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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Vibrant Arena at The Mark 1201 River Dr Moline, IL 61265 Quad City Steamwheelers website Vibrant Arena at the Mark website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 9,200 Riverside Rumble The Quad City Steamwheelers were originally founded in 1999 as part of Arena Football 2 (AF2) – they dominated the league for the first 2 years, going undefeated and winning the first ArenaCup by a score of 103-3. The following season they only lost 1 game, and ending up winning the title for a second time in a row. Their owner at the time was Jim Foster, the inventor and patent holder of arena football. AF2 lasted 10 seasons, but after it folded in 2009, the Quad City Steamwheelers would return in 2018, playing in the same building but this time as part of Champions Indoor Football (CIF), and later as part of the Indoor Football League (IFL), where they are currently a member. The Steamwheelers play their home games at what is now called Vibrant Arena at The Mark in Moline, Illinois – the arena sits on the banks of the Mississippi River, which divides Iowa from Illinois. Food & Beverage 5 Vibrant Arena has a huge range of concessions options at all price points, so you definitely should be able to find something to suit your tastes and budget. Most of the stands serve the same menu, namely chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pork tenderloins, and chicken fingers, as well as nachos, fried, caramel corn, ice cream from Whitey’s, packaged candy, and hot pretzels. Most of the side items come in at $4 while hot dogs are $5, with the chicken tenders combo with fries being the most expensive item on the menu at $11.99 (strangely the more expensive items end in 99, while the cheaper items have whole dollar prices). The main stands also offer bottled water, Gatorade, soda, and a small selection of beer, all of which can be had for $6 or less ($5.49 for beer is literally a steal). There are also convenience store-type stands which offer a wider selection of canned beer, bottled water, and soda. Besides the main stands, there is also another location called the Brewhouse Lounge and Patio, which offers more of a full bar, as well as burritos, tacos, and quesadillas for $10 each. The Brewhouse has both indoor and outdoor seating, so if you want you can sit outside and look out over the river as you dine. You can also grab a drink on Budweiser Terrace, the other full bar inside the facility. Atmosphere 3 Quad City offers a solid atmosphere for arena football, including the dance team, fan contests like ‘Finish the Lyrics’, and fan interaction such as the ‘Passionate Kiss Cam’, where fans are shown on the videoboard and expected to kiss. The Steamwheelers also have watch parties at Vibrant Arena for away games, with the game shown on the big screen, and there are also TVs in the concourse so you don’t miss the action while grabbing something to eat. Vibrant Arena is also home to minor league hockey’s Quad City Storm , so there is a bit of a mix in terms of the décor inside, but there is plenty of Quad City Steamwheelers signage around. In a nod to one of their sponsors, the midfield logo is actually that of John Deere , which has a pretty massive facility a block from the venue, but behind one end zone there is a wall-to-wall QC banner, in what is known as the Quad City Party Cove. Neighborhood 3 There are a couple of upscale restaurants within walking distance of Vibrant Arena, though the aforementioned John Deere Pavilion (a collection of hands-on exhibits focused on tractors and other heavy machinery) takes up a good chunk of real estate nearby, as does the river. The 2 closest restaurants are Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse and Bass Street Chop House, but there are plenty of less expensive options a little further away, including across the river in Iowa. Besides the John Deere Pavilion, another nearby attraction is the geology museum on Augustana College’s campus, and there are also several parks nearby, the largest being on Sylvan Island, on the Illinois side of the river. Fans 3 Vibrant Arena is by no means full during a Quad City Steamwheelers game, but this is a bit misleading as, unlike many indoor football venues, they do sell seats in the upper level here, leaving fans more spread out – at most other indoor football venues fans are forced to sit downstairs, making the venue seem fuller (usually with black curtains hung to make the upper level seem non-existent). Access 5 Getting to Vibrant Arena is easy, being that the venue is right on the river – the facility is within sight of I-74 coming south across the river, making traffic very manageable if you are coming from the Iowa side, or you can use I-74 northbound if you are on the Illinois side. You can park for $5 right next to the arena, which is a steal, and there are still plenty of spaces available there even if you arrive only 10 minutes before kickoff. Once inside the venue there is plenty of space to move around, plenty of areas where you can sit at tables to eat and drink before going to your seat, and more than enough bathrooms. There are escalators and elevators to take you between floors, and all the seats have chairbacks. Return on Investment 5 The Quad City Steamwheelers use Ticketmaster, which has tickets starting at $15 plus fees, so you would be better off buying from the box office on the day of, if you are looking to save a little dough. Parking at $5 is a steal as I mentioned, and you can find cheap concessions as well, including beer, so taking in a game here is definitely a great value, and an enjoyable time. Extras 3 The Steamwheelers have a team gear stand on site, and a lot of promotions and freebies from local companies, such as free t-shirts and koozies from a local radio station, or free candy even when it isn’t Halloween. They also have cheerleaders from local high school teams perform at halftime, which is a great way to support the community. Final Thoughts The IFL has venues all across the country, from San Diego to Boston, some of which are in NBA-quality venues like the Arizona Rattler’s Footprint Center , which offers better amenities but also comes at a much steeper ticket price, and with larger crowds as well. In contrast, Vibrant Arena offers a more laid-back experience, where you can simply enjoy the spring version of the game we all love – seeing a game here is well worth a trip if you can make it.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 AT&T Field 201 Power Alley Chattanooga, TN 37402 Chattanooga Lookouts website AT&T Field website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 6,382 Lookout, It's The Lookouts! Roughly halfway between the cities of Nashville and Atlanta lies the city of Chattanooga, the fourth most populated city in Tennessee. Chattanooga is home to the Lookouts minor league baseball team, the AA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The Lookouts play in the Southern League, winning the league three times, most recently in 2017. The Lookouts have called AT&T Field their home since 2000 after playing at Engel Stadium since 1930. However, the Lookouts broke ground on a $115 Million new stadium that is scheduled to open in time for the 2026 season. AT&T Field will likely be demolished when the Lookouts leave and the area will be redeveloped. Food & Beverage 4 The main concession stands serve a variety of food such as hot dogs ($4), chili cheese dogs ($5.50), bratwursts ($6.50), garden salads ($7.50), grilled chicken salad ($10), veggie wraps ($7), pimento cheese sandwiches ($5.50), nachos ($5), peanuts ($4), cracker jack ($5), pretzels ($6), popcorn ($4), and a slice of Looie’s signature pizza ($4). Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider at AT&T Field with small ($3.50) and large ($5.50) sodas, bottled water ($4), Powerade ($5), Bodyarmor ($7), Monster Energy drinks ($7) and Thelma’s Lemonade ($4.50) on offer. “The Sweet Spot” sells sweet treats such as ice cream cups ($3.50), ice cream cones ($5), ice cream floats ($6), ice cream sundaes ($7), funnel cakes ($), deep fried Oreos ($5), and Oatly ice cream bars ($5). The “Lookouts Grill” offers made-to-order options such as cheesesteaks ($10), cheesesteak nachos ($12), sausage plate ($10), polish sausage ($7.50), and a Chatta-Cheesesteak ($15). For those who want a beer, there are domestic drafts ($7) and Five Wits Brewing Company branded brews ($8) sold at the concession stands. Down the third baseline is the “Beer Hut” with domestics for $8 and craft beers/seltzers going for $9 while further down the line is the “Five Witts Beer Garden” as well as the Budweiser Party Deck. Atmosphere 3 AT&T Field is built on top of a fairly steep hill but fortunately, there is an outdoor escalator that gets the fans close to the entrance. A small flight of stairs gets the fans to the main ballpark gates. Upon entering the gates the fans find themselves in a fairly small concourse. The team store is on the right upon entering the concourse while a statue of “Looie”, the Lookouts mascot is in front of the stairwell that leads into the seating bowl. The seating is a bit lopsided as it extends throughout the first base line while it stops at third base. The aforementioned beer garden and party deck is located along the third base line while the CHI Memorial Picnic Pavilion is located behind the right field wall. There are fans on the roofs of the main seating bowl that provide some breeze for the spectators. Kids are invited to run the bases after every Lookouts game, weather permitting. Promotion nights include “Food City Tuesdays” where fans that show a Food City “ValuCard” receive buy one, get one general admission tickets, “Chick-fil-A Giveaway Wednesdays” which give attendees a free item at Chick-fil-A, “Thirsty Thursday” drink specials, “Fireworks Fridays” where the Lookouts put on a postgame firework show, and “Spin-to-win Saturdays” in which a couple of fans are randomly selected to win prizes. On Sundays kids that are “Little Debbie Little Lookouts Kids Club” members attend games for free and fans of all ages are invited on the field to play catch on the field. Fans can get a free general admission ticket for a Sunday game if they bring a canned good for the local food pantry. Neighborhood 4 One of the best views of Chattanooga is seen from Point Park on the edge of Lookout Mountain. There was a Civil War battle in the area and Point Park has many monuments honoring the battle. Lookout Mountain is where the “Lookouts” got their name. For families, the Creative Discovery Museum offers science exhibits for the kids and the Tennessee Aquarium is four blocks away and right next to the Tennessee Riverwalk. If you head East on 4th Street you will pass by McKenzie Arena, the home of Chattanooga Mocs Basketball before continuing to Engel Stadium, the longtime home for Chattanooga Lookouts from 1930-1999. Continue driving past the railroad tracks and the Chattanooga Zoo will be on the right. The Southern Belle Riverboat offers cruises throughout the Tennessee River. Dining options near the ballpark include Puckett’s Restaurant for Southern cuisine, Agave & Rye for Tacos, and Lupi’s Pizza Pies. There are plenty of hotel chains including Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn. All of the mentioned hotels are a quick walk to the ballpark. Fans 3 The Lookouts are one of the oldest minor league teams in existence. The fandom has been passed down from generation to generation. The fans are knowledgeable about their team and have a good time. “Looie” the Lookouts mascot walks throughout the ballpark and is part of the team’s introduction. The video board offers games and other entertainment during breaks in the action. The emcees get involved with the on-field activities, offer fun quizzes, and encourage the fans to keep their enthusiasm up. Access 3 From I-24 East turn off Exit 178 and merge onto Highway 27. Then take exit 1C on West 4th Street and make a left on Chestnut Street and another left on West 3rd Street. AT&T Field will be on the right. From I-24 West get off exit 178 onto Highway 27. Follow the same directions as I-24 Eastbound to AT&T Field. AT&T Field does not have a designated parking lot but there are a couple of parking garages nearby for $5 as well as street parking in the surrounding blocks that is free after 6 pm. The concourse is fairly narrow and gets cramped when everyone is arriving at the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 General admission bleacher seats cost $11 and reserved chairback seats are $14, fees included. If you buy a general admission ticket, a hot dog, beer, and park on the street you would pay about $25. The Lookouts offer a Family 4-Pack where each person gets a general admission seat and $10 in concessions for a total of$78. ($19.50/person). A night at AT&T Field is a great way to enjoy an evening in Chattanooga without breaking the bank. Extras 3 AT&T Field’s outdoor escalator is one of a kind in the minor leagues. The ballpark being built on a steep hill makes it a necessity. The sunset at AT&T Field provides a gorgeous backdrop for a baseball game. A lot of the attractions in Chattanooga are within walking distance of AT&T Field. Final Thoughts AT&T Field provides a beautiful view of the Chattanooga hills. Its days are unfortunately numbered but the memories that the ballpark provided will live on through those that witnessed a baseball game there.

Photos by Ethan Hennessy, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Brown Field 1009 Union St Valparaiso, IN 46383 Valparaiso Crusaders website Brown Field website Year Opened: 1919 Capacity: 5,000 Valpo Football at Brown Field, Steadily Improving Brown Field is the home of the Valparaiso University Beacons who compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Pioneer Football League. The 5,000-seat stadium opened in 1919 and was named after Henry Baker Brown who served as the school president from 1873-1917. Valparaiso Football has struggled recently on the field only winning league championships twice in 2000 and 2003 during the past 46 years. In addition, Valpo has experienced three winless seasons in 1988, 1989, and 2010 and is typically found at the bottom of the non-scholarship Pioneer LeaguBeforer to the 2008 season, a new artificial surface was installed at Brown Field as part of numerous renovations under the fund-raising campaign known as FITT (Football, Intramurals, Track, and Tennis). The first phase of the multi-million dollar project included the installation of the programs, as well as moving the grandstands and adding handicap accessibility. Lights were added as well in 2010. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions are rather simple but inexpensive. A hot dog, nachos with cheese, and pretzel with cheese all cost $2, while hot dogs with chili and cheese, and the loaded variety of nachos cost $3. They also offer popcorn, chips, Slim Jims, cookies, and candy for $1 at the concession stand. The nachos are highly recommended. All beverage options are $2 featuring bottled water, Gatorade, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate took 15 minutes to serve ,and it still burned my tongue. Valparaiso University is a dry campus, so there is no alcohol served at Brown Field. Atmosphere 2 The stadium features bleachers along both sidelines of the field. The larger bleachers are closest to the ARC (Valparaiso’s basketball Arenare is where the home crowd sits while the visiting team’s fans occupy the opposite side of the field. The Valpo side was at about 70% capacity along with a 10-person pep band, an unusually large turnout on the account it was Senior Day for the Crusaders. On the other hand, the visitors' side was almost empty. Valpo must not attract many opposing visitors to games as they cover up a large portion of the visitor’s bleachers with a tarp. The 5,000-seat