Photo courtesy of Binghamton University Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Bearcats Baseball Complex 4400 Vestal Pkwy E Vestal, NY 13902 Binghamton Bearcats website Bearcats Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 464 Bearcats Ballpark In 2012, Binghamton University opened its updated Bearcats Sports Complex, which included new softball, tennis, and baseball facilities. The ballpark is light on bells and whistles, but is a comfortable place to see the Binghamton Bearcats of the America East Conference. The ballpark has seating for 464 spectators in green plastic bucket seats. There are no lights here, nor seats that would be in the shade, so if you’re fortunate enough to get a warm day on the eastern edge of the Southern Tier, then bring your sunscreen and enjoy a ball game. Food & Beverage 2 There is a table set up behind the main grandstand offering concessions. The food and drink available is somewhat determined on the weather, but even when the full menu is available, there still isn’t a lot, so you may consider bringing in your own snacks and drinks. On a recent visit, they didn’t set up for hot dogs because it was too windy. The prices are quite reasonable with all items going for $1-$2 including fresh fruit, cookies, candy, and chips. Prices are not posted so just ask the staff member working the table. Drinks include bottled water and Coke products in 20 ounce bottles for $2.50. If you are feeling peckish, then you should be able to get something to keep you satiated for the game, but if you want something more substantial, consider bringing in your own food. A trip to the Spiedie & Rib Pit just down the road on Vestal Parkway would be an excellent stop pre-game. Atmosphere 3 For this part of the country, this is a nice little college ballpark. It’s a no frills experience, but is a fine and functional facility. All of the seats are green bucket style chairback seats. They’re reasonably comfortable, but a little narrow. If you like a little extra room, then consider bringing your own chair and setting up along the left field line where there is a small hill that presents a good alternate view of the game. All of the seats in the grandstand have a net to protect the fans. The ballpark is symmetrical with 325 feet down each line, 365 to the power alleys, and 390 feet to straightaway center. The scoreboard is located in left center field and offers just the basics for you to follow along with the game. The PA announcer is to the point, just sharing a batter’s name, number, and position. You’ll also hear music in between innings. Neighborhood 3 Binghamton’s athletic facilities, including the Events Center, are located just off of Vestal Parkway, and there are plenty of chain restaurants that line this busy thoroughfare. Just name your favorite chain, and you’ll likely find it here. However, when you’re in Binghamton, a spiedie really is a must. A spiedie is basically a sandwich with marinated meat (sort of a kebab sandwich). The Spiedie & Rib Pit is a great choice, and it’s located within walking distance from the baseball field. A little further down Vestal Pkwy is the Ale House, a good place to have a couple of beers. They also have surprisingly good pizza. If you come later in the season, you may be able to make it a doubleheader by seeing the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at NYSEG Stadium . If you’re looking for something besides sports, then consider a trip to the Robersom Museum and Science Center, or Bundy Museum of History and Art. There are plenty of hotel options along Vestal Parkway. The Holiday Inn Express is a good choice just down the road. Fans 2 You won’t find a lot of fans at a Binghamton baseball game, but the good news is that since it is a small facility, it doesn’t take much to fill up the venue. You are likely to find a couple of hundred fans at a Bearcats game. Mostly it’s a mix of friends and family, and some of the students. The good news is that the fans have had a lot to cheer about in recent years. Binghamton was the regular season champion of the America East Conference in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Additionally they won the conference tournament, and a trip to the NCAA Regionals in 2009, 2013, and 2014. Access 4 Parking is free and plentiful on the other side of the tennis courts which sit next to the ballpark. Overall, it is very easy to move around the ballpark since it is so small. There is plenty of public transportation throughout Broome County, with the 47 bus being the one that will drop you nearest the ballpark. You can check out the entire system of routes online . You’ll buy tickets and enter the ballpark near the big pagoda near the main parking lot. If it’s your first visit, you may be a little confused, but just head to the pagoda and you’ll be all set. There is also a permanent restroom here for each gender, if you would prefer that over the port-a-potties they have at the field. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are just $5 for general admission seating. It’s hard to complain about a $5 ticket, free parking, and reasonably priced concessions, but there are plenty of college programs that don’t charge admission at all. Still, it’s worth the cost for what you’ll get. Extras 2 One extra for being able to bring a spiedie into the game. It really adds to the experience and gives you that true Binghamton vibe. I visited on a day of a doubleheader, and it was just what I needed between games, and close enough to get it and come back without missing a pitch. Another extra point for the small size of the ballpark. It really is the perfect size for this program. They built a new facility and did it the right way. Final Thoughts You’ll enjoy a trip to Binghamton’s Baseball Complex. Whether you’re in the area for business, pleasure, or following your school on the road, Binghamton provides a good ballpark experience for a decent price with plenty to do in the immediate vicinity of the field.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Portland Exposition Building 239 Park Ave Portland, ME 04102 Maine Celtics website Portland Exposition Building website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 3,000 The Home of Crustacean Nation   The Portland Exposition Building, more commonly called “The Expo”, is part of a larger sports and convention center complex in Maine’s largest city. Built in 1914, it is the second oldest arena in continuous operation in the United States, behind only Matthews Arena in Boston. Over the years the facility has hosted Presidential speeches, trade shows and concerts by artists as diverse as Phish, Natalie Merchant, the Monkees, the Beach Boys, James Brown and Janis Joplin. The Expo also serves as home to Portland High School basketball teams.   The Maine Celtics are the NBA G-League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. The team has called the Expo home since their founding in 2009. Initially named the “Red Claws” in tribute to longtime Celtics’ coach and executive Arnold “Red” Auerbach and the local Maine lobster industry, the team was rebranded in 2021. The Red Claws have qualified for the G-League playoffs six times in their history, reaching the G-League Finals in 2024.   Food & Beverage 3   There is a single concession stand located immediately to your right as you enter the arena. It serves up arena basics, including hot dogs, burgers and pizza slices. Pretzels, fries, popcorn and nachos round out the menu. Of course, since this is Maine, you really should try a Whoopie Pie.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the Expo. An additional stand in the lobby sells adult beverages. Thirsty fans can choose from several brands of domestic beer, canned seltzers and wine. Since Portland has a strong craft beer scene, local brews from Bunker, Definitive, Bizzell Brothers and Orono Brewing are featured here as well.   Atmosphere 4   The Expo is the second-oldest gym in continuous use in the country, and in many ways, it looks every day of its 110 years of age. But the staff here do their best to put on a show with all the bells and whistles modern basketball fans expect when coming to a professional game. The results are, well, mixed.   There’s a DJ who handles the music duty and a PA announcer who goes about his job with typical hoops energy. The arena emcee handles promotional duties and the Hype Squad performs dance routines during intermissions. All the elements are in place for an energetic game day atmosphere to keep the younger and casual fans interested. The staff here use light, sound and video in much the same way as the big-time arenas do, despite not having the same technology at their disposal.   Perhaps it’s the Expo’s old-school limitations that holds back the Celtics game day presentation from being all it can be. Or perhaps these old-school charms add to the atmosphere. We’ll let you decide. There’s a scoreboard on either end of the gym, one of which contains what is, by today’s standards, a tiny video board. Celtics staff don’t let the screen’s size hold them back, as they utilize it for crowd shots, replays, graphics and hype videos.   The Celtics’ schedule is filled with promotions, and each game is filled with activities for younger and older fans in attendance. One of the more popular contests is the lobster toss, where fans thrown softee basketballs into a giant lobster pot placed at center court to win various sponsor prizes.  Neighborhood 4     The city of Portland is often mentioned among the top destinations in all of minor league sports. The city features a thriving arts scene and is a favorite amongst foodies. In particular, if you love seafood, you won’t find a city with a greater diversity and quality of restaurants than Portland. There is also an active craft beer scene here, with several fine breweries located throughout the city. If visiting from out of town, you’ll want to head downtown to the Old Port for the best dining, drinking, and entertainment options after the game. While there’s much to do in the city of Portland, there’s not a whole lot in the immediate vicinity of the Expo for visiting fans.   Shoppers will flock to nearby outlet malls in Kittery, just to the south of the city, or Freeport, just to the north. The Maine Mall, the largest shopping center in the state, is located just a few miles away in South Portland. Maine dubs itself “Vacationland,” and whether your idea of relaxing involves a sandy beach, an amusement park, a museum, a day on the bay, swooshing down the slopes or hiking through the woods, you’ll find what you need in and around Portland. Check out Visit Portland  for more details.   Fans 5   You wouldn’t think it, but basketball plays an important part in the Maine sporting scene. The Red Claws have been a massive hit since their arrival in 2009. Sports Business Journal named Portland as the top minor league market in the country in 2024, in no small part due to the support and success of the Celtics.   While actual attendance figures for the G-League can be difficult to access, the Expo is consistently filled to the brim with hoop fans. The fact that Portland is only 100 miles from Boston doesn’t hurt the passion shown by the fans in Maine. Despite playing in one of the G-League’s smallest markets, the Celtics are second in per-cap revenue and fourth in merchandise sales. The team has over 1,000 full-season ticket holders, meaning the Expo is almost half-filled with long-term fans before anyone else walks through the doors. The team sold out 15 games in 2023-24.   If you can make any criticism of the fans at the Expo, it’s that they are pretty quiet unless prompted to make some noise, and that they are in constant motion. When you purchase tickets to a Maine Celtics game, select your seats carefully, as many seats will be obstructed with passing traffic throughout the game.   Access 3   The Expo is easy to get to, located just off of Interstate 295. Also nearby are Hadlock Field , the Portland Ice Arena, and Fitzpatrick Stadium. Parking is available in several lots in and around the facilities, as well as in the Maine Medical Center Garage a couple of blocks away. There is plenty of on-street parking on the streets around the Expo, but pay attention to signs in the area, as there are restrictions.   Fans enter The Expo into a small lobby, where they must pass through a security checkpoint before proceeding to the arena. Also located in the lobby are the restrooms, a souvenir stand and a beer stand.   After passing through the lobby, fans will enter into the arena behind a set of bleachers. To get to all seats, you’ll walk courtside in front of the bleachers to your section. The constant flow of traffic along this walkway will obstruct your view if you sit in the first few rows, so selecting seats higher up is recommended. The center court sections feature individual seats, with the remainder of the seating consisting of molded bleachers.   The Expo has a real old-school feel to it. While this may trigger nostalgia in some fans, the tight quarters may be a nuisance to others. Be aware that this bandbox of a gym features tight quarters and long lines no matter where you are trying to go. Plan your trips to the concession stand and restrooms carefully.   Return on Investment 4   The Celtics utilize variable pricing for their games, with weekday tickets starting at about $20 per seat and increasing to a high of about $50 for a center court ticket for weekend games. Check the team website for particulars.   Parking is similarly variable in pricing. There are lots a short distance from the Expo which will charge you ten dollars to park. There is ample free on-street parking in the neighborhood, just pay attention to signage for restrictions.   Concessions are inexpensive, with no item priced at more than five dollars (alcoholic drinks not included). Overall, a night at a Maine Celtics game can be a very affordable entertainment option for southern Maine sports fans.   Extras 2                                                                                                 The Celtics display banners honoring every Red Claw/Celtic alumnus who has been called up to the NBA.   One point is subtracted for the decision to rebrand from the unique local nickname “Red Claws” to the parent club’s “Celtics.” One point is added for the decision to retain Crusher the lobster as the logo for the Maine Celtics, substituting for Lucky the Leprechaun and keeping some local flavor.   Another extra point is awarded for the historic Expo itself. The second-oldest gym in the country may have some issues with access, but the intimate setting makes it a great place to catch a game. A mural in the lobby highlights important events to take place in the building’s history, while another commemorates Union Station, which once stood near the Expo on St. John’s Street. The mural was completed in 1979. Final Thoughts   The NBA G-League is full of many unique arenas, and the Expo would certainly be near the top of that list. The second oldest gym still in use in the country may be cramped and show its age from time to time, but it’s packed most nights with Maine hoops fans who wouldn’t want to watch their basketball in any other place.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

The Des Moines Menace introduced a new look today for one of soccer's older franchises. According to the club's website, the crest has been modernized without changing its original integrity. The new branding combines the look from 1994-2001 and its current branding. The colors of black and white remain the same, along with keeping the original identity. It is a style that is not your ordinary mark in the soccer world and one that should appease the fanbase in Iowa. The horizontal wordmark features the handwritten typeface and updated logo, plus the two gold stars to represent the two championships won by the franchise in 2005 and 2021. It is a throwback to the 1994 logo that featured the soccer head but with a few tweaks. The secondary logomark features the main logo without the wordmark, featuring enhanced coloring in the eyes and mouth with bolder black borders. The flames feature a forward motion. The Des Moines Menace are members of the USL League Two. Founded in 1994, the team has found success in the last 31 years with two championships and three regular season championships. The club plays its home games at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. Check out the video from SAC Sports Adventures for the stadium experience, ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Blair Hughes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Campbelltown Sports Stadium Pembroke Rd Leumeah, NSW 2560 Australia Wests Tigers website Campbelltown Sports Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 20,000 GO WEST of Sydney Campbelltown Sports Stadium outside of Sydney, Australia comprises one of New South Wales's premier football stadiums and an international standard athletics facility. This is a ground that brings back the good old days of rugby league and takes any fan back to the retro glory days due to its homely local suburban footy feels. Campbelltown Stadium, formerly called Orana Park is a multi-use stadium in Leumeah, New South Wales, Australia, and is owned by the Campbelltown City Council. It is one of three home grounds for the Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, who are a side merged from Western Suburbs Magpies and Balmain Tigers who compete in the National Rugby League (NRL). The stadium has a capacity of 20,000 and is well known amongst locals due to having a functional purpose in the lives of most young Campbelltownians as it doubled as the local athletics track for school carnivals. The original Orana Park stadium opened in the 1960s and was redeveloped ahead of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The stadium has played host to Wests Tigers, Newtown Jets, and Western Sydney Wanderers W-League Women’s team games as well as the old black and white Wests Magpies up until they folded in 1999. Since 2000, this ground has been used on an occasional basis by the Wests Tigers, with four of their twelve annual home games played here, by their stadium deals. The Western Suburbs Magpies junior teams and Ron Massey Cup side also play most of their home games at Campbelltown. Food & Beverage 3 The venue is only open sporadically for events therefore food options are quite limited to traditional ‘footy’ stadium grub. However, there are a few interesting additions on offer for fans. The food served here is traditional in the sense of pies, burgers, chips, and hot dogs, and the offerings are very limited due to the scarcity of major events. Food at various outlets does not look very fresh or appetizing, but there are a variety of interesting options that make up for the general snack bar foods. The stadium has a variety of food trucks serving donuts, coffees, ice cream cones, and slushies which prove very popular, especially on a hot day. During a recent visit, the visiting team was the NZ Warriors, so the stadium was offering traditional New Zealand food in ‘Hangi’ which went down as a treat with fans. It was a unique offering that really impressed fans of all ages and both teams and drove home a positive family vibe through the community spirit of food. The stadium offers a blend of typical soft drinks from Coca-Cola products as well as water, Powerade, spirits, and beers including Cascade Light, VB’s, and Carlton Mid-Strength brews along with both white and red wine. There is a variety of food and bar stands throughout the venue and lines are short at each. It’s great that when you buy a beer here (average price $6-$7) you can get it in an ice-cold can rather than having to have it poured into a plastic cup. Servers at each food and drink concession are quick and attentive and considering they do not work here very often, the lines move well and people are served quickly. There is a bit of a flow issue in the Eastern grandstand due to the venue design whereby fans block the aisles while waiting for food and drink, but this is a difficult thing for the venue to manage. Atmosphere 4 There is nothing quite like experiencing a game of rugby league here in the heartland where it is very true to rugby league’s roots. The seats are all close to the action, families of fans are brimming with smiles due to the buzz of a great day at the footy, and it’s an experience that a sports fan needs to see in the flesh. The fan engagement is a step above previous years and fans are happy here due to the pumping atmosphere and ability to feel more apart of the game than at other massive venues. The stadium comprises plenty of nice vantage points to take in the game in its typical four-ends football stadium design. From the family (alcohol-free) hill where kids and families can run around with footies to the Western and Eastern grandstands, this is a stadium in the old style. While the stadium does not offer a great deal of weather protection, it makes up for it with seating that is very close to the action, so much so that you can hear the plays from the players from 20 rows back in any of the stands. Seats and the general stadium outlay are a bit dated due to not being used frequently however they are all clean, adequate in size, and comfortable. There are no cup holders or special features as this is very much ground with a considerable history, but the field shows no sign of age as the grass is pristine and glistens in the afternoon sun. The stadium has a large screen on the family hill which showcases game highlights, stats, and replays and sits above families so when a try decision comes it’s always a good sight to see kids jumping around under the screen and on TV. The ground announcers do a great job of pumping up the fans with music, trivia, and fan chants. As a good deal to entice new members, the club even offers a game day membership that gives fans the option of paying about $3 more than a standard ticket to get an invite to the after-game party at the local leagues club as well as a $10 merchandise voucher and a ticket to the game. Overall, the Tigers have greatly improved their fan engagement in previous seasons and offer a great family day out at Campbelltown Stadium with a variety of free and fun activations for NRL fans. While you could sit undercover in the Eastern stand and pay a little more for that option, the best spot here is to pull up a spot on the hill and revel in the atmosphere. Bring a picnic rug and grab some food and take in the action from the breezy location on the family hill. Most areas of the ground would be open to rain in wet weather so the East and West grandstands would offer cover but fans would be wise to sit as close as possible to the action to feel the crunch of the tackles and feel like they’re more part of the game. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located about 50 minutes or 45 km via train from the central Sydney CBD. However, it has easy access to main transportation hubs and the train station is a one-minute walk from the stadium. The neighborhood is low on attractions or shops, but it is served by a bottle shop, a local corner store selling game snacks, as well as the local leagues club which is directly next to the stadium. The stadium is located in a suburban area and therefore there are no hotels or accommodation facilities nearby due to the largely residential area. However, regular trains and buses run directly back to the Sydney CBD meaning most fans who are traveling from other places will stay here as the cost of a train ticket is only $8 return on weekends. The area where the stadium is located in Leumeah is a safe part of town due to the proximity of local transport, restaurants, lighting, security and policing, and residential housing. Options for food are limited, but there is a local Thai and pizza restaurant right outside the stadium along with a local pub all of which serve traditional and Australian-inspired dishes. There is an abundance of ATMs both inside and outside the stadium so fans can purchase food and drinks. Most places here and inside the ground accept cashless pay-pass payments. The stadium area is serviced by a local sports leagues club which offers food, pokies, drinks, and live sports as well as the Leumeah Club hotel which offers a similar vibe. These venues are inclusive and offer a local flavor of entertainment and are both worth investigating for a pre-match feed or drink. Fans 4 Wests Tigers fans are passionate rugby league supporters and while Wests Magpies fans are prominent from the old-school retro jerseys on show, this is very much a group of fans who support the merged team through thick and thin. Tigers fans have often gone through periods of unsuccessful campaigns, but the 2016 campaign has seen the team win back-to-back opening games and the buzz and excitement in the air from Tigers fans is thrilling to see. As the fans have to watch the Tigers play games across three ‘home’ grounds in Sydney, the four games per year at Campbelltown Stadium are special occasions and fans young and old come out of the woodwork to come back to one of the spiritual homes of rugby league in Sydney. Along with this, the die-hard members who come here and to the other games get a real kick out of this stadium due to the no-nonsense retro and suburban vibes of the venue. There’s a certain type of romance about seeing a team like the Tigers play in a classic old venue without all the new ‘connected stadium’ bells and whistles and it appears that many fans appreciate coming here to see the team play. Standard attendance for the Wests Tigers games averages about 10,000-15,000. As the venue is not used frequently, many fans will come here only for these four games of the year. Many fans are season-long members and will attend all of the Tigers games throughout the year. The fans here are loud and proud and passionate throughout the game. Due to the high level of play and outstanding performance which has at times been missing from the Tigers, the fans here are considerably louder and more engaged than in previous matches. Chants of Tigers, Tigers, Tigers ring out at various points in the game while the fan engagement activities set the tone for a fulfilling day out for families and fans. Access 4 Campbelltown Stadium is serviced both by trains and buses and offers limited parking inside the stadium as well as in adjacent streets, however, the best way to get here is via train which on a weekend only costs around $8 return and is a relatively short 45-60 minute ride with fellow fans to the ground. The ground is fairly accessible for people with disabilities, but it would be advised to contact the venue in advance to check regarding the best seating options for wheelchairs and to secure a space in advance. If not, venue staff here both from the stadium and Tigers are very approachable and friendly and are on hand to deal with poor crowd behavior and special requests. The local Leumeah train station is located at O’Sullivan Road, Leumeah, and is a one-minute walk from the stadium and about a 500m walk to the main entrance. Tickets for adults cost around $8-$10 return on weekends and offer a fast speed service from Sydney Central or Town Square train stops to the game. Attendants at the train stop in the city are very helpful and will show you how to purchase an ‘Opal’ card, which is an even cheaper way to get to the game. Some games offer free train travel with your tickets, however, for most fans, the easiest way is to just get on a train heading to the stadium on either the T2 or T5 line. The closest airport is about 45 minutes away and this train line conveniently goes direct to the airport. Accessibility is good here as there are lifts and ramp access at the station. Parking can be done around the ground but should be avoided due to the presence of ticket officers who will fine nonresidents on match days. Parking inside the stadium is very limited and is around $20 per car and needs to be prearranged as it is a very small car park. There is only one entrance to the ground which fans will see if they come in via the train station or the yellow footbridge near the tennis centre on the other side. Security is tight and even though you’re allowed to bring bags in, they will be checked. No alcohol is allowed and smoking is banned inside the stadium however there are allocated smoking areas. Tickets cost around $25-$60 with fewer fees and can be paperless for members or purchased at the gate. It is very easy to walk up and buy a ticket, but the lines can get long so it is advised to get to the ground before kick-off to secure a ticket quickly and get into the stadium. The stadium can be tight in parts when the ground starts to fill up and fans line up to get food and drinks, particularly in the Eastern stand where lines push right back to the start of the aisles. This is due to the makeup of the venue and impacts the flow of fans as they walk through this area. The rest of the ground is open and easy to walk around and is worth doing just that as there is a lot to take in. A general admission seat on the hill or the family area is a good cheap albeit non-undercover option that is still nice and close to the action. Return on Investment 4 If you’re looking for a world-class connected stadium experience then this is not for you, however, if you are looking to harken back to the good old days of rugby league and what sports was all about in the 80s and 90s, but of course with a bit of a modern touch, then there is absolutely nothing quite like a trip to Campbelltown Stadium for a Wests Tigers NRL match. Put simply, this is a must-do on any sports fan’s list as there is nothing quite as unique and exciting as a game of football in the burbs. For $25 a ticket, the ROI here is well worth your money. Nothing can compete with being this close to the action and buzz of the game, the exceptional fan engagement, and free giveaways to all fans as well as the positive fan experience that presents itself here at Campbelltown Stadium. This is not a modern fan experience that is all the rage around the world at the moment, but something that will make sports fans of all ages appreciates an authentic day at the rugby league. One of the ticket promotions that the Wests Tigers offer new fans is the option to sign up for a game day membership where they pay $30 and receive a ticket, a $10 merchandise voucher, the opportunity to be counted as part of the club’s official membership tally and access to the after game members-only fan party. A good deal considering general admission tickets are $30 anyway. Extras 5 The Wests Tigers control the fan engagement on the day and it is an exceptional fan experience here. The Tigers have just started running themed event days for their matches including ‘multicultural’ themed days. The fan engagement consists of free posters for fans which they are then encouraged to hold up before kick-off. This makes for a great sight and deeply connects the fans in the stadium, not to mention families and fans being happy with taking home a large free team poster. Fans can also pick up free food samples, and free Wests Tigers magnets, play in the Tigers fan zone, have their picture taken with the Tiger cheer squad (not to mention the young Tiger cheer squad), participate in street art workshops and enter competitions for Tigers gear. The food offering of having a traditional Kiwi ‘Hangi’ available for fans was a great bit of fan experience excellence that was a favourite amongst fans. It will be interesting to see what else the Tigers do for fans throughout the season on these themed game days. If the first is anything to go by with all of the fan engagement activities then the Tigers will be leading the way regarding the fan experience in the NRL. Final Thoughts As the title says, GO WEST of Sydney and experience local suburban rugby league footy in the essence of the good old days. Wear your old retro jerseys, grab a pie and beer, and have a laugh on the hill as there truly is something here for every fan.

