside the arena – on each wall is an infographic showing the school’s beginnings and highlights, both academic and athletic. Finally, the team’s mascot roams throughout the arena on game days, interacting with fans and posing for photos. Yuengling Center Giveaway Table, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Though overlooked, USF is a proud college with many athletic achievements. USF basketball continues this proud tradition, offering fans the chance to watch some top-level college hoops for an affordable price. While not always packed full of fans, Yuengling Center no doubt deserves a visit whenever in the area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stade Canac 100 Cardinal Maurice-Roy Street Quebec, QC G1K 8Z1 Quebec les Capitales website Stade Canac website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 4,300 La Maison des Capitales Stade Canac, located in Quebec’s Parc Victoria, was built in 1939 as a public project meant to create jobs and municipal facilities during an economic downturn in the province. Over the years, several professional teams have called the stadium home, including teams affiliated with the Dodgers, Cubs, Braves, and Expos. Notable players to play at Stade Canac include Warren Spahn, Hank Aaron, Gary Carter, and Andre Dawson. Since 1999 les Capitales de Quebec have called Stade Canac home, first as members of the Northern League, then the Northeast League and Can-Am League. Since 2020 les Capitales have been members of the Frontier League. The team has been very successful, winning 8 league championships over its history, including the 2022 Frontier League title. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Stade Canac are surprisingly strong for a ballpark of this size. The main concession stand in the lobby serves up standard ballpark fare (well, standard Quebec ballpark fare). In addition to burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and french fries, fans can select poutine and smoked meat. The poutine appears to be the most popular menu item here and is not a scaled-down version of the Canadian standard. You can order your poutine topped with popcorn chicken or sliced hot dogs. A good variety of snack food is available, including corn dogs, popcorn, nachos, peanuts, and chips. Pepsi products are featured at Stade Canac. If you are looking for something a bit colder on a hot summer night, slush puppies are also sold in a variety of colors (flavors?). Sleeman beers are featured at Stade Canac, both at the main stand and in the Sleeman Lounge underneath the third base stands. Fans looking to avoid the lines of the main stand can visit the self-serve station or the bar located in the lobby. Outside the entrance of the ballpark is a food truck offering steak and cheese subs and grilled hot dogs along with a variety of beverages. Ice cream and other snacks are sold at the Zone Famille, located in the first base party zone. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere here in Quebec is fairly typical of other minor league ballparks across the continent. The fun begins before the game, as music is played in the right field party zone. Stadium Journey attended a pair of weekend games, so this may not be an every game occurrence, but the party zone was certainly the place to be before the first pitch. The fans in attendance, especially the younger ones, have learned that the old metal seats in Stade Canac make a lot of noise and create a solid home-field advantage. The team employs a mascot who spends his day roaming the ballpark interacting with fans and participating in between-inning shenanigans. An on-field emcee makes sure the promotions keep moving and the crowd stays hyped. Members of the promotions team dance on top of the dugout when not coordinating on-field contests, joined in by the majority of the crowd. There is a video board in right field in addition to a manually operated scoreboard. The public address announcer and on-field emcee do their thing in French, but visitors need not worry about not being understood. In a city the size of Quebec, the majority of the population speaks both French and English. You should have no problem communicating, even with the fans around you. Neighborhood 3 Stade Canac is located in Parc Victoria in the Saint-Roch neighborhood. Visiting fans will not find much in the way of eateries or lodging near the ballpark. However, there is a great deal to see and do here in the capital of the province. Old Quebec, the most popular tourist attraction in the city, is a short ten-minute drive away. If visiting from out of town be sure to wander the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec and Petit Champlain before heading to the ballpark. Montmorency Falls, Dufferin Terrace, and the Plains of Abraham are other popular destinations not far from Stade Canac. Fans 4 Quebec annually ranks among the leaders in the Frontier League attendance rankings. For the 2023 season, they are third in the circuit, drawing over 2,800 fans per game. Visitors would be well advised to check for ticket availability ahead of time, especially if you are planning to visit on a Saturday night. Quebec may be first and foremost a hockey town, but a city this size is sure to have its share of baseball fans. Of course, you’re going to find your share of younger fans mixed in with the die-hards since les Capitales are marketed as family-friendly entertainment. The fans here know their stuff and are into the game. It’s a fun atmosphere here at Stade Canac. Access 3 Stade Canac is located in Parc Victoria, a large municipal park on the shores of the Saint-Charles River. Also located on these grounds are facilities for soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, hockey, and skateboarding. The old Quebec Arena, home of the NHL’s Quebec Bulldogs, was located here until it burned down in 1942. If driving, Stade Canac is very easy to get to, as it is located just off Autoroute 973. The tourist destination of Old Quebec is located just three kilometers away, an easy 10-minute drive. Parking is available at no charge in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. Should this lot fill up, additional parking is available throughout Parc Victoria. Fans who have visited Stade Quillorama in Trois Rivieres will find the layout of Stade Canac familiar, which makes sense considering they were designed by the same person and built at the same time. Loge and mezzanine seats are folding metal chairs that are very noisy and not so comfortable. The general admission seats look a lot like church pews. Those look equally uncomfortable. Getting around Stade Canac can be difficult. It’s cramped and crowded. Steep ramps lead from the floor level to the seating bowl. Depending on where your seats are, you may need to navigate a maze of stairs and walkways to get to your seats. Some of the seats higher up in the seating bowl feature obstructed views and nets run the length of the bowl, obstructing all views. Party zones on either end of the grandstand provide some room to spread out and some relief from the cramped quarters throughout the ballpark. Restrooms are dated, but adequate for the crowd on hand. It would be nice if the doors to the restrooms were closed, though. As you may imagine, since the crowds are large and there is only one way in and out of the ballpark, leaving the ballpark and the parking lots can be slow. Be patient as you leave Stade Canac. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Les Capitales games are separated into three tiers: Loge ($23), Mezzanine ($20), and General Admission ($12). Students and Seniors receive a one-dollar discount, while children under 12 receive a two-dollar discount. On Sundays, children are admitted for $5. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. Concessions are very affordable. Extras 4 Six retired numbers are displayed on the front of the press box. Among the honorees are Gary Carter, Jean-Phillipe Roy, Eddie Lantigua, and Jackie Robinson. On the outfield wall are championship banners honoring les Capitales’ eight titles. A pair of extra points are awarded for the historic displays located in the hallways underneath the grandstand. On the first base side is a display featuring Capitales history and on the third base side is a display featuring the teams that have called Stade Canac home throughout its history. There is incredible detail in both these displays and plenty for baseball fans to see. Warning – the displays are in French, but this shouldn’t make them any less enjoyable or informative. A final extra point is awarded for the manual scoreboard in the right field. The operator will place goose eggs in place of zeros for the visiting squad. One note to Capitales management – get this poor man a stool or a chair! He stands on the ledge of the scoreboard the entire game doing his job. He deserves a seat! Final Thoughts Quebec would never be considered a baseball city by most fans, but Les Capitales have been one of the more successful independent teams both on and off the field. A trip to historic Stade Canac is one worth taking for any ballpark chaser. Pair Stade Canac with a visit to its sister ballpark, Stade Quillorama in Trois Rivieres , and you have a terrific Stadium Journey. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium 300 Stadium Dr Hadley, MA 01003 UMass Minutemen website Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 17,000 Did It in a Minute, Man Football has been played at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst since 1879. In 1965 the school completed the construction of Alumni Stadium, which was renamed in 1984 to honor Warren P. McGuirk, who served as the school’s athletic director from 1948-1972. UMass has a long, successful history in Division 1-AA/FCS, winning 22 conference titles and a national championship in 1998. The Minutemen also appeared in the championship game on two other occasions (1978 and 2006). The Minutemen made the jump to FBS beginning with the 2012 season. At the time, their on-campus home did not meet the minimum standards set by the FBS. To remedy these shortcomings, the University embarked on a $20 million renovation project to bring McGuirk Stadium up to speed. The team played two seasons at Gillette Stadium , 95 miles from campus, while work progressed at McGuirk. Even though capacity was expanded to 17,000, McGuirk Stadium remains the third smallest venue in FBS. The team, which now competes as an independent, has struggled since joining college football’s top division, compiling a dismal 19-81 record in FBS going into the 2021 season. Food & Beverage 3 There are four main concession stands tucked underneath the grandstands at McGuirk Stadium, two on either side of the field. The menus at these stands do not stray far from stadium basics, with hot dogs, burgers, sausages, and chicken tenders comprising the entire menu. Coca-Cola products are featured at McGuirk Stadium. Local favorite Batch Ice Cream operates a couple of stands at McGuirk Stadium, serving up varieties of their homemade ice cream flavors. Other snacks include pretzels, fresh fruit, and chips. The craft beer game is strong at a UMass game. Local brews from Amherst Brewing, New City Brewery, Loophole Brewing, Wormhole Brewery, and City Roots are sold alongside Bud Light, UFO, and Corona. If wine is more to your taste, you can find that at the concession stands as well. Atmosphere 3 There’s nothing particularly unique about the atmosphere or game day presentation at a UMass football game, and the smallish crowds tend to hold down the overall noise and excitement levels, but there’s nothing particularly wrong with the atmosphere at McGuirk Stadium, either. If you prefer your football viewing experience a bit more laid back than at the big schools, a UMass game is most enjoyable. When you have a football stadium in a rural location surrounded by parking lots, that’s a recipe for a fun tailgating scene, and that’s certainly the case here in Amherst. The school made some waves when they canceled the organized student activities for the first game of the 2021 season after some breakthrough COVID cases were documented, but the students were back in full force for home game number two. Before the 2019 season, McGuirk Stadium underwent several improvements designed to improve the fan experience, including a new high-definition scoreboard in the south end zone, a new auxiliary scoreboard in the north end zone, a new hospitality plaza in the south end zone, new restrooms and several ADA improvements. Neighborhood 4 There’s not a whole lot near McGuirk Stadium if you are a visiting fan looking for food, beverage, or lodging before or after a Minutemen game. However, Amherst is a mainstay at the top of many “best college towns in the nation” lists, so you aren’t too far from a whole bunch of great options while at UMass. Just a mile away from the UMass campus is North Pleasant Street, where a seemingly endless variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs can be found. To fit in with the locals, take a trip to the Hangar Pub and Grill for a craft beer or to Antonio’s Pizza for a slice or two. Despite the presence of five colleges in and around Amherst, there’s not a ton of lodging options in the area. Most of the places you will find are located in Hadley a few miles from the UMass campus. Lodging doesn’t get any more convenient than the UMass Hotel, located right on campus and run by students in the hospitality program. As any self-respecting college town should, Amherst has its share of museums, including ones dedicated to authors Emily Dickinson and Eric Carle. Fans 2 Since their elevation to FBS in 2012, UMass has struggled to fill McGuirk Stadium for football games. Even with local power Boston College in town for the opening home game of 2021, there were only 12,000 fans on hand. 2021’s second game against Eastern Michigan drew only 7,000. Looking back at the 2019 season, UMass finished next to last in the country in terms of attendance, averaging just over 10,000 per game. The fans who do show up at McGuirk Stadium are enthusiastic and supportive, even if they aren’t the rowdiest fans you’ll see during your travels across the country. You can expect a big turnout by the student body, even if most of them do leave at halftime. Access 3 The flagship school of the UMass system is located in rural Amherst in western Massachusetts, about halfway between Boston and Albany. Springfield is located about a half-hour to the south. Most fans will take the Mass Pike (I-90) to Interstate 91 and then travel some local roads to arrive in Amherst. The scenery in the area during leaf season is amazing. McGuirk Stadium is located on the southwest edge of the UMass-Amherst campus, just across the town line in neighboring Hadley. There is ample parking in the lots a short walk from the stadium. Remember to purchase your parking early to save money! McGuirk Stadium has a basic setup, with one grandstand on either side of the field. All seats are aluminum bleachers without backs. The eastern side of the field is in the sun, and the western side is in the shade due to the presence of the press box on top of the grandstand. It’s humorous how most fans sit on one side during the warm early-season games and on the other during cold late-season games. McGuirk is unique in that the first row of seats is located 12 feet above the ground. Concession stands and merchandise stands are tucked underneath the stands, and a walkway circles the gridiron at field level, pushing the seats further from the field. New restrooms have been built on either side of the facility and have alleviated wait times greatly. There is plenty of room to roam at McGuirk, as entrance gates are located a bit of a walk from the seating area. The area between the gates and seats is not paved, so tread carefully. Return on Investment 4 UMass splits its games into two tiers. Tickets for Tier One games are priced at $23 and $30, while Tier Two games are priced at $18 and $25. Parking is also variably priced and will cost you either $30 or $40 if purchased on game day. Stadium Journey can’t stress strongly enough the benefit of purchasing parking in advance. By buying ahead of time, parking will only cost you $10. Concession prices are comparable to other venues in the area. Extras 2 The UMass Marching Band, the largest marching band in all of New England, earns an extra point. They perform pregame, at halftime, and postgame, as well as adding plenty to the atmosphere during the game. The UMass Militia earns an extra point. They may be smaller and less well-known than their counterparts in Foxboro, but they add an appropriate touch of Minutemen spirit to the festivities. Final Thoughts The UMass football team has experienced more than its share of troubles since the program was elevated to FBS in 2012. As a result, the game day experience suffers at tiny McGuirk Stadium. However, all is not lost in Amherst. During a crisp fall day with the leaves turning all sorts of colors, not many stadiums can match the scenery of western Massachusetts. McGuirk may be a simple facility, but it’s a worthy Stadium Journey.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Sydney Cricket Ground Driver Ave Moore Park, NSW 2021 Australia Sydney Sixers website Sydney Cricket Ground website Year Opened: 1848 Capacity: 48,000 Smash ’em Sixers The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is one of the oldest sports stadiums still in use in Australia. The land on which the SCG sits was granted to the British Army in 1846 and was originally known as the Garrison Ground, in reference to the troops stationed at the nearby Victoria Barracks who recreated there. The New South Wales Cricket Association began regular use of the ground in the 1870s and the state government commenced work to upgrade the facility. The first cricket test match at the SCG was played in 1882 between Australia and England. Among the most distinctive features of the SCG are the old Members Pavilion and Ladies Stand, which were erected in 1886 and 1896 respectively. Capacity is approximately 48,000. While its use as a cricket venue has been uninterrupted, the SCG was in fact the major sporting stadium for a number of different sports until the 1980s. Major rugby league and rugby union matches were played here until the Sydney Football Stadium opened next door in 1988. The SCG was the main stadium when Sydney hosted the Empire Games (now the Commonwealth Games) in 1938. The major cricket stadiums around Australia also double as AFL venues; the SCG has been home to the Sydney Swans who relocated north from South Melbourne in 1982. Readers from North America may recall the opening series of the 2014 MLB season between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks was staged here. The Sydney Sixers are one of two franchises formed in the harbour city to compete in Cricket Australia’s Twenty20 tournament, the Big Bash League (BBL) in 2011. The Sixers are owned by Cricket NSW and represent the coastal suburbs and inner city, while their cross-town rivals, the Sydney Thunder, are based in the western suburbs. The Sixers are the second most successful club in BBL history, having won championships in 2011/12, 2019/20, and 2020/21. The franchise also has a highly successful WBBL team. Food & Beverage 3 Well-known hospitality group Merivale has the catering rights at both the SCG and Allianz Stadium. While the restricted Member’s area has a wider range of premium items available, the remainder of the ground features largely pedestrian offerings at high prices. Staples such as meat pies, hot chips, and hot dogs are readily available for between $6-$9, with burgers (with chips) around $18. Healthy bowl choices (Kale, grilled chicken miso and lime grilled chicken) are between $17-$19. The aforementioned “premium” outlets include Vinnie's Pizza, Jimmy's Falafel, and Queen Chow Dumplings and Noodles, and the Chicken Shop. Alcoholic drinks range from $9 to $16. As with many sports venues around Australia now, most of the ground does not have access to full-strength (alcohol percentage) beer. Atmosphere 5 Cricket grounds have traditionally been developed as a series of separate grandstands circling the playing field, rather than a continuous seating bowl, giving fans a series of different experiences depending on where they choose to sit. The SCG retains this aspect despite numerous redevelopment projects over the years. The Bill O’Reilly Stand on the eastern side of the ground, and the Brewongle / Clive Churchill Stands in the southwestern corner, were opened during the 1980s. In more recent times, the Victor Trumper Stand was completed in 2008. The latest project saw the M.A. Noble, Don Bradman, and Dally Messenger Stands completely re-built. Naming each stand after great players of days gone by is a wonderful tradition. While it may be the newest form of cricket, the Sixers fit seamlessly with the SCG. Arrive a few hours early and you will find plenty to do outside the stadium along Driver Ave, which is closed to traffic on game days. Enjoy the various fan engagement opportunities and check out the merchandise van – the Sixers predominant colour is magenta, which matches their trendy and flashy identity. Twenty20 cricket is fast and entertaining. Pleasingly, on our latest visit there was a big reduction in the use of loud music between each ball, enabling fans to easily converse with one another without shouting. Neighborhood 4 The SCG is only minutes from central Sydney and all that a global city offers. Sydney is centred around the water and if you’re visiting from out of town be sure to check out the world-famous harbour and beaches – a ferry trip from Circular Quay in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Manly Beach should be mandatory. The closest restaurants and bars are in the Entertainment Quarter, which is on the southern side of the SCG, with the Bavarian Bier Café (Entertainment Quarter, 212 Bent St Moore Park) being a solid choice. Heading east, you will find the suburbs of Paddington, Bondi, and Coogee – always popular with tourists and locals alike. A short distance north is Darlinghurst and Kings Cross; a more bohemian district, with “The Cross” being the red-light district. Also, close by is The Rocks, one of the first areas to be settled by the British when they arrived in 1788. If this is your destination then make sure The Hero of Waterloo (81 Lower Fort St, The Rocks) and the Lord Nelson (19 Kent St, The Rocks) are on your list; they’re two of the oldest pubs in the country. As a large city, Sydney also provides many opportunities to see a range of sports while you’re here including soccer (Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers), baseball (Sydney Blue Sox), and basketball (Men: Sydney Kings, Women: Sydney Flames). Of course, cricket fans will likely want to also see the Sydney Thunder at Spotless Stadium. Fans 3 In recent years BBL crowds have declined. Many suggest this is due to an extended season leading to an oversupply of content, and the lack of star power within the league. However, crowds have returned in pleasing numbers for the 2022/23 season. Average attendance has risen to between 15,000 – 20,000 which provides a much-needed lift in atmosphere. The most sought-after game is the “Sydney Smash”, where the Sixers take on their cross-town rivals, Sydney Thunder. The target-market is families – and BBL is unashamedly perfect for this audience. Fans are friendly and supportive of their team. The BBL is universally a great product for a fun and safe environment. Access 4 The SCG is located just south of the Sydney CBD, making it relatively accessible. The Moore Park precinct is serviced by buses and light rail. The closest train station is Central which is a 20-minute walk away, however this is largely uphill on your way to the ground. Sydney’s newest light rail line opened in 2020 and now links Central with Moore Park providing an affordable and quick transfer. Access by public car to the Moore Park area often includes flirting with gridlocked traffic as you get closer to the area. Even though much of the BBL season coincides with school holidays, large crowds will always be accompanied by traffic-jams. Parking is available in the parklands opposite for $30, with payment only accepted by card – no cash. Note that the government is currently in talks with Venues NSW regarding discontinuing the current arrangements and building a new multi-level carpark. As with many other sports and entertainment venues, there are security checks prior to entry including bag checks. It’s also worth remembering you’re not able to circumnavigate the stadium as you’re restricted to the area in which you’re seated. In most cases the upper decks in each grandstand are closed as crowds are less than capacity. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets represent good value; $25 for an adult, and $5 for children ($50 for a family ticket), make this a very affordable family night out. However, reserved seating is as much as $65 for adults. Be sure to pre-purchase, if possible, otherwise you’ll be charged extra at the gate. While parking and food are expensive, the overall experience is well-priced. If you do decide on general admission tickets, aim to arrive early to claim the best seats. Extras 5 There are numerous additional historical aspects to the Sydney Cricket Ground including the Walk of Honour, which is a series of 14 bronze statues featuring great Australian sportspeople who have strong links to the precinct. The newest addition to this showcase is Belinda Clark, a trailblazer for women’s cricket who has given a lifetime of service to the sport as a player and administrator. There is also a great museum which is best experienced as part of a guided tour. While there is an additional cost, it’s well worth it. Lastly, the media centre was recently renamed in honour of the late, great Richie Benaud. For the uninitiated, Richie Benaud captained the Australian team in 28 test matches between 1958 and 1963 before becoming one of the most recognisable, authoritative, and influential broadcasters of his time. For our North American readers, Benaud is comparable to Vin Scully. Final Thoughts The Sixers have taken the history of the SCG and added the sparkle, fun and excitement of T20 cricket. If you’re in Sydney during the long summer months, the Sixers must be on your “to-do” list.