stadium does not usually sell out for football games. The team enters the field through an inflatable tunnel, a small cannon is fired when the Crusaders enter the field or score, and the team mascot and lively cheerleaders keep the crowd involved during the game. The best seats are located in section C directly below the press box providing a nice view of the 50-yard line. The entire stadium is metal bleachers and many fans bring t own seat cushions for added comfort. Neighborhood 4 Valparaiso University is a beautiful campus, especially in the fall; Brown Field is on the edge of campus near the ARC. The places to eat in town would be the Round the Clock Restaurant downtown off of Lincolnway, a family-style restaurant that offers ample parking and plentiful menu choices. Another fabulous option is the Tomato Bar off of La Port Avenue, two minutes from campus serving many varieties of pizza, calzones, oven-baked sandwiches, and a full-service bar. The Chapel of the Resurrection is a landmark of northwest Indiana and can be seen from just about anywhere on the campus. The town is a stereotypical small Midwest college town featuring quaint shops and restaurants in a picturesque downtown setting. There are many hotels around the university. The best place to stay is Hampton Inn and Suites – a 4-minute drive from campus offering plenty of spacious, comfortable rooms. Fans 2 Valpo fans care noticeably more about their basketball than football. They rarely pull in big crowds, especially when the weather is poor. The crowd is generally on the quieter side apart from a few individual fans and a very small student section; however, it does perk up for big plays in the half-filled stadium. Access 2 The stadium is easy to get around and park at, but it does lack many comforts of a modern stadium. There are port-a-potties just outside the gates and bathrooms inside the ARC, but none inside the stadium itself. All seats are bleacher style, the stairs are slightly rusted, and there are ramps to accommodate fans with disability. Most people drive to Brown Field, but the V-line (Valparaiso’s bus line) runs to the university. Brown Field is not well advertised, but signs for the Fitness Center and ARC will lead fans to the buildings adjacent to the field. There is parking for $5 at lots around the stadium and the ARC. However, if you’re looking to save a few bucks there is street parking about half a mile further down Lincolnway. There are two ways to enter the stadium: on the home on the visitor’s side. Return on Investment 2 The facility houses a box office, but a set of folding tables to take tickets. General Admission tickets are $10 and allow you to sit anywhere in the stadium. Children 10 and under are free. Valparaiso University students, faculty, and staff get in free with their One Card (Valpo ID). The team has not had a winning record since 2003 but seems to be improving for the 2016 season. This could help get fans in the seats. Extras 2 Brown Field has flags displayed along the top of the stands of fellow Pioneer League members’ teams and their primary color. The victory bell, which was unveiled in 1956, is rung after every win. Final Thoughts Valparaiso Football has been making strides on the field to improve as a team, but the stadium and game day experience need to start catching up to the terror attending a game to be worthwhile.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Burlington Athletic Stadium 1450 Graham St Burlington, NC 27217 Burlington Sock Puppets website Burlington Athletic Stadium website Year Opened: 1948/1960 Capacity: 3,500 The Show Goes on in Sockville Minor League and Independent Baseball have transformed thanks in large part to COVID. Burlington, North Carolina was one of forty-two cities and towns across the country to recently be cut out of affiliated Minor League Baseball. There was however a silver lining for baseball fans in Alamance County – competitive baseball would not entirely vanish from Burlington Athletic Stadium, and 2021 would lead to a resurrection for both the team and the league they played in. The team originally known as the Burlington Indians played in the Carolina League from 1958-1964; for the first two seasons of that stint, the team played in nearby Graham before opening their Burlington venue in 1960, which was moved from its old home 40 miles north in Danville, Virginia, and reassembled in Burlington. Burlington Athletic Stadium was originally called Fairchild Park and made a cameo in the film “Bull Durham.” The stadium sat empty for twenty-two years, but in 1986 the rookie-level Appalachian League brought baseball back to Burlington – for the next two decades they were known once again as the Burlington Indians, but in 2007 with the affiliation switch from the Cleveland Indians to the Kansas City Royals, the team took on the parent club’s identity and up until 2020 were known as the Burlington Royals. Then 2021 saw Burlington and the nine other Appy League teams moved from affiliated minor league baseball to the summer collegiate league, giving the team and the city a chance to start over; on February 1, 2021, the team changed its name to the Burlington Sock Puppets, joining other league rivals who also adopted funny and original identities. And while there is some controversy among some baseball purists that the new names don’t adequately reflect the imposing names that many are used to in baseball and throughout sports, there can be no doubt that things are “sockingly” fun and different in Burlington. Food & Beverage 4 It is often hard to know what to expect when eating out at a baseball game at this level, but Burlington Athletic Stadium does not disappoint. The stadium has one main food stand but offers a variety of options for reasonable prices – you can get your basic hot dog, hamburger, or cheeseburger for three, four, or five dollars respectively (or four dollars more each for a combo with chips and a drink) or a slice of Domino’s pizza, a BBQ sandwich from local joint Tickle My Ribs, or a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich will only run you three, five, or six dollars respectively. You can also get some unique items such as pulled pork nachos, a hot dog topped with mac and cheese, or the stadium's special “laundry basket,” which is loaded nachos with mac and cheese, pulled pork, and jalapenos, which will only set you back eight bucks. The stadium also offers your typical snacks including popcorn, candy, peanuts, and pretzels, and offers two places to grab dessert, with Pelican’s Sno-Balls and Dippin’ Dots offered. NC-based Pepsi is the soft drink of choice, with a bottle only costing three dollars. Alcohol costs between three and six bucks depending on size and selection, and nearby Durham-based Tobacco Road Brewing Company partnered with the team to produce a Sock Puppets-themed beer, with a team design on the can, but not the flavor of socks. Atmosphere 3 Burlington Athletic Stadium seats 3,500, with the vast majority being bleacher seats. There are a few reserved chair-back seats behind home plate. Most of the seats are also covered, but there are bleacher seats on the first and third base side that are not protected from the elements. Sightlines are great no matter where you sit, which is often an advantage at an intimate park. The PA Announcer is very energetic, as is the band that greets fans with energetic jams before the first pitch. They also have mascot night for certain games, so alongside the long-tenured mascot Bingo the team kept along for the rebranding ride, and the new mascot Socksquatch, you can see the Demon Deacon from Wake Forest University or Homer from the in-state Charlotte Knights, joining in on the fun to entertain fans young and old. Neighborhood 3 Unlike their counterparts in affiliated baseball, a lot of summer league baseball stadiums are not located right in the heart of their respective cities or towns, and Burlington Athletic Stadium is no different. But while the