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Reese Court 1136 Washington St Cheney, WA 99004 Eastern Washington Eagles website Reese Court website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 5,000 Fly Eagles Fly Welcome to Cheney, Washington. This small, quiet town is situated about 16 miles southwest of Spokane, Washington and is home to the campus of Eastern Washington University. Here is where you find Roos Field or what people call The Inferno, but also here is Reese Court (also known as the EWU Special Events Pavilion). Reese Court is a 5,000 seat, multi-purpose venue home to basketball, volleyball, and special events. Eastern Washington athletics are a part of the Big Sky Conference in all sports. Reese Court gives off the small town gym style vibe which makes this an intimate setting for a basketball game. You definitely will feel like you are a part of the action on the court. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stands definitely leave a lot to be desired if you are looking for food. There is not much variety in terms of getting something to eat if you attend a game here. The concession stands do accept credit/debit cards so that's a plus. Depending on what you want to eat, you might be left wishing you could have something else. The concession stands offer deluxe nachos ($6.50), teriyaki chicken and rice ($6.50), hot dog ($3.25), pretzels ($2), two different sizes of popcorn ($2 and $5), and candy ($1.50 and $3). One special offering is a stand offering hot or cold espresso and jet teas for $4. The prices really are good for what you are getting at the concession stands. The food looks to be of good quality and what seems to be floating around the most are the nachos. The speed of service is very good and no concession stand seems to have more than 5 or 6 people in line at a time. Pepsi is the major soda brand served inside of Reese Court and you can get a bottle of soda or Gatorade for $3. Beer and alcohol is not served at any concession stands. Atmosphere 4 Reese Court definitely provides a fantastic atmosphere for a college basketball game. The small town gym feel provides an intimate experience for fans. The style is more like a gymnasium with bleacher seating for the students with a few stadium style seats in the lower level and all in the upper level. The sight lines throughout Reese Court are perfect for basketball and honestly, even at the top of the upper level, you could still have a perfect view of the play on the court. The Eastern Washington pep band is active throughout the game and they are situated right behind one of the baskets. The Eagle Club is an exclusive area for donors to the school. This area is completely off limits to the general public so when you are walking around, you cannot cut through the Eagle Club. This is specifically a booster club/donor area only. Reese Court has one video board that does show replays and has great angles on the replay screen. The court also features two scoreboards that are complete with the players on the court, how many fouls the players on the court have, and how many points each player on the court has scored. It also features how many team fouls and whether a team is in the bonus or double bonus. The possession arrow is at the scorer's table. The sound quality is amazing and the PA announcer can be heard loud and clear. Music is played at the perfect volume during timeouts when the pep band is not playing. They do a few special promotions on the video wall as well as on court during stoppages and during halftime. Seating options are limited to the general public, but they have four sections in the lower level and then the entire upper level for sale for home games. You'll see the center court logo upside if you sit in the lower level for the general public. The upper level on the student section side will give you the correct view of the center court logo. Neighborhood 2 This is where Reese Court gets a bad score. Cheney is a college town, but the area around the arena is the campus itself so housing and classroom buildings surround the area. The only hotel located close to the arena is a Holiday Inn Express and Suites about 1.5 miles from Reese Court otherwise be prepared to stay in Spokane, Washington which is about 16 miles from the arena. Fast food is your main option close to the arena. McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Carl's Jr. are about 1.5 miles from the arena. A place I would recommend trying is El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant which is located about one mile from the arena as well. Fans 4 Reese Court is home to some rowdy fans, both students and fans alike. This is where it gets fun to be at a game at Reese Court. The student section is aptly named the Flight Club and this is one rowdy group. The game I attended featured Idaho State visiting Eastern Washington and the student section never let up during the entire game. Attendance might have been a little more due to it being Senior Day. The crowd gets loud during the game especially with the help of the Eastern Washington cheerleaders and their mascot, Swoop. These fans are engaged throughout the entire game and the student section makes that all possible. I could not believe how loud and how rowdy they got throughout the game. Access 4 Reese Court is very easy to get to on game day and moving around inside is not hard at all. The concourse is very spacious and allows people to move around freely. The nearest airport is Spokane International Airport if you are flying in to see the Eagles play. Spokane Transit Authority buses stop near the arena as well if you are interested in public transportation. Parking is free if you park behind the press box of the football field (parking lot P12). It has enough room to fit everyone who is attending the game. Traffic flow is also very good coming and going to/from the game. There is only one gate to enter the arena and it is very speedy in terms of getting people inside. Parking lot P12 offers a ramp down to the entrance of Reese Court with plenty of handicap parking as well. If you have someone in a wheelchair you do not have to worry about stairs when parking in P12. Also, the arena offers handicap accessible seating on the lower level. Return on Investment 4 You definitely get your money's worth coming to a game at Reese Court. Ticket prices are $17.00 for adults, students are $11.00, and general admission is $8.00-$11.00. You also get a free roster sheet when you walk in the front gate. With parking being free, that saves you a good chunk of change and concession stands offer great pricing for both food and beverages. Extras 2 One extra point for the championship banners and retired numbers. It is always a great thing to be able to see the history of the programs that use the venue. One more extra point for the radio station being advertised at the arena. Some fans like listening to the radio call while watching the action on the court and for it to be advertised is fantastic for the fans. Final Thoughts Reese Court may be situated in a small town, but the intimate feel of the arena is second to none in my opinion. Although food and beverage and the neighborhood may have left a little bit to be desired, this is definitely an arena I would visit again.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 New Smyrna Speedway 3939 Florida 44 New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 New Smyrna Speedway website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 8,000 A NASCAR Home Track in Florida New Smyrna Speedway may not be a household name in motorsports, but for diehard NASCAR junkies and locals, it is a storied facility that has seen some of racing’s best young talent come through its gates. Nestled south of Daytona just inland from the coast, this raceway is a gem of short track asphalt racing. With updated grandstand seating and plenty of parking, this small high-banked raceway in Central Florida is a must visit for anyone looking to see some of racing’s future stars every night. New Smyrna Speedway operates much like most local short tracks, with weekly racing and track championships, while also hosting the likes of NASCAR’s K&N Pro East Series. It is also a popular destination for testing purposes, and features the Governor’s Cup race weekend in the late fall. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage options at New Smyrna Speedway are limited but not inherently disappointing. All beverages, from various sodas to coffee and water, cost no more than $3, with food options including hot dogs ($5), cheeseburgers ($5.50), BBQ pork sandwiches ($6), popcorn ($3), nachos ($4.50), fries ($3.50 or $4 with chili or cheese), and the popular chicken and fries basket ($7.50). The track’s concessions stands also offer seasonal favorites like pork tenderloin, Chesapeake wings, and sausage with peppers and onions – kids meals with hot dogs or chicken nuggets are also available for $6. For fans with pit passes, there is also a concessions stand in the infield by the tech inspection building. Atmosphere 4 New Smyrna Speedway has the feel of a historic local short track – its high banks make for great racing action no matter if you’re watching pro-stocks, NASCAR stock cars, or modifieds. Fans can look forward to a great product on track, and with victory lane located right on the front stretch, you are certain to feel like you’re right there celebrating with the winners. Another aspect that makes the track comfortable is the renovated seats in the main grandstand – the seating here mirrors that of most major racetracks, with metal bleacher-style seats and stairs. In addition, there is also another grandstand located above turn 3, where fans can sit on older wooden bleachers for a different view of the race action. The PA system is also top notch, meaning you get to hear the announcers quite well even during the race action. Neighborhood 2 There isn’t really much near New Smyrna Speedway itself, aside from the gas station across the street. The facility is located in a rather secluded location, so anyone wanting food, shopping, or lodging will have to drive to the coast, a minimum of 10 minutes east on Route 44. Once at the coast, however, you can find the Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach, the official hotel of the New Smyrna Speedway (the hotel is located 13 miles from the track). Another option fans choose is the Best Western New Smyrna Beach, while for food, Yellow Dog Eats Kitchen & Bar is a popular stop in New Smyrna Beach, as is Amalfi’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria. For tourists, driving up to Daytona International Speedway and taking the speedway tour is a must. You can also drive south to the Cape Canaveral National Seashore and Kennedy Space Center. Fans 4 The fans show up week after week, through cold nights in the fall and winter to hot muggy evenings in the summer. The locals love their short track racing, and some of the biggest names in NASCAR come to watch the future stars get a shot. Names like Burton, Wallace, Gillilland, and McReynolds race here on a regular basis, but it is the children of their famous parents who are the stars. Expect a packed crowd of both locals and racing diehards when you arrive, and fans who love a good show on track. Access 3 Getting to New Smyrna Speedway is pretty simple, but it involves some driving. Located equidistant from both I-4 and I-95 along Route 44, the track is not hard to find on the map. From the east, I-95 exit 249 will take you to Route 44, and from there it is a straight shot west to the track; from the west, I-4 exit 118 will drop you off at Route 44. Parking is also plentiful on site, meaning you won’t have a hard time finding a space. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from event to event, as bigger races like NASCAR’s K&N Pro East Series are higher profile than the nightly short track racing. Generally, tickets tend to run $15 for general admission for adults, but rise for bigger events – this is relatively low compared to other tracks in Florida, and the low cost of parking and concessions adds to the affordability. Children 11 and under are free, and the track offers both military and senior discounts. Extras 2 New Smyrna Speedway invites fans onto the front stretch before feature races to get an up-close view of the track, cars, and the drivers – this is a perfect opportunity to get photos and autographs with the drivers. In addition, there is also a NASCAR cup series car on display under the main grandstand – this is another great place for fans to get a photo standing next to a former Jeff Gordon race car. Final Thoughts The facility at New Smyrna Speedway feels like Florida…there are palm trees around the track, it gets pretty hot in the summer, and the fun is plentiful. Also, the track itself is historic, and a favorite among diehards in short track racing, and the updated speedway style seating is a big plus – this is a must-visit track on the list for race fans in Florida and beyond.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hoy Field 509 Campus Rd Ithaca, NY 14853 Cornell Big Red website Hoy Field website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 500 Give My Regards to Davy Cornell has one of the more scenic campuses in the United States. The rolling hills, beautiful vistas, mix of modern and historic buildings, and active college town make for an enjoyable visit regardless of the sport you may be following. The Cornell Big Red baseball team is part of the Ivy League and plays at David F. Hoy Field, located on central campus in the shadow of the football facility, Schoellkopf Field. The ball field is named for a graduate of the class of 1891, who also lends his name to the Cornell Fight Song, Give My Regards to Davy . Baseball has been played on this site since 1922, although the current look of the ballpark is a result of renovations completed in 2007. At that time, FieldTurf was installed, the playing field was re-orientated, and new dugouts, grandstand, and a press box were all installed. The result is a cozy little park with few perks and seating for 500 spectators. While Hoy Field can hardly be described as a must-see venue, it certainly makes for an enjoyable afternoon if the weather is nice and you find yourself along the Southern Tier of New York. Food & Beverage 1 There are no concessions offered at Hoy Field, and fans are allowed to bring in their own food and drink if they would like. There is a Gimme Coffee location that opened in 2014 inside the nearby Bill & Melinda Gates Hall, which is a beautiful modern building located along the first base side of the field. Otherwise, your only option is to bring your own snacks and/or beverages. Atmosphere 3 Overall Hoy Field provides a very laid back and simple atmosphere in order to watch a college baseball game. All of the seating is located in the grandstand. There is one section with seven rows of gray chair back seats. If you sit the back row (Row G) toward the third base side (seat 15) you can hear the radio play-by-play from the press box, which is a nice added bonus. The remainder of the 400 or so seats can be found on silver metal bleachers, which provide above average leg room. Your only chance for limited shade would be in the back row of the bleachers on the third base side. Some fans choose to tailgate directly from the adjoining parking garage (176 Hoy Rd). From the top deck you can have a bird’s eye view of the action on the field below, while perhaps partaking in a cold beer if it is a warm spring day. There is netting that obstructs the view of the entire grand stand. Some fans choose to stand or sit along the baselines, and there are a few permanent benches in between the field and Gates Hall. Fans may also choose to bring their own chairs and sit along the baselines. The scoreboard provides only the basic information needed to follow along with the game. There are no lights at Hoy Field, so if you’re headed to a game, you can be sure that it will be an afternoon start time. There are no promotions during the game, with limited music and straightforward announcements from the PA. The focus here is on the baseball game alone. Neighborhood 4 Cornell has a lovely campus, and the baseball field is located just up the hill from the area of Ithaca known as CollegeTown. Here you’ll find several bars and casual restaurants, including a nice variety of Asian cuisine including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Indian food. Koko’s, located on College Avenue, presents affordable and authentic Korean food, but gets very busy at lunch time, so consider going a little earlier or later than the typical lunch hour. Downtown, you should make a stop in to the Ithaca Ale House. They serve burgers and sandwiches with additional specials that elevate the standard pub food a bit. On the night of my visit they were serving lobster mac & cheese which was very good indeed, along with a great selection of beers on tap. It’s a friendly environment with plenty of TVs to stay on top of the day’s sporting events. Another recommendation is Agava, which serves somewhat upscale and inventive Mexican food, along with a solid selection of beers and cocktails. The rustic and hip interior with separate bar and dining areas is a good place to spend some time, although the restaurant can get busy on Friday and Saturday nights. They also boast that they serve “farm-to-table food,” and where possible source their ingredients from local producers. There is a hotel on the Cornell campus, the Statler Hotel, which is located just across the street from Hoy Field. Many of the staff at the hotel are students who are studying hospitality in the School of Hotel Administration. However, rates are very expensive. The Hilton Garden Inn is about 1-2 miles from Cornell. More budget conscious choices can be found in downtown Ithaca (Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn), but in general hotels are rather expensive within close proximity of Cornell. Nature lovers may consider visiting the Ithaca Waterfalls or Robert Tremen State Park to experience some of the natural beauty the area has to offer. Consider visiting the Hangar Theatre or the Johnson Museum of Art if you would like some culture. You’re also in New York wine country, so consider a visit to one of the local wineries. Fans 2 It’s unlikely that you’ll see a packed house when attending a Cornell game at Hoy Field. You should be able to find the seat you want. Cornell fans are relatively subdued and are friendly. Because many of Cornell’s opponents are found within the region, you will also find several fans of the visiting team at games. Access 3 Getting to Ithaca and Cornell will generally mean driving some winding and hilly roads, but it is a beautiful journey regardless of what direction you may be coming from. There is a large parking garage located next door to the ballpark. If you park on the bottom level you can step right from the garage into the park. If you park on the top level, then you may choose to just sit above the action for a unique perspective. The parking garage is for “permit only” from 7:30am – 5pm Monday-Friday. If you come for a weekday game, then stop at one of the information booths on campus to get a guest parking pass. When driving on the Cornell campus, be aware that there is a lot of foot and bicycle traffic. Take your time, and be aware of crosswalks. If you’re staying in Ithaca, then you can take a bus (T-CAT) to the Cornell campus. Routes 83 and 92 have stops nearest Hoy Field at the corner of Campus Rd and Eden Ave. If you’re flying in, then Tompkins Regional Airport is your nearest choice, served by Delta, United, and US Airways. Restrooms are a little difficult to find. Your closest option is to take the steps up to Campus Road (behind the grandstand) and use the restroom inside the Belkin Squash Courts building. They may be inconvenient, but it’s better than a port-a-potty like you may find at many other northeast college ballparks. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free and parking is free. There are no concession stands, nor is there any merchandise for sale at a baseball game at Hoy Field. It may not cost you a penny to see a game at Cornell, but you get what you pay for. That is, a very bare bones but enjoyable experience, especially if you just want to sit back and enjoy a day of baseball. Extras 3 A free program is available with a color cover photo, rosters for both teams, and some notes about the series you’re seeing which is actually fairly nice. Cornell is truly one of the loveliest college campuses that you’ll see. It’s hard not to fall in love with the town and the school. Finally, an extra point for the great view of both the field and the surrounding area that can be found from the top level of the parking garage, truly one of the best vantage points in college baseball. Final Thoughts Cornell baseball at Hoy Field is a good example of what the sport is like in this part of the country. On a cold day, only the true baseball diehards would want to see a game here, but if you get a warm spring day, then the chance to meander around the beautiful campus, see some baseball, and explore the town makes this a very worthwhile trip.