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Foxboro Stadium Route One Foxboro, MA 20235 New England Patriots website Capacity: 60,292 Year Opened: 1971 Schaefer-Sullivan-Foxboro Stadium Fans who have only been watching the National Football League during the 21st century may be surprised to learn that the New England Patriots were not always the dominant team that they’ve been during the Brady/Belichick era. In fact, for most of their existence, the opposite was true. They were often considered to be the laughingstock of the league, more likely to compete for the top overall pick than for the Super Bowl. The team seemed to make headlines more often for dubious reasons than for anything they accomplished on the field. They were often derisively referred to as “The Patsies.” The Patriots were nomadic over the early years of their existence. During the first ten years the team played in the American Football League, they called Nickerson Field (1960-62), Fenway Park (1963-68), Alumni Stadium (1969) and Harvard Stadium (1970) home. After the AFL-NFL merger, the NFL pushed the Patriots to find a permanent stadium as none of their previous homes met minimum league standards for capacity or facilities. In September of 1970 ground was broken on the site of the Bay State Raceway in the small town of Foxborough, MA, located about halfway between Boston and Providence, RI. The entire stadium was constructed at a total cost of only $7.1 million, all of which came from private entities. No public monies were involved in the project. Schaefer Brewery purchased the naming rights in an early example of corporate sponsorship. When this deal expired in 1982, Anheuser-Busch took over naming rights, but rather than put one of their brands on the facility, they agreed to name the stadium after the Sullivan family, who were then the majority owners of the Patriots. When local businessman Robert Kraft purchased the stadium out of bankruptcy from the Sullivans, he stripped their name and rechristened it Foxboro Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions were served out of two stands on either side of the stadium, as well as portable carts located throughout the facility. The food consisted of standard stadium fare (hot dogs, burgers, pizza), average in both quality and price. Long lines were the norm at these stands, especially at halftime. With Foxboro Stadium’s location in the suburbs surrounded by parking lots, most fans preferred to tailgate rather than eat during the game. Foxboro Stadium was legendary for the excess of alcohol consumed by many Patriots fans, both before the game in the tailgating lots and during the game at the concession stands. Tales of drunken fans who had been overserved could be told by anyone who had ever been to a Patriots game at Foxboro Stadium. In fact, the Foxboro selectmen banned night games at the stadium starting in 1981 due to excessive alcohol consumption and rowdyism by the fans. The ban lasted until 1995. Atmosphere 2 Back in the days of Foxboro Stadium the Patriots were undoubtedly the fourth team on the Boston sports food chain. As a result of the team’s constant losing, tickets were often easy to come by. The bare-bones nature of Foxboro Stadium reflected in the game day atmosphere as well. There was a single video board at the south end zone and the open design of the stadium meant that any noise generated was easily dissipated. The Patriots never seemed to enjoy much of a home-field advantage here. The highlight of the Foxboro Stadium experience was undoubtedly the tailgating before and after games. The stadium was surrounded by acres of unpaved parking lots, giving fans much room to set up elaborate parties. With a relaxed attitude towards these parties, it was not unusual for fans to arrive at kickoff with a good head start towards tomorrow’s hangover. Longtime Patriots fans can tell tales of the amount of fighting that went on here, or the rowdy behavior throughout games. One legendary tale (perhaps an urban legend) speaks of a fan bringing a hibachi grill into the end zone seats, which promptly ended up getting thrown at another fan. Foxboro Stadium was not the place to bring the family. Neighborhood 1 Foxboro Stadium’s location far from the urban centers of Boston and Providence meant that there was lots of room around the facility for, well, parking lots. There wasn’t much else nearby. There was a trailer park next door to the stadium, which got overrun by fans walking from the tailgates to the stadium (the team paid to move the whole trailer park out of the way further down Route 1 when the Krafts bought the Patriots). In addition, there were a couple of seedy bars and hotels nearby, but really nothing else within walking distance of the stadium. Back then Route One did not look like the developed business area it is today. Fans 3 The Patriots were the fourth team in a four-team town for much of their early existence. The fact that winning seasons were few and far between during this era didn’t help. Still, the team had its share of die-hard fans who certainly made going to a game in Foxboro interesting. Since the Patriots only arrived on the Boston sports scene in 1960, it wasn’t unusual to find a significant portion of the crowd in Foxboro that rooted for the Giants, who were the closest team for many years. If you were coming to a game against the Giants, Patriots fans could expect to be outnumbered, even into the 90s. Patriot fans were more known for their rowdy behavior than for their numbers. Foxboro was not a place to bring the family, and it was rare to see many women at a Patriots game back in the day. Access 2 Foxboro Stadium was built on the cheap and in a hurry in 1970. As a result, the facility had its share of issues, most notably with traffic and plumbing. During the first game at the new stadium, several sinks and toilets backed up because they couldn’t handle the volume of flushes throughout the game. Fixes were made to keep the stadium open, which were tested during the infamous “Super Flush,” where dozens of volunteers were enlisted to flush every toilet in the stadium simultaneously. The stadium passed and football was able to continue. The bathrooms were never the cleanest place to be, though. Also legendary for all the wrong reasons was the traffic to and from Patriot games. Located near the intersection of Interstates 95 and 495, one would think that Foxboro Stadium had a good location going for it. Unfortunately, access to the stadium from the interstates was only possible by traveling a few miles on Route One, a four-lane business route that backed up for miles on game day. It would routinely take hours for the parking lots to clear after Patriots games. Foxboro Stadium hardly looked like a professional venue, even by 1970s standards. Designed and constructed simply, the facility featured a single-tier grandstand on either side of the field, with limited seating in either end zone. The majority of seats consisted of metal bleachers without backs. There were a few sections at midfield which featured individual seats. One positive to Foxboro Stadium was that all seats were angled towards the 50-yard line, providing excellent views from anywhere in the stadium. A single, narrow concourse ran underneath the seating sections on either side of the field. The concession stands and bathrooms were located here. Long lines were the norm, both to the stands and the bathrooms throughout the game. The majority of the parking lots were unpaved and the stadium was completely open to the elements. Foxboro Stadium was incredibly hot during the early months of the season and absolutely frigid during the end of the season. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Patriots games were pretty affordable to the point where, as high school students in the 80s, we were able to drive up to Foxboro on a Sunday morning and have no problem getting and affording tickets. As is the case today, parking at Foxboro Stadium was expensive. Concession prices were comparable to other venues in the area. Going to a Patriots game wasn’t cheap, but overall, it was affordable. Extras 1 There wasn’t much at Foxboro that could be considered extra, but the story of how Robert Kraft was able to prevent the team from moving on several occasions deserves a mention. Originally a season ticket holder, the paper magnate purchased several of the parking lots and other parcels of land surrounding the stadium, including the adjacent race track, over the years. When the Sullivan family went into bankruptcy after sponsoring the Jackson’s “Victory” Tour, Kraft bought the stadium. He enforced the ironclad lease the Patriots had on two occasions, preventing a move to Jacksonville and then to St. Louis. He used the leverage he had through the lease to eventually purchase the team. Under his ownership the Patriots have gone from laughingstock to dynasty, winning six Super Bowls and appearing in ten under his watch. The building of Gillette Stadium and the adjacent Patriot Place has become a model for all subsequent stadium designs. Final Thoughts By the late 90s Foxboro Stadium had become outdated and needed replacing. The Patriots went on a well-documented search to build a new stadium in the area, looking at sites in Boston, Providence and Hartford, among others. The Patriots ended up building Foxboro Stadium’s replacement, Gillette Stadium, right next door. The facility’s shopping and entertainment center, Patriot Place, stands where Foxboro Stadium was located. Foxboro Stadium was never more than a serviceable place for the Patriots to call home. Beset from the beginning with traffic and plumbing issues, it was one of the least desirable places to play in the NFL. Many Patriot alumni recall thinking that Foxboro Stadium compared unfavorably to even their college practice facilities. At least Foxboro Stadium was able to go out with a bang, as the last game played there on January 19, 2002 was the “Tuck Rule” game. That playoff game was played in a blizzard against the Oakland Raiders and featured an unforgettable, controversial ending as the Patriots moved on to their first Super Bowl championship. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Paoli High School Gymnasium 501 Elm St Paoli, IN 47454 Paoli High School Rams website The Paoli Gym website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 4,200 The Purple Pride of Paoli The Paoli Community High School Gymnasium looks much newer than its actual age. The facility was built in 1967 and appears to be in pretty good shape from an aesthetic standpoint. The bright colors of purple and gold stand out against the white ceiling and wood bleachers. The lighting is bright among the 72 units that hover above the court and giant letters spelling out PAOLI RAMS add a definite boldness to its character. The seating capacity is 4,200 and ranks 48th among the state of Indiana high school gyms. It is big enough to host sectional and regional games that bring near-capacity crowds annually and resides in an area of southern Indiana that is in the center of various tourist destinations. The basketball program has captured 7 regional and 23 sectional championships, plus three straight trips to the Final Four from 1998 to 2000, losing the Class AA championship game in 1999. Its size was determined as a direct result of its rivalry with Bedford High School. At the time Bedford had the biggest gym in the area and hosted highly lucrative sectional and regional games every February and March. The Paoli school board grasping an opportunity to bring a little status to its facility placed all of its building funds into the construction of a gym that seated 400 more spectators than Bedford’s. The payoff worked out well, the next school year Paoli became host to a sectional round of its own. Food & Beverage 3 The gym offers a unique design that provides a massive area for its concession stand behind a collapsible wall at one end of the court. The lines do get long for heavily attended contests, but there is enough room to make sure everyone goes through the lines quickly and efficiently. The products served are the usual hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, and candy – the basic food groups of Indiana high school gyms and fieldhouses. Pickles and sloppy joe sandwiches are offered as well and you can get that sauce topped on both hot dogs and nachos for an additional fee. Coca-Cola products are served by the bottle for $2. After the game, free small bags of popcorn are put out for the taking by anyone still lingering around the gym. Atmosphere 4 The gymnasium features pull-out wooden bleachers on the floor at opposite ends with permanent bleachers on the upper level of the gym. There is also a small section of bleachers above the court at one end of the floor. The vibrant school colors of purple and gold are nicely decorated throughout the building from its walls, floors, and ceilings. A primary example is the roof is painted white and features purple painted piping that meets at a point in the center of its roof. Before the color change, the roof was a gunpowder gray, adding little life to the gymnasium. The colors of purple and gold stand out at many points in the gym: seating, championship banners, center court logo, walls, and the collapsible wall that is striped with the school’s colors. The court is named after a long-time PCHS principal James Babcock in 2018. A great way to honor a man who served the school for 23 years. Neighborhood 4 Paoli is a small town that offers quite a bit to do within 10 miles of the high school. The town is two hours south of Indianapolis and one hour south of Bloomington on US-37. It is an hour northwest of Louisville on US-150, both routes are not interstates, but parts of the roads are two lanes for most of the trip. During the winter check out Paoli Peaks, The snow-making system allows the resort to make 12 inches of snow in one night over the entire 65 skiable acres. French Lick Springs Hotel was built in 1845 and offers family-friendly activities and facilities for an ideal weekend destination. The dome-shaped hotel has something everyone can enjoy; whether it’s golf, spa, hiking, gambling, biking, swimming, or shopping. Other activities in French Link-West Baden include mini-golf, a brewery and winery, scenic railway, trolley rides, indoor karts, and a selection of restaurants including Ohana Hawaiian Grill & Bar, just off the Brick Pizza, and Crazy Horse Ranch. Porky’s BBQ in Paoli is a nice spot that serves pulled pork, brisket, and rib platters along with fried jalapeno appetizers. Fans 4 When regionals and sectional games are played, the fan atmosphere is amazing with each layup, bucket, and three-pointer cheered with emotional passion and boisterous cheer from the fans in the audience. The student sections themselves make their presence felt with a strong sense of unison, organized cheers, and chants. Access 3 The gym is easy to get around with two levels of seating, an open area to the concessions and bathrooms, and ample parking lots that surround the entire building. Unfortunately, when leaving after a heavily packed game, cars move at a snail’s pace from the school to the main street. However, there are some side streets to help you get out a bit quicker. Return on Investment 4 The PCHS Gym provides a lot of bang for its buck with low-cost concession stand prices, plenty of room in the stands and parking, and a well-kept facility. If you are in town for the weekend and want to take in some gambling, golfing, and skiing, you are only a short 10-15 minute drive from the high school. Extras 3 One point for the well-kept gymnasium; the colors of purple and gold pop throughout the facility and it looks much newer than its actual age. The original court is due for replacement after the current season and that should blend nicely with its surroundings. An additional point for the giant concession area that opens up behind the west side of the court. It also provides more room to watch the game for spectators almost directly behind the basket. It’s also a great place for the little ones to run around for a bit to release some energy. A third point for the ram's head hangs up high over the court between the school’s numerous banners. Final Thoughts There are many great gymnasiums in southern Indiana and Paoli has one heck of a gym to watch basketball. Sectional and regional games pack large crowds and it’s one of the cleanest, most modern, and freshest venues in the state. When you add the local entertainment in nearby French Lick and West Baden resorts, it makes for an ideal time for families and romantic getaways. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Blue Hens website Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 1,400 Blue Hen Pride The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest in Delaware. It has 18,500 undergraduate students and has public funding, although it is not wholly a state-run institution. It was created as a Presbyterian free school back in 1743. U.S. News & World Report ranked UD’s undergraduate program 75th among “national universities” and tied for 29th among public universities in its 2016 rankings. The College of Engineering is highly ranked nationally, as is the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. The Fightin’ Blue Hens play in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). It won its first conference soccer championship in 2011 and played in the NCAA tournament for the first time in many years. Previously they had played in the 1968 and 1970 editions of the tournament. Before a recent remodel and re-dedication the stadium was known as the Delaware Mini-Stadium, likely because of its next-door neighbor, Delaware Stadium. At the University of Delaware Stadium, all of the main athletic facilities for the university are located in one central area on the south part of the Newark campus. Food & Beverage 1 There is no food or beverage for sale at Grant Stadium. In the past, concession stands selling a basic menu have been open in a shared space between Grant Stadium and Delaware Stadium, and it may be open for some games. If the concession stand is open, the menu is pretty simple but offers good quality. Burgers are $3.75 ($.50 extra for cheese), hot dogs are a value at $2.75, with pizza for $3 a seemingly fair value. Drinks are slightly pricey at $4.25, but make sure to add a bag of Utz chips for a dollar. You are free to bring outside food into the stadium, so that gives fans an additional option. Consider bringing your drink to save some money, and then grab a hot dog, and sit back and watch Blue Hens soccer. Atmosphere 3 The Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium is a pretty basic setup with a simple grandstand running down one side of the field. There is no seating elsewhere, although there are some spots for standing and watching the action. The grandstand has a simple press box at the top part of the seating. The press box does impede the view of the scoreboard if sitting on the south part of the seating area. There really should be an additional scoreboard at the south end of the field. The stadium is also used as a track and field stadium so the seating area is not as close to the pitch as you may see at other soccer fields. Neighborhood 3 Newark (pronounced here as New-Ark) is a great college town. Numerous food options on East Main Street will fill you up before or after a game. Popular options are Finn McCool’s Irish Pub and Grotto Pizza. Parking on East Main Street is always a bit of a problem. There are many public lots, but note that they may be behind buildings and hard to find. Many restaurants offer validation for the public lots. If you do not want to fight for parking, head the opposite way from downtown Newark and towards the gigantic Christiana Mall area. Right before getting there is Border Cafe, designated only with a large “EAT” sign. Their large and varied menu offers great Tex-Mex & Cajun options at a pretty cheap price. Try the catfish fajitas with a side of jambalaya. Numerous dining and lodging options are prevalent around the Christiana Mall area, although if in search of lodging, one should look at the Embassy Suites located across from the baseball stadium. Around the corner from the stadium, behind Rust Arena , is the campus-run UDairy Creamery. Stopping for a pre or post-game ice cream cone is a must. Fans 4 As with most college soccer stadiums in this part of the country, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. The fans are very knowledgeable and can be quite loud. Student attendance at games will always be an issue as the stadium is located far from the student housing options on campus. Access 5 Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium is easy to reach and is only a couple miles off of Interstate 95. You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible. Parking is conveniently available in a lot right next to the stadium, off Sincock Lane. If that fills up, fans can park on the street along Sincock or in lots on the other side of the Bob Carpenter Center. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend, and parking is free. The seats are close to the action, and the view of the field is nice, so a fan is well-rewarded for attending a game here. Extras 2 Although physical programs are temporarily unavailable to minimize touch surfaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, fans can access them on their smartphones by scanning a QR code at the entrance. The switch to virtual programs has been seen across college sports, and one wonders if it will become a permanent change to save on costs. The UDairy Creamery, located within walking distance of the athletic facilities, always deserves an extra mention. This student-focused operation is part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and offers great, fresh ice cream choices. Final Thoughts Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium is a simple soccer stadium that offers a good level of soccer games at no cost. If you enjoy soccer, attending a match here is a no-brainer.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Simmons Field 616 Heindel Ave Celina, OH 45822 Lima Locos website Simmons Field website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 500 Going Loco for Baseball in Lima Click here for Simmons Field , home of the Kenosha Kingfish The Lima Locos are charter members of the Great Lakes League, beginning as the Blues before adopting its current name in 1988. Since that time, the ball club has captured 5 championship titles and appeared in 6 championship series. The club has cemented itself among the best in the league and offers a rich tradition of history. The Locos began to play at Simmons Field in 2008, a 500-seat venue located south of the Ottawa River and offering a small grandstand, concession stand, and a party suite down the third base foul line. There is even a train car that resides in the stadium for tours. It was renovated for the arrival of the club, including a new infield grass and dirt, fences moved back, blacktop put down behind the bleachers, crushed stone added to the warning track and new lights. The ballpark was built in 1960 and is named after Al Simmons, a longtime American Legion coach who helped raise $15,000 to buy and install lights. The field fell into disrepair with dandelions littered across the infield, tall outfield grass, and old tires and other assorted junk behind the backstop. That is what the field looked like before the construction of the grandstands. Food & Beverage 3 A giant grill sits next to the concession window and features locally-made grilled brats, hot dogs, and burgers. Fans order them at the window and are given a bun, which they take to the grilling area for their desired meat selection. A new twist on food service at the ball game. Other items on the menu include pizza slices, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and candy. Pepsi and Budweiser products are available, and this might be the first ballpark where soda and beer are of equal value at $3. Atmosphere 3 Simmons Field has the appearance and characteristics of a local Little League complex. It is small and displays a bit cranky, but full of baseball-loving people. The main entrance is a small shed painted orange with a garage door that opens up to the ticket booth and merchandise table. In one corner are a collection of championship photos, memorabilia of past teams, and a rusted street sign of the former ballpark Industry Park. There are eight rows of seats in the grandstands, which are constructed from cement blocks and metal. There are three of them that wrap around the backstop fencing. A wooden leaderboard displays the league standings and multi-colored flags displaying the Lima Locos name. They are bleachers that have some wear and tear on them and could use wrapping to cover up the open space–one that can feature photos and the history of the Locos club. Down the left field line is a train cart on display, and added in 2021 along with a party suite area that provides additional seating for the game. The train is usually open for a look inside but was closed during our visit to the game. The press box sits atop the concession stand and features a slim window looking onto the natural grass field. The attention is mainly on the game on hand, with fans wearing the colors blue and orange. There are not a lot of promotions, loud announcements, or typical minor-league antics at the game. A small, comfortable baseball atmosphere that seems about right here in Lima. Neighborhood 2 Lima, Ohio, has a population of 35,000 plus residents and is located off I-75–about an equal distance between Toledo and Dayton (75 miles each). There are several local restaurants to visit in town, including Kewpee Hamburger which has been in existence since 1928, and one newer, Happy Daz Burger. They are cheap eats and ideal with the kids. A few more places to dine include Beer Barrel Pizza and Grill (home to its style of pizza), Milano Cafe (Italian cuisine), Old City Prime (steaks, seafood, and chops), and Outskirts Brew Co. and Dive (microbrewery). Fans 4 Lima draws well and will even travel to see their Locos on the road for championship games. The stands are full of fans young, who wear team jerseys, t-shirts, and caps. The grandstand and additional tables and seating are full at the first pitch, and much of the attention is on the field. This baseball-savvy audience has been used to quality baseball for some time. Access 3 There is parking in a lot and on the street. The stadium is located in a mixed residential and business area a few miles from the interstate exit. The parking lot is ample, but oversized crowds might force people to park elsewhere. The main entrance near the concession stand is busiest during games. Return on Investment 3 The price of an adult ticket is $5, while children and seniors pay $3. The parking is free, and burgers, hot dogs, brats, beers, and soda are all $3. The price of soda might be the only expensive item at the concession stand, while a can of Bud or Bud Light is inexpensive at $3. Merchandise was limited and almost out of stock due to the time of year. Extras 3 The ballpark collects a few additional points for locally made hot dogs, brats, and burgers. They earn another point for the wooden standing board and collection of team photos and memorabilia. A third point is for the single train that stands on a set of railroad tracks on the 3rd base side of the ballpark Final Thoughts Simmons Field is not a perfect ballpark and could use a few more touches to enhance its image. However, it’s ideal for the Great Lakes League, which utilizes stadiums around 500-600 in size to provide an atmosphere that should be most welcoming to many who are fans of the game. Fan support, affordable tickets, and friendly staff are all major points. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Schottland Tennis Center Athey Park 108 Gibson Ave. Chestertown, MD 21620 Washington College Shoremen and Shorewomen website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 250 Tennis On The Shore Washington College is a college in Chestertown, Maryland which was granted its charter in 1782. It is the 10th oldest college in the United States and one of the few to have received support from George Washington to honor him. The original desire was to have this college as the Eastern Shore Campus of a public “University of Maryland” with Annapolis’ St. John’s College the Western Shore counterpart. That obviously did not happen. Each year, Washington College awards the nation’s largest undergraduate literary prize. Since 1968, the Sophie Kerr Prize has been presented to one graduating senior who demonstrates the greatest literary promise. Washington has had sports since the 1800s, with the baseball team dating back to the 1870s, likely the oldest team on campus. Men’s teams are known as the Shoremen; women’s teams are known as the Shorewomen. The Schottland Tennis Center is a nice, but fairly simple facility. Eight courts surround the center’s building. The building has locker rooms, offices, and meeting spaces. Washington College has two national tennis championships to their credit. Food & Beverage 0 There is not a permanent food stand or any other options for sale at the tennis center. Atmosphere 2 This is a very good tennis facility, but like many tennis venues it has a simple, quiet atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Chestertown is a town and county seat of around 5,000 in Kent County, Maryland, and is located on what is known as Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is 1.5 hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia. The nearby downtown district of Chestertown is full of history and sites for visitors, along with some nice shopping and dining. BAD Alfred’s Distilling, the Evergrain Bread Company, and Play It Again Sam are good spots for dining. Check out the High Street Town Dock and see if there are any charter boat trips through companies such as the Chester River Packet Company. Wilmer Park and the nearby area around the Hodson Boathouse at Washington College makes for some nice waterside walking on a nice day. Fans 3 There is a pretty good group of fans who attend tennis matches here at Schottland. I would imagine most of the crowd is family and friends of the players. Access 3 The actual town of Chestertown is not an issue getting around and accessing, but the problem is how isolated from major urban areas the town and college is. You will have to go way out of your way to visit Washington College. There may also not be much parking on campus as it is a historic campus and if there are many events going on, the available spots could be hard to find. Leave yourself plenty of time to find a good spot. The North Commons area may be a good place to start, but make sure to follow parking guidelines, especially for weekday events during regular school semesters. Return on Investment 5 Matches are free, so the value is very good. Extras 1 Not many extras, but the list of championships and past players is a nice thing to see. Final Thoughts This is a simple facility, but if you want to see some good tennis action, the Schottland Tennis Center is a good stop for any sports fan.