venue is not within walking distance and doesn’t offer any public transit to the center of town, a six-minute drive will get you to all that downtown Burlington has to offer. A town of about 50,000 separating the state’s Triangle and Triad regions, and halfway between North Carolina’s famous beaches and mountains, Burlington offers a variety of restaurants including Burlington Beer Works, a local brewery that offers delicious small plates, brunch, dinner, and a large selection of local craft beer. Not far from BBW is Zach’s Hot Dogs, a near-century-old establishment serving up delicious dogs, burgers, and breakfast. Finally, if you’re looking for authentic NC-style BBQ, then look no further than Hursey’s. Just five minutes from the stadium in the opposite direction from downtown, Hursey’s has arguably some of the best BBQ in the state and serves it Piedmont style, which is a blend between Eastern NC’s vinegar-based and Lexington (Western) NC’s tomato-based sauce; Hursey’s is also home to some of the best hush puppies you’ll find anywhere. Downtown Burlington has a lot of local shops including Persnickety Books and Wayne’s Attic, an antique store, as well as Burlington City Park, which is a great place to take young ones before a night game or after a matinee – the park includes a playground, train, carousel, and boats. There is also more shopping ten minutes west at Alamance Crossing, a giant shopping center including Barnes and Noble, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Kohl’s (among many others) plus numerous chain restaurants. There aren’t any hotels near the stadium, but there are several chain options less than ten minutes away on I-40, including Microtel, Hampton, and Quality Inn. Fans 3 The Sock Puppets are in the first year of a new, original identity, and that is no doubt going to help with attendance. Despite the threat of thunderstorms and some rain, there were still a solid number of fans during my most recent visit. Those who were in attendance seemed engaged and cheered on their team; it will be interesting to see how the team ranks in attendance in the rebranded league’s inaugural year – according to the team there was a 30% increase in attendance this year as compared to 2019. Access 3 Getting to the stadium is easy and traffic is not an issue; there is a sizable parking lot outside the stadium which leads to the main entrance and the separate VIP entrance. There is no public transit to the stadium, and Ubers are very hit-and-miss in a town of Burlington’s size. The concourses are wide enough and don’t usually get congested, which makes walking around the stadium not a real issue. Return on Investment 4 A Sock Puppets game is a great way to watch some top college prospects at a very affordable price with free parking, concession prices averaging under ten dollars for a meal, and tickets starting at just six bucks, so you can catch a game at Burlington Athletic Stadium for less than twenty dollars. . Extras 5 One point for the variety of inflatables set up beyond the first baseline is that give kids a great place to get their energy out during the game. A second point for the team store selling various Sock Puppets merchandise, and a third point to the sock puppet station where fans young and old can create their very own sock puppet to take home. A fourth point for the person throwing out the first sock instead of the first pitch at the start of the game, and finally a point for one of the most unique team names in all of the sports, as well as the signage declaring Burlington “Sockville”. Final Thoughts The Sock Puppets are in their inaugural year of Summer Collegiate Baseball and have already taken baseball by storm with one of the most compelling and controversial names in baseball. But for better or worse the team has run with it and doesn’t need shoes to attract baseball fans in North Carolina to the city of Burlington to see what all the hype is about. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Eric Hasman and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 U.S. Steel Yard One Stadium Plaza Gary, IN 46402 Map It Gary SouthShore RailCats website U.S. Steel Yard website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,139 Hitting the Right Notes in Gary The building of U.S. Steel Yard caused quite a bit of stir because of where it was being built (apparently Gary doesn't have a great reputation) and the high price tag (over $40 million). The baseball park itself is a quite nice. The exterior is a red brick facade that extends all the way down both streets it is built on (Stadium Plaza and Route 12). The design of the ballpark has an open concourse overlooking the field with luxury boxes stacked above. The concourse is almost a full 360-degrees which allows fans plenty of places to wander. They are currently doing construction on a bridge which doesn’t allow fans to crossover. So fans have to walk around right field to get to the left field side of the ballpark. The ballpark is plays big. The dimensions are 320’ to left, 380’ to left center, 400’ to center and 335’ to right and the wall is at least 14’ high.  Home runs are hard to come by here. The RailCats play in the American Association Baseball League. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage have changed a bit over the years, but the variety of options is pretty good and reasonably priced. The 3 main concession stands are behind home plate (the Region) and the down the left and right field lines. The “Region” stand serves up hamburgers ($6) and hot dogs ($5). 18th Street Brewery has a smoked pulled chicken sandwich ($9), a pork sandwich ($10) and Italian sausage ($8). The “Broadway” stand serves a Chicken Tender basket for $10, Bratwursts ($6) and Beggars pizza for $7. “Herbkoe” Fun Foods, down the right field line, is for desserts. Here you can get ice cream cones ($6-$10), ice cream nachos ($12), an ice sandwich $10 or cheesecake on stick for $9 and a chocolate covered banana $5. Next to the Herbkoe's is a pierogi stand which has sells 3 or 5-potato and cheese pierogis served with onions and sour cream for $6 or $8 (on Wednesdays, pierogis sell for $1. If soft pretzels are your thing this is the place for you. The best soft pretzel in any ballpark I have had is here, it is the “Ben’s Pretzel.” The pretzels are made on site and are delicious. They sell for $7 and come as a whole pretzel or pretzel bites. Domestic drafts are $7 for a 20-ounce and premium drafts are $9 for a 20-ounce.  The Leinie Lounge Bar serves Leinenkugel drafts, Barefoot wine, White Claw, Yuengling, Modelo, Twisted Tea, Oberon, local brewery IPAs and mixed drinks between $7 and $11.  Pepsi products and water range from $5-$6. Atmosphere 3 In 2021, the RailCats completed some updates to the park. The bullpens were moved from the first and third base warning tracks into right field, where new outfield fencing and wall pads were installed. This made hitting home runs to right field a lot easier. In addition, three seating sections down the right field line were removed to create a family-friendly berm area where visitors can enjoy the games from their blankets. There is also protective netting extending from dugout to dugout. The team gift shop, McShane’s South Shore Depot, is huge.  