Pictures by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gordon Alcott Arena @ Mold-Master SportsPlex 221 Guelph Street Halton Hills, ON L7G 4A8 Georgetown Raiders website Mold-Master SportsPlex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,156 Raiding Georgetown In 1975, the Georgetown Gemini was founded as a Junior B team.  Bringing hockey back to Georgetown was a priority after the Georgetown Junior C team folded in 1969.  The Gemini moved up to the Junior A level in 1993 when the entire league, which would become the Ontario Junior Hockey League, promoted themselves to the Junior A level.  Georgetown also adopted the Raiders as their moniker to coincide with their move up.  The Raiders name has some meaning in the area as the Junior C team of the 60s was named the Raiders, and a Senior team of the 70s and 80s was also named Raiders.  The Raiders claim Jack Hughes among their alumni. Georgetown is a community in the Town of Halton Hills, located to the west of Brampton. Georgetown is an affluent area of 42,000 people and home to many commuters who work in Toronto or Mississauga.  Home for the Raiders is the Gordon Alcott Arena @ Mold-Masters SportsPlex.  The SportsPlex is a massive complex that houses four ice pads as well as meeting rooms and a skatepark outside.  The original arena was built in 1975 and has been expanded at least two times.  The original arena is named after Gordon Alcott, who was the founder of minor hockey in Georgetown in the 30s. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand is found just outside of Alcott Arena.  The menu consists of onion rings, fries, hot dogs, popcorn, and cookies.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex, and Gatorade, water juice, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and Slush Puppies are also available.  There are also several vending machines that offer drinks and snacks around the SportsPlex. Atmosphere 3 The Mold-Masters SportsPlex is a sports complex that has benefitted from two separate additions.  As a result, the different parts of the complex can be seen from the exterior.  The more modern side, which is to the north, has light siding with plenty of glass.  The portion that joins the oldest and newest parts of the complex features dark brown siding and houses the main entrance. Upon entering the SportsPlex, fans are immediately struck with the importance of hockey to this community. A row of trophy cases for a variety of hockey levels greets fans.  Above those are the portraits of recipients of the Georgetown Hockey Heritage Award.  One of the trophy cases is dedicated to the Raiders and houses several team awards as well as some team pictures.  The Gordon Alcott Arena is to the left and is the home to the Raiders.  A dedication plaque to Gordon Alcott is just to the side of the trophy cases.  Fans who wish to check out the  Halton Hills Sports Hall of Fame can head to the right and do some exploring just outside of the Fernbrook Rink.  Inductees of note include Gordon Alcott and former NHL goaltender, Brian Hayward.  An interesting display dedicated to the former Georgetown Memorial Arena is also found in this area and includes seats and the original Zamboni from the 1923 arena. Heading toward the Alcott Arena, fans are met with temporary tables where tickets are purchased, as well as 50/50 tickets and pucks for chuck-a-puck.  The seating area is up the stairs, and fans will find more portraits of those who have added to Georgetown hockey, including former Maple Leafs legend “King” Clancy and Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean.  Inside the Alcott Arena, the ice is oriented from east to west, with the main seating area on the north side.  Lihth- coloured, low peaked support beams cross the ice surface and hold up the silver insulated roof.  The seating area on the north is elevated above ice level and has six rows of plastic ,and resin benches with standing room behind them.  At the east end of the second grandstand are ten rows of benches that start at ice level.  There are a couple of items of note that are found on the east end.  A plaque honoring longtime Raiders fan Norm Lockhurst is found by one of the benches and is a nice touch.  Four honored jerseys for the Raiders are found on the north wall at ice level, beneath the seating area, that are not visible from the north side.  The Raiders have embraced their history honoring former players Mike Knoepfli, Ryan Busby, Dave Bouskill, and Stace Page. The south wall is littered with banners from minor hockey teams, as well as junior and intermediate teams and the Halton Hills Bulldogs Junior B lacrosse team.  The banners are pretty uniform and organized, but unfortunately, the Raiders’ banners do not stand out.  The 2016-2017 Buckland Cup Championship banner as OJHL Champions is of note. The gameday production in Georgetown is very simple.  Music and announcements, along with the 50/50 and chuck-a-puck promotions, make up the entirety of the effort. Neighbourhood 4 Mold-Masters SportsPlex is located in Georgetown, a community on the eastern border of the Town of Halton Hills.  The SportsPlex is located in a bit of a retail area of town and there are a few spots for pre or post game food.  Some more original offerings include Symposium Cafe, St. George Publ, Norval Pancake House, Copper Kettle Pub, The Pickled Piper and a few large chain and fast food restaurants.  The Raiders are the main spectator sports entity in Georgetown.  However, there are a few options that are close by.  The City of Brampton is right next door and is the new home of the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads.  The Brampton Excelsiors  also play during the summer months.  The Raiders have healthy rivalries with the Milton Menace  and Caledon Admirals , both of which are a short drive away.  The area is also known for golf courses and Glen Eden Ski Resort and Kelso Conservation Area.  Harness Racing is found year round at Woodbine Mohawk Raceway and Elements Casino is also on site.  For those interested in shopping, Toronto Premium Outlets is also a short drive away.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Best Western is just off of Guelph Street, close to the arena. Fans 2 The Georgetown Raiders usually attract between 100 and 150 fans per game.  In the 2022-23 season they averaged 130 fans per game and approximately 150 the following season.  A good regular season crowd will top the 200 fan mark, but for the most part it is a friends and family type of crowd.  Raider fans are typical of Ontario fans and pretty quiet and reserved, but get loud at the appropriate time.   Access 4 Georgetown is located 10 km north of the junction of Highways 401 and 407.  It is important to keep in mind that Highway 407 is a toll highway and Highway 401 is the main highway running through Southern Ontario, so it can get quite busy.  Travelers will have to traverse Halton Hills a bit to get to the Mold-Masters SportsPlex, but that won’t be a big issue.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the GO Transit station is very close to the arena and Milton Transit stops are found on Guelph Street.  Fans should consult the GO Transit and Milton Transit  websites for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not too difficult and the washroom facilities are good for the size of the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Georgetown Raiders go for $15 at the door on gameday.  Students and seniors enjoy a $5 discount.  Cash and credit are both accepted and there is no online option.  Parking at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex is free and concession prices are decent.  The Raiders put a good product on the ice and fans will enjoy the OJHL brand of hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the historic championship banners including Junior B and Junior C and Intermediate/Senior teams of the past. An extra mark for the recognition of those who built and maintained Georgetown hockey at all levels found throughout the Mold-Masters SportsPlex. An extra mark for Mold-Masters SportsPlex as a community hub. Final Thoughts Hockey is alive and well in Georgetown, Ontario.  Taking in a Georgetown Raiders game is a great idea for fans who wish to check out some solid hockey for a low price and maybe take in some local history in the process.  The Gordon Alcott Arena @ Mold-Masters SportsPlex offers a good locale for OJHL hockey. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker,, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Danbury Ice Arena 1 Independence Way Danbury, CT 06810 Danbury Hat Tricks website Danbury Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,000 Hat City Hockey No story about professional hockey in the city of Danbury, Connecticut can be told without first mentioning James Galante and the Danbury Trashers. In 2004 Galante was awarded an expansion hockey team in the United Hockey League. Needing a place to play, he renovated the local community rink, the Danbury Ice Arena, using three million dollars of his own money. He named the team the Trashers after his waste management company and installed his 17-year-old son A.J. as general manager. The roster resembled something from the movie Slap Shot and the team soon became known for their physical, intimidating style of play and frenzied fan support. Unfortunately, things unraveled when Galante became the focus of an FBI investigation for fraud, extortion, racketeering, tax fraud and conspiracy. The Trashers were found to be guilty of salary cap violations and the team folded when Galante was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. Sports Illustrated , ESPN and the Atlantic have done features on the Galantes and the Trashers. Rumors circulate that there is a movie in the works about the Trashers . Since the Trashers folded in 2006, a bunch of teams have tried the fill the hockey void in Danbury. The Stars of the New England Hockey League, the Mad Hatters of the Eastern Professional Hockey League and the Whalers and Titans of the Federal Prospects Hockey League all had varying degrees of success in western Connecticut. On May 7, 2019 the new owners of the Danbury Ice Arena were awarded an expansion franchise in the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The FPHL is a low-level developmental minor hockey league that serves as a feeder league to the ECHL, SPHL and European leagues. Food & Beverage 4 Community rinks often have sneaky-good concession options, and the Danbury Ice Arena is no exception. With the facility in use almost continuously, the need for all kinds of snack and beverage options is obvious. The “Rabbit Hole” does not disappoint. Danbury Ice Arena Snack Bar, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey The menu offers a good variety of arena fare, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza slices, chicken strips, nachos and Jersey Mike’s subs. Any item can be turned into a combo meal with the addition of fries and a drink. Fans looking for just a snack can choose from pretzels, popcorn, mozzarella sticks and french fries, or they can select from an array of cookies, candy, pop-tarts and numerous other treats. Tucked away in a corner inside the arena is a cart operated by The Ice Cream Guy featuring a variety of Longford Ice Cream flavors. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Danbury Ice Arena in both fountain and bottled form. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from a wide selection of beers and mixed drinks at both the concession window and the Rabbit Hole bar in the lobby. Budweiser, Bud Light, Amstel Light and Coors are available on draft. Connecticut hockey fans will definitely want to try the New Haven Nighthawk Light beer sold at the Rabbit Hole bar. Fans can purchase pitchers of beer at the bar and bring them into the arena to enjoy while watching the game. It’s not a bit surprising to see that many fans take advantage of this great deal. Atmosphere 3 The Hat Trick staff put on a pretty entertaining show. While the Danbury Ice Arena is a pretty old-school, bare-bones facility, there’s still enough going on to keep the casual fan entertained. There is an emcee who wanders the stands throughout the game leading promotions and interacting with the fans. The Hat Tricks are well-connected with the local community, with giveaways to several local businesses and restaurants scattered throughout the night. Intermissions feature games including battle-ball hockey and shots on goal for prizes. It’s interesting how a facility with no video scoreboard incorporates dance and kiss cams. An interesting promotion that happens every game is the Carrot Toss, where fans can purchase a bag of three stuffed carrots for five dollars. After the first Hat Trick goal, fans throw their carrots on the ice, with the closest to the center ice dot winning a cash prize. We’re not sure what would happen if the Hat Tricks ever got shut out. The fans in section 102 hang right over the visiting bench and do their best to distract and annoy the guests. While their antics are a far cry from the vulgarity of the Trashers days, it’s definitely more of a PG-13 type of crowd than in other parts of the building. There’s a nice buzz going on inside the Danbury Ice Arena, especially for a building of its size. Neighborhood 3 Danbury is a small city with a population of just over 85,000 located on the Connecticut/New York state line. For a while in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Danbury was known as the center of the American Hat Industry. In 2015 USA Today named Danbury as the second-best city to live in the United States. The Danbury Ice Arena is located downtown, near several points of interest for visitors. The Danbury Railway Museum is located nearby, as is the campus of Western Connecticut State University. Fans looking for a good pregame spot to eat should check out Two Steps Downtown Grille located near the arena, or TK’s American Café, which features over 70 flavors of chicken wings. Fans 3 The Hat Tricks are averaging just over 1,100 fans per game a couple of months into their inaugural season, which lands them in the top half of the FPHL attendance rankings. Crowds appear to be picking up as the team enjoys success, as the game attended by Stadium Journey featured a crowd of over 2,000 fans. While some fans appear to be trying to maintain some of the rowdy traditions of the Trashers days, parents can feel comfortable bringing the family here. Fans in Danbury are proud of their small city’s hockey history, and jerseys from all the former Danbury teams can be seen throughout the crowd. Access 3 The city of Danbury is located in southwestern Connecticut on the New York State line. New York City is located about 70 miles to the southwest, and Hartford is located 60 miles to the northeast. The Connecticut coastal cities of New Haven and Bridgeport are about 30 miles to the south. Interstate 84 passes through Danbury about 2 miles from Danbury Ice Arena. The rink is well-connected to public transportation, with several routes of the Housatonic Area Regional Transit system running near the facility. The Metro North Railway has a stop near the arena, connecting passengers to south coast Connecticut cities and New York City. For fans driving to Danbury, there is ample parking in the Terrence E. McNally Patriot Garage across the street from the facility. The Danbury Ice Arena consists of two rinks, so the facility is in constant use. Fans coming to see a Hat Trick game will enter into the main concourse, where a table selling tickets and merchandise is located. The facility is a busy one, with youth hockey, birthday parties, public skating and even live music all going on at the same time. Fans enter the arena at ice level, with the majority of the seating located on the opposite side of the ice. Seating consists of metal bleachers, with some sections covered by molded plastic. There are some seating sections, including a luxury box, on the near side of the facility. These sections are located above the ice and are accessible via staircases in the lobby. Seats in these 200-level sections offer obstructed views of the ice surface. Visiting fans may be interested in the two humorously small seating sections at one end of the rink. Section 108 seats a whopping four fans! There is a good amount of standing room available around the ice surface, which fills up quickly. There is a scoreboard located at either end of the rink which provides score and time only. Restrooms in the lobby are more than adequate for the needs of the facility. Return on Investment 5 All seats to Hat Trick games are sold for fourteen dollars. There is generally no need to purchase tickets in advance, unless you are looking to avoid lines at the ticket booths. Parking is available in the garage across the street from the arena for four dollars. Concessions are reasonably priced, especially the pitchers of beer for $17. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the colorful history of the Danbury Ice Arena. A second extra point is awarded for the Hat Trick branding, which managed to incorporate Danbury history, hockey terminology and local hockey history in one neat package. The logo was designed by Dom Allessandro of A-W Design. Allesandro has designed the logo for every Danbury professional hockey team. The Hat Trick logo contains five diamonds, one for every pro team to have played in Danbury. Final Thoughts Danbury, Connecticut is a small city with a most interesting hockey history. The latest team to call Danbury home, the Hat Tricks, hope to find the winning formula that has eluded previous tenants of the Danbury Ice Arena. Despite the plain surroundings of this barn, there’s plenty of entertainment to be had here in Hat City. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dell Diamond 3400 East Palm Valley Blvd Round Rock, TX 78665 Round Rock Express website Dell Diamond website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 11,631 Round Rock Express – Dell Diamond At the start of the 21st century, baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan  and his business partners purchased the Jackson Generals and moved them to the north central Texas city of Round Rock – in time for the 2000 season, the Round Rock Express , named for their famed owner, was born. As the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers , the Express has experienced lengthy periods of success while sending crop after crop of talented ballplayers to the big leagues. Round Rock has taken home seven division titles, three conference titles, and one league title as a member of the Texas League (the latter in 2000). Former MLB All-Stars such as Yordan Alvarez , Chris Davis , Joey Gallo , and Josh Jung  are just some of the ballplayers that have donned the unis of the Express. Since day one the Round Rock club has called Dell Diamond their homefield. In addition to being the home park for the Express, Dell Diamond has also been home to college baseball, rugby, the Double-A All-Star Game in 2001, an episode of Fear the Walking Dead, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie’s The Simple Life, and an awesome publicity stunt by Will Ferrell . In one of my favorite cities in Texas, Dell Diamond is probably my favorite minor-league ballpark. Read on to learn all about it.   Food & Beverage   5 The food and beverage scene at Dell Diamond is, quite frankly, top-notch. You can pretty much find whatever you’ve got a hankering for, with foods ranging from your traditional hot dogs, nachos, and burgers to rice bowls, mac and cheese, and barbecue. Some highlights to be on the lookout for include beer-battered fish and chips at Cork and Barrel Pub , red velvet milkshakes at Fairlane’s Diner, a “Moa Bowl”, which is chicken tenders in mango habanero sauce with sesame seeds and tater tots from Ono Pacific Grill, and “The Boomstick”, a foot-long hot dog smothered in chili and queso topped with fried onions and jalapeños. You can also find local favorites, such as Mighty Fine Burgers and Southside Market Barbecue, featuring pared-down versions of their iconic menus. All the food  is on the mezzanine/main level, which makes things very convenient; you won’t go hungry in Round Rock.   Atmosphere   4 In terms of atmosphere, Dell Diamond is all about the details. Premium fan areas, such as Bullpen Bar located just beyond centerfield, offer a great respite from the summertime heat, which is inescapable in this part of Texas once the calendar changes over to June. Right next to that is a kid's play area dubbed “The Backyard”, complete with rides, a splash pad, and a rock-climbing wall – this area is restricted to kids 12 and under, and they must be supervised by an adult. The team store, aka The Railyard, is located on the first base side of the stadium. It is pretty massive for a minor league team and has a ton of merchandise, including specialty and collector’s items. Beyond the left field wall is the Home Run Porch; this covered seating area is a prime spot for fans wanting to catch dingers, as well as being the best-shaded spot in the ballpark. The premium seats in this area are rocking chairs, which sit in the shade underneath ceiling fans – again, a bonus during the summer. Behind the seating here you’ll find the Round Rock Express Hall of Fame, which honors important figures in the team’s history. Dell Diamond also has two outfield lawn seating areas; with a general admission ticket, fans can bring in blankets, lawn chairs, or towels to sit on in these sloped grassy areas. Also, photo opportunities abound all through the ballpark for fans looking to get that one for the ‘Gram.   Neighborhood   4 Round Rock is roughly a 20-minute drive north on Interstate 35 from the big city of Austin, becoming pretty much a suburb of the Texas capitol. As such you’ll find a lot of the trappings of a big city, but it still retains some of its small-town charm. The immediate area around Dell Diamond has been built up quite a bit, however – it is across the street from a relatively new Kalahari Resort . This ultra-family-friendly playground is home to rides, a massive indoor waterpark, an array of dining options, and a spa. If you’re taking little ones, this would be a great way to cap off the trip. Also, just down the road from the ballpark is Old Settlers Park , which is the city’s number one public park. For sporting enthusiasts this place is a paradise, offering up areas for fishing, disc golf, cricket, volleyball, basketball, football, and so much more. If you’re looking for dining options either before or after the game, you can’t do much better than Salt Lick BBQ . I will admit some bias, as the Salt Lick location in Dripping Springs is my favorite barbecue spot in the state, which by default makes it my favorite in the country. Mouth-watering brisket, dynamite sausage, and fall-off-the-bone ribs are all ranked as some of the best in the state. I would also recommend not skimping out on dessert, as the blackberry cobbler is sneaky fantastic. One other recommendation I have to pass on regarding food is the hands-down best donut shop in the state, Round Rock Donuts . With its signature orange-glazed offerings, Round Rock Donuts has been a beloved Texas institution for nearly a century. If you can go early, that’d be great as the demand for the sugary treats only increases exponentially during the rest of the day. For lodging, most of your traditional hotel/motel options are going to be closer to Interstate 35; however, not too far from the ballpark is La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Round Rock East . This affordable option is within walking distance of the ballpark. Aside from this and Kalahari Resort, the only other option in this section of Round Rock is Redbud Ranch Cabin & RV Resort  – this quaint spot is about 10 minutes from the ballpark.   Fans   3 Last season the Express averaged around 5,600 fans per game, which places them smack-dab in the middle of the minor leagues in terms of attendance. This was about what I experienced, taking into consideration that it was drizzling off and on throughout the day on my most recent visit, which probably affected the crowd somewhat. While this level of attendance is respectable, it is a far cry from the halcyon days of the early 2000s, representing only about half of what the park holds. I believe the lure of Austin and all it has to offer has sapped some of the luster from the Express. With that being said, the fans who attend games here truly care about their team. They’re loud, engaged, and dressed in the team’s garb, and there are also quite a few kids at the game, which is a good sign; get them to be fans while they’re young!   Access   3 As mentioned, Round Rock and Dell Diamond are about 20 minutes from downtown Austin. The exit for the ballpark is marked off Interstate 35, which is nice. Once on-site, parking is plentiful in two main lots. The park is also about a 25-minute drive from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport . If you choose not to drive or use rideshare, the public transportation option in Round Rock, CapMetro , has stops near Dell Diamond.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for the Round Rock Express at Dell Diamond start at just $13 per person. This is pretty much on par with the rest of Triple-A; note that costs do vary slightly, however, depending on the day of the week or the promotion that is offered for that game. Parking is also pretty on par with the rest of MiLB at $15 per car. The concession costs vary, but you will still be able to get a pretty good bite to eat and something to drink without bursting your wallet. All in all, it’s still a good bargain in Round Rock, especially considering the talent that comes through Dell Diamond every year.   Extras   4 Like most, if not all, minor league clubs, the Express pulls out lots of stops to get folks to the ballpark. Virtually every game this season has some sort of giveaway or theme night, including $2 Taco Tuesdays, fireworks on Friday nights, Round Rock Donuts jersey giveaways, and meet and greets with the legit Shooter McGavin  and Napoleon Dynamite ! The team also takes part in the Minor Leagues Copa de la Diversión , and for certain games, they don the uniforms of the Chupacabras de Round Rock. For Kids Days, which take place each month, a miniature train is brought in along with balloon artists, face painters, and bounce houses. Last, but most certainly not least is the team’s mascot, Spike  – this lovable bulldog/train conductor can be counted on to entertain the crowds throughout Express games, and is always amenable to taking photos with fans of all ages.   Final Thoughts As mentioned, Dell Diamond is my favorite minor league park. Even though it is approaching 25 years old, it still looks modern. There are tons of nods to baseball’s past, which is both intrinsic and essential to the sport. There is not a bad sightline in the stadium, and it has enough amenities and extras to keep everyone (e.g., young fans) entertained and engaged. I would add Dell Diamond to your bucket list, and I’m sure you’ll understand why when you take in a game here. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Dale Lippert Field 69 Maple St, Franklin, MA 02038 Dean Bulldogs football website Lippert Field website Year Opened: Dedicated 2015 Capacity: 1,500 __________________________________________________________________________________ These Dogs Play in the Yard Dean College is a private college located in the small city of Franklin, Massachusetts. Founded in 1865, it has an enrollment of 1,200 students who work toward bachelor’s and associate degrees at the college’s four schools. Long known as Dean Junior College, the school transitioned to a four-year college in 1995.   