Photo Courtesy of Staten Island FerryHawks Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.43 Staten Island University Hospital Community Park 75 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301 Wagner Seahawks website Staten Island University Hospital Community Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 7,171 Wait Til Summer It is impossible to oversell the view of the Manhattan skyline from Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the Staten Island Yankees and Wagner College Seahawks. Located on New York Harbor at the mouth of the Hudson River, the stadium’s waterfront location makes the stadium an idyllic location to catch a ballgame on a warm summer night. The Staten Island Ferry terminal is adjacent to the ballpark, and fans can enjoy an unforgettable 25-minute boat ride, passing the Statue of Liberty with a full view of the Freedom Tower and the rest of lower Manhattan. Wagner College sits three miles from the park, boasting its own stunning view from its hilltop campus. The school’s baseball team plays its home games at RCB Ballpark. Though the baseball program is hardly a powerhouse, it boasts one notable Major League alum in the form of 2009 AL Rookie of the Year and two-time All Star Andrew Bailey. No review of the Wagner College baseball experience at RCB Ballpark would be complete without the disclaimer that this stadium’s primary tenant is the Staten Island Yankees, a short-season Single A affiliate of its namesake franchise whose schedule does not overlap with that of the Wagner squad. The majority of the stadium’s amenities, and even basic functions, were not in use on the day of this visit, a doubleheader comprising Wagner’s second and third home games of the 2015 schedule (originally scheduled as its sixth and seventh home games, as the first four contests were snowed out). Furthermore, it appeared no maintenance other than possibly playing surface upkeep had occurred since the past season. Note: In 2022, the stadium's name changed from Richmond County Bank Ballpark to Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. Food & Beverage 0 The stadium’s water had not yet been turned on for the season during our March visit and none of the stadium’s several concession stands were open. This was a strictly Bring Your Own Everything experience. Atmosphere 2 The beauty of the view from this ballpark cannot be overstated. It is an absolutely remarkable backdrop for any game. The view alone makes this an essential ballpark for any baseball or photography enthusiast, but it is the only thing that gives Wagner baseball an atmosphere. There is some history to the park, as photographs of New York Yankee players, most notably Robinson Cano and Brett Gardner, who both came through the Staten Island team, adorn the concourses. A Baseball Scouts “Wall of Fame” appears on the third base concourse, though it has not been updated since 2006. Just for good measure, photos of Babe Ruth (never part of the Yankee farm system) and other Yankee greats are also displayed on the concourse. None of these, however, pertain to Wagner. Aside from the players on the field, only a miniature video panel on the right field wall (showing a photo of the batter, along with his number and position) lets you know what team you are watching. The main video board was never turned on during my most recent visit, and the scoreboard displayed only the essential information, not even showing the names of either team. The PA announcer and walk-up music are played at too loud a volume for the small amount of people at the game. The stadium has three staircases to the upstairs suite level, two of which had locked gates at the top. The middle staircase was open, presumably to allow the PA announcer and any other necessary personnel into the press box. Though the lights were off on the upper concourse and each suite was empty, they were all unlocked and anyone could hang out in them and enjoy the view from a higher elevation if they were so inclined, but nobody did. Random baseballs and other objects could be found by strolling through the stands, and it was clear that the park had not been used much, if at all, since the previous season. Neighborhood 3 This neighborhood was not built for entertainment. Across the street from the ballpark stands a police station and a court house. There is a single deli nearby, but other than that, the best food and beverage options are a five minute walk away inside the Staten Island Ferry terminal, which contains a large sports bar, a Subway restaurant and a few other small snack shops. All this said, the Staten Island Ferry gives you a free 25-minute ride to Manhattan, where three subway lines run right by the Manhattan end of the ferry. If you made it to RCB Ballpark, you can find entertainment after the game. Beyond the left field foul pole is a small playground, and a walking path runs between the stadium and the waterfront. Staten Island’s September 11th Memorial, honoring the island’s residents lost that day, is just beyond left field. Fans 1 This is pretty clearly a crowd of friends and family, but not very many of either. The stands are almost completely empty and hardly anyone is paying attention to the game aside from the players themselves, who outnumber the spectators. A few people strolled in and out of the stadium, likely curious tourists who wandered over from the Ferry terminal (the Staten Island Ferry is a mandatory experience for tourists and can have up to a 30-minute turnaround time on weekends). Aside from two individuals at the gate handing out “tickets” (really just ticket-shaped pieces of paper with the Yankees logo and nothing else on them), there was no security for the game and spectators were spotted smoking cigars, drinking 24-ounce beers, and spitting tobacco onto the stadium’s cement floor. Nobody even bothered to track down foul balls in the stands, likely because nobody appeared to be younger than college age. Even then, few attendees appeared to be Wagner students. Access 2 The Staten Island Ferry delivers passengers from Manhattan almost directly to the ballpark, and Staten Island’s one subway line also ends at the ferry station. Inside the ferry terminal, there are signs directing visitors to the park and the walk from the ferry terminal to the park takes just over five minutes. There is no parking to speak of (the gate attendant said he did not know if there was a parking lot), and the lot just past the left field line was full of large pieces of metal machinery, leaving no empty spots. The stadium is wheelchair accessible via ramps outside, and the majority of the concourse (save for part of the first base line) is in direct view of the field. The elevators were out of service, as were the bathrooms (again, no running water). If anyone had to use the bathroom, they would have likely had to try the police station or use the facilities in the ferry terminal. One men’s room was left open, though it appeared as if nobody had been inside since the previous season and there were leaves all over the floor. Return on Investment 1 You simply do not see a view like this every day, and the game was free to attend, but the Wagner baseball experience is pretty bare bones. There is a baseball game, a bunch of seating, and that’s about it. Strangely, paying to go to RCB Ballpark would have been preferable, as attending a Staten Island Yankees game with the stadium fully-functional would have been a much more fulfilling experience. Extras 1 Again, the view is absolutely stunning. Other than that, however, the experience feels like going to a beach house in the winter. All the ingredients of a fun experience exist, it’s just not the right time of year and it feels like you might be trespassing. Due to the location and backdrop, this is a must-do park for baseball fans and stadium chasers, but if you are not related to a Wagner player or opponent, there is no reason not to wait a few months and go to a Staten Island Yankees game in warmer weather. You truly get what you pay for at RCB Ballpark.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 State Farm Arena 100 Techwood Dr. NW Atlanta, GA 30303 Atlanta Dream website State Farm Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,118 Atlanta Returns to its Dream Home Editors Note: In 2021, the Atlanta Dream moved into the brand-new Gateway Center Atlanta Arena in College Park, GA. --- Atlanta is a city built on dreaming big. This has resulted in its winning the bid for the 1996 Olympic Games and the construction of two new stadiums, SunTrust Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in the last three years. More importantly, it is the hometown of Martin Luther King, Jr., a civil rights icon most famous for his “I Have a Dream” speech. The WNBA franchise Atlanta Dream also fits this category, as it is the only WNBA team, owned, managed and coached by women. The Dream have been very successful since their inception in 2008, as they have participated in the playoffs seven times. They have also appeared in the WNBA Finals three times. The 2019 season marks return of the Atlanta Dream to its home court after a two-year absence. The team played the 2017 and 2018 seasons at Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion while Philips Arena underwent a $200 million renovation. The clearest evidence of that renovation is the team’s home court in the newly renamed State Farm Arena. The only elements retained from its former existence as Philips Arena are external… the iconic steel support beams spelling out “ATLANTA.” Food & Beverage 3 The concessions area has been totally overhauled during the renovation, not only in a physical sense, but also in its approach to serving the fans. The arena has adopted the very popular Fans First concessions policy pioneered by its next-door neighbor, Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Prices for the most popular fan favorite food items have been reduced dramatically. Samples of the prices include $1 chips; $2 candy, pretzels and bottled water: $3 hot dogs, nachos and fries: $4 pizzas, popcorn and sodas and $5 domestic beers. The arena has also adopted the efficiencies used at Mercedes-Benz to keep the lines moving. These include a 71% increase in points of sale over Philips Arena, 40% more beer taps, and items are sold in even dollar amounts to reduce time required to make change. Drinks are provided at self-service stations away from the counters, to reduce lines. All concession stations also look out over the seating bowl via the open concept concourse. There are several new food vendors from Atlanta’s most popular restaurants scattered throughout the arena. Unfortunately, only the basic generic concession stands are available at the Dream games. Atmosphere 3 Anyone walking into State Farm Arena expecting to see the same place they saw two years ago is in for a big shock. The arena is very much the home of the Hawks and the Dream, but it has taken on a whole new attitude and atmosphere. Gone are the wall of suites that once consumed half of the seating of the arena. Taking its place are additional seating for the everyday fan, along with some new game day experiences. The demolition of the wall of suites allows the concourse to run 360 degrees around the seating bowl for the first time since the building opened in 1999. The concourse also has been opened up to allow the fans to see the action from the moment they step into the building. The basketball capacity of the arena has been reduced with the extra space being set aside to provide more amenities and a better fan experience. The concourse is now laid out in several distinct “neighborhoods.” They include the Front Porch, which provides a panoramic view of the arena and new video board. The next two neighborhoods are all about the food. The Market provides a food hall filled with a variety of food vendors from Atlanta’s best restaurants on the concourse level. Two additional neighborhoods of interest are the Players Club, a private club located just behind the players bench. It is built underneath the seating bowl and provides club members with views into the players entry tunnel and the post game interview area. The technological improvements in the arena are stunning. Replacing the old scoreboard is the first continuous 360-degree video board in the WNBA. In addition, video boards have been added in each of the four corners of the facility, assuring every fan a clear view of replays and other important information about the team and upcoming events. As Atlanta’s primary indoor concert venue, the sound system is crystal clear and state of the art. The Dream’s goal is to make State Farm Arena a more open and friendlier environment for its fans. It also offers a more intimate setting for games, as the team utilizes only the lower level of the arena, so that no seats are further from the court than the concourse level. While these are all major improvements in the fan experience, there is little or no branding for the Dream, except for the playing floor, the electronic signage and the video board over the court. There are two temporary team gear booths along the concourse. The Atlanta Hawks branding is quite apparent during their co-tenants’ games, which does bring the experience score down a point. Neighborhood 4 Just as the “neighborhood” inside the arena has changed greatly, so has the neighborhood outside the area. The Georgia Dome was imploded and replaced by a park/greenspace area known as the Home Depot Backyard, which serves as tailgate central for the Atlanta Falcons as well as community events. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is now in its third year of wowing fans with its futuristic design and technology. Big changes are also planned for the area immediately in front of the State Farm Arena. A live/work/play development is in the planning stages and would fill the space that formerly housed an industrial area. Not everything in the neighborhood has changed. The arena still has a gate that provides direct entry into the CNN Center, with its very popular studio tours and restaurant complex. Just another block over is Centennial Olympic Park, home to several of Atlanta’s top attractions, including the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, the Center for Human and Civil Rights and the College Football Hall of Fame. Two restaurants to check out within walking distance of State Farm Arena are STATS and Taco Mac. There are a wide variety of hotels to choose from, as the Atlanta’s convention center is located next door to the arena. Like the ads say…”like a good neighbor, State Farm Arena is there.” Fans 3 The Dream are the first to admit that the team is currently in a rebuilding mode. This has been tough on the fans who are used to seeing the team go deep into the playoffs on a frequent basis. Attendance has been down for the last few seasons, but the renovation of the arena has brought new interest and energy to the franchise. The mix of some well-known veterans with some young players with great potential has fans coming back to check the team out. Despite Atlanta’s reputation as a “bad sports town,” the locals have proven very loyal in their support of the local professional teams through thick and thin. They have seen the Falcons and the Braves rebuild and return to the playoffs and look forward to the same thing happening with the Dream. The new amenities at State Farm Arena have created a buzz in the local sports community similar to the openings of SunTrust Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium . Access 4 Getting to State Farm Arena can be a headache due to Atlanta’s well-known traffic issues. The WAZE app is an excellent way to determine what route will work the best from your location and help you avoid any construction areas or accidents. There is plenty of parking near the arena, but your easiest and most cost-efficient way of getting to the game is by riding the MARTA light rail system. The MARTA rail system has a station (GWCC / State Farm Arena / CNN ) on its east/west line that will deliver you within feet of the arena. MARTA charges a flat fee, no matter how far you travel on the system and is a great bargain, as you avoid parking charges and traffic hassles. Once inside the arena, you will find a totally open concourse looking out over the seating bowl and the basketball court. For the first time ever, the concourse goes 360 degrees around the arena, as the wall of suites/private access area no longer exists. The seating bowl also provides much broader aisles than in its previous incarnation. The concession stands and other amenities are more accessible throughout the facility. Return on Investment 4 The Fan Friendly concessions program featured by State Farm Arena is definitely a trend setter in the sports venue community. Ticket prices are $60 on the sides of the court and $35 for seats in the end zones, and the seating configuration is a great improvement over Philips Arena. The availability of public transportation just feet from the arena entrance brings transportation costs down to $5 a person/round trip, saving you time and money getting to the game. Extras 3 The arena name change is a result of the expiration of a title sponsor agreement with Philips Electronics. Philips is no longer involved in the direct consumer sales market and decided not to renew for this reason. State Farm has an extremely large presence in Atlanta with more than 6,000 employees in the area. The various “neighborhoods” within State Farm Arena have food court-type seating areas adjacent to the food vendors sites. These open seating areas have an open view of the court below and allows you to enjoy your food without having to balance it in your lap. The $200 million price tag on the arena renovation is the second most expensive in NBA history. The most expensive renovation was Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Knicks. That renovation cost $1 billion and took three years to complete. Final Thoughts The Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena are the latest venue to join in Atlanta’s flurry of new stadium/arena construction. While the exterior of the original structure still stands, the interior has been gutted and rebuilt into a state-of-the-art sports facility for the 21st century. Visitors to the former Philips Arena will be amazed and thrilled by the transformation.