A great selection of jerseys, caps, and t-shirts and other swag are available to purchase. Behind the batter’s eye in center field is a small children’s playground area. In addition, there is a small deck with lounge chairs and a water fountain that is shaped like home plate. The right field concourse area has a building which is vacant and used to be various restaurants. Hopefully, the RailCats can do something with this building. It is not a good look to have a vacant building at a ballpark. Rusty the RailCat, the mascot, dances on the team dugout, poses for pictures and is available for pictures and hugs by fans of all ages. The ballpark borders on E. 4th Avenue and I-90 to the point where extensive netting is in place to keep balls from smashing into cars on the adjoining street. Neighborhood 1 The ballpark suffers from being in a less than desirable neighborhood and there is not much do around the park before or after the game. The stadium is near the exit and entrance ramp to I-90 and many will look in neighboring cities for options after the game. About a 10-minute drive from the park is Michael Jackson’s boyhood home, located on 2300 Jackson Street. Fans of the King of Pop can take photos of the old home and venture to Broadway to the closed Palace Theater that displays the Jackson Five are playing “tonite.” Gary is home to the 18th Street Brewery and Taproom that is regarded among the state’s acclaimed craft beers. Enjoy beers such as Candi Crushable Pale Ale and Best Patio Pils (my favorites) at the taproom. And, just a few miles down the road in Munster, Indiana, is the state’s most recognizable craft brewery, Three Floyds Brewpub.  Their restaurant has closed, but you can still buy their year-round brews...Zombie Dust, Jinx Pproof, Gumballhead and Turbo Reaper. Of course, they have seasonal beers too. Gary is nearby the Indiana Dunes National Park that provides trails for hiking and sandy beaches for cooling off during the summer. Michigan City Outlet Mall offers a few hours to search for deals, and Chicago is less than a half hour away by car. In addition, the Majestic Star Casino and Hard Rock Casinos are about a 15-minute drive from the ballpark. Both casinos have plenty of restaurants and gambling with sports books (but they don’t take bets on the RailCats), if that is your thing. Fans 3 The fans are pretty much there for the game. Of course, some are there just to hang out and have a good time. The fans do get in involved with the on-field promotions, which is nice. The main on-field guy is Jason who has been there a long time. He has a lot of energy and gets people involved. The people like their baseball are used to the winning ways of the team. The RailCats have six (6) appearances in the Championship and with three (3) Championships. Though, the past nine (9) years have been rough with only 2 (two) playoff appearances. Access 4 Getting to the park is very easy since it is near the highway which provides easy in and out. In addition, free parking can be found in numerous small lots that are a short distance from the park. While the park is located in a rundown area, there is plenty of police presence, so fans should not be concerned for their safety. The wide-open concourse wraps around the entire field and allows visitors access to bathrooms, concession areas, and exits/entrances. Return on Investment 4 The ticket pricing options are among the better values in the area and in independent baseball. Terrace seating tickets start at $10 and reserved seating is $14. Suite bar seating is $25. There is a dollar surcharge when purchased on the day of the game and for “Fireworks” Friday nights, the tickets are a $1 more. The RailCats have daily deals such as All You Can Eats Monday: $18-All you can eat hot dogs, popcorn and peanuts; Taco Tuesday offer $3 beef tacos and $5 margaritas; Pierogi Wednesday – $1 pierogis and $5 12oz Craft Beer; Thirsty Thursday nights feature $3 domestic beer. Friday are fireworks and Saturdays are a giveaway night. Extras 2 The staff is very friendly and personable. They do a great job making you feel valued and at home. Banners of past RailCat players adorn the concourse. It is always nice to see a team recognize their history. In addition, the RailCats have 4 retired numbers: #42 for Jackie Robinson, #23 for Wille Glen (RailCats career leader in nearly every measurable pitching category and is an amazing 43-11 with a 3.03 ERA in 88 career RailCats games), #27 Greg Tagert (former longtime manager who won 3 Championships) and #45 for Joe Gates (a former coach of the RailCats). Final Thoughts U.S. Steel Yard is a really nice ballpark and one of my favorites because it plays big (lots of triples). Even though it is not located in the best of neighborhoods, it is safe and a place any ballpark enthusiast should see.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ted Hamilton Field College of the Desert Palm Desert, CA 92260 College of the Desert Roadrunners website Ted Hamilton Field website A Diamond in the Desert Tucked away in the beauty of the Palm Springs area lies College of the Desert. Here, baseball is played in a picturesque setting. Situated in the city of Palm Desert, just south of Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley, College of the Desert is a small yet beautiful campus with various sports programs that participate in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference. While the sports options in the greater Palm Springs area are limited, this small diamond may well be worth a stop.   Food & Beverage   1 There are no concessions stands at Ted Hamilton Field, but outside food and drinks are allowed for fans. Nearby on campus fans can also find a few vending machines.   Atmosphere   4 The facility at Ted Hamilton Field is simple enough. Once you enter the main gate, right field features a big lawn for fans to set up chairs with a view of the field, as well as of the pitching warmup mounds. Behind home plate is a small grandstand. Just to the left of home plate is a small bench between two large shade trees. The seating areas are almost always in the shade, providing welcome relief from the sun’s hot rays. A large scoreboard is also featured in the outfield, as well as the team’s championship banners. The vista beyond the fence is idyllic for the area; countless palm trees framed by desert mountains. Behind home plate and beyond left field, snow-capped mountains loom. Indeed, this small corner of the campus is a beautiful and relaxing site, simple in construction and purpose.   Neighborhood   4 The area around campus is a mix of neighborhoods and retail. Palm Springs airport is but a short 15-minute drive north. To the immediate south, a National Parks visitor center and twisting road into the mountains awaits visitors seeking the nature and tranquility of the mountains above. Less than a mile southwest of campus lie countless restaurants and shops, including the high end El Paseo district. The nearest highway is I-10 to the northeast, while hotels are plentiful in the general area. Hiking is of course a major draw to the area, as are the Palm Springs Air Museum and the Tramway.   Fans   3 The fans who attend Roadrunner games are a mix of locals, students, and friends and family of the players. Even for mid-week early afternoon games, fans still fill in along the fence line and the shaded sections of grandstands.   Access   4 To get to College of the Desert, take either I-10 or Highway 111. Free parking is plentiful in Lot 24 across the street from the main entrance. Fans are warned, however, that foul balls may be an issue when parking here.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to College of the Desert baseball games are $5. At the main entrance, signs are set up with QR codes to scan to purchase tickets on your phone. Combined with free parking, this makes Roadrunner games extremely affordable for the whole family. College baseball is always filled with excitement for diehard sports fans, and the possibility of seeing one of tomorrow’s stars on the field is certainly a draw as well.   Extras   2 The stadium is located near the college’s tennis and softball fields, as well as adjacent to the school’s football field, making visiting multiple other sports an easy thing to do. The stadium’s ability for fans to walk over and see the bullpens up close is also a unique feature, as some baseball facilities have those separated from fan areas, especially in lower-league colleges.   Final Thoughts While Coachella Valley and the greater Palm Springs area may not be a haven for sports, College of the Desert has done a good job of providing something for the baseball-starved fans nearby. A beautiful backdrop provides a perfect setting to watch tomorrow’s stars take the field – coupled with incredibly affordable pricing, this is a no-brainer for sports fans visiting California’s desert paradise.