Lippert Field is part of the larger Longley Athletic Complex. Also located here are Dean College’s baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Lippert Field also serves as home to the Dean lacrosse team. The facility is located about a mile from campus.   Dean Lippert served as a Dean College faculty member from 1964 until 2006. He coached several of the college’s teams and served as Athletic Director for 13 years. He was also a part of the town of Franklin community, serving on several local boards and teaching at Franklin High School.   The Dean Bulldogs have competed in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference since their debut in 2017. The team won a conference championship in 2019. With the ECFC disbanding after the 2024 season, the Bulldogs will be joining the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, a conference consisting of schools in and around Massachusetts. Dean has played in one postseason game, losing the New England Bowl to Endicott College in 2019.   Food & Beverage 0    There are no concessions available at Lippert Field. Fans are welcome to bring their snacks to enjoy during the game. You’ll be sure to see many beverages from the local Dunkin’ at a Dean football game.   Atmosphere 2   When I entered the Longley Complex and the parking lot attendant asked me if I wanted to park in the tailgating section, I had high hopes for the game day experience here at Dean College. Unfortunately, those hopes were quickly dashed. The tailgating scene here at Dean is very restrained, and honestly, quite typical of what you’ll find at other Division Three schools. You’ll find some people hanging out by their cars having snacks, but you won’t find the big-time barbeques and parties you’re used to seeing in NFL and big-time college parking lots.   The game day presentation at Dean is a basic one, to be sure. Music plays over a decent sound system before the game. Unfortunately, the same four or five songs were on repeat the day of Stadium Journey’s visit. The PA announcer does a good job delivering game information. His style was not over the top, yet not monotone. A scoreboard in the southeast corner of the field displays basic game information. Other than that, there’s not much else to speak of here. There is no pep band, no cheerleading squad, and no student section. Most of the energy generated here comes from the fans in attendance.   Neighborhood 2   Longley Athletic Complex is located about a mile from the Dean College campus in a residential neighborhood. The city of Franklin is located in southeastern Massachusetts, roughly equidistant from the larger cities of Boston, Worcester, and Providence. It has a population of about 36,000 residents. The town was named after founding father Benjamin Franklin, who helped establish the first library in the United States here in 1790.   Visiting fans won’t find much in the way of dining or lodging options near the Longley Complex, as it is located in a residential neighborhood. Fans looking for local dining options will find plenty of options on Central Street by Interstate 495, including Railery Publick House, 3 Restaurant, and Mak’s Roast Beef. Plenty of lodging options can be found out by I-495 and a little further away in neighboring Foxboro where Interstates 495 and 95 meet.   If you’re visiting the area and looking for other sporting options, Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots  and New England Revolution , is only ten miles away. Of course, options are endless in the nearby cities of Boston, Providence, and Worcester.   Fans 3   It’s difficult to accurately gauge the attendance at a Dean football game as there are no tickets to count. Stadium Journey attended the Bulldogs’ 2024 season opener on a beautiful September Saturday afternoon. The announced attendance was 490, which appears to be an accurate estimate of the crowd. Here at Stadium Journey, we often refer to these types of smallish crowds as “friends and family” crowds, as the majority of the people in the stands have a connection with the players on the field. As a result, the fans know their stuff and are enthusiastic in their support of the Bulldogs.   Considering the small size of Dean College and the fact that Lippert Field is located off campus, there is a respectable turnout from the student body. With the Bulldogs’ schedule consisting of local teams, you’re guaranteed to see a good turnout by visiting fans. In fact, during Stadium Journey’s visit, visiting fans outnumbered home fans by at least two to one.   Access 3   The Longley Athletic Complex is located close to downtown Franklin, a small city roughly equidistant to the cities of Boston, Providence, and Worcester. Interstate 495 runs right through the city, intersecting with I-95 just a few miles from Franklin. The sports complex is located about two and a half miles from the interstate but is easily reached through these suburban streets. Fans utilizing public transportation are out of luck. While the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) recently started a route that serves parts of Franklin, the closest stop is over a mile away.   Also located at the Longley Complex are Dean College’s baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Fans will enter the complex into a gravel lot located directly behind the grandstand. The grandstand is handicap accessible, consisting of metal bleachers without backs. There is plenty of room in this open field for fans to bring their lawn chairs and set up camp along the western end zone or on parts of the sideline. From Stadium Journey’s perspective, this is the way to take in a Bulldogs game.   There are no permanent concessions or restroom facilities at Lippert Field. A few port-a-johns make up the available facilities. This is as basic a college football facility as you’ll ever see, but it’s nice to be able to set up your shop and take in the action. If you visit with younger fans, there’s plenty of room for them to run around and kick around a soccer ball if they wish. You’re also likely to see some four-legged fans in attendance here.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Bulldogs football game. With free parking on site and no concessions available, you won’t reach for your wallet even once while visiting Lippert Field. Extras 0   There is nothing at a Dean College football game that can be considered extra. This is as bare-bones an experience as you’ll find in college football.   Final Thoughts   College football facilities don’t come more basic than Lippert Field. On the plus side, you can bring your chair and cooler, stake out a spot on the sideline, and enjoy an afternoon of college football without spending a single red cent.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 MetLife Stadium 1 Metlife Stadium Dr East Rutherford, NJ 07073 Army/Navy Game website MetLife Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 82,500 America’s Game In New Jersey The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules. Philadelphia is usually thought of as the main home to the game, although starting in 2008 a bidding process has now made the game likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, followed by New York City and Baltimore. The game has been held as far west as Chicago (1926) and at the Rose Bowl in Pasedena, CA (1983). The 2020 edition was held on the Army campus in West Point, NY because of Covid-19. Food & Beverage 4 There are numerous food options within the surprisingly crowded inner concourses. Options are in large and small concession stands such as Bubba Burgers, Frank’s, BBQ Shack, Boardwalk Fryer, Wingman NY, and Momma Fusco’s Kitchen. Our personal favorite was Mr. Tot. Food prices are high, as likely expected for an NFL stadium within the New York City area. MetLife sells Pepsi brand sodas. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. Even the game back in 2018, which was played in a driving snowstorm, the atmosphere never suffered. The actual location of the game seems to not matter. MetLife is not the best stadium in the NFL. It seems old and dated compared to some other recent stadiums, but it has a well-designed seating bowl offering great views. The massive Jets/Giants store will be closed, but many smaller stands will be available for Army-Navy game merchandise. Neighborhood 3 The Meadowlands is a swamp. That is not some kind of put-down, but it is in a literal swamp. There is not a normal neighborhood nearby. Of course, New York City is a car or train ride away and offers many options for everyone. The best way to arrive is by car and use the parking lots that surround the stadium. The addition of the recently opened American Dream Mall helps the place in the neighborhood score. While still not 100% open, it is home to many stores, restaurants, an indoor amusement and water park, an NHL-sized skating rink, an indoor ski slope, and an aquarium just to name a few. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone picks a side to root for. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game. Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation. Access 4 The Meadowlands is located off many major highways and has massive parking lots. You will not fight to find parking, although expect to pay $40 and up. There are train and bus options but expect long lines and a large number of fellow riders to fight through to use those services. Return on Investment 4 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest around. It is the desired ticket for many fans, so expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. Extras 5 It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably extra enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend. Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations on the field. It is well worth attending just for this. The game will almost always have a good flyover pregame, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony, weather dependent. Both the Navy and Army have ships, tanks, and other large equipment around the stadium displaying their awesome firepower. Final Thoughts The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest makes it a must-see for any real sports fan.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Kelly/Shorts Stadium 10 Tower Drive Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 Central Michigan Chippewas website Kelly/Shorts Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 30,199 Fire Up Chips! Established in 1892, Central Michigan University is one of the key football members of the Mid-American Conference. The Chippewas have been one of the most consistent performers on the field over the last twenty years. The Chips lay claim to seven MAC championships and have a 3-6 record in their nine bowl appearances entering the 2016 season. Central Michigan joined the MAC in 1972 and in their final year in Division II football in 1974, the Chippewas won the Division II National Championship. They have also won nine IIAC conference championships. Central Michigan has an enrollment of over 28,000 students and is located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, a quintessential college town with a smaller population than the enrollment of the school. The home for the Chippewas is Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The stadium is named after a generous alum of 1900, R. Perry Shorts, and former football coach Kenneth “Bill” Kelly. Kelly was the coach of the Chippewas from 1951 to 1966. The Chippewas have seen great success over the years and have many distinguished football alumni including Joe Staley, Dan LeFevour, Jahleel Addae, Ray Bentley, and Antonio Brown. In 2005, the NCAA placed Central Michigan on the list of schools with abusive mascot names. Central Michigan, along with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe appealed the decision by the NCAA, which was granted and the Chippewa name remains in use to this day. The rallying cry at Central Michigan is “Fire Up Chips” a cry that even first-time fans can't help but join in on. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Kelly/Shorts Stadium are pretty standard. There are several regular concession stands with a few portable concession tents. The expected items are found at the main concession stands. Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, cookies, and candy are all available. The Grill has cheeseburgers, brats, and andouille sausage. Pizza can be found at the Domino's Pizza tents. Other items that can be found at portable tents include kettle corn, apple cider slushies, almonds, and walking tacos. There are no alcohol sales at Kelly/Shorts Stadium so fans are relegated to hot and cold soft drinks. Pepsi products are available at most stands ($3.50/$6) as well as Gatorade and water. Hot chocolate and Tim Hortons coffee are also available in a couple of different sizes including a souvenir travel mug. Atmosphere 3 Kelly/Shorts Stadium is not one of those massive, intimidating stadiums that you can find in various places in college football. It is also not one of those old classic stadiums where it is all about history. With a capacity of 30,255, Kelly/Shorts Stadium is a great venue compared to other football stadiums in the MAC. It is not fancy, but it is also not just thrown together. The exterior of the stadium is not intimidating and features smart-looking brick and wrought iron fencing around the perimeter. The stadium features a horseshoe configuration with all of the seating on aluminum benches. The field has a north-south configuration and is open at the north end. The field is below grade level which aids the feeling that Kelly/Shorts is not intimidating. Seating is a simple bowl with grandstands on the east, west, and north sides. The west side has an upper level which includes the press box and suites. The northwest corner also features the Touchdown Terrace, which is a party deck for large groups. Both the north and south ends of the stadium have scoreboards and the north side scoreboard includes a very old video board that needs replacement. Fans looking for that perfect picture of the field with the logo facing the right way, the west bleacher is the place to be. Central Michigan does a decent job washing Kelly/Shorts Stadium in maroon and gold. Where the players enter from the north end there are large murals honoring the nine IIAC championships, 1979, 1980, 1990, 1994, 2006, 2007, and 2009 MAC championships, and the 1974 Division II National Championship. College Football Hall of Fame member, Coach Herb Deromedi is honored on the murals as well as the retired number 62 of Jim Podoley. The game day experience at Kelly/Shorts Stadium is what you would expect from a good college program. The band and cheerleaders enter from the northeast corner of the stadium. The cheerleaders have their smart-looking, needs,e-game routine followed by The Marching Chippewas, complete with high-stepping drum major, flag twirling, and a full musical ensemble. The raising of the flag is a pretty big deal at the beginning of the game as the national anthem plays. A unique feature at a Chippewas game is the traditional ceremony by members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Central Michigan has done a decent job of partnering with the tribe to help keep the Chippewa name at the university. Before the opening kickoff, the cannon in the northeast corner of the stadium fires, startling those who are not expecting it. The cannon fires on Chip's scores and the band does what it can to keep the energy up from their spot in the east grandstand. The Marching Chippewas play during halftime and do a terrific job. Neighborhood 3 Central Michigan University is a pretty significant part of Mount Pleasant. There are a few options for pre and postgame meals that are in the immediate area of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. On the opposite side of Mission St, there are a few national chain restaurant options including Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Some more unique options, like the Mount Pleasant Brewing Company, are available but require a hop in the car to get there. Fans looking to pair a Chips football game with other sporting events may be lucky enough to catch the Chippewas playing basketball at McGuirk Arena in November. For fans coming to the game from a distance and looking for a place to stay, there are a few spots that are within walking distance of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Comfort Inn and Courtyard Marriott are options that are close by and reliable. Fans 3 Considering the success that the Chips have seen over time, the crowds are a bit surprising. In the 2014 season, Central Michigan attracted an average of over 16,000 fans per game to Kelly/Shorts Stadium. That average dropped to just over 15,600 for the 2015 season. The Chips draw about the conference average, which is a little surprising. The game that was reviewed in the 2016 season saw the Chippewas draw under 10,000 fans. For a program that has been as successful on the field as it has, more fans in the stands are generally expected. Of the fans in the stands it is clear that the most ardent, hardcore, and vocal fans are members of the Marching Chippewas. From their vantage point in the east grandstand, the Marching Chippewas are constantly in motion and making noise, above and beyond their musical duties. Access 5 Mount Pleasant is located northwest of Saginaw, Michigan. The town is small and Central Michigan University is not too far from the south end of the city. The campus is easily reached by Highway 127 and fans won't have to drive too much through town to get to the stadium. There are plenty of parking lots on campus so parking should not be a problem. However, a little research will go a long way, and pre-purchasing your parking from CMU is a wise idea and will make game day a little smoother. Fans interested in public transportation can catch the Isabella County, I-Ride green or red routes for transport to and from the Chips game. The main ticketing window can be found at the north end of Kelly/Shorts Stadium. There's plenty of space and no real issues with this permanent part of the stadium. Getting around the stadium is no problem, especially with less than a capacity crowd in the house. The washroom facilities are more than adequate at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Return on Investment 5 Probably one of the best reasons to catch some MACtion, especially at Central Michigan, is the great return that the fans get on their investment. This is not one of the big, intimidating, expensive programs that can be found in the NCAA. Advance sales tickets go for $22 for adults with discounts for seniors and youth. Getting your tickets at the door will cost an extra $3. Parking can also be purchased in advance for $10, which is recommended. Combine this with reasonable concession prices, and an on-the-field product that is vastly underrated, and fans have a recipe for a fantastic evening or afternoon of entertainment, without spending a ton of money. Central Michigan football may not be a bucket list item, but at these prices, it doesn't need to be. Extras 3 An extra mark for Central Michigan University partnering with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan to keep the Chippewa name alive positively and respectfully. An extra mark for the underrated product of the Mid-American Conference. MACtion is pretty darn good. An extra mark for the success the Chippewas have seen on the field, and the solid teams they continue to put out there. Final Thoughts Mount Pleasant, Michigan is not exactly a holiday destination. The Central Michigan Chippewas also do not carry the luster of their brethren in Ann Arbor or East Lansing. However, a trip to see the Chips is worth it. The MAC provides a great product at a great price and Kelly/Shorts Stadium is a good facility. After not too long, fans will find themselves joining the Marching Chippewas in shouting out the Central Michigan rallying cry "FIRE UP CHIPS!"

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Central Arizona College Baseball Stadium 8470 N Overfield Rd Coolidge, AZ 85128 CA College Vaqueros website CAC Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 650 DB9ers Central Arizona College (CAC) has seven campuses with the main one (Signal Peak Campus) in rural Coolidge, AZ. The college serves Pinal County students. It features on-site housing options for students, caliber athletic programs, and provides arts and entertainment for the community. The baseball team – Vaqueros, aka DB9ers, began as a club team in 1970 and joined the NJCAA in 1972. They are in the ACCAC (Arizona Community College Athletic Conference), region 1. The team has been to the world series six times winning three championships, most recently in 2019. Nineteen CAC players have made it to the majors including Ian Kinsler, Tom Pagnozzi, and Doug Jones. The team plays on the ballfield on the Signal Peak Campus, which has a newly installed grandstand, deserving of a winning team. Food & Beverage 0 Concessions are not available for sale at the ballpark. Fans can bring snacks and drinks into the park, most likely needed if staying for both games of the frequent doubleheaders played. Atmosphere 3 If watching the game of baseball is your enjoyment pleasure, then a visit to a Vaqueros game is the ticket. The field has been in existence since 1970, however, the grandstand is brand shiny new; completed during the 2020 pandemic season. Gone are the old dilapidated bleachers, shade cloth covering, and chain link fence backstop. In its place is a grandstand with a permanent cover, eight rows of bleachers with backs, holding 450 fans. The center seating section contains 40+ green plastic stadium fold-down seats with names on them (presumably of individuals who contributed to the construction costs). The top row encompasses a closed press box. A ramp is available on the third base side with several places on the bottom floor for wheelchairs. Handrails are readily available for climbing the steps in the grandstand. An ‘easy-enough-to see-through’ net runs across the entire grandstand seating area to protect fans from foul balls. Much better than the old chain link fence. Three sets of older bleachers sit down the first baseline beyond the visiting team dugout. No handrails on those and one set of bleachers is under a tree allowing for some shade. Fans bring lawn chairs and watch the game from this shaded area as well. No net is in front of this seating area. Not uncommon, no lights grace the playing surface. Only day games are played. A dot matrix scoreboard in the left field shows the basic line score; it’s a little hard to read on a bright day. The three national championship years are proudly displayed on the outfield wall underneath the scoreboard. The right field wall highlights CAC players’ numbers who have made it to the majors. Small trees line the outfield wall making it a picturesque view. Behind the grandstand is Signal Peak so players on the field get a nice few as do those fans sitting down the first baseline. CAC Baseball – Grandstand and Signal Peak, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The team plays music between innings and home team players each have walk-up songs. More importantly, the volume is not intrusive and fans can still have conversations without yelling at each other. Nice job. Neighborhood 1 The campus is about seven miles west of Coolidge’s downtown core. Farms, ranches, desert, and open land run in between the two. The campus is peaceful and has a calming effect driving through on a Saturday morning. The big attraction in Coolidge is the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument . The monument highlights preserved remains of an ancestral Sonoran Desert people’s farming community and “Great House” and it is an educational stroll through the park on a spring day before a game. Arizona Community College has the visually stunning Don P Pence Performing and Visual Arts Center. That is closed because of the pandemic (2020 – 2021) but if visiting once this is over be sure to check its schedule for events and entertainment. For places to eat, the Casa Palomino Restaurant offers delicious Mexican fare. For more of a bar type environment, Gallopin’ Goose may be worth checking out. It’s a bar that serves food, has an outdoor patio (but it’s the smoking area) and bands perform on weekends. I only saw two independently owned motels in Coolidge. For traditional brands, head to Casa Grande, AZ (8 – 9 miles from campus) and right off the I-10 Interstate. Seventeen miles from campus is Francisco Casa Grande , a former sports resort and training facility for the San Francisco Giants with a baseball bat shaped swimming pool and lush golf course. Baseball fans can drive down to Tucson and watch a U of A Wildcats game, a Pima Community College baseball game, or head northwest towards Phoenix and catch spring training games or other ACCAC teams such as Mesa Community College . Fans 3 Teammates are the biggest fans. Some scouts and lots of players’ parents are in attendance. Because Central Arizona College is about an hour or less from several of the other schools in the conference, often a contingent of visiting team fans attend the games. Fans in the stands are vocal and encourage the players and politely mutter, under their breath, about certain umpire calls. Access 3 Since Coolidge is in rural Arizona (about an hour from Phoenix, an hour 15 mins or so from Tucson), getting to the campus is best by car. There is the Cotton Express (local bus service) and the Central Arizona Regional Transit (CART) bus service (Florence to Casa Grande). It operates Monday to Friday, however, CART canceled stops to the campus (spring 2021) because of the pandemic. Heading southeast on I-10 from Phoenix to Tucson, CAC is about four miles off the interstate. Plenty of parking is available next to the stadium. Be aware of speed bumps when traveling through campus. The grandstand provides ramps, spacing between seats is comfortable, sidewalks are plenty wide. The Shipping/Receiving Building across the street houses clean, automated, touch-free restrooms. Return on Investment 5 Attending a game is free. The Vaqueros provide rosters in a cubby on the front center edge of the grandstand. If you’re a fan of watching baseball, it’s worth the drive (most Saturday games are doubleheaders). And, the team wins and expects to win; a nice combination. Extras 5 Several other items are worth mentioning. First, that peak behind the grandstand? Players run that mountain every morning for conditioning. Wow. The team’s jersey is fetching. Green jerseys tops with DB9ers in a yellow trimmed panel/banner across the chest. Next, the college built respectable bullpens and batting cages for the baseball team just a few years ago. The motto DB9 is present throughout the team and stadium. Its meaning is classified, but what I gather, it is a belief system and style of play that represents past, current, and future Vaqueros ballplayers. It helps build this championship team. Finally, the team expects to win. Final Thoughts If in the neighborhood or traveling between Tucson and Phoenix in the spring, take a side trip to Coolidge and visit the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and a winning baseball team in the Central Arizona College Vaqueros, aka DB9ers.