Photos by Dennis Morrell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Cable Dahmer Arena 19100 E Valley View Pkwy Independence, MO 64055 Kansas City Mavericks website Cable Dahmer Arena website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,800 Pro Hockey in Western Missouri Cable Dahmer Arena is the current home of the KC Mavericks, the premier ECHL team in Kansas City. It was built in 2009 in Independence, Mo to serve as the home and front office of the Mavericks as well as the KC Comets of the Major Arena Soccer League. It hosts more than just sporting events, as concerts, festivals, and trade shows are held here as well. The Mavericks organization was founded in 2009 as the Missouri Mavericks of the CHL. They got off to a strong start in the league, qualifying for the playoffs and making it past the first round for their first 5 years. In 2014, the team transitioned to the ECHL, where they made the postseason in the 2015-16 and 2018-19 seasons. The city of Independence has a few notable historical distinctions. It was known as the “Queen City of the Trails” since it was the start of the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails. Independence was also the hometown of US President Harry S. Truman, and the Truman Presidential Library and Museum is in the city. Food & Beverage 4 Cable Dahmer Arena offers a nice selection of concession options with a few unique items worth trying. The typical cheeseburgers ($13), hot dogs ($5), and nachos ($6) are all available along with Bavarian Pretzels ($7) and grilled chicken ($13) at the main concession stands. Pie Five Pizza Company has two locations in the arena that serve up fresh pizza ($7 per slice), souvenir sodas ($8) and hot cocoa ($4). Scattered around the outer concourse, you’ll find several Dippin’ Dots and Bavarian Pretzel stands. The most unique offerings come from The Chocolate Fountain, where you could get chocolate coated cheesecake ($7), bananas ($6), marshmallows ($3), pretzels ($3) and Rice Krispies ($3). Alcohol is available at Biergarten, Jack Daniels and the main concessions. Pepsi and Coke Products are available inside the arena. Prices are a bit higher than other sporting events, but The Chocolate Fountain is a nice touch, and you should be able to find something to eat if you get hungry during the game. Atmosphere 4 The arena is built like most hockey stadiums, with 20 minor seating bowls surrounding the edge of the rink. VIP and box seating is located above the general admission area on the second floor. Concessions are dotted around the fringe of the arena with some vendors selling soda and cotton candy among the bleachers. The interior features of the arena feel more modern than other minor league rinks with a sleeker look that resembles newer NHL arenas. You can see all the action on the ice from any point, so you won’t need to fret over seating locations. The score is displayed on jumbotrons above each goal. The screens also show replays, player closeups and promotions. They are a nice touch over a traditional scoreboard and add to the overall experience. Music is played in between the action but is cut out once play begins. The mascot, Mac, is usually in the stands engaging with fans or making noise with his drum. When the Mavericks score a goal, all the lights are turned off and loud train whistles are played, along with strobe lights. All the extra effects are a nice touch that make the game more exciting without getting in the way of the action. A Mavericks game feels like a smaller version of what you would find in the NHL and a step above most minor league venues. If you’re looking for a professional hockey experience, Cable Dahmer Arena has you covered. Neighborhood 4 The arena is in Independence, Mo and is situated near Independence Commons, a shopping center that has an AMC theater and some major retailers. The Kansas City Symphony at Union Station in only a few miles away and features world class performances. It is 15 minutes away from Arrowhead Stadium and less than 10 from Coco Waterpark and Cool Crest Family Fun Center if you want more to do on your visit. There are several chain restaurants nearby along with some local eateries like Salvatore’s and V’s Italiano Restaurante. Independence is mostly known as the home of the United States 33rd President, Harry Truman. There are several museums and sites honoring this President in the city that are very worthwhile checking out when in town. If time permits, do visit the Harry Truman Library & Museum. There is a #33 Truman banner hanging from the rafters at the arena – nicely done in honor of this US President. Independence has plenty of things to do outside of the KC Mavericks and if you’re still looking for more, you can always take a short drive to Kansas City. Fans 3 Attendance has been significantly lower this year due to the pandemic, but the fans present were still loud and energetic. Most sport a jersey along with team gear and many stayed till the final seconds. There may not be a lot of fans, but the ones that do show up care about the team and are engaged with what is happening on the ice. Access 4 The rink is less than one mile from the nearest I-70 exit and a 45-minute drive from KCI airport and public transport is available. Parking is free and the lots directly surround the building. Four restrooms are on the first floor, located at each corner of the arena. There is handicapped access to restrooms and exclusive seating area. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for the lower seating area range from $12-$65 depending on the section. Premium access cost varies depending on the event, but usually ranges around $150-$350 for suites. Parking is free but concession costs are a bit high. This is about average for the ECHL. Extras 3 There are nightly promotions and there is usually something for the kids, like Chuck-a -Puck or small contests during intermission periods. There is a raffle where you can win signed jerseys and other player gear. There are a few nice extras, but they aren’t going to bring you to the game. Final Thoughts Cable Dahmer offers an above average experience for the ECHL. The arena feels sleek and new and has nice selections available at the concessions. Independence also has plenty to do after the game and is close to Kansas City if it’s not enough. If you’re looking for an NHL experience on a budget, a Mavericks game is well worth it.

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Stewart Stadium 3870 Stadium Way Ogden, UT 84403 Weber State Wildcats website Stewart Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 17,500 Wildcats of the Wasatch When you think of College Football in Utah, it’s very normal to think of the big FBS Schools first, such as BYU , Utah and Utah State . But nestled against the Wasatch Mountains between Salt Lake and Logan lies an FCS school that has enjoyed unparalleled success in recent years – the Weber State Wildcats. Being a member of the Big Sky Conference since 1963, the Wildcats have been to the FCS Playoffs five times since 2016, with a semifinals appearance in 2019. That success has been a boon for Weber State, and it’s lead to an increase in attendance at its home field, Stewart Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 One of the things Weber State does well is having local food trucks on hand at both ends of the stadium. Food choices range from Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Pizza to desserts like Churros and Snow Cones (depending on the time of year). This gives the feel of a normal college town and it’s great to see schools like Weber State help support local businesses, as they can be essential to college towns as a whole. The prices for these concessions aren’t all that different from what you would pay at a professional sporting event, and there are combos available as well that can help save money, such as Hot Dog Combos ($8) and Popcorn Combos ($7) to name a few. And all the food is cooked on-site, meaning the quality is very high and you get it fresh. Atmosphere 4 When it comes to the atmosphere at the game, it does have a family-friendly feel, which is normal for a lot of college towns. But here, it feels a lot more intimate due to the way Weber State is situated in the college football landscape. Location-wise, Stewart Stadium is nestled right against the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, which is a great backdrop during late summer and early fall, but even more so during the winter months with a fresh coating of snow. The stadium has recently undergone renovations, including the addition of a brand new entrance and ticket will call on the north end of the stadium, along with a new Strength and Conditioning Complex and plaza for guests. Stewart Stadium Conditioning Center & Ticket Will Call, Photo by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey The West end of the stadium features the Sky Suites and Press Box section. Completed in 2001, this building houses 26 Suites featuring club seating and is only used by season ticket holders. The main seats in the stadium are bleacher seats, so be sure to bring something comfortable to sit on, especially during the winter months. Neighborhood 5 The stadium itself has many redeeming qualities, but one of its biggest is its location and views. The stadium is located on the eastern end of the campus, which overlooks both the campus and the city of Ogden and the surrounding valley. Getting around campus is easy, as there are many walking paths and tons of signage to help point you in the right direction. Not to mention that the stadium is located along the Wasatch Mountains, meaning it’s a haven for any outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also not far from many well-known places in Ogden, including Historic 25th Street , home to numerous shops and restaurants. Two recommended places to eat are Slackwater Pizzeria and Roosters Brewing, both of which have high reviews from locals. The football stadium is also close to Lindquist Field , home of the Ogden Raptors Baseball team. You’re close to outdoor areas where you can bike and hike during the summer, and ski and snowboard during the winter. Stewart Stadium Wasatch Mountains, Photo by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Fans 4 With Weber State being in the FCS, it doesn’t get as much attention as it should. But that doesn’t stop the fans and alumni from coming out, either rain, snow, or sunshine. Weber State has some of the most passionate fans in the FCS and they travel well, even when the Wildcats are out of state. When you’re there, it’s hard to miss the sea of purple and black that fills the stadium. And don’t let the small size of the stadium fool you. When it’s clutch time, the stadium gets loud. Very loud. Weber State may not have the stature of a big-name school, but don’t let the fans and alumni say that. Access 4 The city of Ogden is located directly off of I-15, meaning the city itself is fairly easy to get to. You will have to traverse some residential areas to get to the campus itself, but it’s not that difficult to find. You can get to the campus either by Interstate 15 or U.S. Highway 89, which cuts through the heart of the city. For parking, there are numerous areas to park in and around the stadium and campus, and parking areas are clearly marked on game day. If you’re taking public transit, there are four bus routes the Utah Transit Authority operates between Salt Lake City and Ogden. UTA also operates the FrontRunner commuter train, which runs between Ogden and Provo, and runs every 30 minutes. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are very cheap for Weber State Football, and there is no bad seat in the stadium. Most ticket prices fall between $10 and $20, making it very affordable if you want to take your family to a game. Concession prices are also within the normal range, so it won’t feel like you are spending too much at a game. Extras 2 One point here for the Wildcats mascot, Waldo the Wildcat. He is definitely one of the more energetic college mascots I’ve seen and does a good job keeping the crowd in the game. He seems very approachable and family-friendly as well. Another point for the location. With the stadium so close to outdoor recreation areas, it is a good school for anyone looking to take part in outdoor activities either while visiting or not in class. Final Thoughts Although not a big FBS school, visiting a Weber State football game and the town of Ogden in the fall and winter is an affordable family-friendly experience. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Wasatch Mountains and all the outdoor activities it provides when in town.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Meares Stadium 220 Cascade St Mars Hill, NC 28754 Mars Hill Lions website Meares Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 5,000 D2’s Mars Hill Lions Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ammons Family Athletic Center & Meares Stadium was constructed in 1965 and most recently upgraded in 2020, when new turf and new lights were installed. Prior to that in 2007, a new press box, permanent visitors stands, and updated main stands were introduced. Meares Stadium is named after Carl Whittier Meares, an alumnus, trustee, and benefactor at Mars Hill, as well as a legislator and businessperson in the local community. The stadium currently seats 5,000 and the Mars Hill Lions currently compete in the South Atlantic Conference of the NCAA’s Division II football program. Food & Beverage 4 Meares Stadium has a fixed concessions stand behind the southwest end zone (near the main entrance) which features Bojangles chicken sandwiches, nachos, pizza, and popcorn/chips/candy for $2 to $5, plus drinks for $3 (bottled soda or water plus hot cocoa/cappuccino). But a much wider selection can be found at the Southern Cross food truck behind the northeast end zone, including soup and cornbread, burgers, hot dogs, fried bologna sandwiches, fried potatoes, fried pickles, French fries, and even banana pudding – the prices at Southern Cross are higher than at the main stand, but the portion sizes are much bigger as well – I recommend Southern Cross over the main stand, as the Bojangles chicken sandwiches tend to be a little dry after being stored in a hotbox for a couple hours. Meares Stadium Concessions, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 Meares Stadium has a solid atmosphere – though not a big facility it does have a modern press box and relatively new grandstands, and you are free to sit wherever you want, and can walk all the way around the facility if you want, to see the action up close as the game progresses. In fact, you can stand just a few feet away from the players as the team enters and exits the field. Mars Hill also has a mascot who walks around during the game (although oddly he seems to depart at the end of the third quarter), and a cheer squad complete with flags that they run across the field after scores, but no marching band. Also the scoreboard is not a videoboard, so you are not able to watch replays. On the plus side the PA announcer plays great music throughout the game, including dance songs and hits from my second-favorite band Bowling for Soup, which I haven’t ever heard played at other stadiums. Neighborhood 4 Mars Hill is a small town, but not far from I-26 so there are plenty of restaurants, hotels, etc. in the area, and it isn’t hard to go up the freeway an exit or two to find more if you need something specific. A few local favorites in the restaurant category include Wagon Wheel, Stackhouse, and Original Papa Nick’s Take Out, while not far from campus is a Comfort Inn if you plan to stay the night. The obvious tourist attraction around here is of course the Blue Ridge Mountains, with plenty of hiking and driving trails, including a few nice waterfalls, and of course if you want to drive 20 miles south into Asheville you can visit Biltmore. Fans 3 Meares Stadium has a solid fanbase, and you can see plenty of blue being worn at the venue – gear is sold from a stand behind the southwest end zone if you need to pick up something. The visitor stands are a little less populated, but that is probably because the seats on the main side are a bit nicer, and the tickets don’t have any specific section assigned so you can sit wherever you want – in fact plenty of fans just stand behind the southwest end zone and watch from there. While the stands are by no means full, the crowd is polite and respectful, and there is a good amount of crowd noise during big plays. Access 4 It would be hard to find a venue which is easier to get in and out of than Meares Stadium – the only potential drawback is you might have to walk down a small hill to get to the stadium, as a lot of the free parking sits above the stadium (or you can walk along the road, but down the hill is the direct route). A lot of fans just park along a winding road south of the stadium, but since you can park there for free it is hard to complain. Also there is very little traffic in the area, which is another plus. Once you get into the stadium itself there is plenty of room to move around and very short lines at the concessions, especially if you walk across to Southern Cross, which has no line at times. The only bathrooms are near the main gate, however, so be aware of that. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Mars Hill football are $15 – they only accept cash at the door, but you can buy online by purchasing in advance or by using your phone to scan a QR code, which is posted on a sign as you walk up to the main gate. A visit here is definitely well worth the price given the beautiful setting, ease of access, free parking, and low-cost concessions options. Extras 3 One cool tradition at Mars Hill football is the small mountain lion statue behind the southwest end zone, which the players touch for luck as they go onto the field – you are welcome to touch it yourself or take a selfie with it, something you can’t do at larger stadiums. Touching the Lion, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey

Photos by Harrison Huntley, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Brooks Field Riegel Rd Wilmington, NC 28403 UNC Wilmington Seahawks website Brooks Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,000 UNCW's Diamond Hawks Brooks Field brings along an interesting story. Home to the UNCW Seahawks since its opening in 1957, it has also hosted two separate minor-league baseball teams. Two teams tried their hand at placing a team in North Carolina's port city, yet both were forced to fold shortly after their arrival due to the lack of a stadium. The Seahawks are the constant in all of this and they continue working on their goal to reach Omaha. While their stadium is fine for the previous standards, but to reach the level of a consistent contender, the overall stadium experience falls just a bit short. Food & Beverage 3 The park's concession stand is located behind the first base bleachers. The spread is pretty standard: pizza, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and other snacks. Coca-Cola sponsors the Seahawks and beverages can be purchased in 20 ounce cups. Most notably, there are three combo options that can really save you money. Be sure to take advantage of those if you buy concessions at the park. Atmosphere 3 UNCW games are a no-frills baseball experience with an absence of on-field activities and contests. The seats are either plastic seats or metal benches. The PA system has an echo on either side which gets a little troubling, but it's not too bad. Overall, there is nothing that really stands out from the experience. Neighborhood 4 While the campus may not be in downtown Wilmington, businesses, hotels, and restaurants have flocked to the area and created a college town neighborhood. One of my personal favorites is Two Guys Grille. Two Guys is a beach themed restaurant featuring American cuisine. Famous for their Philly Cheesesteaks, Two Guys offers salads, burgers, and other sandwiches. There are many more local and chain restaurants in the immediate neighborhood, and also in downtown Wilmington. The city is home to a lively downtown area with many shops and restaurants. Fans 3 Most of the fans are family and friends of the players and that is not at all a bad thing. It does, however, mean that they are much more controlled in their cheering. There are few traditions or chants to be heard. They know all the players by first name and are always supportive. Access 3 Finding the campus of UNCW couldn't be easier. Interstate 40 becomes College Road which runs right along campus. The problem is once you are on campus, you must navigate the maze of campus roads to find the stadium. Once at the stadium, there is ample parking along the intramural fields. Restrooms can be found below the press box behind home plate. They are a bit cramped, but accessible. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $7 for reserved seating behind home plate and $5 for general admission elsewhere. If you must have a chair back, then opt for the $7 tickets. The general admission seats are metal benches and if that doesn't bother you, then you can save a couple of bucks. The food is reasonably priced (especially considering the combos) and parking is free, so no complaints there. Extras 2 The historical markers around the stadium present a nice nod to previous teams and the success they enjoyed. I give another point for the kindness of the staff. Everyone I talked with was very friendly and willing to help with anything I needed. Final Thoughts If you are simply a fan of the game and enjoy baseball without distractions, then this would be a good field to visit. The Seahawks continue to improve their on-field product and have begun to consistently reach the NCAA tournament. Hopefully in time, they will improve the fan experience. The current atmosphere is not a bad one by any means, but considering other programs in the state, it probably could be better.