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Emmitt Smith Field 1310 N 65th Ave Pensacola, FL 32506 Escambia Gators website Year Opened: 1958 Welcome to the Swamp Escambia High School is one of the Pensacola area’s largest high school with an enrollment of 1,800 students, and currently serves the west side of Pensacola and the Perdido Key area of the Gulf Coast. Since opening in 1958 EHS has been one of the more successful programs in the area. Currently competing in the Class 6A District 1 of the FHSAA, the Gators have made the state playoffs over 20 times and have made four state championship games in their history (1984,1985, 2009, & 2019), winning titles in ‘84 and ‘85. Much like the Florida Gators’ colors, the Escambia Gators’ colors are also blue and orange. The Gators play at Historic Emmitt Smith Field, named after the Pro Football Hall of Famer and the NFL’s all-time leading rusher who played here in the mid 80’s. The field, which originally opened when the school opened, was renamed after the school’s most famous alum in 2003. Besides Emmitt Smith the school has a pretty distinguished list of alumni that includes WWE stars Roman Reigns and the Usos, former Alabama running back and All-American Trent Richardson, golfer Joe Durant who’s won four PGA tournaments, and four MLB players – All-Star Jim Presley, former Braves pitcher Preston Hanna, Kevin Saucier, and Ken Wright. Food & Beverage 2 The basics are sold here with one concessions stand on each side. Prices are pretty cheap as well with hamburgers ($4), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), popcorn ($2), canned drinks and bottled water ($2), and chips ($1) all on offer. On the home side of the stadium they have a grill outside where they cook burgers and hot dogs fresh, which is obviously a plus; they also sell Chick-fil-A sandwiches for $6 and have a hot box with Domino’s pizza slices selling for $2 each. Atmosphere 3 Emmitt Smith Field is an older stadium that was built in 1958, but is unique in that because of the way it is built you cannot really tell how old it is. It is not the typical high school stadium with a concrete structure that rises above the field level – instead, the stadium here was built in between two grassy hills, in such a way that both grandstands are below ground level, so from the street you can’t even really tell there is a stadium here. The field faces north and south with the home side on the east and the visiting side on the west. Both end zones are open, with the high school and gymnasium providing the backdrop for the north end zone, while the school’s softball and baseball fields provide the backdrop on the south side. There is no concourse to speak of; on both sides you enter on ground level and have to walk down the hill to get to your seat. Because of this there is no cover if it is raining, and without the ability to go under the concourse you are just out of luck if a frequent Florida thunderstorm pops up – the press box, concessions stands, and bathrooms are the only areas not exposed to the elements. The stadium features about 20 rows of metal bleachers on each side, but the home side features a couple hundred chairback seats near the 50-yard line (this is the seating for season ticket holders and teachers). It can get heated sometimes when a rival Pensacola school plays here; because of frequent fights that have broken out in the stands in years past between opposing schools they did not build a way to walk between the home and visiting sides of the stadium. Neighborhood 3 There is not really much of a neighborhood here to speak of – the high school is located in a residential area on the west side of Pensacola in the Myrtle Grove and Brownsville communities. This is not exactly the safest area of the city, though you should be fine as long as you don’t venture too far off school grounds. Just use caution and be aware of your surroundings, and always keep your doors locked in the parking lot. The good thing about coming to a game at Escambia High is that you are in Pensacola, where there is plenty to do if you are here for the weekend. Escambia High is located about 20 minutes north of Pensacola Beach and about 20 minutes east of the beaches in the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach-Perdido area. The waters are warm enough to swim well into November, so if you come to an early fall game here there is a chance you could go swimming on the beach and then go watch a high school football game. Also, from EHS you are only about 15 minutes from downtown Pensacola. The nightlife scene here is very nice as Palafox Street is lined with over 50+ bars and local restaurants, and the Seville Quarter in downtown looks like a mini Bourbon Street with a packed crowd on a nightly basis. As Pensacola is the oldest settlement in the US one could also stroll the downtown area for hours viewing the different historic houses and museums. Fans 3 Obviously the home side of the stadium is rocking with students, alumni, boosters, and teachers. The Gator program stretches back for years so there is a large number of people who can remember the days of watching Emmitt Smith break national records here, and then over 20 years later they remember coming with their kids to watch Trent Richardson break other records. Escambia is also one of those schools that because of its success and its size it will often play larger schools from other areas around the southeast – it is not uncommon for the Gators to play schools from Miami, New Orleans, Jacksonville, or Atlanta. In the most recent game I attended, the Gators played a school from Mississippi, while the next week the Gators traveled to Georgia for a game. Because of this the visiting side can be a different story from game to game, with almost no one sitting on that side when the visiting team is from far away, which is often the case when the Gators play an out of area school. When a Pensacola area school plays here, however, expect the place to be packed and the atmosphere to go up. It can almost get too rowdy sometimes when other area schools show up here, and there have been fights between the two fanbases in years past. Access 2 EHS is located on the west side of Pensacola, so if coming from out of town your best bet is to take I-10 Exit 7A at Pine Forest Road, then travel south about 8 miles to the Fairfield Street intersection. Take Fairfield about 2 miles west until you reach 65th Street, and the high school is located about a half mile south down 65th Street on the left. It is really easy to take a wrong turn and end up in a rough neighborhood, so I advise using caution, especially when leaving the game. Pensacola can also have horrendous traffic, especially on Friday afternoon, so take that into consideration as it could take 30 minutes just to get from the school to I-10. Once in the stadium it isn’t very big, and everything is spread out so you are free to walk around, as long as you stay on your side. They even have school security here making sure nobody will sneak over; this has been a major issue in the past according to a police officer I talked to. There is plenty of room for everybody but you will be out of luck if it starts raining as there is no cover whatsoever. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $8 and like all the high school football games in the area, can only be purchased on the GoFan app. I consider this a great return on investment; though the stadium is really nothing special it is still a historic place being named after a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Plus with being in such a high level of high school football, the level of talent is great with some of the players on the field eventually signing with D1 programs, so who knows you could be watching the next Emmitt Smith or Trent Richardson play. Extras 3 One extra for the field being named after perhaps the greatest running back to ever play football – during his four years at Escambia (1983-1986) the Gators won two State Championships and were ranked the top high school football program in the State of Florida, and one of the top ranked programs in the country. Emmitt broke numerous records in high school including rushing for 106 touchdowns and 8,804 career yards, which ranks in the top 10 for most yardage in the history of high school football. He also rushed for over 100 yard games in every game his junior and senior year, including rushing for at least 100 yards in 45 of the 49 games he played. Emmitt Smith would follow up his standout high school career with a standout career at the University of Florida , becoming a two-time first team All-American, a Heisman finalist, an induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, and would be recognized as number 3 on the list of the Top 50 players to ever play for the Florida Gators. Smith would later become the first junior to ever get drafted straight from college into the NFL in 1990 when the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the first round. Over the next 15 years Emmitt would become one of the best players in the NFL, winning 3 Super Bowls and being elected to 8 Pro Bowls. His 18,355 career rushing yards rank number 1 for the most rushing yards ever by an NFL player, and his 164 rushing touchdowns rank number 1 for most touchdowns ever scored by a running back. For his stats and accomplishments he would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, and was named the greatest running back to ever play in the NFL by the NFL Network. The school also pays homage to another one of its most distinguished alums, WWE star Roman Reigns. Before he was main eventing WrestleManias and acting in movies with his cousin “The Rock”, the multi-time WWE Champion was known by his real name Joe Anoai, and was a standout defensive lineman during his senior year here after transferring from Pensacola Catholic High School. He would later be an All-ACC selection at Georgia Tech and have a brief stint in the CFL before trying his hand at wrestling. His twin cousins Jimmy and Jey Uso would later become WWE stars as well, and they also played linebacker at Escambia. During pregame Roman’s wrestling theme plays over the loudspeakers, as the team comes from the locker rooms in the gymnasium, comes down the hill in the north end zone, and then runs out onto the field. This was a nice tribute to how Roman used to make his entrance when he would enter the ring from the crowd – this is something not a lot of people would notice, but as a huge wrestling fan I thought this was a nice added touch.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 William Nicks Center T.R. Soloman at O.J. Thomas Street Prairie View, TX 77446 Prairie View A&M Panthers website William Nicks Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,500 Panther Pride Alive in Prairie View Located just over an hour northwest of Houston is the city of Prairie View, and the campus of Prairie View A&M University – the school was opened in 1876, and has been putting athletics teams on the field and on the court for nearly 100 years. The Panthers basketball program has called William Nicks Building (named for the school’s legendary head football coach ) home since the early 1960s. Over the years, the Prairie View A&M basketball program has experienced a great deal of success – the Panthers were conference champions in 1962, 1963, 1998 (earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament), and 2013, and former Panthers center Zelmo “Big Z” Beatty was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 as well. The “Baby Dome”, as William Nicks Building is called on campus, is one of the most raucous playing environments in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and continually is one of the best small-school venues in college basketball. Food & Beverage 3 The food selection at Williams Nicks Building is pretty standard for college athletics, with one notable exception, that being boudin balls – the tasty Cajun sausages can be purchased for $5 per order. That being said, the concessions prices are a little on the steep side; hot dogs are $5, nachos $7, popcorn $4, and soda and beer $5 apiece. There is also a BBQ sandwich ($5) on the menu that many in the crowd seem to enjoy, and chips, candy, sports drinks, and bottled water are also on the menu. There are two concessions areas in the main concourse level of the Baby Dome. At the stand near the main entrance there is a Bahama Buck’s offering a pared down menu, with large and small sizes at $6 and $7 each. Despite the cost, there is enough of a selection at William Nicks Building for fans to find what they need. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at William Nicks Building is personally one of the best I have ever experienced. This may have been due to playing a rivalry game on my last visit, as it was nearly a sellout crowd (the Panthers averaged just under 800 fans per game last season). Regardless, the atmosphere was electric – on the sidelines, a DJ mixes songs during timeouts and fan contests. The student section at William Nicks Building, especially the fraternities and sororities, dance with every song the band – the Marching Storm – plays, and the acoustics of the dome amplify the sound exponentially. If you attend a game I think you’ll be blown away. Neighborhood 2 As mentioned, Prairie View is just a little over an hour away from the Houston metroplex area, and Prairie View city proper is the epitome of a college town. The campus is the metaphorical heart and soul of the community, and much of the entertainment that can be found has to do with Prairie View A&M. Beyond that, there are some attractions in the communities surrounding Prairie View – the Texas Oil Ranch in nearby Hockley is a prime example of such an attraction. This working ranch was also home to a gusher in the previous century, and visitors can get a glimpse of a bygone era when they visit. Hockley is also home to the Lone Star Pinball Museum , which is exactly what it sounds like – a shrine to the shiny silver balls that have enthralled players for years. This museum is a great attraction if you’re looking for some quick fun before Panthers games. For food, Waller County Line BBQ has become a staple in the area; known for its sausage, brisket, and ribs, it is as close to a true Texas barbecue joint as you will find in the area. But if you’re looking for something a little more traditional (though this being Texas, barbecue is really as traditional as it gets), Bistro 1876 is located right on the campus of Prairie View A&M, and offers traditional American comfort food. When it comes to hotels, your options near campus are pretty limited. Both America’s Best Value Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express have locations nearby, but if you are looking for other options, you might have to venture out farther away from Prairie View. Fans 4 The crowd at William Nicks Building is really tremendous and was the highlight of my visit to Prairie View – they were loud, engaged, and active for the entire game. The student sections in particular was boisterous, and really enhanced the game experience. In the stands, the fans are decked out in the purple and white of the home team. Even though Prairie View A&M is not what you think of as a traditional basketball powerhouse program, it is clear the passion for the team and the student athletes is there. You also see a lot of alumni for home games, which gives a great generational feel to the crowd. Access 2 Prairie View is easily accessible by driving from either Houston or San Antonio, the two biggest cities nearby. Once on campus though, there is very little signage directing you to William Nicks Building – a hint; look for Panther Stadium, where