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Charles Wolf Gymnasium 899 S Richland Ave York, PA 17403 Charles Wolf Gymnasium website York College Spartans website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 1,726 Spartan Court York College of Pennsylvania is a private college located in York, Pennsylvania.  The college is located approximately 1 hour north of Baltimore, MD, and 30 minutes south of Harrisburg, PA.  The general student population of full-time undergraduates is around 4,000 students. The campus is located on 190 acres in the suburbs of York.  The school has been ranked in the top tier of the Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News and World Report. The Spartans athletics program competes at the Division III level in the Middle Atlantic Conferences Commonwealth (MAC Commonwealth) against schools such as Stevenson University, Messiah University, and Alvernia University. The college offers 22 varsity sports. Charles Wolf Gymnasium is home to the men's and women's basketball squads, the volleyball team, and the wrestling team. There is a sky box entrance from the main lobby and a pair of press boxes along each of the top concourses. We attended during one of the women's games although it was a men's/women's doubleheader so the experience should be the same with both sports. The gymnasium is located within the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center. The main lobby of the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center has windows where you can watch much of the game action before even entering the arena. If you are cheap, you may be able to watch the game here, although tickets are cheap enough you might not need to. Many people do not realize that York, Pennsylvania is rich in history as it was the first capital of the United States , the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation, and where the words “The United States of America” were first spoken. Food & Beverage 3 There is a café for patrons inside of the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center lobby and next to the gymnasium. The café offers your standard sports venue foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, and snacks.  The café serves patrons at outdoor sporting events (lacrosse and soccer) while also catering to indoor sporting events (basketball).  The pricing is reasonable as most food and drink choices are under $5 in cost. Atmosphere 4 The gymnasium has the feel of an arena for a much higher level of program. If it had more seats it would feel like a Division I level of arena. It is already better in quality than some lower-level Division I arenas. There are two main stands along the sides of the court with some smaller stands on the baseline. The fans are loud and proud and the gymnasium has a great atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 York College is located in York, Pennsylvania.  York, known as the White Rose City, is the county seat for York, Pennsylvania.  The college is located in the southern portion of York in an industrial portion of the city.  It has easy access to Interstate I-83.  York City hosts many attractions including the Harley-Davidson regional factory, a minor league baseball team named the York Revolution , the York Barbell Hall of Fame, and a vibrant downtown area including markets, museums, and music venues. The city of York has only 43,000 residents;  you can see many of the sites in and around the city over a short period.  There are many historical sites to see such as the Bridge Diorama in Wrightsville, the Haldeman Mansion, and the Myers Mansion.  Also, in nearby Lancaster, you can visit the Strasburg railroad and Pennsylvania Amish attractions. There are many quality places to eat in York, however, many are not within walking or close driving distance to the college.  The White Rose Bar and Grill is a popular choice among locals and is located in the downtown part of York.  Also, a 15-minute drive from the campus is Wyndridge Farms.  The restaurant contains a brewery and is located inside a renovated barn overlooking the York County countryside. Fans 4 Most fans were wearing green York College fanwear.  There were many fans in attendance and many understood the game and were quite enthusiastic.  You are also likely to find a good number of fans of the opposing teams as many of the opposing schools are located close by. Access 3 Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center is approximately three miles from Interstate 83 on Country Club Road.  The building's location is easy to find on the college's West Campus. The parking is free, and an abundance of such is available to patrons. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $6 and paid in the lobby. It is a fair value for a good level of sports. Extras 2 You will get the feel of a small, private school once you set foot on the campus.   There is a nice York College Athletics Hall of Fame in the building's lobby next to a great climbing wall for students. Final Thoughts The athletic facilities are kept in excellent shape and the Grumbacher Sports and Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art facility.

Photos by Dave Cottenie and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Donald L. Tucker Center 505 W Pensacola St Tallahassee, FL 32301 Florida State Seminoles website Donald L. Tucker Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 11,675 Seminole Experience Florida State is a football school. There really is no denying it. Just driving by Doak Campbell Stadium and one would instantly surmise that football is the game of choice in Tallahassee. The hulking beauty and attention to detail make it no surprise that the Seminoles once thoroughly dominated the football scene in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Do not sleep on the Florida State basketball program. Although the Seminoles are in the same conference as basketball powerhouses like North Carolina State, North Carolina and Duke, the Seminoles have been competitive and provide an experience that is appropriate for the ACC. Established in the Florida capitol in 1851, Florida State University is a public institute of higher learning with an enrollment of over 41,000. The athletics department first put a basketball team on the court in 1947 and they would join the ACC in 1991. The Seminoles have visited the NCAA tournament on 17 occasions and have earned conference championships in 1955, 1991 and 2012 in the ACC. Regular season titles were earned in 1951, 1955, 1978 and 1989. Home for the Seminoles since 1981 has been the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Built by the City of Tallahassee, the venue was purchased in 2013 by the FSU Board of Trustees at which time a significant renovation took place. It was named after a former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and Special Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Donald L. Tucker, Esq. When the NCAA informed member institutions that teams with Native American nicknames and imagery would need to make changes, Florida State would negotiate a deal with the Seminole General Nation in 2005 and received a waiver from the NCAA. Food & Beverage 4 The Tucker Center offers a solid selection of concession options available during basketball games. Pizza, nachos, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, chips, burgers, fries, chicken tenders, and candy are available at a number of different concession locations throughout the concourse. For fans looking for something a little different, checking out the ‘Nole Grill may be of interest. Fans can get pulled chicken or BBQ pork shoulder on quesadillas, nachos, tacos or salad. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at the Tucker Center and a variety of domestic and premium beers are offered at decent prices. Atmosphere 4 From the exterior, the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center is clearly a product of early eighties architecture. Long and barn-like with a brown brick and concrete exterior, the Tucker Center is not close to the most aesthetically pleasing facility from the exterior. There is a distinct lack of natural light and windows as part of the facility, which was common for the architecture of the period. Probably the best view from the outside is from the corner of Pensacola Street and Boulevard Street. There, Florida State has installed a very smart looking welcome sign and video board. Florida State has done all that it can on the inside to mitigate the deficiencies of the architecture of the time. The concourses, although devoid of natural light, are bright and full of Seminole markings, posters and history. There is even a nod to the famous mascot duo of Osceola and Renegade, whose participation in football pregame festivities is legendary. Inside the seating area, fans are welcomed to a two tier seating area full of garner seats which provide excellent sight lines for basketball. The court runs from north to south with that perfect center logo photo from the west side. A plethora of banners exclaiming basketball honors hang along the east side of the center. The retired numbers of Dave Cowens, Bob Sura, Sam Cassell, Hugh Durham, Ron King and Dave Fedor also hang proudly in the rafters. At centre court, a modern four-sided video board with ribbon board hangs, commanding the attention of patrons. Each of the four corners of the seating bowl also features a video board. A strange and unique occurrence in the seating bowl is that the rows are lettered in descending order with A at the top heading down toward the court. The gamed day production at a Seminoles game is what is to be expected at a college basketball game. The cheerleaders and dance team, known as the FSU Golden Girls, perform during down moments and at commercial breaks. The band is situated at the north end of the arena and adds to the college ambience. Neighborhood 5 The Tucker Center is located at the southeast corner of the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee. It is in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and bordered by Pensacola, Boulevard, Madison and Macomb Streets. It is also part of the Madison Mile, which includes other athletic facilities, including Doak Campbell Stadium. As with many college campuses, there are plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance of campus. Some spots that may intrigue fans include Wilbury, Nefetaries, Gaines Street Pies, Voodoo Dog, Z Baked, Chef Shac’s, The Egg Cafe, Brick House and LOTSA Stone Fried Pizza. Andrew’s Downtown and Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille are also worth a look. Tallahassee is a government and college town. As a result, the other sporting options in Tallahassee are really related to Florida State. The football team plays at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium and the baseball team plays at nearby Dick Howser Stadium. Other spots in Tallahassee worth checking out include Florida State Capitol and the Museum of Florida History. Fans requiring to stay near campus should consider the Residence Inn and the Hampton Inn. Fans 4 Support for the FSU basketball team has seen an increase over the past few seasons. With increases in home fan attendance from 2017 through 2019, the 2018-2019 season saw the team average over 9,000 fans per game. Considering the capacity of the Tucker Center is just over 11,000, this bodes well for those in attendance who hope for a solid fan atmosphere. The game which was reviewed was on New Years Eve, a time where the campus is predominantly empty and fan support in college basketball is low. There were over 6,000 fans in attendance, mostly from the community. The student section was understandably sparse, but is a solid scene when classes are in session. Access 4 Donald Tucker Center is located at the southeast corner of the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee. It is in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and bordered by Pensacola, Boulevard, Madison and Macomb Streets. Getting to the arena is not too difficult. The arena is approximately 6 km south of I-10, the main highway into Tallahassee, so there will be a bit of travel through the city, but traffic is not too bad. There is plenty of parking in the Tucker Center lot or one of the surface lots or parking garages within walking distance. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are bus stops around the Tucker Center. Fans should check out the StarMetro website for schedules, maps and fares. Many college basketball facilities treat security in the same manner that large professional teams do. As a result, it is imperative for fans to consult the Florida State Seminoles and Donald Tucker Center websites for the most up to date security expectations before heading to the basketball game. Getting around the arena is not difficult, especially on the date of this review and washroom facilities are adequate for this facility. Return on Investment 4 Admittedly not the biggest basketball attraction in the ACC, fans will be pleasantly surprised with the value that is found in a Florida State Seminoles basketball game. Tickets for the Seminoles are very affordable from $15 to $35 and the experience may not be the legendary one that can be found in North Carolina, but it is not an outlier in the conference. Fans will have a great time, watch some high caliber basketball and not have to worry about dipping into the kids’ college fund to pay for it. Although Florida State may not be the once in a lifetime experience, it is definitely the kind of experience which will keep fans coming back and the price point is a big part of that. Extras 3 An extra mark for big Florida State rivalries with Miami, Florida and Clemson. An extra mark for being an important part of one of the top basketball conferences in the country. An extra mark for an agreement with the Seminole General Nation to keep their ties to the Native American tribe and for doing it in the right way. Final Thoughts The ACC may be a basketball conference known for North Carolina and Duke and Florida State may be known as a football school first, but fans should not sleep on Florida State Seminoles basketball. A great experience at a great price, Florida State will surprise basketball fans who wish to experience a college atmosphere and make fans want to come back for more. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mabee Gymnasium 411 SW 24th St San Antonio, TX 78237 Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Saints website Mabee Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 1,600 The Saints of OLLU Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) was founded in San Antonio in 1895 by the Sisters of Divine Providence from Lorraine, France. It is the oldest school offering degrees in Social Work in Texas. For much of OLLU’s history, it was strictly an academic institution, offering no organized athletics programs to speak of. That all changed in 2007, with the founding of the school’s volleyball and men’s soccer programs. In 2009, men’s and women’s basketball were also added, and the OLLU Saints  (formerly the Armadillos) began competing in the NAIA. Now members of the Red River Athletic Conference, the Saints are still relatively in their infancy as a program. They scored their first win over an NCAA Division I member in 2020, with an upset win over the Texas State Bobcats . They have also made appearances in the NAIA national tournament’s Sweet 16 in 2012 and 2015, and in the tournament’s Elite 8 in 2016 and 2018. For the entirety of the Saints existence, they’ve played their home games at Mabee Gymnasium. Located within the school health and fitness complex, the gymnasium is a classic small school court that is the perfect venue for a program like OLLU’s; the gym received a facelift in 2021 to keep it looking like it is brand new. Read on to learn more about this hidden gem in the Alamo City.   Food & Beverage   3 As one could expect with a venue the size of Mabee Gymnasium, there is only one concession stand for fans. The stand offers up a lot of traditional game day offerings, such as hot dogs (or chili dogs, if you prefer), nachos, popcorn, pretzels, candy, bottled sodas, water, and sports drinks. Patrons can also purchase pizza, either whole pies or by the slice. This is all good and it is all to be expected. What really impressed me though and pushed this score up, is the offering of fresh-made pan dulces – Mexican sweet breads. Baked goods such as conchas, orejas, and empanadas are brought in each game from a nearby neighborhood panadería. Not only are they delicious, but they’re a great reflection of OLLU’s community. However, if for whatever reason you aren’t into any of the foodstuffs they have for sale, fans are allowed to bring in food from outside the venue.   Atmosphere   3 Mabee Gymnasium reminds me of a classic small town, small high school gym – this is a good thing. The wooden bleachers and yellowed playing surface make it feel older than it really is, which all adds to the atmosphere. The school has decorated the walls of the gym with banners highlighting all their programs’ accomplishments; you’ll be instantly drawn to the massive NAIA national championship banner that the school’s softball team won in 2024, as well as to the Hall of Fame banners above the home team stands. One more bit of atmosphere to keep in mind regarding the gymnasium – fans on the home side of the court can sit virtually right on top of the action. A walking area of just about two feet is all that separates fans in the front row of bleachers from the action; this really is an experience that you rarely get as a spectator. My last point to make here is that, if you have time before you catch a Saints game, make time to stroll through the campus. The Gothic architecture is beautiful and the walking paths along the artificial lake on campus are a rare treat, especially in this part of Texas.   Neighborhood   2 OLLU’s campus is located deep inside San Antonio’s historic west side, amid one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in the city. It is about a 15-minute drive from the city’s vibrant downtown area, which is where most visitors to the city go, as that area is home to the Alamo , HemisFair Park , Tower of the Americas , and the San Antonio River Walk . This is going to be your best bet if you’re looking for things to do before or after Saints games. One attraction that is not too far from OLLU’s campus is historic Woodlawn Lake Park ; with its celebrated lighthouse serving as a guardian for the lake, this park has been a favorite for residents for over a century. Loaded with walking and biking trails and docks for boating and fishing, it is another local gem that most visitors to the Alamo City never get to see. In terms of dining, there are scores of mom-and-pop Mexican restaurants in the area. If you’re looking for a taste of something authentic and true, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a spot in the area that’s bad. A few highlights to look for are Ray’s Drive Inn ; a longtime favorite of mine and of the city as a whole since it opened in the 1950s – burgers, puffy tacos (read all about those here ), crispy dogs (and   read all about those here ), malts, and more are all on the menu at this timeless treasure. Another popular local landmark to look out for is Panifico Bake Shop ; while not a traditional sit-down restaurant, this bakery is home to and purveyor of those pan dulces I mentioned above in the Food & Beverage section. They’re delicious. For lodging, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything near the OLLU campus, so your best bet is staying downtown and driving in to your game.   Fans   3 Getting an accurate attendance count for OLLU Saints games at Mabee Gymnasium might be an impossible task for their athletics department; students and children under 12 can get into games free of charge, so there really isn’t any way to account for them. Regardless, the size of the gym – with a capacity of just 1,600 – allows for even a crowd of a couple hundred to look, feel, and sound enormous. While I didn’t see many folks wearing Saints apparel, the stands felt full. Also, the fans were loud and into the action for the entirety of the game. I can’t really speculate the size, but I can say it was a really good turnout for the most recent weeknight game I attended.   Access   3 Our Lady of the Lake University is roughly a 20-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. The campus is pretty far removed from the nearest highway access, so you’ll be driving through residential and commercial areas for much of your commute. If you choose not to drive, the city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , does offer routes that will drop you off at OLLU’s campus. If you do drive, parking is plentiful and free near the gymnasium; just be mindful of reserved spots.   Return on Investment   3 I have to say that I’m feeling generous with this score, and your experience might differ from mine. General admission tickets for OLLU Saints games are just $10 per person. The university brings in some bigger schools, but mostly the team here competes at home against fellow NAIA squads. However, from my perspective, this is basketball – and sports really – competed purely for the love of the game. If you’re not a huge fan of what’s happening in big-time college athletics these days, this will be a nice reminder of the good old days. Either way, with such a low ticket cost, free parking, and a concessions menu where I didn’t see a single item costing more than $6, you’re getting a good bargain taking in a Saints basketball game at Mabee Gymnasium.   Extras   2 One area where OLLU doesn’t have much beyond a few standard trappings of sports is in the Extras category; the OLLU spirit squad – made up of the cheerleading and dance teams – can be found performing on the baselines throughout home games and during breaks in the action (though not at halftime for some reason). Also, the OLLU drumline  plays during games as well, but that’s pretty much it.   Final Thoughts I had never been to OLLU for a basketball game, though I’ve lived in the city for more years than I care to count. It was an experience I will definitely take in again. The gym is definitely on the small side, but it also definitely suits the team, the school, and the conference they play in. If you’re in San Antonio and looking for an inexpensive way to catch some sports, head over to the west side, stroll the OLLU campus, and catch a Saints game at Mabee Gymnasium. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 American Legion Field 302 River Park Dr Danville, VA 24540 Danville Otterbots website American Legion Field website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 2,588 No Otter Baseball Team Like Danville American Legion Field in Danville, Virginia, opened in 1993 as the home of the Danville Braves. The club played in the Appalachian League, which at the time was at the Rookie Advanced Level of Minor League Baseball, and was the first stop on the professional journey of many prospects. In 2020, Major League Baseball eliminated the Rookie Advanced level and the Appy League became a summer collegiate league for rising freshmen and sophomores associated with USA Baseball's Prospect Pipeline. At that time, the club changed its name from that of its former parent club to the Danville Otterbots. The "Otter" part of the nickname references the playfulness of otters and the nearby Dan River, while the "bot" part of the nickname reflects Danville's role as a growing STEM hub. American Legion Field is also home to the Danville Dairy Daddies of the Old North State League, another summer collegiate league. The Dairy Daddies play at home on days when the Otterbots are on the road and went viral for their logo of an extremely muscular cow. This review will focus on the Otterbots experience, but there are many common elements. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions are sold out of several windows behind the grandstand. You will find a wide range of options here, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches (those previous two available in buffalo or regular form), barbecue sandwiches (which in this part of the country invariably means pork), and bratwurst. Hot dogs are available in regular or footlong size and can come topped with chili and cheese or peppers and onions if you wish. Snacks include french fries, funnel cake fries, soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, chips, cotton candy, and Icees. There are also some special options available. The Scotter Dog, named after the team's mascot, is a footlong hot dog topped with pulled pork and barbecue sauce. The Bots Fries are french fries topped with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, nacho cheese, and jalapeños. They used to offer a similar item with tater tots and called the dish the Ottertots, but now it is in french fry form, thus ruining what was an amusing pun. Combos are also available, with your choice of a hot dog, hamburger, cheeseburger, or chicken tenders, plus fries and a drink, available at a discounted price. Soft drinks are all Pepsi products, and beer is available at a separate window. Atmosphere 4 There are three "sections" of reserved chairback seats at American Legion Field under a covered grandstand behind home plate. However, we use the term "sections" useless, because each assigned section has several sections of seats with aisles in between. These seats have fans above blowing air to keep spectators cool on hot days. Uncovered general admission bleachers are located on either side of the grandstand. Wherever you sit, you will have a good view of the action. An open-air, uncovered concourse runs behind the seating area, although you cannot see the field from here. This is where you will find concessions, the merchandise stand, restrooms, and everything else you might be looking for other than your seat. A second, much narrower walkway allows fans to get around the reserved sections. The Otterbots have the usual on-field contests between innings, usually with kids picked out of the stands to compete for various prizes. There are no truly unique contests, but they do keep fans engaged. The Otterbots have a mascot named Scotter, who appears to be a regular otter rather than a robotic one, although maybe this is like in Blade Runner where you have incredibly realistic robot animals. Scotter gets up to numerous hijinks in the stands including pretending to eat fans' food, mocking them for being on their phones during the game, and going sliding down the railing of the seating area. Following the playing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the Seventh Inning stretch, the Otterbots play "Cotton Eyed Joe" and fans are encouraged to dance along. Scotter will lead the dancing while pretending to eat a giant energy bar and encourage the crowd to have energy themselves. The scoreboard at American Legion Memorial Field is in left-center field and can show information on players as well as the linescore and other basic information. The Otterbots will also often show graphics gently mocking the other team. For the game Stadium Journey attended against the Pulaski River Turtles, they showed a graphic of Franklin the Turtle and his sister, with their father replaced by the Otterbots logo looming over them. Neighborhood 3 American Legion Field is located inside Dan Daniel Memorial Park, adjacent to the Dan River in the City of Danville. There are several other things to do in the park itself, including a children's playground, a skate park, and several hiking and walking trails. Keep in mind the park (other than the stadium itself) closes at dusk, so you will not be able to use any of the facilities after the game. The Dan River bisects Danville, and many local businesses are located on or near the river. The Cotton at Riverside Mill offers sweeping river views as well as alcohol and various entrees. Checkered Pig serves award-winning barbecue (as always, pork) plus ribs and brisket. There are several chain restaurants and hotels as well. Danville only has about 40,000 people, so it is not a hustling, bustling city but it is not boring either. Fans 4 While weeknight games don't draw as well, Otterbots games on a Saturday night can draw close to 2,000 fans in a stadium that seats around 2,500. The fans are full of energy and love cheering on their team and interacting with Scotter. Many of them come dressed in Otterbots gear they bring themselves or get at the stadium. Of course, your experience will vary depending on what night of the week you go, but on a Saturday night, the crowd at an Otterbots game is full and ready to rock. Access 3 To get to Danville, take US Route 29 almost to the North Carolina state line (or just over it if coming from the south.) Take the exit for Dan Daniel Memorial Park and follow the road to the stadium. If not using a GPS, you will have to look for the stadium yourself as it is not signed particularly well. There is a small lot next to the stadium, which will fill up if you don't get there early enough. Be warned that it is within foul ball territory. Several other lots are located nearby and throughout Dan Daniel Memorial Park, so you should have no trouble parking. However, you may have to walk a bit. Restrooms are located on the outer concourse and are generally of a sufficient size for the crowd. The outer concourse itself has plenty of space, although the walkway in the grandstand is quite narrow. Fortunately, people usually move quickly so as not to block others. Please be polite and do the same. Return on Investment 5 Otterbots tickets are just $11 for reserved seats and $8 for general admission. Concessions are generally priced quite reasonably, although you may pay a few extra dollars for premium items. However, a regular-sized hot dog is just $3 and a cheeseburger just $5. Even the most expensive non-alcoholic item, the Scotter Dog with all its toppings, is just $12, which is less than you'd pay for more basic items at many stadiums. Extras 4 Look for the history wall just inside the main entrance. This honors all the baseball teams that have played in Danville over the years. In addition to the aforementioned Danville Braves, the wall honors the Danville All-Stars of the Negro Leagues, the Danville Leafs, who were a minor league team from 1906 to 1958 and competed under several different names, and the Danville 97s, a Carolina League team who competed in the league for only one year in 1998 as a temporary situation while the Myrtle Beach Pelicans' stadium was being built. There is a team store on the concourse selling not just Otterbots merchandise but that of the Danville Dairy Daddies, the other team to play here. Both teams are known for their unique nicknames and logos and so the merchandise is very popular. A kids' play area is located down the right field line. A fourth and final star for Scotter the Otter (or is he a robot otter?) He is a unique mascot with wild antics and hijinks and is always a crowd favorite. Final Thoughts An Otterbots game is an enjoyable way to spend a warm summer night watching a baseball game. With an intimate stadium and a crazy mascot, it's affordable fun for the whole family.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Alexander Field 1350 McCormick Rd West Lafayette, IN 47906 Purdue Boilermakers website Alexander Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,500 Boiler Up at the Ballpark Alexander Field opened in 2013 for the Purdue University baseball program. The 1,500 seat ballpark is part of the Mackey Complex/Northwest site that also houses the school’s softball field, soccer pitch, tennis facility, and cross country course and is located less than two miles from its football stadium Ross-Ade Stadium and basketball gym Mackey Arena . The ballpark is named after the John and Margaret Ross Alexander, alumni and parents of former Purdue coach Dave Alexander, who gave the lead gift for the project. He coached the Boilermakers from 1978-1991 and his 407 wins are the most in school history. The $10.3 million stadium replaced Lambert Field which had been built 1966. Alexander Field features a wide-open concourse, two-leveled press box, luxury suites, grass berm seating, and the main concession area. The facility is expandable to 2,500 seats and offers plenty of parking surrounding its exterior. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main grandstand in back of the concourse offering typical ballpark food from hot dogs ($5), Cracker Jacks ($3), peanuts ($4), and nachos ($5). The Black and Gold hot dog is a jumbo dog with chili, cheese, and diced onions ($7). There is also an additional portable cart offering concessions down the third base line. A little bit down the concourse is a beer cart featuring an impressive selection of choices from Indiana breweries of Upland, Peoples, Three Floyd's, and Sun King. The Salmon Pants Premium Lager and Free Time Lager are perfect for a warm, sunny afternoon of baseball, but the Boiler Gold American Golden Ale should appeal to all taste buds and sales benefit the university's Department of Food Science. The cost of beers ranges from $7-$9 per can or bottle. For non-beer drinkers, Coca-Cola products are available for $5. Atmosphere 4 The cozy, little ballpark provides an intimate experience in all the modern comforts in a collegiate setting. A warm weekend afternoon game brought out an enthusiastic crowd ready for some Purdue baseball. The beer was flowing, fans were chopping on hot dogs, kids were rolling down the grass berm seating area, and a majority were decked out in black and gold gear. It was Bark at the Park and a few hundred canines took in the sun; the promotion was free to all dogs and also included a free bone-shaped pet bag dispenser. The openness of the concourse allows for a lot of legroom and areas for fans to mingle, view the game, or sit back and enjoy a bite or drink. The focal aspect of the facility is the main press box that houses the suites, restrooms, and concession stand. It dominates the landscape and features the name of the stadium in bold print near the center of the top. It also provides shade from inclement weather when needed. The atmosphere is strengthened by Purdue Pete posing with fans for pictures, in-between promotions that bring the little ones on the field, and music. There is even the opportunity to tailgate before the game if applicable. Neighborhood 3 The Chauncey Village neighborhood features quite a bit of funky little shops and restaurants, plus some great nightlife destinations. Von’s Shops offers an impressive array of new and used books, clothing, and other items in an eclectic building and storefront. Next door is Von’s Dough Shack where customers choose their type of calzone and enjoy it fresh from the oven. If you are not the creative type, there are 34 varieties to choose from off the menu. Just across the street is the famous Triple XXX Family Restaurant where one can enjoy a peanut butter burger or homemade root beer inside its small, cozy, and narrow booths. The small building features narrow counter tops and bar stools. If you are adventurous and want to expand your taste buds, Shaukin Indian Fast Food might be just the place during your visit. This is not your standard Indian fare, but Indian street food that is lively in taste and spice. Most items are well below $10 and you can take it to go and enjoy it across the street at The Pint. If you are craft beer fan, People’s Brewing Company is located 3 miles north of the high school and is one of the better places for local beer in the state. Pints are $5 and are a dollar less on Wednesdays. Lafayette Brewing Company is the other craft beer option in town with $2 off of pints on Wednesday nights as well. Fans 3 The crowds are above the friends and family type at the stadium. The Boilermaker supporters are decked out in black and gold and can be seen and heard cheering for their baseball team to victory. They are respectful to the visitors and one can expect a laid back atmosphere from the fans in attendance. Access 4 The size and design of the stadium make moving around the facility very easy for the first time visitor. The concessions, bathrooms, entrances, and suites are located in the same area and the openness of the concourse gives a lot of space to sprawl around during the course of the game. Return on Investment 4 A very nice looking stadium to enjoy a game and a huge improvement over Lambert Stadium. Tickets range from $8 for general admission to $10 for reserved chair back seats. Children tickets are only $2 for reserved tickets. The parking is free and the concession prices are affordable. The highest priced item is the Boiler Up Beer that is $9 a can. Extras 3 The stadium receives one point for serving beer at the ballpark. There are several varieties of domestic and premium beers for fans to choose from during the game. The stadium receives the second point for its design and open concourse. A third and final point is for the 100% natural playing surface. Final Thoughts The Big Ten ballparks have improved greatly the last five years, turning once aging stadiums into great places to watch a game for a visitor and providing the ability to attract top talent to the program. When you add daily promotions, beer, and Bark at the Park, you have yourself a great place to watch a game during the college baseball season.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Goodwin Field 800 N State College Blvd Fullerton, CA 92831 Cal State Fullerton Titans website Goodwin Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 3,500 FULL of Winning When it comes to college baseball prestige the California State University Fullerton squad seems to always be at the forefront of discussions. While the USC Trojans are college baseball’s all-time leaders in National Titles, the Titans continue to compete for that coveted prize year in and year out. To date, Cal State Fullerton Baseball boasts four National Championships, along with 16 appearances to the College World Series. Goodwin Field, formerly known as Titan Field, is now the third home field of the baseball program and continues to evolve into one of the premier parks in all of college baseball. The stadium opened in 1992 and was renamed in 2000 after Jerry and Merilyn Goodwin made a sizable donation to help fund many of the renovations to the stadium. Food & Beverage 4 A single permanent stand that also flows into the school's soccer stadium offers many of the ballpark staples, including beef hot dogs ($4), nachos with cheese ($3.75), soft pretzel ($2.50, add $0.50 for cheese), churros ($2.75), peanuts ($2.25), cheeseburger ($4.50), and a variety of smaller snacks. Pepsi product fountain drinks from 24 to 44 ounces are also reasonably priced ($2.50-$4.50). The food truck featured during this particular game was Barcelona on the Go. For a food truck, the prices for their offerings are also very reasonable. Some of their choices are the Grilled Chicken Sandwich or Quesadilla ($7.50), Pulled Pork Quesadilla ($8.50) and the Barcelona Paella Bowl ($8.50). Some of the sweet treats offered are ice cream bars and sandwiches ($3), deep fried oreos and funnel cakes ($5), kettle corn ($3, $5 and $8) and strawberry banana, pina colada and mango orange smoothies ($5 for a small, $8 for a regular and $10 for a tiki, $6 for a tiki refill). What may go unnoticed is the price of the basic concessions compared to a previous visit actually decreased. It may not mean much to some, but when the cost of stadium food is always on the rise, it’s always good to know when venues, especially one of CSUF’s notoriety, looks after their fans by doing their best to make the stadium dining experience one that won’t put too much of a hole in their pockets. Atmosphere 5 The moment you walk inside Goodwin Field you get a sense of a deep baseball tradition. Upon entry, fans are greeted along the concourse by the Titans Wall of Honor, featuring names and jersey numbers of past Fullerton greats including Phil Nevin, Justin Turner, Kurt Suzuki, Tim Wallach and legendary manager Augie Garrido who is responsible for three of Fullerton’s four national titles. Along the first base dugout is the Pierre Nicolas Wall of Champions that pays tributes to Fullerton’s four National Championship teams as well as their past Golden Spikes Award winners. Also along the first base concourse you also get a full glimpse of the Anderson Family Field, home to the lady softball sluggers. No matter where you are in the yard, you feel a strong baseball vibe all the way to the accolades that adorn the walls of the concourses as well as the outfield fences. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood around the Cal State Fullerton campus offers a decent amount of off-campus dining, including your standard chains Five Guys Burgers and Panera Bread; Pepe’s Mexican is also a favorite among students for its huge portions and reasonable prices. Oggi's, a brewhouse that not only specializes in pizza but has a full dining area with multiple screens to view other sporting action, has several chains in Orange and San Diego counties, including Fullerton. If you have time to kill before a game, the Fullerton Arboretum , located on campus behind the right field fence, provides a nice nature like setting with trees and plants from around the world inside a 25 acre botanical garden. You will also be glad to know that the House of Mouse is just a short 15-20 minute drive from campus should you and your fellow travelers decide on paying that most famous mouse a visit. Should you happen to do your lodging in Orange County, plenty of options, though some on the pricey side are available surrounding the area around Disneyland and are a short drive from not only the CSUF campus but also Angel Stadium and the Honda Center . Fans 5 It is difficult to question the commitment of the Fullerton fans as they typically rank in the top 30 of college baseball attendance. Regardless of the opponent or day of the week, the larger capacity venue is often filled. With four National Championships, 17 College World Series appearances and frequent NCAA Tournament appearances since 1975, it’s no surprise that fans regularly fill the stands. The loyalty of Titan baseball runs true and deep among the Blue and Orange clad fans. If you get a chance, stop by Section A in the General Admission seats along the right field side. Out there is what fans simply refer to as The Superfan, a bearded fan with a Viking like voice that can be heard throughout the yard, and is at most if not all the games. Stop by and say hi, chances are he’ll not only take a picture with you but he may ask you to help him lead some cheers. Access 4 Titan Field is relatively simple to access via the 5, 57, and 91 freeways. In fact, the stadium is only 7 miles from both Angel Stadium and the Honda Center . Depending on when you go, you may even be able to make a baseball or hockey/baseball doubleheader out of your stay on The OC. Though parking is plentiful, you will want to give yourself ample time to arrive as the lots fill up quickly. Once inside, the concourse above the stands is very pedestrian friendly. The concourse flowing into the soccer stadium where the concession stand serves both venues helps immensely as fans are able to stroll the area there as well. The concourse that flows into the soccer stadium is where fans can purchase their sweet treats as those stands are set up there as well. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for most games are $18 for box seats, $11 for reserved, $10 adult general admission, senior GA $8, youth GA 8th grade and younger $6. With a high caliber program and fans regularly filling the stands, Cal State Fullerton is one of the few schools that take advantage of the premium game pricing. The good news is it’s only a $2 price increase. For games against Stanford, USC, UCLA and 3 game series against UC Irvine, Long Beach State and UC Santa Barbara, box seats go for $13, reserved for $13. Adult general admission goes for $12, senior GA $10, youth 8th grade and younger $8. With Fullerton baseball, there are not many down seasons; in fact, there is seldom a losing streak. Rarely do winning traditions equate fans turning away from the value proposition and consequently the stands are often full. Extras 5 After picking up a ticket to the game at the box office, fans will walk up a palm tree lined walkway, definitely providing a Southern California feel to the venue. At the top of the walkway, fans can look out onto the field and take note of some of the unique items the field offers. As you walk toward the press box along the concourse, on the third base side is a tall standup board that displays the starting lineups of both teams. Above the starting lineups on the wall is a display featuring Titan All-Americans, National Players of the Year, and other player accolades as well as honoring their four National Champion teams from 1979, 1984, 1995 and 2004. With a title from each decade since 1975 and Fullerton being a regular in the NCAA tournament, it’s only natural to think CSUF is due for another one before this decade ends. Along the first base concourse is the Pierre Nicolas Wall of Champions, and as you look out to the center field scoreboard, you will see flags of every team in the Big West Conference, presumably in the order of that day’s standings. Along the outfield walls, fans will notice these items: Circles with the year of National Championship teams in them on the left field wall. Close to the right field foul pole, the initials "MC" are listed. This is homage to Mike Campbell, a long time equipment manager who passed in 2011 after a long bout with cancer. A former Cal State Fullerton golfer, he was a staple of the Fullerton baseball program for many years, appearing at many games despite living in Santa Cruz. Lastly, in right-center field is a message that reads "The Saarloos Family says Good Luck Titans; only 1,544 miles to Omaha." This is an obvious nod to past championships and the pursuit of the next with the College World Series taking place in Omaha, NE. Final Thoughts Despite playing in the backyard of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Titans remain one of the hotter tickets in Orange County. With four national championships and a team that is almost always certain to make a post-season run, it’s easy to see why fans here consistently fill up the yard. Of all the college yards I’ve had the chance to visit in Southern California, Goodwin Field, with their loyal fans and fan friendly amenities abound, may arguably be the best.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Molineux Stadium Waterloo Rd. Wolverhampton, England WV1 4QR United Kingdom Wolverhampton Wanderers website Molineux Stadium website Year Opened: 1889 Capacity: 31,700 Wandering Around Molineux Ever since seeing relegation from the Premier League in 2012, Wolverhampton Wanderers have plummeted down the English football ranks, playing the 2013-14 season in the third tier, better know as the “Sky Bet League One.” However, under new manager Kenny Jackett, order is looking to be restored, as they are favourites to be promoted back into the Championship. The Wanderers have always been apart of England’s rich footballing history, as they were founders of the Football League in 1888. Not only this, but the East Midlands club can be thanked for the development of continental soccer, as they helped create the European Cup, or what is now called the “UEFA Champions League.” During an eleven year spell, between 1949 and 1960, the Wanderers won the League three times and the domestic cup twice. As for the stadium, Molineux has played host to Wolves ever since 1889, and in recent years, has been renovated to 31,700 in a hope to give Wolves a stable base, something that has always been lacking. As for the ground, it is…well, weird. In 1990, when Sir Jack Hayward took over the club, it paved a way for new developments. He modernised all the stands to meet the FA’s regulations and brought the capacity to 28,525. At the time, it was one of England’s finest stadiums. However, over the years, it has slowly declined–much like the team–and now looks grotty. The Billy Wright and Steve Bull stands are weirdly shaped, almost bending outwards from the pitch. The view from where I sat on the Steve Bull stand was admittedly very good, yet was rather cramped! The newly renovated Stan Cullis on the other hand, looks rather swanky, though it is still awkwardly shaped, placed to the right of the pitch, rather than in the center. Food & Beverage 3 As I say in all my reviews of traditional English stadiums, the food and beverage is poor and overpriced. And Molineux slips right into this category. A beer and hot chocolate came to a staggering £6.50 ($10.75) – one of the highest prices I have ever encountered. Bearing in mind that League One clubs are small, Wolves really do stretch the limit on their prices for fans. As for food, burgers, chicken burgers are £4.50, which is extortionate considering the quality. As for the service, there are many areas to buy food from inside the ground, and the queues are dealt with swiftly. Other foods include £3 ($5) pies, in a range of varieties like “Meat and Pie” and “Cheese and Onion.” Overall, the food is, well, okay, with prices like that of Premier League clubs. The facilities are fine, including the catering, serving a range of Wrights Pies including; Steak and Ale, Chicken Balti, Moroccan Chick Pea (all £3.60), Hot Dogs (£4.50), Sausage Rolls (£4) and Vegan Sausage Rolls (£4), Teas & Coffees (£2.30), Bovril or Hot Chocolate (£2.40). Atmosphere 3 The fans pack the grounds before the match and various vendors set up shop selling merchandise and food. There is also live music and big screen TVs outside the entrance for pre-match party atmosphere. Everyone in the crowd is more than likely wearing a bright yellow kit with the Wolves logo. If every stand sung and roared like the fans on the “Jack Harris” stand, the rating would undoubtedly be five-star. However, this was not the case. Before the match, all the home fans came together to sing “Hi, ho, Wolverhampton” which hit me hard, as the noise was incredible. Yet after that, the atmosphere fell flat. The only exception was the “Jack Harris” stand, situated by the away fans, who sung their hearts out whilst the team were doing well and were incredible. As it’s a small stand, the fans packed together and this really stood out, intimidating the away fans. When the team were losing however, Molineux fell silent and the fans started getting on at the team, which only encouraged the travelling team. Now, I understand that the fans are disgruntled at the situation they currently find themselves in, and this has clearly affected the noise in the ground. When in the Premier League, Molineux was a fortress and it really played 12th man for the team, as Wolves managed to beat teams like Man United , Chelsea , and Liverpool . Neighborhood 3 Around the ground, the area is fine, and I have no complaints. In and amongst the area, there are a few pubs – dominated by home fans as you expect. Eating is fine, as there are a quite a few local takeaways, which I advise as the food is cheaper and an overall better quality. If wanting to make a day out of your visit to Wolverhampton, this can be achieved by visiting Bentley Retail Park. After taking a trip there on a previous day, there is a top class Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, cinema, and other cheap fast food outlets, such as KFC and McDonald’s. Fans 4 After seeing their team be very mediocre for the past decade, it’s easy to understand that Wolves fans are frustrated. However, I have to applaud the Wanderers’ support, as it is just magnificent. Even in League One, fans continue to fill Molineux, which provides a special experience for away fans, as many traveling teams are used to crowds of around 5,000, not 30,000! Wolves have always been a well-supported team and this is shown by the ambition of the owners, as they have plans in the future to extend Molineux to over 50,000, which is a little unrealistic at this stage. As for away days, Wolverhampton are easily the best in League One, filling out away ticket allocations every week. My only issue with the fans is something quite remarkable. The fans in the Jack Harris Stand started hurling abuse at their own set of fans around the ground. Now you’re probably thinking “What?” But this was the case. These fans started ironically jeering and swearing at the other home fans in the other stands when they finally started singing. This amazed and shocked me, as it was really uncalled for. However, if you look at it in another perspective, I suppose it shows that the fans were desperate for the atmosphere to improve and to get behind their beloved team. Access 4 Parking direct outside Molineux is something I heavily advise against, unless you want to get there two hours in advance! The traffic around the ground can be very busy, so if wanting to park, I advise to park around 15 minutes away from the ground and walk the rest, as it saves so much time. There are many car parks in this area, though what we did was book a spot at a car park in advance online, for only £3 ($5). This saved so much time and was great value, as we were only fifteen minutes away from the ground and was guaranteed a place. The other popular form of transport includes going by train. Wolverhampton Train Station is a fifteen minute walk from the ground and eliminates the obstacle of possible heavy traffic. If wanting to add a special touch to your experience, it is possible to get a train to Birmingham Train Station and then a tram to Wolverhampton, where you can walk to the ground. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range in two categories and an adult can attend a game for as low as £25 in Category B. The highest price ticket is £46 in Category A; depending on your price point and the view you want of the pitch, the choose is yours. Tickets for 65 plus range from £15 to £26.60 and fans under 17 can get in from as low as £6 to £26.50. Extras 3 Firstly, Wolves is a unique club, as they have their own museum. Opened in 2012, the museum presents a lot of content for diehard Wolves fans and also the neutral. For example, there are a few interactive activities, like “Beat The Goalie,” in which you compete to score past a computer generated keeper. Outside the ground are three quite stunning statues. The first is of club legend Billy Wright. This bronze figure captures Wright running with a ball tucked underneath his arm, giving the experience a historic feel. The second is of historic manager Stan Cullis and this again gives the overall experience a special feel, as this is magnificent. The third statue is of Sir Jack Hayward who was the club’s owner from 1990 to 2007. Additionally, inside the ground are a number of Sportingbet.com betting parlours. Also, outside the ground is the programme £3 ($5) and admittedly this is a very poor one, as the printing quality is shoddy and the actual material is a cheap paper, which makes it so flimsy. Final Thoughts Overall, I found visiting Molineux a great occasion, as it was special to see a packed house for a third-tier football match. The atmosphere was special throughout the first half, and the quality of football was unexpectedly incredibly high. My only issue is the lack of care for the stands and also the ticket prices. In my opinion, visiting Molineux is something I wouldn’t advise against as it has some nice features, yet this isn’t a ground that stands out as amazing, as it needs a lot of improvements.