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Wilson Field 100 Stadium Spur Lexington, VA 24450 Washington & Lee Generals website Wilson Field website Year Opened: 1900 Capacity: 4,000 Generals in the House Wilson Field has been home to Washington & Lee athletics teams since it opened in 1900, but has been renovated multiple times since then, most recently in 2008. The stadium is named after William L. Wilson, the 10th president of the University, who passed away the same year the stadium opened. Parts of the stadium were funded by the Cadaver Society, a quasi-secret society on campus which is known for giving large amounts of money to the school, as well as using secret tunnels to travel from place to place around campus. Food & Beverage 2 Wilson Field has two concessions stands beneath the press box on the home side, but only one is open for most events. The menu is very limited, but the prices are low and they do offer free water, via plastic cups and a water dispenser next to the concessions window. The concessions menu includes hot dogs or pretzels for $5, chips, candy, or a cheese cup for $2, and drinks for $3 (Coke products, hot cocoa, and coffee). Atmosphere 2 Wilson Field has a track around the playing surface, with the press box and home stands on the west side, and a smaller set of stands on the east side for visitors – the total capacity is around 4,000. There is also a mostly static scoreboard (there is video in the center section which only displays team logos) behind the south end zone, and tailgating set up on the east side of the field instead of in the parking lots, so you can easily watch the game while you tailgate. Washington & Lee does have a cheerleading squad, but it was raining during my most recent visit, so the cheerleaders were not on the field due to safety concerns. Wilson Field Visitor Stands, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Because of the rain attendance was pretty sparse the last time I was there, but the Generals do get more of a crowd at Wilson Field for most games. Note that there are a few grey chairback seats in the top middle section of the home stands, and also on the visitors side, if you would rather sit in those than on the bleachers. Neighborhood 3 Lexington is a small, conservative college town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, which Washington & Lee shares with the FCS’ Virginia Military Institute (the two schools abut each other, but depending on which way you drive in you may not even see the other schools’ buildings). The town only has a population of seven thousand, and is known by some as Lex Vegas. There are several restaurants near Washington & Lee’s campus – Bistro on Main is a great choice, with a menu that includes southern dishes such as gumbo or shrimp and grits, but also some farm-to-table type items. During the pandemic the restaurant limited its hours and still has not fully recovered in terms of capacity, so be sure to check its hours if you want to visit. Or if you happen to be a Star Trek fan (and who isn’t), check out Beameup BBQ & Café (the owner’s name is Scotty); this is a fantastic place to get a bite, but also has limited hours as they do a lot of catering – check their Facebook page to see what days they are open. Besides food, like much of the state Lexington is a hotbed for military history, and there are several attractions of this type in the area. First is the Stonewall Jackson House , where the famed Confederate general resided prior to the Civil War. You can also visit the gravesite of Robert E. Lee, inside University Chapel on Washington & Lee’s campus (Lee served as president of the school after the Civil War, after which time his name was added to Washington’s in the school’s name); the Virginia Museum of the Civil War is also nearby. Fans 2 As mentioned there were not very many fans in attendance on my most recent visit, due to the rain, but I was impressed by the number wearing Generals blue, and also by how many showed up at all in the cold, wet weather. Access 4 Wilson Field is easy to get to and easy to move around – not far from I-81 and I-64, you can park for free within a short walk of the stadium, either in a parking deck on the south side behind the tennis courts, or in surface lots to the northeast. There are plenty of bathrooms on the concourse, and even small tables with chairs which you can use to sit and eat while watching the game. Return on Investment 5 Attendance is free at Washington & Lee football games – tickets are not even sold. Adding in the free parking and low-cost concessions, this is as cheap a sporting event to take family or friends to as you will ever find. Extras 2 A plus for the military history in the area, and another plus for the beautiful scenery – the field is surrounded by lots of trees and plenty of greenery, so is a great place to get away from it all.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 V. Earl Dickinson Stadium Hanover Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Mary Washington Eagles website V. Earl Dickinson Stadium website Fly Like an Eagle Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the University of Mary Washington plays its baseball games at V. Earl Dickinson Stadium within the Battleground Athletic Complex. Located just off campus, the Battleground is home to several of the Eagles' athletic teams. In addition to baseball, there are facilities here for UMW's soccer , field hockey, lacrosse, track & field, and softball teams. Food & Beverage 0 According to the UMW website, there is a concession stand at V. Earl Dickinson Stadium, and there is a window behind home plate by the stairs to the seating area that could plausibly have one. However, the window was closed when Stadium Journey visited and it is unclear if it is ever open. Atmosphere 2 V. Earl Dickinson Stadium has several sections of bleacher seating, accessible via stairways and ramps through a brick exterior facade. All seats are behind netting but otherwise offer excellent views of the action. A scoreboard in the outfield shows a linescore and other basic information. A UMW baseball game is a pretty basic experience. Music is played during some breaks in the action, but is quiet and unintrusive. Most of the music is the standard ballpark background music, but the decision to play some pregame British sea chanteys over the PA system (on St. Patrick's Day, of all days) was certainly an interesting choice. Neighborhood 4 The Battleground Athletic Complex, of which V. Earl Dickinson Stadium is a part, is located just off I-95 in Fredericksburg. It is in a residential area near the UMW campus, but if you head back towards Route 3, you will find many options. The Metro Diner is a local favorite, and Cook Out serves up burgers and more at a great value. There are many other options up and down Route 3 from Mexican to Salvadoran to Thai to Mediterranean cuisine. However, you may have to drive a bit to get there. Fans 3 The University of Mary Washington draws a typical crowd for Division III baseball. Most of the fans are friends and family of the players, alumni, or others with some connection to the university. You will usually see a good number of visiting fans as well, who will probably fall into one of the aforementioned categories. The crowd here is pretty casual, cheering big plays but otherwise are not particularly involved. Access 4 V. Earl Dickinson Stadium is just off I-95 in Fredericksburg, so it is easy to get to. However, keep in mind the portion of I-95 between Washington and Fredericksburg is one of the most congested stretches of highway in the nation, so allot extra time. The extension of the Express Lanes to Fredericksburg will help alleviate traffic if they are running southbound at the time of your trip, but if you want to use them to speed by traffic, expect to pay a massive toll unless you have at least three people in your vehicle and the EZ-Pass Flex transponder set in the right mode. Once at the Battleground, free parking is available in a lot in the back of the complex or a smaller one by the entrance. The latter one will put you closer to the stadium but may fill up quickly with game personnel. You should have no problem parking in the back lot, as it never fills up, but you will have to walk a few minutes down a gravel hill to the stadium. Restrooms are located behind the grandstand. They are small, but as there are very few fans who show up, they are of a sufficient size. Keep in mind the players do not have their own restroom, so if you are using the men's room, you may encounter them in there and will want to yield to them so they can get back to the field quickly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all UMW baseball games, with the possible exception of conference and NCAA tournament games, is free. Parking is also free, so you won't pay anything to attend. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 0 There are no real extras here. This is baseball at its most basic level. Final Thoughts V. Earl Dickinson Stadium is a modern ballpark and baseball fans in the Fredericksburg area or with some connection to the University of Mary Washington may want to check out a game here.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Centre Marcel Dionne 300 rue Cockburn Drummondville, QC J2C 4L6 Drummondville Voltigeurs website Centre Marcel Dionne website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 4,000 Allez Voltigeurs! On the south shore of Quebec, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, lies the city of Drummondville. With a modest population of 70,000, Drummondville captures the essence of Quebec hockey. The pride of Drummondville includes their junior hockey team, the Voltigueurs, and their favorite son, Marcel Dionne. Dionne was both infamous and the second most-famous Los Angeles King (behind only Wayne Gretzky), and arguably the player that gave the most to the franchise. As part of the Triple Crown Line, Dionne was a staple of the Kings, and regularly finds time to return to his hometown of Drummondville. The Voltigeurs are the second incarnation of major junior hockey in Drummondville. An expansion team in 1982, the Voltigeurs are named after a Quebec-based regiment that fought the Americans in the War of 1812. They followed the original QMJHL team, the Drummondville Rangers, which played from 1969 to 1974. Currently owned by Jean-Guy Rene, Roger Dubois, and Michel Parizeau, the Voltigeurs have enjoyed moderate success, making it to the Memorial Cup 3 times, and winning the President’s Trophy as the top team in the QMJHL in 2009. Their most famous alumni include NHL greats Steve Duschene and Daniel Briere. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at the Centre Marcel Dionne are very ordinary. You are only going to find staple products that you would find in any arena, including hot dogs, popcorn, soda and nachos. There are only a couple of concession stands, and there are numerous vending machines to compliment those stands. The featured sodas are Pepsi products, and the beer available is Molson Export and Coors Light. Prices are decent, but a lack of variety is evident. Atmosphere 4 Centre Marcel Dionne is one of those arenas that sends you back in time. It has the feel of a community arena where your own kids would play house league hockey. The exterior is nothing spectacular, and could easily be driven right past without even noticing it. Once inside that community feel takes over. There is not much standing room where the ticket windows are. There is an opportunity to visit with the local early-birds or check out the various displays, including the large Marcel Dionne display. Once inside, the seating bowl looks like it is from another time. The seating bowl is small and steep, offering fantastic sightlines. The arena features wooden seats, which although are not the most comfortable, are terribly historic. The scoreboard is simple with a 4 sided projected video screen. Above the ice surface you will find the retired numbers of great Voltigeurs of the past including Steve Duschene, Ian Laperriere, Denis Gauthier, Steve Chartrand, Rene Corbet and Daniel Briere. At the far end of the arena you will find the modest banners from successful Voltigeur seasons, including the 2009 President’s Trophy banners. Throughout the arena there are various photos showcasing the hometown team. One of the more unique features of Centre Marcel Dionne is the giant Voltiguer banner which drops and shakes at key moments. Very simple, yet very unique. Neighborhood 2 The Centre Marcel Dionne is a community arena, located in a suburban area. There are not a ton of options in the immediate area for pre and post-game fare. Within a couple of minutes in the car you will find some recognizable chains, including Boston Pizza, East Side Marios and Quebec rotisserie chicken chain, St.Hubert. Fans 4 The Noise!! Drummondville fans are extremely loud! This is probably the only place that I have been that has not banned air horns. The air horn is a favourite of the Drummondville fan, and they use them liberally! The fans that we met were very friendly and accommodating. They were willing to talk about their beloved hometown team and the prospects that the Voltigeurs would have in the upcoming playoffs. The attendance at Voltigeur games is a bit of a disappointment, as they average just under 2,500 for the season, putting them in the bottom third of the league. Access 3 Getting to the arena is not too difficult as it is located just north of Boul St.Joseph, a couple of kilometres from the Trans Canada Highway. There is some parking on site that is free of charge if you are early enough. Once inside, however the concourses around the outside of the seating bowl do not encircle the arena, and are extremely narrow. Washroom facilities are also not the greatest. Return on Investment 5 It is ridiculous what a great deal a Voltigeurs game is. Top level junior hockey combined with free parking, good concession prices and unreal ticket prices equals great value. This is absolutely family entertainment. Voltigeur tickets go for $15 each, with seats for children going for a ridiculous $6. Unbelievable! Extras 2 An extra mark for the waving banner. Very unique! An extra mark for that hometown feel to a Voltigeurs game. Final Thoughts A trip through the QMJHL will find Drummondville as one of the solid francophone franchises. It’s worth the trip to see an arena that is from a different time, and a great group of fans who know how to be loud.

Photo courtesy of NCA&T Aggies Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 World War Memorial Stadium 510 Yanceyville St Greensboro, NC 27405 North Carolina A&T Aggies website World War Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 7,500 Faded Glory Baseball fans in North Carolina's Triad region have come to know and love NewBridge Bank Park, the home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the Florida Marlins' affiliate in the class-A South Atlantic League. The Grasshoppers are routinely at or near the top of the circuit in attendance, as the relatively-new downtown park continues to be a success. The true hub of baseball history in the Gate City, though, is just over a mile away, at the intersection of Lindsay and Yanceyville Streets. World War Memorial Stadium served as the host for Greensboro baseball for nearly 75 years, before the Bats relocated and became the Grasshoppers. Opened and dedicated in 1926, the ballpark serves to honor residents of Guilford County who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I. Plaques with the names of those who fell are just outside the entrance to the stadium. Astute fans may also notice the stadium's star turn as the origin of a road trip in the movie Bull Durham. World War Memorial Stadium is the oldest athletic facility still in operation in the Tar Heel State, and it is, unfortunately, really showing its age. The park is owned by the city's sports commission and rented to North Carolina A&T and Greensboro College, and it has, of late, somewhat fallen into a state of disrepair. A section of seating on the third base side now sits behind a fence, rumored to soon be demolished. Many of the girders around the park now sport a primary hue of rust, with peeling paint and overgrowth of vegetation common sights in many areas. Despite the obvious signs of age and neglect, this stadium still tells the story of the last 80-plus years of baseball in Greensboro, for all who are willing to listen. Food & Beverage 3 There is a rather solid selection of foods at an Aggie baseball game. Hot dogs ($2), pizza ($3), nachos ($3.50) and cheeseburgers ($3.50) highlight the "entree" choices. Pork chops were also being sold on the day I attended, with a grill being manned in the breezeway between the entry gate and the concession stand. This gave the feeling of being at a cookout with friends or family. Snacks include cheese crackers ($.50), candy ($1.25), chips ($.75), peanuts ($3), pickles ($1), popcorn ($1.50), sunflower seeds ($1), gum ($.05) and ice cream ($1.50). Candy bars, Skittles (three different flavors) and Air Heads are among the candy choices. Drinks are Pepsi products, with bottled soda and Gatorade available for $2. Water, coffee and hot chocolate are $1 each. Atmosphere 3 Though signs of decay are evident in many parts of the stadium, the playing surface shows none of these problems. The field is beautifully maintained, with bright green grass. This is one of the clear highlights of the facility, along with the covered seating behind the plate. This is great for shielding out the North Carolina elements. World War Memorial Stadium presents a truly comfortable environment in which to watch a game, at the very least. There is no concern whatsoever with leg room in any part of the seating bowl, as there is almost enough room between your seat and the seat in front of you to insert another row of seats. This is a tremendous feature for tall spectators like myself, allowing the luxury to stretch out and enjoy a game. Many of the seats in the lower portion of the seating bowl are fold-out stadium seats, with backless bleacher seating toward the top of the bowl. There is not likely to be a situation in which you cannot get a fold-out seat, but be sure to bring a wet cloth or two to clean the traditional North Carolina spring pollen off your seat before you sit down. There are a number of speakers hanging from the top of the backstop, but they are not in use for North Carolina A&T games. Two portable speakers are mounted on stands outside the press box, and they can be loud enough to drown out conversation. The musical selection between innings is lively and diverse, though there are quite a few sound effects played between pitches, much like at Grasshoppers games. The lack of quiet does help offer a feeling that the game is moving along at a swift pace, though, which is nice. The scoreboard is located in right-center field, and offers very little in terms of visual interest. The scoreboard is a basic structure with red numbers on a black background, flanked by "GUEST" and "HOME" and the game's line score. The number of the player at bat, a ball/strike/out count and a hit or error indicator compose the top row of the board. The red lights of the board can be a bit tough to read for afternoon games, but the public address announcer does a great job of recapping each half-inning's activity and current game score. Neighborhood 1 North Carolina A&T's campus is a short distance away from the stadium, and this already-beautiful campus is looking to expand. Unfortunately, this is the only real area of note to hang out before or after a game. Planned ballpark districts were not really a "thing" in the mid-1920s, as one might imagine. The ballpark is part of the historic Aycock neighborhood, but is largely residential, save for a farmers market across the street. Interestingly enough, most of the dining and entertainment options are in the vicinity of the downtown ballpark that replaced World War Memorial Stadium. These choices will likely require a car, though, as walking to the downtown area is not all that feasible, due to both distance and the condition of some of the areas between the park and downtown. Triad favorite Natty Greene's is a choice of the locals, and for those who like local beers, this is a great place to give one a try. Undercurrent and Fincastle's are two other choices that seem to resonate with fans at Grasshoppers games, though even a few choices in the vicinity of an A&T game would be preferable. Fans 3 Your chances of encountering a sellout crowd at an Aggie game are virtually nonexistent, but this does not mean that you will encounter a sleepy group of fans. Though small in numbers, those in attendance certainly love their Aggies. The crowd certainly sounds larger than it is, and some heckling (playful in nature, not personal) does occasionally take place. Some hearty fans had even made the long trip from Tallahassee-based Florida A&M on the day I took in a game. If you go to a North Carolina A&T game, expect to see a lot of blue and gold, along with "The Lock" (the interlocking "AT" logo). There was a contest during the game I attended that awarded a prize to the first fan to bring an A&T logo item to the press box, and a number of fans ran toward the press box almost as soon as the announcement was complete. Access 4 The stadium is in a reasonably advantageous position for travelers in and around Greensboro. The park is within minutes of US HIghways 29, 70 and 220, along with Interstates 40 and 85. Two parking lots directly surround the stadium, with a small surface lot directly outside the entrance and a blacktop lot beyond the right field fence. The parking is completely free, and the walk from either lot is rather short. As with many ballparks from this era, the main concourse is under the seating bowl. This makes the concourse area somewhat narrow and dark. The city also keeps a group of replacement seat pieces on the concourse, which serves to further clutter the area. The restrooms are rather old, as one would expect, but there are plenty of available stalls (I counted ten in the male restroom) and quasi-modern upgrades. You should never experience a line while waiting to use the restroom. Return on Investment 5 Free is an impossible price to beat, and admission to Aggie games will not cost you a dime. I was somewhat thrown by the presence of an unmanned ticket booth, only to be told -- by a very nice gentleman, I should add -- that admission was free. It is wise to have some cash with you just in case, especially considering the low concession prices. With the admission and parking charge -- or lack thereof -- you can see a game, park your car and get a hot dog and drink for $4. This is as good a value as you will find anywhere in college sports. Extras 2 A small program-like "document" is available at the concession stand. This document contains a team photo, rosters for both teams and a score sheet. This may not be a full program, but it certainly provides a good amount of information. The people of North Carolina A&T also deserve extra notice. Every stadium worker and fan with whom I came into contact was supremely nice, going out of their way to make those in attendance feel welcome. Customer service is the easiest thing to get right when hosting events, and A&T certainly does just that. Final Thoughts A trip to War Memorial Stadium is both enlightening and heartbreaking. If you are a fan of historic venues, this is an absolute must-see facility. The simple thought of all of the events that have taken place inside the stadium is enough to bring out the nostalgic side in anyone. At the same time, the knowledge of this venue's history makes the current state of the facility that much more upsetting. The stadium's run-down appearance is by no means the fault of those at North Carolina A&T -- it is important that this be stressed -- but it deserves a much better fate than that which has happened to it. There are talks in the city now about how to renovate the stadium as part of a larger revitalization project, and the hope is that this eventually comes to fruition. A few coats of paint and some care could easily restore this beauty to her former majesty.

After months of persistent rumours, it has finally been confirmed that Melbourne will host the first ever NHL games to be played in the southern hemisphere. The Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings will make the long trip down under for a two-game preseason series in September later this year. The Global Series Melbourne 2023 is being supported by the Victorian State Government who rightly proclaim Melbourne to be the sports capital of Australia, and indeed one of the great sports and entertainment cities of the world. A temporary ice rink will be constructed within Rod Laver Arena, better known for its role as centre court for the Australian Open Tennis tournament held each January. The retractable roof will remain closed. Rod Laver Arena has proven itself as a world-class multi-sport stadium having previously hosted professional basketball, netball, the World Swimming Championships in 2007, and Commonwealth Games gymnastics in 2006 – in addition to being Melbourne’s premier major concert venue. The two teams will reportedly travel to Australia on September 16th, and will have several practice sessions at the O’Brien Icehouse (home to Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs of the Australian Ice Hockey League) before games on Saturday September 23 and Sunday September 24. Rod Laver Arena originally opened in 1988 but received a major renovation in 1995. Capacity is around 14,000 however this may be impacted by the construction of the rink, which will be similar logistically to an outdoor game. The build will take 12 days with equipment to be shipped to Melbourne from Toronto via Vancouver. Tickets will be available via Ticketek and are expected to be in high demand.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 AT&T Stadium 925 N Collins St Arlington, TX 76011 Dallas Cowboys website AT&T Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 80,000 Dallas Cowboys: AT&T Stadium AT&T Stadium is the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and is in Arlington, Texas, in the heart of the DFW Metroplex between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. AT&T Stadium opened on May 27, 2009, when country singer and Texas’ own George Strait performed in front of 60,188 fans. A few months later on September 20th (4 years to the day after ground was broken at the stadium), the Cowboys played their first regular season game versus the New York Giants – the attendance on this historic night was 105,121. Although AT&T Stadium’s listed capacity is 80,000 people, the standing room only areas on the east and west side, referred to as Party Passes (available for $50), give the facility the potential to hold up to 105,000. AT&T Stadium is one of the premier stadiums in the world, breaking numerous attendance records. Besides being home to the Dallas Cowboys, the stadium has hosted events such as Super Bowl XLV, the NBA All-Star game, the NCAA Final Four, the Big 12 Conference Football Championship, the annual AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, the Academy of Country Music Awards, the UIL Texas state high school football championships, WrestleMania XXXII, and WrestleMania XXXVIII Food & Beverage 5 AT&T Stadium’s incredible catering is handled by Legends Corporation, which comes through with a few unique items – although the prices are high the tastes are incredible. Some of their unique dishes are chicken waffle sandwiches, Kobe burgers dressed up with either green chiles or BBQ, catfish po-boy sandwiches, prime rib sandwiches, and Frito pie. All of these are outstanding choices, but the high prices may deter some fans from purchasing them. Beside these unique items, AT&T Stadium offers classic fare such as ultimate nachos, jalapeño and cheese sausages, Nathan’s hot dogs, pretzels, refillable popcorn, and peanuts. The venue does cater to a healthier lifestyle as well, with choices including gluten-free turkey sandwiches, vegetarian black bean burgers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit cups, and whole dill pickles. The venue also serves Pepsi and Dr Pepper products. Miller Lite is a main sponsor of the Dallas Cowboys, so throughout the stadium Miller Lite and Coors are sold at the price of $10. In addition, Shiner Bock, Dos Equis, MGD 64, and Blue Moon are sold for $12, and if you have club seats you will have the same variety of beer along with mixed drinks. The stadium does serve wine in all club bars, including the four upper concourse bars and at the portable beer carts. However, the most popular alcoholic drink seems to be the Cowboy Rita (a frozen margarita) for $20. There is plenty of food around the stadium, however, as with other sport venues the real eating should be done at tailgates or at outside restaurants to save Legends Corporation from eating your wallet. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at AT&T Stadium is alive and electric and begins hours before kickoff when the tailgaters enter the parking areas. Since tailgating is limited to designated areas, space is hard to come by, so plan accordingly if you want to participate. But the atmosphere is friendly and festive no matter which team colors you are wearing – the Cowboys provide pre-game entertainment beginning two hours before kickoff, with two stages located at AT&T Plaza (east side of the stadium) and at Miller Lite Plaza (west side). Other pre-game entertainment features the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, the Dallas Cowboys Drum Line along with the Rhythm & Blues Dancers, and portable bars and food trucks. The countdown to kickoff begins with an appearance by Rowdy, the Cowboys mascot, riding a motorcycle down the sideline. The attention then quickly turns to the entrance of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders from the corner tunnels on the west side of the stadium – the cheerleaders then take center stage and perform to AC-DC’s Thunderstruck, ending their performance with the dance line performing a jump split. The performers then file into the tunnel at midfield on the Cowboys side, before re-appearing for the Dallas Cowboys’ player introductions. Both teams enter the field at the 50 yard-line through the lower club seats on opposite sides of the field – the north sideline of the stadium is the visitor’s side while the south side is for the Cowboys. The game atmosphere itself depends on what is happening on the field, but many people feel that the stadium is so amazingly large that a home field advantage just doesn’t exist – However, this isn’t from a lack of trying by Cowboys fans; the pure massiveness of this venue makes the fans seem sometimes distant from the playing field, with the fans in the 400 sections being high up and far away from the playing surface. However, the incredibly large video screen does bring the action closer for fans in the upper level. The Cowboys also offer party passes for every Cowboys home game throughout the season. The holders of these passes have access to the east and west platforms of the stadium, which is a standing room only type of access that gets the holder into the stadium, but without a seat – stadium ushers have been advised to check tickets closely because of the party pass option. Party pass holders will line up early to enter the stadium as they rush to claim their standing space, as it doesn’t take long for those areas to fill up, leaving some pass holders ending up watching the game on the large video screen. Overall, the stadium, fans, and the amazing architectural structure, with its retractable roof and doors, provides a good atmosphere to see a game. However, don’t expect to have the roof or the doors open during the game, as they are customarily kept closed due to the Texas weather. The fantastic artwork located throughout the stadium also adds an interesting touch and brings another reason any sports fan would enjoy their visit to AT&T Stadium. In addition, the facility now has its own mobile app that can provide real-time information during your game day experience. Neighborhood 3 AT&T Stadium is within reasonable walking distance of the Arlington artery of restaurants on Collins Street – there is no public transportation in the city of Arlington, so there is plenty of foot traffic going to and from these restaurants. The Tailgate Tavern (located on the other side of Walmart) is close to AT&T Stadium, but is highly overpriced, crowded, and has slow service. The better choice is to look on or across Collins Street from the stadium – there you have Fishbone Grill and Airway Burgers, along with many popular fast food and chain restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Wendy’s, Subway, etc. Another good spot in the neighborhood is Lincoln Square, an area of restaurants and shops approximately a quarter mile from AT&T Stadium on the corner of Interstate 30 and Collins Street; Lincoln Square offers Catch-A-Ride if you spend $40 (for example by buying a simple gift card), meaning parking will be free and you can ride their shuttle to and from the stadium for $5. However, due to the traffic congestion I would forget the shuttle and make the walk instead. If you prefer to be away from the congestion of Collins Street, but still want to find a couple of restaurants that would be a good pre or postgame hangout, you can visit the old downtown area of Arlington between E. Abram Street and E. Division St, only a couple of miles from AT&T Stadium. In this small area there are plenty of options such as Flying Fish, Twisted Root Beer Company, J Gilligan’s Bar and Grill, Babe’s Chicken, and Grease Monkey Burger Shop. There are also two local craft breweries to visit here as well: Legal Draft Beer Company and Division Brewing. The most popular place around AT&T Stadium’s neighborhood is Texas Live. Texas Live is a $250 million world class dining and entertainment district opened in 2018 next to Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers ) There are plenty of food and drink options inside Texas Live such as Lockhart Smoke House, PBR Texas, Pudge’s Pizza, and Troy’s, as well as the outdoor concert venue Arlington Backyard. Loews Texas Live Hotel provides a close luxury hotel besides the Sheraton-Arlington; there is construction currently going on for another Loews Hotel and parking garage across from the current hotel. AT&T Stadium is only a short distance from Globe Life Field , Six Flags over Texas, and Hurricane Harbor in an area known as the Entertainment District. For lodging, consider a stay at the Sheraton (1500 Convention Center Drive) or Courtyard by Marriott (1500 Nolan Ryan Expressway). Fans 5 Every Cowboys fan seems to have a reason why they “bleed Cowboy blue” – for some being born and raised in Texas is reason enough, while for others it might be that their hometown doesn’t have an NFL team, but television brought the Cowboys into their homes and hearts. Cowboys fans are knowledgeable, passionate, and they take every win or loss by their team very personally. Many fans seem to have traveled to Texas specifically for a Dallas Cowboys home game, because it is on their bucket list and has been a life-long dream. It is truly amazing to witness fans coming from all over the world to AT&T Stadium, just to see the star on the field and be in the presence of their extended Cowboys family. Access 3 AT&T Stadium is located about 20 minutes south of DFW International Airport, and although the facility is at the center point between Dallas and Fort Worth, there is no public transportation to or from Arlington. Therefore, transportation can become a bit expensive – an Uber/Lyft can easily cost $80 to $100 if you are staying at a downtown hotel in Dallas. Besides the cost, be prepared to wait at least an hour to be picked up – Uber/Lyft drop-offs and pick-ups are located on the west side of the stadium, off N. Collins and Cowboys Way. However, there is also a Cowboys bus that shuttles fans from downtown Fort Worth to AT&T Stadium, leaving from Vickery Park & Ride and accessed from the 200 block of W. Vickery Blvd, just south of the T&P rail station. The Dallas Cowboys have the highest average parking cost in the NFL at $75 per vehicle, so renting a car isn’t much cheaper. AT&T Stadium owns 15 parking lots with about 12,000 parking stalls, and the Texas Rangers parking lots add another 12,000 spaces, meaning the rest of the parking comes from local businesses, churches, and private homes renting out their lots, and the further away from the stadium you get the cheaper the cost. The Walmart parking lot is NOT an option, as cars will be towed. Also note that during the early part of the Cowboys schedule the Rangers are still in season, so on game days when both teams are in action parking and traffic issues will be multiplied, so be sure to leave yourself additional travel time. Various nearby hotels in the Arlington area and around DFW airport do provide free or low-cost shuttle service to AT&T Stadium. There are also a couple of hotels within walking distance of the stadium if you can book a room early, most likely as soon as the NFL schedule is released. There are ten guest entrances into AT&T Stadium, however, I recommend that you enter the stadium at the gate stated on your ticket – the main concourse of the stadium is split in half because of the premier club seating, which may prevent you from walking across to the other side, forcing you to go up to the 400 level and then back down to the main concourse. AT&T Stadium has a wide concourse, plenty of concessions stands, two large pro shops on the main concourse, and two smaller shops in the upper level for Cowboys fans to add souvenirs to their collections. The facility is also a premier venue that is fully ADA accessible, the concourses and restrooms are well kept, and there is plenty of legroom in the seating sections. The stadium security/gate procedures follow the NFL’s ‘clear bag’ policy, and it’s best to familiarize yourself with these rules ahead of time to avoid unnecessary headaches. You may want to read the policy, as many fans are sent back to their cars for not complying. Return on Investment 3 The Cowboys average ticket price is $99, below the league average of $107, according to Statista. However, I’m sure that is including the party passes – add in the highest average parking cost in the league and attending a Cowboys game can be expensive. The $50 party passes offer a way to get into the stadium, but this option doesn’t guarantee seeing the game live – the $50 ticket is standing room only located on the two end zone platforms of the stadium, and most fans on these platforms end up just watching the game on the video board because the platforms are overcrowded throughout the game. These party pass tickets are more for fans that want the feel of being at the game rather than those who really want to watch it. Nevertheless, the return on investment at AT&T Stadium can be manageable, if plans are made in advance, as ticket prices can vary based on the opponent or date of the game. The phrase, “you get what you pay for” may be the best way to describe the return on investment when attending a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium. Extras 5 AT&T Stadium has several extra elements which help push the overall game day experience over the top. First, the Cowboys do not retire jerseys to honor their past greats, as they have the Ring of Honor – the ring currently has 22 names of legends and continues to grow. This is a great extra element, to be reminded of past Cowboy greats like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Roger Staubach, and Tony Dorsett, among others. There is also a nice statue of Tom Landry near the ticket booth and pro shop. The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders also deserve a mention as one of the most prolific cheerleading organizations in any sport. These young women are not only beautiful, but are well-educated, hardworking, talented, and are truly great ambassadors for the NFL, visiting local hospitals, supporting charities, and traveling overseas to visit and support U.S. troops through their USO tours. In addition, the Dallas Cowboys art collection, located throughout the inside of the venue, features 27 different works of art from various artists. Fans can also enjoy the array of large glossy historic photographs that can be found throughout the venue, depicting some of the greatest moments in Dallas Cowboys history. AT&T Stadium also offers four different types of stadium tours – VIP guided, unguided, audio art tour, and guided art tour. The venue also opens for a limited number of days during the season for Rally Days, which offer fans the chance to take a self-guided tour, meet former Cowboys players, take pictures with the Super Bowl trophies, and enjoy appearances from the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. Final Thoughts AT&T Stadium has been the home of Dallas Cowboys football for a decade. However, the stadium continues to be a leader in providing top notch entertainment year-round. The facility is the blueprint for other new NFL venues such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, but AT&T Stadium is still very impressive to all fans, especially newcomers, as they walk in for the first time. There is no argument that the AT&T Stadium experience comes with a higher price than other stadiums around the NFL, However, a trip to watch a Dallas Cowboys game in the Mecca of sports venues should truly be at the top of any football fan’s bucket list.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Rhodes Field 3331 River Fields Dr Philadelphia, PA 08105 Penn Quakers website Rhodes Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 650 The Might of the Penn Tucked into the River Fields Complex between I-76 and the railroad tracks, you can find Rhodes Field, home of Penn Quakers soccer. The complex is located on the bank of the Schuylkill River and also includes Meiklejohn Stadium , home of the Quakers' baseball team, and Ellen Vagelos Field , home of Penn field hockey. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Rhodes Field. Fans are free to bring in their own. Occasionally, food and drink may be available at receptions to certain groups such as donors or alumni. If this applies to you, you will be able to register in advance. Atmosphere 5 Rhodes Field is located in an unusual urban setting. The Philadelphia skyline is visible across the field and cars zoom by on I-76 behind the bleachers. The stadium itself has a beautiful brick facade and bleacher seating for about 650 fans. A digital scoreboard is located to the left of the field that shows some team stats and also shows a pregame hype video to get the crowd fired up. The seats are all very close to the action - there is no track or anything else separating them from the field, and with only a few rows, you will be close no matter where you sit. As is often the case at soccer matches at any level, much of the energy comes from the fans (more on that later) but the team itself puts in a lot of effort too. Penn has a mascot, a costumed Quaker, who has been known to make appearances at Penn soccer games and interact with fans. Rhodes Field is always full of energy from the crowd and that really helps contribute to the atmosphere here. Neighborhood 5 Rhodes Field is located in a park next to several other Penn athletic venues in the University City Neighborhood of Philadelphia. Within a short walk, you can find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to burgers to chicken to bars, and much more. Most of this can be found north of the stadium, as the university hospital is located directly to the south. The Schuylkill River is directly to the east, but there are plenty of options as you head west along the streets as well. The New Deck Tavern is one favorite, as are the White Dog Café and highly rated Mexican restaurant Cucina Zapata. Fans 5 Although Rhodes Field only seats 650, Penn fans fill the bleachers every game. They are loud, especially after Penn goals, but even at other points during the game it can be quite raucous and rowdy here. Penn fans are also not afraid to get on the ref's case for making what they perceive as a bad call, even if it had little impact on the game. If a Penn player gets called for a questionable offsides shortly before shooting the ball wide of the net, expect fans to boo and yell at the ref, even though the only real effect is that the ensuing free kick by the other team will be taken from a few yards further up the field. Access 3 Rhodes Field is located in the River Fields Complex and finding it can be tricky if you are not using a GPS. Even if you are using one, it can be unclear where to park. On weekends or weekdays after 2:00, the lots in the River Fields Complex are open to the public. On weekdays before 2, you can only park here with a permit, but since Rhodes Field has lights, most games on weekdays are played at night and this is not a problem. The closest lot to the stadium is by the Hollenback Annex, all the way at the back of the Rhodes Field Complex. The final portion of the road is undergoing significant construction and only one lane is open. This means that staff have to direct traffic to keep cars going into the lot, cars leaving the lot, and pedestrians walking from the lot to the stadium or vice versa from colliding with each other. It is a huge mess. If this lot fills up, which it will, there are a few spaces available by the baseball stadium, which isn't significantly further away, but if these fill up, you will have to park at the Penn Museum Garage, about a ten minute walk away, which will also be your only option on weekday afternoons. Getting from either of the lots at River Fields to the stadium involves walking down a narrow unlit road with no grass or sidewalk along the majority of the route that you can walk on. Since cars are zooming by on I-76 on the other side of the fence, you won't even hear cars when they approach on the River Fields access road, so you need to be paying careful attention as both a driver and a pedestrian. Getting from the Penn Museum Garage to the stadium involves walking down a long staircase behind the Hollenback Annex (and back up it at the end of the game) which will put you in the Hollenback lot. Just as if you parked there, you will need to walk down the chute and hope the staff successfully keep vehicular traffic out while you do so. The Penn Health SEPTA stop is a short walk away near the Penn Museum Garage, but you run into the same problem walking from here that you do walking from anywhere else. If you do drive, parking will will cost $4 per hour, up to $18 for the whole day. While Penn receives an average score for access, the fact is that they could receive a much higher score without adding any significant access, simply by improving what is already there. There is room for a sidewalk along the River Fields Access road, but instead there is a steep incline along the side that is impossible to walk on, and at many points contains rocks or other things you would not want to trip over when walking at night on an unlit road. If they simply added a sidewalk and some lighting along the road, and made it easier and safer for vehicles and pedestrians alike to get to and from the Hollenback lot, this rating would go up significantly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Penn soccer games is free, and Rhodes Field is an outstanding venue, so the value here is good. However, the high cost to park takes this score down a notch. Extras 3 One star for the banners at Rhodes Field honoring Penn's tournament appearances. A second star for the unusual location of Rhodes Field, between a highway and railroad tracks, with cars zooming by behind you and trains passing on the other side of the field, and the Philadelphia skyline visible beyond the tracks. A third and final star for the pregame hype video that gets the crowd fired up. Final Thoughts Rhodes Field is a gorgeous college soccer stadium that fans in the Philadelphia area will definitely want to visit. While it is a bit tricky to get to, once you are here, you will not regret coming.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Agganis Arena 925 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA 02215 Boston University Terriers hockey website Agganis Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 6,221 Beanpot University Hockey has been played at Boston University since 1917. The team is among the most successful college squads in the nation, with a resume that includes 38 NCAA Tournament appearances, 23 Frozen Fours and 5 national championships. They are also the most successful of Boston’s four Beanpot schools, having won the prestigious midseason tournament 31 times. This has led to the school being nicknamed “Beanpot University.” Agganis Arena was built in 2005 on the site of the old Commonwealth Armory. It was constructed to accommodate crowds that had grown too large for the team’s former home, Walter Brown Arena . The arena is named after “The Golden Greek,” Harry Agganis. Agganis was a star quarterback and first baseman at BU who spurned the NFL to play for the Boston Red Sox. Agganis, considered by many to be the best athlete ever to attend Boston University, died at age 26 from a massive pulmonary embolism. The rink at Agganis Arena is named for longtime Terrier coach Jack Parker, who spent 40 years as head coach of the Terriers and 47 years at the school. 92 former Terriers have made it to the National Hockey League. Ten of them have had their name engraved on the Stanley Cup. In addition, 49 Terriers have represented their countries at the Olympics, including four players from the legendary 1980 United States Olympic team. Food & Beverage 4 As is the case with most sporting venues of recent vintage, a particular emphasis is placed on having a quality and variety of concessions options. Agganis Arena is no exception. Stands are specialized in what they offer, so you may need to search around a bit to find what you want. Stands include Commonwealth Concessions (hot dogs, bratwurst, nachos), Terrier Grill (chicken fingers and french fries), North End Pizza (pizza slices, calzones, salads, clam chowder), Rhett’s Ice Cream and Terrier Town (pretzels, popcorn and snacks). In addition, there are portable carts selling Dippin’ Dots ice cream as well as a variety of snacks and beverages circling the concourse. Pepsi products are featured at Agganis Arena. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a selection of beer and wine, featuring Agganis New England style-IPA brewed by Bent Water Brewing in nearby Lowell. Atmosphere 5 At any college hockey game, much of the atmosphere is driven by the student section and band. Despite playing in a modern arena with all sorts of bells and whistles at their disposal, the Boston University game day staff let the students do the bulk of the work. The large video board and PA system are used to supplement, not replace, the noise generated by the students and pep band. Instead of relying on pre-recorded music, the band plays during most play stoppages. The student section fills up the north end zone sections and comes armed with a repertoire of chants, songs and routines designed to rattle the opposition and entertain themselves. While some of the noise coming from the student section may be a bit salty for some, there is no doubting the home ice advantage it gives the Terriers. In addition, there is enough going on at Agganis Arena to keep the casual fan. Rhett, the school’s mascot, wanders around interacting with fans. Pee-wee players take the ice during intermissions, and t-shirt tosses, trivia contests and online contests give fans chances to take home some BU gear. Neighborhood 4 Boston University is an urban campus, straddling Commonwealth Avenue for approximately a mile and a half on the Boston/Brookline border. Located across the street from Agganis Arena is Nickerson Field , home to BU’s lacrosse and soccer teams. It is also known to baseball historians as Braves Field, which was home to the National League’s Boston Braves from 1915 to 1952. Walter Brown Arena and Case Gymnasium are also located on this site. Fans coming to the BU campus will find plenty of choices for dining in the area. BU students recommend Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and El Jefe’s Taqueria, both located right next door to Agganis Arena. The neighborhood features a diverse variety of food options, with excellent Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese eateries nearby. The Paradise Rock Club, known nationally for giving bands like U2 and REM their first area shows, is located a block away from Agganis Arena. It continues to host both local acts and up-and-coming national acts. If you expand your search to beyond Agganis Arena’s immediate neighborhood, Kenmore Square and Fenway Park are just over a mile away. Not far beyond that are the tourist destinations of Copley Square, Back Bay, Boston Common and Chinatown. All are easily accessed by the Green Line, which has stops up and down Commonwealth Avenue. Fans 4 Boston University averages around 4,500 fans annually, which ranks them in the top 20 nationwide. The crowds here are a mix of locals and alumni. In hockey-mad Boston, with numerous options for the local hockey fan, BU is one of the top draws in the area. Anchoring the crowd at Agganis Arena is an excellent turnout from the student body. The students fill the sections at the north end of the arena and make enough noise to fill the barn. As a result, the rest of the crowd can be pretty laid back. They can afford to be, the kids do all the heavy lifting here. But get a traditional rival in the building for a big game, and the atmosphere ramps up accordingly. Boston University’s inclusion in the Hockey East Conference guarantees that the Terriers schedule will be filled with local teams and longtime rivals. You can expect a good turnout from visiting fans most nights. Access 3 Agganis Arena is located on the western edge of the Boston University’s urban campus, which straddles Commonwealth Avenue on the Boston/Brookline city line. The city of Boston is a difficult one to drive around in, even on the best of days. Traffic jams and construction projects are a constant nuisance, not to mention streets dating back to colonial days that are laid out in seemingly random directions. Agganis Arena is located on Commonwealth Avenue, one of Boston’s busiest streets. If driving to a BU game, your best bet for parking is the Agganis Garage located underneath the arena. There is limited on-street parking in the area. Driving directions can be found here . Stadium Journey’s recommended method to arrive at the arena is to take the subway, known in Boston as the “T.” The Green Line’s B Train stops right at the front door of the arena at both the St. Paul and Pleasant Street stops. Detailed directions can be found here . Agganis Arena features a large indoor lobby. Stairs on either end of the lobby take fans up to the concourse, which circles the entire rink. All of the facility’s concession stands, suites and rest rooms are located on the concourse, which is a bit narrow and can get crowded at peak times. Rest rooms, while numerous, are smallish. Time your trips wisely. Fans enter the steeply pitched seating bowl at the top and walk down to their seats. All seats at Agganis Arena are individual red folding stadium seats. Fans requiring accessible seating will find ample room at the top of the seating bowl, along with some limited standing room. All seats offer excellent views of the action. Return on Investment 4 BU hockey is a bit more expensive than other colleges in the area, but not outrageously so. Tickets to Terrier games cost $23, while parking in local lots and garages will run an additional $12. Concessions, while a bit on the high side, are in line with other facilities in the area. There are some ways to save a few dollars at a Terriers game. The Me Plus Three ticket package discounts tickets by 25% when you buy a block of four. There is free on-street parking available in the area for fans who are willing to search for it and walk a few blocks. To save some money and aggravation, Stadium Journey recommends taking the subway to Agganis Arena. The Green Line’s B train has stops right at the arena’s front door. A one-way fare costs only $2.75, and accesses most of the city. Check out the MBTA website for more details. Extras 5 Boston University has a notable hockey history, which they display throughout Agganis Arena. A statue of Harry Agganis stands at the main entrance. Two of the program’s most notable figures, Jack Parker and Jack Kelley, have statues inside the arena. Displays located throughout the concourse honor BU Hockey All-Americans, players and alumni who played in the NHL, those who have represented their countries in the Olympics as well as members of the BU Hockey Hall of Fame. Terrier All-Americans are also featured in murals located in the entry plaza to the concourse. Banners hang over the ice throughout Agganis Arena. National titles, conference championships, Beanpot titles, Frozen Four appearances and Hobey Baker award winners are all memorialized. The four BU players who were members of the 1980 USA “Miracle On Ice” gold medal-winning team have a banner here too. Three retired numbers are commemorated here: Harry Agganis (#33), Jack Parker (#6), and Travis Roy (#24). You may not be familiar with Travis Roy. His career lasted all of one shift, during which he fell awkwardly into the boards while trying to make a check. The fall paralyzed him. He became an outspoken advocate for spinal cord injury rehabilitation through his foundation. His book, “Eleven Seconds,” is a must-read for any sports fan. Another BU hockey alumnus is honored at Agganis Arena. The BU Players’ Suite is named in honor of Mark Bavis, class of 1993, who was aboard the plane that was crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Final Thoughts Boston is a hockey city at heart. And even though most of Boston bleeds the Bruins’ black and gold, there is a corner of the city along Commonwealth Avenue that proudly sports the red and white of the Terriers. In a city with no shortage of college hockey options, Agganis Arena offers an experience that may top them all. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Red Springs, North Carolina, will most likely never be the home of minor league baseball. The small town is 23 miles southwest of Fayetteville, smack in the middle of Interstate 95 and State Road 401. However, 55 years ago, the city was the “World's Smallest Professional Baseball Town." The town had not housed a minor league baseball team in almost twenty years. It was home to three textile mills, a weekly newspaper, a radio station, two restaurants, and no hotels. The town closed up early and was “so quiet that you could hear yourself walk.”  Why would a major league baseball team place a farm team in a town of just over 4,000 residents? Even by 1969 standards, these communities were part of minor league baseball’s past. However, it was a premonition by a baseball owner who thought it might be worth giving it another shot. The city still retained its old minor league ballpark, built in 1942 for the Red Springs Red Robins, a team in the semi-professional Twin States League. It had been built within two months under the watchful eye of Tom Cope, a leading sportsman in the county. The 2,500-seat ballpark featured two dress rooms with hot and cold showers, men's2 and women's restrooms, concession stands, a press box, and box seats. It was 300 feet to left and right field and 350 to center field. A green 9-foot fence surrounded the field, and wiring was installed with the hopes of adding lighting after the conclusion of World War II. A crowd of 1,500 was on hand to watch the Robins defeat the Second Regiment baseball team 11-4. Cope looked at his stadium with pride and quipped, "Best this section of the state." The ballpark seated 2,500 and featured a playing field among the best in the league. Lights were added to the stadium before the 1947 season when the Robins joined the Class D Tobacco State League. The club affiliated itself with Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics. Improvements on the ballpark took place the following year to make it one of the most “viable and suited Class D parks in the country.” The umpire's dressing room received new locker rooms, the team offices were refurbished, a new equipment room, a drainage system, and a new concession were installed. The ballpark received box seats from Philadelphia's Shibe Park placed at field level to increase capacity. An assemblage of 12 local businessmen formed the Red Springs Baseball Club to increase attendance to 40,000 for the 1948 season. They did not reach that goal as the high point mark in this category was in 1949 when 33,303 fans watched games at Robbins Park. However, the club did capture the 1948 and 1949 Tobacco State League championships. The Robins remained in the league until it dissolved in 1950 due to a shortage of skilled players available for service and the high costs of maintaining a professional league. Attendance in the loop dropped 25 percent, and most clubs operated at a loss. The organization would live on and join the semi-pro Eastern Carolina League for the 1951 season and then jump to the Strawberry League for a few seasons before disbanding in 1954. Jump ahead to 1969, when Matt Boykin, owner of the Wilson Tobs in the Carolina League, decided to take an innovative approach. He had lost money the past 12 seasons at Fleming Stadium and relocated his club to Red Springs, a much smaller market of around 25,000 people. It was a bold move for the Minnesota Twins affiliate in the Carolina League. Boykin was excited; he felt the small community of 4,000 people would embrace his ball club since there was nothing else to do at night. He explained in length to Sports Illustrated writer Peter Cary when he came to town in July for a story. “This is the solution to the survival of the low minors. Last year, I had to compete with two community centers, a bowling alley, two swimming pools, five movies, and a drive-in restaurant on every corner. Here, baseball is the only thing to do, and there's a bunch of little places like this with ballparks that can be fixed over. We should forget the big towns and go to the small ones.” At the time, Red Springs was the smallest town to host a professional baseball club. It was one-seventh the size of Newport News, home of the Peninsula Pilots, with a population of 134,000. However, interest from the area was strong; demand for tickets and advertising was brisk in the months before the start of the baseball season. A total of 350 season tickets were ordered for $12,000, 2,500 in program ads, and $4,000 for billboard fence ads were also secured within days of announcing the team’s arrival in town. Boykin added that people would call up and demand a sign in the outfield, but when there wasn’t any space left, they would opt for an ad in the game day program. Team manager Tom Cope, who also served as the general manager of the Red Robins during their time in Weed Loop (that is what newspapers at times referred to), helped make a lot of this happen. He sold tickets and scorecards and secured 27 businesses to place ads on the outfield walls. The old ballpark was refurbished with $10,000 from the Office of Economic Opportunity, adding extra bleachers, a new scoreboard, fresh paint, upgraded concession stands, and a new infield. In April, the city put up a hand-painted sign at the town’s entrance on Highway 71, proudly announcing it as the world's smallest professional town. A few days before the season opener, an open house drew 300 fans, sparking speculation that opening day would see a strong turnout for the Red Springs club. The new club sparked interest in surrounding communities, and a crowd of 3,000 was expected for the home opener. On opening night, 2,185 people watched the Twins lose to Kinston 3-1 in 10 innings. It was the first professional game since the 1950 season and included members of the 1913-1915 ball clubs, the first professional clubs in town. The local Robenson newspaper stated that the crowd was polite and respectful until the bottom of the ninth when many returning from their cars saw the home team tie the game at one.  Crowds continued to show up for the following games, and by the 15th game of the season, attendance had reached 12,918 fans. In comparison, the club attracted 22,400 fans in Wilson for the whole season in 1968. This was highlighted when 4,157 came out to a July contest that more than doubled the size of the town’s population. Ticket prices were 99 cents, and start times were pushed back from 7:30 to 8:00 pm to adhere to local tobacco farmers’ schedules. Many of the fans were tobacco farmers who enjoyed a relaxing night at the old ballpark after braving the hot summer heat in the tobacco fields. Cope told The (Raleigh) News and Observer why he thought crowds were high at games. “We’ve had a lot of response from surrounding towns. There was no city within a hundred miles of us with a pro team; we feel we can draw well from this whole area.” However, playing in such a small town had its downsides, primarily felt by the players. Most of them lived in an old Victorian mansion, with limited activities available within a 30-mile radius. There was only one television station that came in somewhat clearly during the day and at night; the majority of religious programs and beer had to be purchased across the county lines, and there was almost no social life for players at night. When the season was over, the ball club sported a 57-84 record and attracted 40,332 fans for 66 games, for an average of 572 fans a game. At the time, an average rate of 450 was considered good for the league, and Red Springs attracted about 17 percent of its population. They doubled the input of Burlington’s 22,000 and were almost even with Lynchburg’s number of 42,286 from a population of 54,000.  Sadly, that would be the final season for minor league baseball in Red Springs. The Minnesota Twins relocated the club to Lynchburg after the Chicago White Sox pulled out of town. Cope was surprised by the decision, according to a 1970 report in the Charlotte Observer . “The people from Minnesota gave us every indication that we were doing fine. We were not told that we were lacking in any way.” George Brophy, Minnesota’s assistant director of minor league operations, was quoted in the same article saying the reason for leaving Red Springs was that the young players didn’t like it there. “It was tough for them to find places to live, even tougher to turn something up in the afternoons, you can go down to the barbershop and watch haircuts for entertainment.” It was 13 miles across the county line to purchase beer in a can or on tap, 16 miles to the nearest motel, and the local cafe had to stay open late on game nights to serve post-game meals to both clubs. Player Danny Monzon was one of the players who seemed to enjoy his time that summer. He remembers hanging out at the local stores downtown to talk baseball with people who were true fanatics of the game. He also added that Robbins Park was a bad place to play. There was hope that the town would reach an agreement with another parent team in either the Carolina or Western Carolinas leagues, but no other organization was interested in placing a team in Red Springs. Boykin turned a profit in town and even turned down the general manager position with the Twins affiliate in Orlando. Perhaps even a few businesses felt somewhat bitter with Boykin about the club’s demise. Baseball continued at Robbins Park with Little League, Junior League, and Senior League ball. Pembroke State University of the North Carolina Collegiate Summer League used the ballpark after its playing field was turned into a parking lot in 1973. By this time, the stadium had a capacity of 2,000, and the lights were no longer in minor league condition. By the mid-1980s, the grandstand would be razed. The outline of the ball field is still visible and perhaps part of the original fencing as well. The site of baseball dating over 80 years is now called Tom Cope Memorial Park, the town’s major baseball guru who passed away in 1975. It is home to the Red Springs High School Red Devils baseball team and is considered by a few as one of the best high school fields in the state. Even if the Twins decided to remain in Red Springs, who knows how long the minor leagues would have lasted. Still, the fan and business support was strong enough that there could have been another year. It was most likely the last of its kind. If the grandstand remained, it would be prime for a franchise in the Old North State League. For one season in 1969, Red Springs was the smallest professional baseball town. A fleeting moment that resulted in blackberries growing in parts of the outfield only a year later. It has been 55 years since the Red Springs Twins walked off the field at Robins Park, but it was an interesting experiment during minor league baseball's speculative days . ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 McBride Stadium 204 NW 13th St Richmond, IN 47374 Richmond Jazz website McBride Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 3,000 Jazzing up the Summer at McBride Stadium Baseball has been played at John Cate Field at McBride Stadium since August 1936. The former gravel pit was transformed to replace Exhibition Park, which had been destroyed by a fire the previous year. McBride was first known as Municipal Stadium when it opened for American Legion baseball, funded by the Works Progress Administration. The first professional team was the Richmond Roses, who began play in 1946, the Class D affiliate of the Boston Braves. The 1947 home opener saw the Roses notch a 4-1 victory in front of 1,559 fans under cool, windy Indiana springtime weather. The club compiled a 202-220 record in three seasons and attracted 58,039 fans during the 1948 season, the highest total of any affiliated club at the stadium. In 1949 the independent Richmond Robins were established but were soon replaced after one season by the Richmond Tigers of the Ohio-Indiana League. The Detroit affiliate featured future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning, who posted a 7-8 record in his first year of pro ball in 1950. However, in December 1951, Detroit withdrew its affiliation, citing instability with the league and the scarcity of players due to the military draft. It would be 44 years before another professional minor league ball club would return to the city. McBride would continue hosting American Legion and high school baseball during the next four decades, but the years of baseball took its toll on the diamond. The playing field was uneven and in bad shape; it was recrowned thanks to efforts by Richmond High School baseball coach John Cate. He would later manage the Richmond Roosters of the Frontier League, the first professional baseball team at McBride in 43 years. The ball club would capture two league championships in 2001 and 2002. Unfortunately, the club relocated in 2006 and then replaced with the Richmond River Rats of the Prospect League in 2009. The collegiate summer league team would compete for seven years before making way for its current tenant, the Richmond Jazz of the Great Lakes Collegiate Summer League, in 2016. The 1,874-seat ballpark features a small wooden roof grandstand, original light poles, a sloping grass hill down the left field line, and plenty of memories from high school, legion, professional, and collegiate baseball of the past 80 years. From gravel pit to baseball ballpark, McBride is a hidden gem of a ballpark in Indiana. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium introduced an updated menu for the 2023 season that includes a few upgrades. Burgers come with all the fixings; brats, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, and fries are served with chili and cheese if desired. The team reinstated the Rowdy Roosted chicken sandwich popular during the days of the Roosters of the Frontier League. There is also a chicken club and BLT sandwich. The stadium's signature item is the Dog-a-Rita: smoked sausage, chili, shredded cheese, and Fritos. The cost is $5, and worth trying if you are an adventurous eater. It is a filling item on the concession stand at McBride Stadium. There is also an abundance of candy and frozen treats for sale. Candy bars sell for $1, boxed candy for $2, and frozen chocolate bars and ice cream are $2. Coca-Cola products cost $2 a bottle, Budweiser, Coors, and Miller products sell $4 a can, and a glass of wine is only $5. Atmosphere 3 The game-day atmosphere has been somewhat vapid the past two seasons with a lack of merchandise area, signage, and banners that use to enhance the ballpark's atmosphere. The Jazz first few seasons had a few more fans in attendance and that could depend on the night you attend during the season. The small ticket window greets customers walking up the hill from the parking lot. The two-window concession booth offers menu items from food to drink, but there does not appear to be a merchandise table at the ballpark. The entrance to the grandstand holds a bit of nostalgia as it is sunken into the field and a hill. There are roughly 14 rows of wooden and metal bleachers and plastic theater-style box seats. The wooden bleacher seats take up the majority of the seating bowl and were built in 2021. The wooden columns are a reminder of ballparks of the past and the view of the game is not interrupted by them. Down the left field line is plenty of green grass for kids to run around. The sloped area extends behind the left field wall and features a wooden deck that was once used as a picnic patio section; it’s now open to anyone who wants to watch the game from a different vantage point. There are in-between inning promotions and gimmicks, but on a much smaller scale than in previous seasons, but there is an on-field P.A. announcer who does a nice job of entertaining the crowd on hand in the stands. He speaks from the newly constructed PA booth that now sits underneath the grandstand. The Jazz does not have a mascot who parades around entertaining fans young and old. Neighborhood 2 McBride is nestled into a residential community in Clear Creek Park and it is adjacent to several little league fields. It is a type of town where one can leave their doors unlocked or take a stroll at 3 a.m. without fear. It is also a reminder of what small towns might have felt like a few decades ago when minor-league ballparks were almost everywhere. There are not many dining options within proximity of the stadium and one would need to drive a few miles to find a place to eat. Little Sheeba’s offers great pizza and baked jalapeno poppers, and Galo’s Italian Grill is another fine option. Firehouse BBQ is located in a historic firehouse, Roscoe's Coffee Bar & Tap Room allows visitors to play board games in a relaxed environment, and The Cordial Inn is classy and casual in n the Historic Depot District There are quite a bit of national chains, but one local establishment off Interstate 70 called Fricker’s has some of the best hot wings in the area. And to my beer and wine connoisseurs, there are two local brewpubs in town: New Boswell. Fans 3 The crowds have been somewhat smaller than in previous seasons, but on certain weekends and fireworks nights, the games are very well attended. The ballpark does not need to be at capacity to feel like a sellout, crowds of 1,000-1,500 could easily give the place some much-needed life. Access 3 Even though Richmond is a small town, it is easy to get lost when trying to find McBride Stadium, as there are no road signs to the ballpark from either I-70 or SR-40. The ballpark is a 10-minute drive south from I-70 but use GPS. If you are traveling on I-70: take exit 149 A Williamsburg Pike south, make a right onto Indiana Ave, then a left onto NW 13 St, and the stadium is on the left. Once arriving at the ballpark, you should be able to find a spot in the free parking lot, on the street outside the stadium's walls, or somewhere on the streets in the neighborhood. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to all Jazz games are only $6 for adults, $5 for kids, and free of charge for kids under six. The parking is free in the grass-covered parking lot and menu options, such as a hot dog for $2.50, are a great price. It is a nice price point for Great Lakes League baseball. Extras 2 McBride earns a point for the vintage light towers that loom over the field. They look as if they are as old as the stadium itself. The setting of McBride Stadium takes visitors back to another era of baseball and at one time, a typical scene in minor league baseball following World War II. Sometimes it’s nice to take a step back in time and enjoy baseball the old-fashioned way. Final Thoughts A trip to a Jazz game at McBride Stadium should not go unnoticed. It may not be for the casual fan, but depending on who you are with, it may make a nice little treat during the baseball season. In an era where million-dollar structures are opening up and trying to outshine one another, a small cozy ball field will always be a reminder that home is not too far away. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Pim Mulier Sportpark Jaap Edenlaan 7, 2024 BW Haarlem, Netherlands DSS Haarlem website Pim Mulier Sportpark website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 500 Complicated Arrangements Haarlem’s baseball history is long and complicated, and remains so to this day. The Dutch major leagues, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, work on the European football (soccer) relegation system, so teams need to qualify for the top league and stay competitive to stay there. The first Haarlem club to hit the big time was the turn-of-the-century SC Haarlem, who had great success, winning several early Holland Series championships before relegation and eventual merger with competing sportclub HHC into the Sparks (which still plays in lower leagues today). Haarlem Nicols formed in the 60s and was the next big powerhouse, setting the Holland Series victory record in the 70s and 80s that was only recently eclipsed by Rotterdam’s Neptunus. But financial mismanagement crippled the team, and it went bankrupt in 1994. Then came Kinheim, which formed in the 1930s but was only a relatively recent contender to king-of-the-hill Neptunus, but an exedous of players saw them withdraw from Honkbal Hoofdklasse in 2017. Newcomer Haarlem DSS made it to the Honkbal Hoofdklasse in 2015 and is now the only representative from Haarlem in the top league. Following so far? Since the 1960s, most Haarlem baseball teams have played at Pim Mulier Sportspark, a multi-sport athletic complex named for one of the founders of modern Dutch sport. These sportparks are usually arranged as an MLB Spring Training facility, with a main stadium and several subsidiary fields all crowded together to handle different levels of baseball and softball. The main field at the sportpark was built in 1994, the 2,500-seat Pim Mulier Stadium, one of the nicest and most modern ballparks in the Netherlands. It rises to the level of about AA US MiLB (where the league-average field is about a Rookie-level facility), and the stadium features a business area, a small museum, and a full restaurant. Due to the vagarities of club politics, Kinheim alone has the rights to play in Pim Mulier Stadium, even though they are relegated to a lower level due to the player departures in 2017. The current Honkbal Hoofdklasse team in Haarlem, DSS, must play on a lesser field in the Pim Mulier Sportspark a short distance away. Pim Mulier Sportpark gets the job done for seeing a ballgame in an easy-to-get-to location at great prices, but it does leave a lot to be desired by the physical facilities. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 Nearly all the teams in Honkbal Hoofdklasse have their food and drink concessions in their clubhouse, and DSS is no exception, but their clubhouse isn’t in their tiny park, but across the pedestrian walkway near the football fields. There is a small canteen located under the small grandstand that sells snacks, but if you want anything substantial (or bathrooms for that matter), you have to walk over the main clubhouse. There’s a normal selection of Dutch sports food on offer, including hamburgers, hot dogs, frites, toasti sandwiches, and Dutch meatballs (all €5 and under). The portions are good, and the prices are unassailable. DSS serves up a good selection of suds in their clubhouse, including Jupiler and local-boy Jopen, as well as wine and spirits for €3 or less. Again, can’t argue the prices. Coca-Cola rules the non-alcoholic roost. Since you’re in Haarlem, grab a Jopen beer, brewed a short distance away. Take your pick of food, but the Dutch meatballs are worth a try, and, of course, grab some frites. Atmosphere 2 Pim Mulier Sportpark’s baseball field is the lesser of the baseball facilities in the park, but even its cramped confines let you watch a game. The field walls are all constructed out of chain link, with the exception of the small brick grandstand. Bunker-like brick dugouts sit outside the chain link fence, and fenced bullpens sit outside either outfield wall. The tight confines behind home plate hold a small grandstand of five rows of molded plastic seats, topped with a small press box. There are several fixed benches in the area looking to the field, but there are also many loose chairs that patrons use to make their own seats. There is a small elevated pavilion on the first base side with a tall table and bar chairs that have ashtrays for the local smokers (of whom there are quite a bit), and there are other tall tables scattered around for people to eat and drink. A large electric scoreboard sits in the left field corner, displaying the count, outs, inning-by-inning score and the number of the player at bat. The high outfield chain link wall is covered in advertisements against a backdrop of trees only broken up by an apartment construction going on beyond the right-center wall. The main clubhouse and all restrooms are at the DSS clubhouse across the street. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the Seventh Inning Stretch, period. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Sit where you want. The grandstand is the best view, but feel free to either grab a chair and make your perfect seat behind the batter’s box or sidle up to a tall table with your food from across the way to eat and drink while you watch the game. Neighborhood 4 Pim Mulier Sportpark is located a short distance from the city center in Haarlem, with a good selection of restaurants and hotels, but not much to keep you occupied. Unlike most Honkbal Hoofdklasse stadiums, there is a good selection of restaurants right by the park. To the west of the park are foodie heaven Restaurant N.A.P. Bloemendaal, upscale Restaurant Noor, and the Italian La Capannina. Just to the east are SushiRito Haarlem, the Indian Roti Room, Ricardoz Tapas, and Chinese Lok Moon. If those don’t tickle your fancy, take the short trip to downtown Haarlem or the train up to Amsterdam. One downside is there is not a lot to do in the immediate location directly around the park. Obviously, this is quickly fixed by the short ride to Haarlem city center or heading east to Amsterdam. There is the nature park Natuur-en Milleucentrum Ter Kleef (great for kids), and that’s about it unless you go further afield. There is a nice selection of hotels near the park, dozens more after the short ride to Haarlem center, and countless options the twenty minutes to Amsterdam. Nearest the park is the budget Stayokay Haarlem, to the north is Bastion Hotel Haarlem Velsen and Hotel De Weyman, and to the southwest are the more upscale Hotel ibis Styles Haarlem City, Hotel Bleecker, Bloemendaal, and Hotel Bloemandaal. Fans 3 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semipro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. Even in their cramped stadium, DSS seems to draw the low-end of the average Dutch baseball crowds (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Local fans sit in the small grandstand or arrange chairs behind home plate. Smokers and drinkers line up at the tall tables on the firstmbase side. Visitors arrange chairs on the third base side close to the visiting dugout. Sitting by the announcer’s booth can be enjoyable, as you can often hear them object to calls on the field before they make official announcements. Access 3 Pim Mulier Sportpark is easy to get to and relatively quick from most major cities, although the cramped stadium and the separate facilities does make it little inefficient to get around. Mass transit is a snap, as the park is a short walk away from the Haarlem Bloemendaal train station. It is about twenty minutes from Amsterdam Centraal (€5.00) and a little under an hour from Rotterdam (€13.50). Driving, cab, or ride share is just under ten minutes to the center of Haarlem, a half hour from Amsterdam, and an hour from Rotterdam. There is a parking lot by the park, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the park entrance, a short walk to the field. The stadium just has one entrance into the cramped confines. Entering is not a problem, but even with the relatively small crowds, you have to step aside for people sometimes if they are coming from the other direction. All facilities are located across the pedestrian walk at the main clubhouse, so getting grub and using the facilities is a lot more difficult than it needs to be. Return on Investment 4 There’s no charge to get into the park, so you can’t really argue with that. Everything is €5 or under, including alcohol, so you can’t quibble on the prices. . Extras 2 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has the usual selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards, plus a “DSS Hall of Fame” on one wall. There is one retired number on the right field wall for Ruud Naaktgeboren #2, a small plaque for Dick Hoff on the grandstand wall. DSS is also the only team in Honkbal Hoofdklasse to offer a free program to visitors. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts Pim Mulier Sportpark’s cramped confines are somewhat alleviated with its convenient location with lots of local amenities, and it still hits the basics to enjoy a game of baseball.