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tipton High School Gymnasium 619 Main St. Tipton, IN 46072 Tipton Blue Devils Tipton HS Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity : 3,500 A Great Little Gym in Tipton When the current gym of the Tipton Blue Devils opened along with the high school for the 1961-1962 academic school year the boy’s basketball team finished with its first winning record in 7 seasons that included defeating rival Peru 65-68. The Devils also won its own Holiday Tournament title with a 91-77 victory in the final game against Winchester. Basketball games against other high schools would not be played against other schools until the 1912-1913 academic school year. Those first few seasons saw club teams formed to play against other Tipton students and the nearby Gawayne Castle or outside on the outdoor court of the high school building. However, a few games against other schools were scheduled during the 1911-1912 season “but owing to a misunderstanding” weren’t played. The 1912-13 season resulted in a 7-11 record for Tipton against various schools in the area and within two years became the dominant sport at the high school. Tipton High School has an impressive history of basketball and its 3,000-seat gym is worth a look on a fieldhouse tour in the state of Indiana. The low ceiling, two-level seating section, tasty concession items, and the band on the stage set the tone for a boisterous crowd during the cold winter nights. The Blue Devils program has produced 21 sectional, 18 conference, and 6 regional championships dating in its history. The blend of old-fashion showmanship and Hoosier Hysteria gives the 3,000-capacity basketball gym much-needed pop in the small town of Tipton about an hour north of downtown Indianapolis. The facility features two levels of seats at both ends with a stage situated behind one of the nets that include the school band that has ample space to play throughout the contest. The walls are also decorated with flames, slogans, and numerous championships won by multiple sports programs. Food & Beverage 3 The basics of hot dogs, popcorHoopfestand nachos can be found at the concession stand outside the main gym floor in a separate room. The pretzels and hot dogs cost a buck and a half, popcorn (some of the tastiest in the state) is just a dollar, and nachos are $2 for an additional charge including chili. Coca-Cola products are sold for $2 a bottle. Atmosphere 4 The home of the Blue Devils packs a wallop with a pre-game ceremony that gets the audience standing up in their seats. The team mascot charges around the court waving the school flag and the basketball team follows behind him. The student section then comes out onto the court and forms a line for the players to run through to shake hands and give high-fives as they return to the bench. While all of this is occurring, the school band. perches up on the stage and creates the soundtrack to the evening’s proceedings. The gymnasium feels much more like a high school gym compared to some of the other larger venues located in nearby Kokomo, Frankfort, and Muncie. However, the atmosphere is larger than life for the small town. Neighborhood 2 Tipton has a population of 5,106 people and is part of the Kokomo Metropolitan Statistical Area. The high school and gymnasium are located on Main Street and close to various local, regional, and national chain retail options. The downtown features a square with a courthouse, typical of what you will find in many small towns in the state. The options for dining include Faye’s Northside Restaurant, Izzy & Eddy’s, South Pole Drive-In, and Jim Dandy’s Restaurant. Access 3 Tipton is located miles away from the nearest interstate in the center of SR-19 and SR-28. The gymnasium is very accessible to move around as seats feature two levels with staircases for easy maneuvering. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket is $5 and concession prices range from $1 to $3 at the concession stands. The prices can’t be beaten and are comparable to that of other high school gymnasiums in the state of Indiana. Extras 3 The first point is for the team introduction which begins with the mascot running up and down the court and then having the fans coming out to greet the players. The second point is for the band that remains on the stage and performs throughout the game. Its presence is felt and provides a nice backdrop to the night’s proceedings. The third point is for the student section which is also very dominant, adding to the home-court advantage. Final Thoughts An interesting little spot for high school basketball, the Blue Devils' gym doesn’t pretend to be anything more than what it is, a great little basketball gymnasium.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Paramount Fine Foods Centre 5500 Rose Cherry Place Mississauga, ON L4Z 4B6 Mississauga Steelheads website Paramount Fine Foods Centre website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,612 Endangered Trout? It was once the house that Don Cherry built. The bombastic, former centerpiece of the “Coach’s Corner” intermission segment of Hockey Night in Canada was bringing Junior Hockey to Mississauga and spearheading the opening of the Hershey Centre. The complex was built on a street named after Cherry’s late wife. The Mississauga IceDogs entered the OHL in 1998 in one of the worst expansion plans ever with teams in Mississauga, Brampton, and Toronto all being added in two years. Cherry would find that he possibly didn’t know as much about running a hockey team as he thought he did and the IceDogs proved to be one of the worst franchises in the league. In 2007, Eugene Melnyk, owner of the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors, would purchase the IceDogs to gain control of the arena lease for the then Hershey Centre. The IceDogs were sold off and the Majors became the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. After several tough years at the gate and hosting a Memorial Cup, Melnyk would sell the Majors to Elliot Kerr and the team would be rebranded the Mississauga Steelheads in 2012. A decade as the Steelheads has passed and hockey in Mississauga once again is at a tipping point. Kerr has made public his frustrations with the lack of fan support and mused that maybe the Steelheads should be elsewhere. Home for the Steelheads is the now-renamed Paramount Fine Foods Centre. The arena is similar to other modern OHL facilities and offers plenty to be positive about. However, Junior Hockey in Mississauga is in trouble and the question as to the location of the Trout in five years is a mystery yet to be answered. Food & Beverage 3 There is some surprising variety when it comes to concessions at Paramount Fine Foods Centre. The expected arena fare can be found, including popcorn, nachos, pretzels, fries, and hot dogs. Poutine, mini-donuts, and chicken fingers. Some surprising, healthier options are available including whole fruit and hummus, and veggies. Soft drinks are Coca-Cola products. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and French Vanilla are available, and necessary due to the cold temperatures in the arena. The beer selection is decent for an OHL venue. Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona, Stella Artois, Mill Street Organic, and Alexander Keith’s are available as well as red and white wine. Atmosphere 3 The Paramount Fine Foods Centre is the centrepiece of a larger athletic complex. The exterior is attractive with a clean look with light brick and siding. The main entrance is on the east side at Rose Cherry Place and brings fans into a small foyer with the main ticket office. After entering the main concourse fans will find the team shoppe, The Bait Shop, to the immediate left. The concourses feature some murals featuring the Steelheads. The Captain’s Wall is around the corner from the Bait Shop one way and team photos can be found in the opposite direction. Inside the seating bowl, fans will find a modern seating facility with plenty of burgundy arena seats; some with padding. The ice surface runs from east to west, with the north side being the best spot to get the Centre ice logo picture. Above the seating bowl on the south side, above the luxury boxes, hangs the iconic painting of Queen Elizabeth II, once a staple found in all Canadian hockey arenas. Behind the seats on the north side is the Budweiser Lounge, which, when operating, is a place fans can stand in a bar-like atmosphere and get a drink and some food. When the lounge is not operating, it is still open for fans to be able to use the space. The four-sided video board is clear and has traditional scoreboards underneath. Hanging in the west end are the 2017 division and conference championship banners, the only ones the Steelheads have earned to date. The Paramount Fine Foods Centre is one of the coldest arenas in the OHL. Fans should be prepared. Gloves are a good idea here. The gameday production is about what one would expect from the OHL. Modern music plays during the down times and minor hockey players play the Timbits mini-game during intermission. The Steelheads mascot, Sauga, can be found around the arena leading cheers or on the ice during the mini-game. Neighbourhood 2 The Paramount Fine Foods Centre is located in an industrial neighbourhood in Mississauga. As a result, there is not much in the way of pre and post-game spots for fans to head to. The Britannia neighbourhood in Mississauga, which is surrounded by Highways 401, 403, and Hurontario, does have a couple of spots including Pane e Vino, Wing Factory, Nirvana, and Mandarin. For a wider variety, fans will need to look elsewhere. Either way, fans are going to need to get in the car and make the drive. Heading over to Square One, which is one of the larger shopping malls in the area, will offer fans more options. Mississauga suffers and benefits from being in the shadow of Toronto. Many fans will head “into the city” for the entertainment options, of which there are nearly countless. In Mississauga itself, however, options are pretty limited. The Paramount Fine Foods Centre is shared with Raptors 905 of the G-League. Other sporting options would be in Toronto as well. Fans who wish to stay near the arena may want to try the Holiday Inn Mississauga Toronto West or Quality Inn Airport West Fans 2 The attendance for Steelhead games is where the experience falls off. In the 2022-2023 season, the Steelheads are attracting under 1,500 fans per game, dead last in the Ontario Hockey League by nearly 1,000 fans per game. Mississauga tends to be near the bottom in attendance annually and need something to change to ensure its position in Mississauga going forward. The team has been fairly strong on the ice but the lack of fan support leaves the experience flat. It feels that there are more visiting fans than home fans and the low attendance is not placated by a small building. Access 4 Getting to the Paramount Fine Foods Centre is not difficult. The arena is surrounded by Hurontario Road, a major Mississauga street, and Highways 401 and 403. There is plenty of free parking on either the north or south sides of the arena. Some parking is reserved for suite patrons and season ticket holders. For fans wanting to take public transit to the game, there is a limited-service MiWay bus route that traverses Rose Cherry Place. Fans should check out the Mississauga Transit website for maps, fares, and schedules. Getting around the Paramount is not difficult due to the low attendance numbers. However, should there be a big crowd, the narrow concourses would be a bit of a problem. The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility and the crowd in attendance. Return on Investment 3 OHL hockey provides tremendous value for the sporting dollar. The on-ice product is top-notch and exciting. The ticket prices for the Steelheads are not out of line with the rest of the league. Adult tickets go for around $25 and premium tickets for $35. There are discounts available for kids. Family packs are also available. The concession prices are not too bad and parking is free at the Paramount. However, the lack of fan support bleeds into the overall experience. Even though the Steelheads do their best to put a good package together, it falls a bit flat when a large percentage of fans, in a building more than half empty, are cheering for the visiting team. Stronger fan support will help create a better atmosphere and a better return on investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for the strong connection the Mississauga Steelheads has with minor hockey in the area. An extra mark for the unique name and strong branding the Mississauga Steelheads bring to the table. Final Thoughts It will be interesting to see what happens with the Mississauga Steelheads over the next five years. An airtight lease agreement with the City of Mississauga has kept OHL hockey in town, however, it is clear that the owner is unwilling to continue to take significant losses on the team and may be ready to find some greener pastures. If the citizens of Mississauga could rally around the Steelheads to ensure Junior Hockey remains the OHL would be a better place. ------ Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cramton Bowl 1022 Madison Ave Montgomery, AL 36107 Camellia Bowl website Cramton Bowl website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 25,000 Camellia Bowl At The Cramton Bowl When a stadium is over a century old it tends to have a lot of stories to tell and Montogomery, Alabama’s Cramton Bowl is no exception. Opening in 1922 its legacy includes hosting the Blue-Gray football classic, occasional Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers football games, Philadelphia Athletics spring training, and the deciding game of the 1943 Negro League World Series. In the last decade, the Cramton Bowl has added to its legacy by hosting ten editions of the Camellia Bowl. The Camellia Bowl tends to be a matchup between programs from the Sun Belt Conference and the Mid-American Conference. Of the ten editions played, nine have been decided by one possession or less so odds are it's going to be a very competitive matchup. Food & Beverage  3 Outside the stadium, there are several vendors selling foods such as boiled peanuts ($5), chicken, pulled pork, brisket sandwich plates($12-$16), and 16 oz. beers ($8). At the concession stands inside the stadium, the options include cheeseburgers ($8), hot dogs ($5), nachos ($7), pretzels ($6), water ($5), Powerade ($5), and Coke product sodas ($7). Cash and cards are accepted. Atmosphere  3 The Cramton Bowl is a glorified high school football stadium that is typically not close to one of the teams so the hope is that the fans of the teams playing bring a lot of atmosphere. This was the case in the 2023 edition when both sets of fans seemed to be excited about playing the Camellia Bowl. It also helped that the weather was great which is not normal for an Alabama December. I would have liked to have seen some entertainment during some of the breaks in game action. Perhaps have an emcee, have opposing fans participate in a trivia showdown, pit the fan bases against each other to see which one was louder. It should not be all on the fanbases to provide the atmosphere for a bowl game. The fireworks during each team’s intro and the confetti during the trophy presentation were a nice touch and are worth a point in my opinion. Neighborhood  4 Attached to the South end of the stadium is the Multiplex which hosts several volleyball and basketball events for high schools and smaller colleges and serves as a premium space during the Camellia Bowl. The Cramton Bowl is across the street from Patterson Field, the former home for minor league baseball in Montgomery. The Cramton Bowl is 5 blocks away from the Alabama State Capitol building and the Confederate White House. Go down Washington Avenue and you will pass the Civil Rights Memorial before hitting up the Freedom Rides and Rosa Parks museums.  Keep going towards the Riverwalk and you will find the Hank Williams Museum before seeing Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium , the home of the Biscuits minor league baseball team. If you are planning on spending a couple of days in Montgomery the Riverwalk area provides lodging options such as DoubleTree, SpringHill, and Embassy Suites. For a bite to eat, stop by Bibb Street for pizza, Jalapenos for Mexican, or Wintzell’s for seafood. There are several bars around this area to check out if you are looking for a drink.  Fans  3 The stadium was only half full during my visit and it is not a large stadium but the fans that do show up get behind their teams. The fans dress in their team colors, each fanbase takes over one side of the stadium, and the fans cheer when their teams do a good thing during the game.  Access  3 Parking across the street by Patterson Field requires purchasing a parking pass for $20 in advance online. Street and public garage parking is free on weekends. There is a public parking garage at 100 N Union Street four blocks away from the Cramton Bowl. Once inside the stadium, the walkways are plenty wide enough and there are a couple of bathrooms on each side of the stadium.  Return on Investment  4 Tickets start at $33 ($30 for the ticket, $3 ticket fee) for seats between the end zone and the 30-yard line while midfield seats cost $43. You also have the option to pay $100 for a suite in the north end zone or $150 for access to the ESPN Lounge in the Multiplex with both providing parking and food. If you buy a $30 ticket, pay $20 for parking, and purchase a cheeseburger and a Coke you will spend about $70 solo, $120 for a hangout/date, or $220 for a family of four. This is for a competitive bowl game between MAC and Sun Belt programs. Extras  2 The night before the game each team had a pep rally at the Riverwalk. This is part of a fanfest with music, food, and drinks. The FCS kickoff game is played at the Cramton Bowl and helps kick off the College Football season during Week Zero in August. Final Thoughts The Camellia Bowl is what it is. It’s played at a stadium that is mostly used for high school games. However, it will likely be a great game between two teams looking to cap a season with a bowl victory and will be a great way to spend an afternoon, especially if the weather is nice.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Rappolt Field Sullivan Trail Easton, PA 18040 Lafayette Leopards website Rappolt FIeld website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) Leap Like a Leopard Located in the heart of the Lehigh Valley in Easton, Pennsylvania lies a small school known as Lafayette College. The Leopards of Lafayette play in the Patriot League along with other similarly academic-minded institutions in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. About three miles from Lafayette's campus is Rappolt Field, home of Leopard field hockey. The stadium is part of the Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex, which also includes Kamine Stadium , home of Lafayette baseball, as well as stadiums for most of Lafayette's other outdoor sports, except football. Built in 2000 and renovated in 2014, Rappolt Field is named after Bill Rappolt, a 1967 Lafayette alumnus whose donation helped fund the field's construction. Food & Beverage 5 A food truck is located to the left of the bleachers at Rappolt Field and offers a much better variety of food than you see at most field hockey venues. Meals include hot dogs or hamburgers for $9, and a cheeseburger, teriyaki chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, and cheese steak or buffalo chicken egg rolls for $10. While these prices are on the high side, they do include french fries, which improves the value significantly. Nachos are $8, mozzarella sticks are $6, and funnel cake fries are $7. Candy is $3, while Coke products, Powerade, and bottled water are available to drink for $4. Fans are also free to bring their food or beverage into the stadium, and many do. Atmosphere 3 There is one long set of bleachers along the sideline at Rappolt Field, straight ahead as you come in. It is set back quite a distance from the field, with some grass in between. Kids will sometimes play on the grass during the game, getting in the way of fans who are trying to watch the game, and a few fans will bring their chairs and set them down on the grass to be closer to the action. A scoreboard in the far left corner should in theory also show shots, saves, and penalty corners, but these displayed a zero for the entire game when we visited, which was inaccurate based on the actions on the field. There is not much going on in terms of gameday atmosphere besides the game itself and what the crowd brings. (More on that last part later.) The PA announcer will announce the starting lineups before the game and may announce goal scorers, but that is about it. Unlike at some field hockey venues, the PA announcer does not announce the result of team challenges leading to video review. While it may seem like such a result would be obvious based on the referees' signal and what happens on the field, in college field hockey it is not quite so simple. If a team requests a video referral and the original call is confirmed (because video evidence conclusively shows it was correct), the team loses its right to video referral for the remainder of the game. However, if the call merely stands (because the video review is inconclusive), the team retains its challenge, unlike in most other sports. Without the PA announcer saying which one has happened, it is not clear to fans in the stands whether the team has kept their referral. Neighborhood 3 Rappolt Field is located in a residential area several miles from Lafayette's campus and the heart of Downtown Easton. Once you find your way into town, you will find that Easton is a small college town of about 27,000 people located at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. Most of the action is located close to the college (and several miles from the stadium) and includes Two Rivers Brewing, a popular brewpub on Northampton Street, and Easton Public Market, which includes numerous food vendors ranging from hot dogs to barbecue to a chocolate shop to tacos, noodles, and more. Easton may be a small town but it is certainly a thriving one. Fans 5 Lafayette ranked in the top 20 nationwide in field hockey attendance, drawing several hundred fans a game, and continues to draw well now that the 2024 season is underway. Fans back the bleachers that line the sideline, and unlike at some schools, this is not just a friends and family crowd. Many locals, alumni, and more show up to cheer on the Leopards. There is even a small presence among Lafayette students, who line the fence, shout, and bang on the padding to make as much noise as possible. It is rare to see a sizeable student presence at college field hockey, but they certainly make their presence known here. Access 2 Easton itself is easily accessible via US Route 22 and I-76, though you will have to drive several miles along local roads to get to Rappolt Field and the Metzgar Complex. Once you arrive, you will find that only about half the lot is paved and it is the half furthest from Rappolt Field. If you want to park there, you should have no trouble doing so, but most fans prefer to park in the grass lot adjacent to the stadium. There is a lot of dirt in there as well, so if it rains, it will probably be muddy. If there is bad weather in the forecast, you may want to park in the paved lot depending on how much faith you have in your car and tires. There is construction in multiple areas of the Metzgar Fields Complex, so be prepared to have to walk around construction zones and along gravel paths, because the sidewalk is blocked off. Port-a-potties are located behind the bleachers but there are no real restrooms on site for fans to use. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all regular season Lafayette home games is free, and parking is free as well. Concessions are about average when you consider that almost every option is a combo deal, and it is so rare for a field hockey venue to even have concessions, much less this range of selection, that it would be hard to take points off this rating no matter what the price. If it's too expensive for you, you can always bring your food. Extras 3 Free roster cards are available from event staff as you come into the stadium. A second star for the student presence here, a rarity in this sport. A third star for the chance to see games in multiple sports in one trip to the Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex. If you time your visit right, it's quite possible to see both a field hockey game and a soccer game at two different venues back-to-back. Final Thoughts College field hockey is not often considered a major sport, nor is Lafayette considered an elite school within the sport, but despite this, Rappolt Field still manages to be a great place to see a game. Field hockey fans in the Lehigh Valley area or elsewhere in Eastern Pennsylvania will want to head down here to check out a game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 McDonough Arena 37th Street NW Washington, DC 20007 Georgetown Hoyas website McDonough Arena website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 2,500 A Visit to McDonough McDonough Arena is located on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and is the home to the Hoyas’ volleyball team as well as the women’s basketball team. Previously, it was home to Georgetown's men's basketball team as well, but in 1981, they moved to the Capital Centre in Landover, and later, to Capital One Arena in downtown DC. Stadium Journey has a separate review about the women's basketball experience here , while this review will focus on the experience at a Georgetown volleyball game. Rather confusingly, the event space where basketball and volleyball are played is called McDonough Arena, while the whole building, which also includes training facilities and offices, is called McDonough Gymnasium. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at McDonough Arena, located at a small window off the lobby to the right side of the main doors. The menu options here are pretty basic. Hot dogs, chips, and candy are basically the only foods, while bottled soft drinks and water are available as well. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars, and cash and credit cards are accepted. The concession stand usually sells additional options for women's basketball, such as chicken tenders and burgers, so these may be available for volleyball games from time to time as well. Atmosphere 3 Walking through the front doors of McDonough Gymnasium will put you in the lobby of the building, from which you can check out trophy cases commemorating various athletic accomplishments. The Thompson Center will be down a hall to your right, with additional athletics displays, while the doors to the arena will be straight ahead. There is no need to buy a ticket for volleyball, so you can just walk straight in. All seating is located on the two sidelines and consists of beige risers without backs. However, fans who sit in the top row can lean against the wall. Since a volleyball court is not as long as a basketball court, the bleachers at the ends of the arena will be outside the bounds of the playing area. You can sit here if you want, but be prepared to have your head turned to the side for the whole match. Needless to say, most fans choose to sit in the center sections, and there is plenty of space here for everybody. There is an overhead scoreboard above the middle of the floor, as well as two smaller scoreboards in the corners. All scoreboards are rather basic and show the score of the current set. The overhead scoreboard also shows the number of sets won for each team, in the space that is dually labeled as "Fouls" and "Score". This is a pretty basic experience, with not much going on here other than the game itself. The starting lineups are announced before the game, and the PA announcer will announce substitutes and servers, but that is pretty much it. Even for coach's challenges and video reviews, you're basically on your own to figure out what is going on. Neighborhood 5 McDonough Arena is located in the middle of the Georgetown campus, and you’ll probably have to head off campus to do anything. However, the Georgetown neighborhood (which lends its name to the school, not the other way around) is one of the best in D.C. There are numerous restaurants ranging from casual sandwich shop Booeymonger’s to luxurious upscale restaurants such as 1789, and everything in between. Georgetown Cupcake sells exactly what its name implies, Clyde's of Georgetown is a locally popular American pub and bar, and Chaia is known for its fancy vegetarian and vegan tacos. All of this is located just a short walk or drive away from the University. If you’re willing to head downtown to the National Mall area, the District has so much more to offer, and the best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the sights and monuments on the Mall itself, or visiting one of the many museums such as the various Smithsonians, there’s something for everyone. All of the government-run attractions are free, but some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you wish to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. Fans 3 Georgetown draws a couple hundred fans to a typical volleyball game, both friends and family of the players and members of the local community. As mentioned above, most fans sit in the center bleachers rather than off to the sides, so this allows them to consolidate the crowd energy and noise. It can get loud in here at times, such as during long rallies or when Georgetown scores a point in a phenomenal fashion, but there simply aren't enough fans to make that big of a difference. McDonough Arena does have low ceilings, so that helps trap in the crowd noise. Access 4 The Georgetown campus is located just across the Francis Scott Key Bridge from Virginia. Fans coming from that direction should turn left on Canal Road after coming across the river, and the campus is just up ahead after that. Coming from Maryland isn’t quite as easy, but still is pretty simple. Most games are played on Friday nights or weekends, allowing you to avoid the worst of DC rush hour traffic. Still, if coming to a Friday night game, allow extra time. Once you’re on campus, parking is available in the Southwest Garage. There is ample space available, but some of the spaces may be tight, especially for drivers of larger vehicles. Parking is free on Sundays but is $5 hour, up to a total of $25, the rest of the week. You can then enter through the front doors of the John Thompson Athletic Center, the training facility attached to McDonough Gymnasium, and walk through there to get to the arena lobby. The Thompson Center entrance is right next to where you come out of the garage, assuming you use the right elevator. Alternatively, you can walk around the building exterior to the front doors of the arena and enter through there. Either way, it is only a couple minutes of walking. Take your garage ticket with you and pay at the station in the elevator lobby when you return. Restrooms are available in the lobby, with the men's room to one side of the arena doors and the women's room to the other side. You will need to leave the arena properly to access them but will be allowed back in without an issue. Return on Investment 4 Admission to a Georgetown volleyball game is free, and concessions are affordable as well. However, the high cost of parking drives this score down. You can park for free on Sundays, so try to go to a game that day to maximize your value. Extras 2 Be sure to check out the various trophy cases in the lobby honoring not just Georgetown’s volleyball achievements, but their championships in other sports as well. Once inside the arena itself, be sure to check out the banners honoring Georgetown achievements in volleyball and men's and women's basketball. Final Thoughts McDonough Arena is a historic gym that, like many old college basketball arenas, is still used for volleyball. A Hoyas volleyball game is a pretty simple experience, but it's hard to argue with free admission, and you will definitely want to check out all the history while you are here.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 McDonough Arena 37th Street NW Washington, DC 20007 Georgetown Hoyas website McDonough Arena website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 2,500 A Visit to McDonough McDonough Arena is located on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and is the home to the Hoyas’ women’s basketball team. Although the men play downtown in Capital One Arena, the women play on campus in McDonough, in a much smaller, more intimate setting. McDonough Arena opened in 1951 and is named after Reverend Vincent J. McDonough, who was also the Hoyas athletic director from 1916 to 1928. According to legend, McDonough was asked what he wanted for the 25th anniversary of his priesthood in 1939, and replied “You give the boys a new gym and I’ll be happy.” Although the Reverend did not live to see it, construction on a new arena began in 1950 and it opened the following year. Rather confusingly, the event space where basketball is played is called McDonough Arena, while the whole building, which also includes training facilities and offices, is called McDonough Gymnasium. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at McDonough Arena, located at a small window off the lobby to the right side of the main doors. The exact menu varies by game and can be found on a hand-written menu. However, it will typically include chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers, and fries along with assorted snacks such as chips. Soft drinks (Coca-Cola products) and bottled water are also available. Prices are a bit on the high end, with chicken tenders going for $10, or an extra $2 for fries with that. Burgers and hot dogs are $5. Atmosphere 4 Walking through the front doors of McDonough Gymnasium will put you in the lobby of the building, from which you can check out trophy cases commemorating various athletic accomplishments, pick up a program, or buy your tickets at a table if you don’t already have them. From there, you will need to walk through another set of wooden doors to get into the arena itself. All seating is located on the two sidelines and consists of beige risers without backs. However, fans who sit in the top row can lean against the wall. All seats are close to the action and provide an excellent view. Hoyas fans wishing to sit behind the team bench should sit in sections 110 or 111, while fans of the visiting team can sit in sections 115 or 116 to be behind their bench. There is an overhead scoreboard above the middle of the floor, as well as two smaller scoreboards in the corners. All scoreboards are rather basic and show the score and time. The board in the middle also shows team fouls and timeouts remaining. Unfortunately, it can be hard to keep looking up at it, especially for fans in the lower few rows. There are what appear to be small video boards over the two corner scoreboards, but they were not functional when we went. Before the game starts, the Hoyas are introduced as the lights go off in the arena and flames shoot from the floor. It does a lot to get the crowd hyped up and in the spirit of things. During the game, the cheerleaders and pep band provide a lot of energy to get the crowd into it (except during winter break when a DJ takes their place while the students are away), and entertainment like t-shirt tosses and contests keep the fans engaged during breaks in the action. Neighborhood 5 McDonough Arena is located in the middle of the Georgetown campus, and you’ll probably have to head off campus to do anything. However, the Georgetown neighborhood (which lends its name to the school, not the other way around) is one of the best in D.C. There are numerous restaurants ranging from casual sandwich shop Booeymonger’s to luxurious upscale restaurants such as 1789, and everything in between. Georgetown Cupcake sells exactly what its name implies, Clyde's of Georgetown is a locally popular American pub and bar, and Chaia is known for its fancy vegetarian and vegan tacos. All of this is located just a short walk or drive away from the University. If you’re willing to head downtown to the National Mall area, the District has so much more to offer, and the best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the sights and monuments on the Mall itself, or visiting one of the many museums such as the various Smithsonians, there’s something for everyone. All of the government-run attractions are free, but some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you wish to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. Fans 3 The crowd at a Georgetown women’s game is decent enough, given the size of the arena, but unfortunately is only a small fraction of what the men draw downtown. Most of the people in attendance are families with young children, and some of the kids get pretty into it, but others seem more interested in their phones or other electronic devices. The adults in the crowd can get into it too, especially after big plays by the Hoyas. Most fans sit in one of the three center sections on either side of the court, which can make the arena seem fuller than it is, but this is not necessarily a bad thing as it enhances the atmosphere. Access 4 The Georgetown campus is located just across the Francis Scott Key Bridge from Virginia. Fans coming from that direction should turn left on Canal Road after coming across the river, and the campus is just up ahead after that. Coming from Maryland isn’t quite as easy, but still is pretty simple. However, if coming to a weeknight game, you’ll probably be traveling during rush hour. D.C. traffic is among the worst in the country, so allow a lot of extra time if that’s when you plan to come. Traffic on weekends and the occasional weekday afternoon shouldn’t be as bad. Once you’re on campus, parking is available in the Southwest Garage. There is ample space available, but some of the spaces may be tight, especially for drivers of larger vehicles. Parking is free on Sundays but can cost up to $20 the rest of the week depending on what time the game is and how long you are staying. When exiting the garage, you will turn left and walk past the football field. You can then enter through the front doors of the John Thompson Athletic Center, the training facility attached to McDonough Gymnasium, and walk through there to get to the arena lobby. The Thompson Center entrance is right next to where you come out of the garage, assuming you use the right elevator. Alternatively, you can walk around the building exterior to the front doors of the arena and enter through there. Either way, it is only a couple minutes of walking. Take your garage ticket with you and pay at the station in the elevator lobby when you return. Restrooms are available in the lobby, with the men's room to one side of the arena doors and the women's room to the other side. You will need to leave the arena properly to access them but will be allowed back in without an issue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to most games are just $10 each, which is a great deal. However, concessions are a bit on the high end and parking may cost you more than everything else combined. That being said, a Georgetown women's game in McDonough Arena is still a good value. Extras 3 Be sure to check out the various trophy cases in the lobby honoring not just Georgetown’s basketball achievements, but their championships in other sports as well. Once inside the arena itself, be sure to check out the Georgetown men’s team’s championship banners hanging on the wall, as well as banners honoring women's accomplishments. There are free posters available at a table in the lobby, which is worthy of a third and final star in this category. Final Thoughts Although interest in women's basketball is steadily growing, Georgetown women still do not draw nearly enough attendance to justify playing at a larger arena as the men do. Although they do occasionally play games with larger expected attendance at the Entertainment & Sports Arena (also home of the Washington Mystics of the WNBA), for the most part, they continue to play their home games here on campus. While one hopes that they will eventually outgrow this small gym as the men did long ago, for now, McDonough Arena is an enjoyable place to take in a basketball game in a historic setting.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Gray-Minor Stadium Anderson Dr Lexington, VA 24550 VMI Keydets website Gray-Minor Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 1,400 K is for Keydets The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is located in Lexington, Virginia, and is one of six Senior Military Academies in the United States. The SMAs represents a sort of middle ground between the service academies and civilian universities. Of the six academies, VMI is the only one that does not also admit civilian students, but all of them share some common traits. All SMAs have a Corps of Cadets with military standards and training comparable to the service academies, but unlike service academies, students are not required to enlist in the military upon graduation. Nonetheless, many choose to do so and have served the United States in wars around the world. Unlike the service academies, senior military academies are not tied to any one branch, and VMI graduates have gone on to serve in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Many VMI cadets and graduates also fought in the Confederate military during the American Civil War, and it was referred to as the “West Point of the Confederacy” at the time. VMI’s athletic teams are known as the Keydets, which is a way of saying “Cadet” with a southern drawl, and the school’s baseball team has called Gray-Minor Stadium home since 2007. The stadium is named after two VMI graduates, Elmon T. Gray, a former Virginia State Senator, and Gil Minor. The stadium replaced Patchin Field on the same spot, which now lends its name to the soccer field next door. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at Gray-Minor Stadium, located across the concourse from the press box. The selections are basic and include hot dogs ($4), pretzels ($3.75), nachos ($3.50, extra cheese for $1 more), candy ($3), and soda and water ($3). Credit cards are accepted, as is cash. Keep in mind the stand closes relatively early, so get your food and drink in time. Outside food and beverage may be brought in as well. Atmosphere 3 Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Gray-Minor Stadium offers a view of hillsides and trees beyond the outfield fence. Inside the stadium itself, you will find two levels of seats on the first base side of the field, chairbacks below the concourse, and benches above. Only the lower chairbacks are available on the third-base side. A scoreboard beyond the left-centerfield fence shows a linescore as well as basic graphs and animations, but no video. The Keydets do put some effort into the atmosphere here. Each player has their walkup song and they also play canned organ music (obviously not from a real organ) and sound effects at the appropriate time, such as the Roadrunner “Meep Meep” sound when the Keydets steal a base. Neighborhood 1 Lexington, Virginia has been given the rather cynical and ironic nickname Lex Vegas. Unlike its Nevada counterpart, Lexington is a small, quaint, conservative college town in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. Even more unlike the real Vegas, the entertainment scene here is almost non-existent. There are many ways to take in the natural beauty of the Valley in and around Lexington, plus some historic sites on and around the Institute, but that’s about it. Fans 3 The Keydets typically draw a few hundred fans a game, although this can vary widely depending on the weather and what else is going on. The fans seem knowledgeable about the team as well as life on the VMI post in general. There is a small but extremely passionate and vocal group of student cadets who will typically sit to the right of the press box on the third-base side. They are notorious for heckling opposing players and umpires. If there were more an about a dozen of them this could be an extremely hostile atmosphere for opposing teams to play, but despite their small size, they still manage to contribute greatly. Access 3 To get to VMI, you will need to take Interstate 64 to Exit 55. Fans coming from the north or south will need to first take Interstate 81 to Exit 191 for I-64 – Exit 55 is the next once you get on. From there, it is a short drive to the Institute. Once on campus, you will need to park in the lot outside Paulette Hall, then walk down a pathway and up a flight of steps to reach the concourse. There is ample space to move around once you get up there. Restrooms are located to the right of the concession stand and are of a more than ample size for the crowds. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Keydets baseball game is free. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. The only downside is you’re probably going to have to spend a bit on gas to get here. With a good atmosphere in a scenic setting, a trip to Keydets baseball is an excellent value. . Extras 2 One bonus star for the extreme energy brought by the cadets cheering on their team, even if there are only a few of them. There are plaques on the back of the press box honoring the stadium’s namesakes, Elmon T. Gray and Gil Minor. Final Thoughts Although the Virginia Military Institute is far from the first school that comes to mind when you think of college sports in Virginia, the Spirit of VMI is alive and well at Gray-Minor Stadium. Taking in a baseball game in a scenic setting on a historic campus is well worth it for any visitors to the area.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Lewis C. Everett Stadium College Rd Farmville, VA 23901 Hampden-Sydney Tigers website Lewis C. Everett Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,024 Grey and Garnet Tigers Lewis C. Everett Stadium opened in 2007, and serves as the home field for Hampden-Sydney’s football team. The Tigers compete in the NCAA’s Division III, as part of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Their biggest rival is the nearby Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets, a rivalry that has been ongoing since 1893. Food & Beverage 3 Everett Stadium has a small selection of concessions items, but the prices are great. On the home side you can buy combos for $7, which includes your choice of a burger, hot dog, or barbecue sandwich, plus a large bag of chips and a bottled water or soda. Alternatively, on the visiting side you can get Bojangles – either two tenders or Supremes with a side for $5, or four tenders or Supremes with a side for $10 (savvy buyers might instead order two $5 combos, to get the four tenders with an extra side for the same money). Atmosphere 3 Everett Stadium is a nice facility, with great color all around and some nice touches, including a tiger statue in front of the fieldhouse which the players pat for luck on their way onto the field. The fieldhouse is also open during games, so you can go inside and check out the Tigers Hall of Fame. The seats on the home side are benches with backs, though the facility only has a static scoreboard instead of a videoboard. Neighborhood 2 Farmville, Virginia is not a large town, but it does have a number of restaurants along Main Street north of the stadium; mostly fast food but there is also a Buffalo Wild Wings, which makes a great hangout before or after the football contest. There are also several hotels in the same area. Fans 3 The Hampden-Sydney Tigers have a great fanbase who show up to games at Everett Stadium. There is a solid tailgating scene in the parking lots, which can be seen from the stadium, and a bunch of fans watch from the hillside next to the home grandstand. You will see plenty of Tigers gear being worn as well, and the fans can get plenty loud, more so than you might expect from a small stadium. Access 4 Getting to Everett Stadium is simple enough, except for Farmville being a little off the beaten path. However, you can park for free even if you only arrive a few minutes before kickoff, with plenty of parking spots along the streets right next to the facility. Moving around the concourse is similarly east – the concessions lines are never too long, and it is easy to move from one side of the field to the other. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost to attend Tigers games at Everett Stadium, and with no cost to park and low-cost concessions, this represents a great return on investment for college football. Extras 3 I mentioned the Tiger statue already, as well as the Hall of Fame inside the fieldhouse, but you can also find real bathrooms inside the fieldhouse which you can use during the game. There is also a covered section on the home concourse behind the seats, in case you want to get out of the sun – there is also some shade under the trees behind the end zone.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Historic West Gym 2717 S Morgantown Rd Greenwood, IN 46143 Center Grove HS Trojans website Historic West Gym website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 4,000 The Center Grove High School West Gym opened on December 14, 1954, and would serve as the Trojans home for basketball until January 1996, when its current facility, the Vandermeer Gym , debuted. However, like many former venues, the West Gym was not dismantled or left in squalid conditions. It would serve the high school as an auxiliary gym for freshman basketball games and other sporting events. It is that reason why the varsity basketball team will utilize its old stomping grounds from time to time. The gymnasium was designed by Ralph Legeman, who designed several other ‘sunken gyms’ throughout the state. His design was considered one of the best for high school hoops in the Indianapolis area. Legeman also designed the high school that opened for the 1954-1955 academic year, and it helped ease the pain from the loss of the former school and gym two years earlier. A fire broke out on November 1, 1952, at the old high school building. The fire began between 11:00 PM and 12:30 AM after the annual Halloween Carnival had concluded. The flames shot up to 150 feet in the air, and firefighters worked all night to put it out. Sadly, both the school and gymnasium were destroyed. The blaze was determined to be caused by faulty wiring. The basketball team lost all of its equipment except for its white home jerseys and continued playing on the road for the rest of the season. A holding company was created to rebuild a new high school, and residents bought shares to fund the project. $625,000 was raised to build a new school and gym. Today, the school and gym remain on the same site through various renovation projects. Food & Beverage 3 A small concession window offers hot dogs, nachos, Coca-Cola products, popcorn, and candy during games. Unlike other gyms in the state, a visible menu board does not offer prices. The menu board is accessible via telephone, and payments can made via credit card or cash.  Atmosphere 3 The West Gym has been kept in pristine condition and makes for a nostalgic time to enjoy a high school basketball game. The wraparound concourse provides an ideal view of the game from any area. Fans are close to the action towards the button few rows where there isn’t much room between the playing court and stands. The design is identical to many sunken gyms of its kind around the state, but the West Gym does not have any banners, signs, or the little touches of a gym in Edinburg, Connersville, or West Vigo. However, having the gym open for one day a season is a great way to relive a few memorable moments from the school’s past. Neighborhood 3 Center Grove High School is in Greenwood, about 20 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis. It is in a residential neighborhood, close to the Greenwood Mall, 15 minutes east of the high school. This area offers an array of regional and national chain restaurants, shops, and other points of interest. Fans 3 The crowd feels a little different at games in the West Gym. No cheer blocks or student sections were providing a soundtrack to the game. There was more of an older crowd that featured an array of alumni, parents, and others taking a peek inside the old venue. Access 3 The West Gym is located at the southwest corner of the high school off Montgomery Road and close to Pennington Road. There is construction taking place, but there is parking directly in front of the gymnasium. The other option is to park in front of the current gym Vandermeer Gym , and walk over through the school. Once inside the arena, a main concourse wraps around the seating bowl, providing an unobstructed view of the basketball court. A small concession stand and restrooms are available on the concourse level.  Return on Investment 3 The ticket price is $6, and it provides fans a chance to witness a high school game at Center Grove's old gym, where a lot of memories were made. The gym will celebrate 70 years in December 2024, and it is nice to be able to go back and enjoy a game. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the West Gym used for select varsity games throughout the season. These games are connected to alumni events that bring back memories for all those attending. A second point is the usage of the historic gym. It still looks fantastic for a gym of its age.  Final Thoughts The Historic West Gym is a pleasant way to enjoy a high school basketball game in the Indianapolis market. The 70-year-old sunken gym still offers a glimpse of the school's past and present. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com