Photos by Matt Collins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Monmouth Park 175 Oceanport Ave Oceanport, NJ 07757 Monmouth Park website Year Opened: 1870 Capacity: 8,000 Horses Down on the Shore Monmouth Park has been a horse racing venue since 1870. It is located near the Jersey Shore in Oceanport, NJ and seats 8,000 but holds way more on major race days. It has live racing each weekend from May until September (the typical summer shore season) and hosts numerous major races, none bigger than the Haskell Invitational in July. Food & Beverage 4 Monmouth Park has a massive array of food options, so many that an entire review could be dedicated just to food. There are food and drinks available at every turn at the venue; there are food and liquor stands on the first and second floor grandstand, including one with a horse racing themed name, The Winner’s Circle. Two stands are near the park entrance selling Max’s Hot Dogs, a local staple for almost a century. A famous Max’s Hot Dog is offered for $7 and a cheese dog is offered for $8. A Jersey Shore touch is a pork roll and cheese hot dog for $10. Chicken Tenders with Fries are offered for $12 and a cheeseburger with chips is $11. The cheeseburger from the Max’s stand was excellent and the chips added a nice touch, a welcome diversion from the usual fries that accompany a burger. Boardwalk Eats, a first floor concession stand, offered a cheaper hot dog at $5 and a $12 Boardwalk Burger with fries. Drinks offered at the Max’s stand included Gatorade for $4 and Bottled Water, Coca-Cola, and Iced Tea all for $3. Alcohol was not served but was ubiquitous everywhere else. The Silver Bullet bar offers hard seltzer and beer for $7 and wine for $9 and a premium mixed cocktail for $12. The concession stands accept both cash and credit/debit cards. Monmouth Park Max's Hot Dogs, Photo by Matt Collins, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 The stadium is laid out in the typical style of horse racing tracks. The main grandstand is quite imposing and is three stories high. Seating is plentiful; the first floor features bench seats and standing room that provide an up close and personal view of the action on the track. The second floor is a mixture of box seats and seats with backs for general admission customers. The third floor is all general admission seating, although a lot less crowded than the first two floors. However, the third floor provides an amazing vista of the entire track and surrounding area. The second and third floors are covered while the first floor seating is out in the sun. The clubhouse is on the outer edge of the grandstand and is for the privileged elite that have a pass or have a connection to a horse through trainer, owner, or breeder. The clubhouse features luxury boxes and air conditioning. Betting stations are almost everywhere and what once was illicit is now embraced as sports betting is legal in New Jersey. In the main grandstand, numerous replay boards are available for those watching other horse races at Saratoga, Belmont or elsewhere and the replay board also features other sporting events like baseball. The third floor has an air conditioned room for serious hard core racing fans, mostly older men. The first floor features a gift shop and free WiFI is available throughout the venue. The paddock is a short walk from the main entrance and gives fans the opportunity to view the horses up close before they take to the track. The track scoreboard is huge in width and features a replay board that shows the action that occurred in the previous race. Music was not played over the PA at Monmouth Park and the track announcer was obscured by the din of the crowd during races. The announcer could be heard crystal clear in the paddock and outdoor picnic area, where less people gathered during races. Neighborhood 3 Monmouth Park is located in Oceanport, a sleepy residential town that doesn’t have much in the way of nightlife. However, Oceanport is 10 minutes away from Long Branch and Red Bank, two cultural hubs of the Jersey Shore. There are hotels on Route 36 near the park which were built in an effort to capitalize on tourists flocking to the shore in the summer. Long Branch and Red Bank are both newly revitalized cities that had once seen better days but are now becoming gentrified and hip places to go. Long Branch has the recently built Pier Village near the water that has numerous shopping options as well as McLoone’s Pier House, a restaurant owned by legendary Jersey restaurateur Tim McLoone. Red Bank has the Count Basie Theatre, a beautiful waterfront, and a bustling downtown. However, tourists should be aware that there are sections of both towns where one should not venture at night. Additionally, the PNC Bank Arts Center is located about 15 minutes away in Holmdel and plays host to numerous famous musical acts including Hall and Oates, Santana, and Rod Stewart. Fans 4 A Monmouth Park crowd is loud. So loud that the track announcer is barely audible. So loud the buzz from fans can be heard well after a race has ended. The day Stadium Journey attended the park the crowd was a large mix of young people clad in Vineyard Vines, horse racing junkies (mostly middle aged and older men) living and dying with every bet they made, and families seeking a good time, maybe skipping the beach for a day to explore what the surrounding area has to offer. Access 5 There is an NJ Transit train stop located behind the third turn of the track and spectators can see the train go behind the race course on any given race day. Parking availability is enormous as there is nothing around the park besides a massive field for parking. There are two NJ Transit bus stops at the park and Lyft/Uber service was available outside the main gate. Tickets are available both online and at the gate. There was a large sign at the entrance declaring that the park doesn’t allow outside food/drink and no coolers were allowed. Moving around the concourse was difficult at times because the place was packed (a welcome sight after a restrictive summer of 2020 due to COVID) but on less crowded days it would be a breeze to walk around the park. The bathrooms had few lines despite the large crowd and large amounts of handicapped parking and seating were available. Return on Investment 5 Tickets at Monmouth Park are the best prices imaginable, free. Parking is also free. That doesn’t mean that food and drink are but still free parking and admission to see 12 high level horse races is pretty damned good. A program at Monmouth Park costs $5. Extras 5 -A row of statues of jockeys as you walk up to the entrance -Silks of past winners at the track hanging on the first floor concourse -A program that alerted fans about new amenities at the park for 2021 as well as upcoming promotions like a t-shirt giveaway, classic car night, and $2 happy hour beer night. -A mini golf course designed for families that costs $10 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under. -Due to New Jersey Racing Commission statues, jockeys are no longer allowed to whip horses at any New Jersey track including Monmouth Park. Final Thoughts If you’re looking for something fun to do down the shore during the summer, look no further than an exciting day of horse racing at Monmouth Park.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium Whitehead Ave NE Wilson, NC 27893 Barton Bulldogs website Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 3,500 Electric Blue at Barton After a 70-year hiatus, the Barton Bulldogs finally fielded a football team again starting in the spring of 2021, although without many fans in attendance – like many schools the planned 2020 season was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Starting in the fall of 2021, however, the Barton Bulldogs are finally able to fill their brand-new facility, Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium – the venue was mostly completed in 2019, but the new press box tower was added in 2021. The facility holds 3,500 fans with grandstands along both sidelines and features a bright blue border around the playing surface. Food & Beverage 5 When it comes to concessions Truist Stadium shines, with several different food trucks and an assortment of menu items which rivals that of much larger stadiums, although strangely the concessions are not near the main stands, but instead are located in one end zone and on the visitor’s side since that is where the venue has space for them. Starting off the list is Item 9 Pizza, which sells its 10” cheese or pepperoni pizzas from a white food truck for $11 or $12, followed by Sunset Slush (black food truck) which offers ice cream, gelato, or Italian ice starting at $4. You can also get wings or burgers from the Chiefs on the River food truck (also white), starting at $5 or $6 for the main dish only, or $12 for a combo meal with fries and a drink – I didn’t try the wings but heard they were to die for. There is also a fixed concessions stand that sells typical items such as popcorn, peanuts, candy, and chips, and all the stands sell bottled water, bottled soda, or energy drinks if you need a beverage. My personal favorite at Truist Stadium, however, is Krueger’s Candies (blue food truck), which sells Brightleaf hot dogs with chili for only $3, and Krueger’s even makes their hot dog buns! The buns have a very slightly sweet flavor, and the hot dogs are the rare red type, which incidentally is very popular in North Carolina (you can buy them at some of the MiLB stadiums in NC, for example at Carolina Mudcats games). Besides hot dogs, Krueger’s also sells nachos and caramels, but the hot dogs are the best – you can’t beat the $3 price anywhere for a chili dog, and they taste amazing to boot. Atmosphere 4 Truist Stadium is a great venue, and it still retains that new, modern look and feel – think new car smell. The bright blue border around the field pops, and the team has all the typical bells and whistles, such as the cheerleaders running back and forth waving flags after each score, and a bulldog mascot in costume. The only downside I would mention is that the scoreboard doesn’t have any video capability for replays. Neighborhood 5 Truist Stadium is located in Wilson, NC, which is not that big of a town, but there are plenty of restaurants and hotels nearby if you plan to be in town for the day or the weekend. The variety of restaurants near the venue is pretty impressive, ranging from Kountry Kitchen and Western Sizzlin to barbecue, Mexican, and fast food, to Daniel’s Casual Fine Dining and Varee Asian Café & Bakery. The hotels tend to be a little further from the stadium, closer to I-795, but you can choose from a variety of options ranging from America’s Best Value Inn on the cheaper side to Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn on the more expensive side. Where Wilson shines, however, is in terms of the attractions it offers – probably the most interesting and unique is Whirligig Park & Museum, featuring wind-powered mechanical sculptures which look kind of like Rube Goldberg machines (think the Mousetrap game you may have played as a kid, where you put together different pieces to make a complicated machine to trap the mouse). Whirligig Park is worth a look, and if you are a sports fan Wilson also offers the NC baseball museum, in addition to numerous historical sites, parks, and botanical gardens. Fans 2 The crowd at Truist Stadium is very small, unfortunately, and it may take some time for Barton to build up its fan base again after such a long football hiatus. This is a shame since the venue is so nice – you definitely would not expect to see such a small crowd here. Access 4 Truist Stadium and Barton College are very easy to get to; not far from I-95 and I-795, inside the loop made up of Highway 42 and Highway 301. If you don’t have a special pass (which will let you park right next to the field), you can park for free 2-3 blocks from the stadium in a small parking lot on Woodard Street. There is not very good signage, however, about where to park, so just ask for directions at one of the VIP lots you pass, and the parking attendants there will be happy to point you in the right direction. Once you get to the stadium there are plenty of entrances behind the north end zone – all tickets are technically mobile tickets, but if you didn’t buy one beforehand or don’t have a Smartphone with you, you can still buy a ticket (basically a QR code printed out on plain paper, not a regular ticket) at the door. The concourse is easy to move around, and there are more than enough restrooms to accommodate the crowd. One thing to mention is that the bathrooms are inside large trailers, but they are modern and better than you might expect – note that the differently-abled bathrooms offer a lot more room inside and have elongated seats, so those might be a better option for some fans. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets to football games at Truist Stadium are $17 including fees, which is very reasonable for this level of football; couple that with free parking, an outstanding and brand-new facility, and cheap concessions depending on which items you choose, and Barton Bulldogs football offers a great return on investment for your sports viewing dollar. Extras 3 Truist Stadium doesn’t have a lot of extras to offer during a Bulldogs football game, but they have the basics covered – the mascot, cheerleaders, great décor, fun music, and fabulous concessions all combine to make your visit to Wilson a great one. I recommend taking a journey to Barton College for a football game; you won’t regret it.

Photos by Ron Ford, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 LaHaye Ice Center 1971 University Blvd Lynchburg, VA 24502 Liberty Flames hockey website LaHaye Ice Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 4,000 Liberty, Liberty, Liberty...Hockey The American Collegiate Hockey Association covers most of the college hockey programs that have not been absorbed into the NCAA and usually organizes programs which would not have the budgets normally seen amongst their big brothers and sisters in the NCAA divisions. The ACHA represent 450 programs across the United States. Located on the campus of Liberty University the LaHaye Ice Center is the home of Liberty Universities Division 1 men's and women's ice hockey teams, as well as Virginia Military Institute and Lynchburg Colleges Division 2 schools. Built in 2006 with assistance of a $4.5 million dollar grant by Tim LaHaye, it has been renovated in 2008 and again in 2015. The arena also hosts public skating, broomball and recreational hockey. Food & Beverage 3 Basic arena food with a few extras. LaHaye offers all your basic stadium fare, from hot dogs to cheeseburgers to chicken tenders, all standard preparation with no real frills, fresh popcorn and cotton candy are a nice touch and there is a wide selection of chips and candy. Coke products are available along with some hot drinks. The surprises start in that they offer discounted combos at the main concession stand. Along with a nightly concession special such as $1 hot dogs it might make this the most affordable stadium food I have seen in ages. Exploring further, there are also local businesses offering specialized snacks along the concourse. While these were slightly more expensive they are still not outrageous and fill the void for those who are looking for more sophisticated eats. While limited to mostly snacks and desserts it's still nice to have some truly homemade ice cream or cookies. There does not seem to be any adult beverages on the premises. Atmosphere 4 LaHaye is clean, well lit with simple lines and surprisingly well furnished in terms of private concourse boxes. There are some odd uses of riot gate to separate the general admission from the premium seating. General admission has bench seating with no back, but also access to standing room and glass-side viewing. Premium seating are comfortable (even for larger folks) plastic mold form seating with cupholders. It has a central video scoreboard which allows for professionally rendered and produced video screen introductions, a simple light show during player introductions and also features an ample PA system with a decent selection of arena rock music. which brings me to my next point... Neighborhood 4 LaHaye is located in the Liberty sports complex. Its neighbors are Williams Stadium for football, Worthington field for baseball, Liberty Arena for basketball and various fitness centers. All of these are well lit and well integrated buildings with the lone exception being LaHaye which stands out slightly as a white cement and chrome structure in contrast to the red brick and brass of most of the other stadiums. There are plenty of restaurants including local and franchise names in the strip malls surrounding the sports complex. From Macados to Star Ginger and Crab Du Jour, you are sure to find something to match your pre-game tastes within mere blocks of the arena. Several hotels spot the area surely awaiting out of town parents visiting students. Fans 4 This place is loud. In the best way. In that babies the next town over cry when the hometown scores. The fans are knowledgeable, and dedicated, they have their favorite players, as a community. There are disparaging chants for the introduction of the opposing team, and individual cheers for the players with personalities. D1 men's finished the 2023 season with several consecutive sell outs, which most teams in any level of sport would hope for. Access 4 LaHey is located 2 blocks off 29 in Lynchburg Virginia. My direction app happened to take me on a backwoods adventure through the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Which was honestly a pleasant surprise. I occasionally forget why I moved out to the mountains. And my GPS reminded me. But getting to the arena is a fairly straightforward trip from most towns north and south. All sections of the arena are easily accessible, and there is an elevator for those with mobility issues. Parking is plentiful and free as long as you register for the free parking registration here: https://www.liberty.edu/police/parking/visitor-parking/ Return on Investment 4 There are so many positives here. I could treat a family of 4 to night out of exciting competitive sporting action for less than $ 100. I do recommend getting your tickets early as I was shut out of one game due to the building reaching capacity. There is a great souvenir / pro shop with a wide variety of Liberty University paraphernalia and some hockey and skating gear as well. Having seen hundreds of minor league games in dozens of arenas over the years the sports going experience here is one of the best I've ever had. Extras 0 If visiting LaHaye Ice Arena, keep in mind that Liberty University is owned and operated by the Fallwell family there is a heavy handed helping of religion and politics here. Should you find the presence of either overly intrusive, this might not be the venue for you.