the football team plays, and head for that. Parking is also not plentiful for Prairie View A&M basketball games – while it is free, most of the spots close to the basketball gym fill up fast. The adjacent lot is near the physical fitness center and student center, but also tends to fill up pretty quickly – lack of parking is the sole reason for the low score in this category. There are other parking areas on Prairie View A&M’s campus that are free for spectators, but they are not nearly as close to the arena. On the plus side, it is a beautiful campus, so if you have to walk you can at least enjoy the scenery. Return on Investment 2 General admission tickets for Panthers games are a little on the high side – each ticket will cost you $20 per person (and it is cash only at the box office, but there is an ATM nearby). This is a little pricey in my opinion, and when you couple the concessions costs (also cash only, by the way) with the ticket fees, this could turn into a high-dollar evening for games at William Nicks Building. Extras 4 You surprisingly get a lot of extras during Prairie View A&M basketball games. For my money, the basketball version of the Marching Storm is an experience you should not miss – their sound is incredible and (again) is magnificently amplified by the acoustics of the arena’s construction. There are times when the band ramps up the atmosphere to such an extent that you will not even be able to speak to the person you are sitting next to! The Panther cheerleaders and the dance team, the Panther Dolls, are also part of the overall experience; they dance during intermissions and cheer throughout the game. The team’s mascots – Pete and Vickie, respectively – patrol the stands and interact with fans the entire game. For younger fans, this will be an especially great treat. Final Thoughts Going into this visit, I had no preconceived expectations of what it might be like. However, I was truthfully blown away by the incredible energy at William Nicks Building. While I have never been to any of the major palaces of college hoops, I have been to a quite a few games, and this arena was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I don’t think my words can fully do it justice – it is something you should see for yourself if you’re a fan of college basketball. One final caveat; William Nicks Building is scheduled to undergo some renovations and remodeling during the spring of 2018, so you might want to plan your visit for after that. Either way, add Prairie View A&M’s William Nicks Building to your bucket list of college basketball arenas! Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey A recent report in the San Antonio Express-News has revealed that the ownership group of the Double-A San Antonio Missions is zeroing in on a new stadium for the club. The current ownership group purchased the team in 2022 and has always eyed a move into the Alamo City’s vibrant downtown area. According to the newspaper’s reporting, the Missions  ownership group has been buying up parcels of land in the downtown area since taking over the team. It is unclear exactly how much a new ballpark will cost, or where the funding will come from. The Missions, who have resided at their current home Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium  since 1994, are under a deadline from Major League Baseball (MLB) that is fast approaching. Minor league clubs were put on notice when MLB put new facility standards in place in 2020; the deadline for the Missions to either make significant improvements to Wolff Stadium or make plans to build a new ballpark is Opening Day of 2025. The guidelines released by MLB include upgrading to larger clubhouses, improving training facilities and lighting, and upgrading facilities for female staffers. If a team fails to make the changes by the 2025 deadline, they could lose their affiliation with MLB. The Missions , members of the Texas League, are currently affiliates of the San Diego Padres . ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Mygameballs.com gave ball hawking – which is snagging baseballs at the ballpark – an online clubhouse. Hundreds of hawks from around the country reported their snags and all the details to the site. On February 12, 2021, MGB founder Alan Schuster - the man who snagged Big Papi's 500th dinger - sold the site to TrueRank, a Toronto-based list-making and ranking app. StadiumJourney.com caught up with Chris Hughes, TrueRank’s social media coordinator, who’s also an enthusiastic ballhawk, for a quick Q&A. STADIUM JOURNEY: So how and when did the purchase of MGB come about? Why did you purchase the site? CHRIS HUGHES: The purchase of www.mygameballs.com came about after telling my dad (TrueRank's co-founder Bob Hughes) that it was for sale. I felt that MGB dovetailed nicely with everything that TrueRank was doing. With MGB’s impressive community of passionate hawks, I felt that we could find ways to integrate this energy with that of TrueRank, and vice versa. The main goal of the purchase was to grow the ball-hawking community and create a more efficient way to log baseballs. STADIUM JOURNEY: How and when did you personally get into ballhawking? What about it gets your adrenaline going? CHRIS HUGHES: I got into ball-hawking in late 2016. While watching YouTube, I stumbled upon a documentary about Zack Hample and was instantly drawn to his passion. I thought it would be something fun to try since I already enjoyed baseball a lot. What gets my adrenaline going about it is the unpredictability, not knowing when a home run ball might come your way. When I caught a home run on the fly at Dodger Stadium, I was filled with an inexplicable amount of adrenaline immediately after. Since 2016, I have snagged 90 baseballs and look forward to going for 100 this season. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your most exciting ballhawking adventure? CHRIS HUGHES: My dad and I went on a road trip from Toronto to Cincinnati, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit. Before the game in Milwaukee, we went to Friday's in left field. The restaurant’s patio gave us access to batting practice before the gates opened. I snagged three baseballs, including one from Curtis Granderson. After getting a ball in front of the bullpen before the game, I caught a third-out ball when Garrett Cooper lined out to Mike Moustakas to end the top of the 8th. Catching five balls in that game, along with watching 11 runs scored during the top of 5th, made this an exceptional experience. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's the ballhawking scene like in Toronto? Are there a lot of hawks? How stringent is security? Does Toronto have its version of Zack Hample? CHRIS HUGHES: The ballhawking scene is strong in Toronto. With a group of eight to ten regulars, you are bound to run into other members of the community at a game. Security is not that stringent, and I’ve had no issues. As for who is the Hample of Toronto, the current leaders from the area are Justin Swartz @JustinSwartz63 with 362 balls snagged and William Launderville @Threejag with 360. We’re especially excited here in Toronto, as we get to experience the long-awaited outfield renovations to the Rogers Centre. The fan experience and the ability to snag more balls, because of some changes to the dimensions of the field, promises to elevate Toronto ballhawking. Ballhawkers meet at the first Game at Rogers Centre after the COVID pandemic, July 30, 2021. Pictured: Chris Hughes, Arsen Nikolic & Michael Farkouh STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your favorite stadium to hawk in? And what's your favorite stadium to just watch a game? CHRIS HUGHES: My favorite stadium to ballhawk has to be Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. If you buy a ticket to the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, you can get into the ballpark for early batting practice. I snagged four BP balls doing this. Oracle Park in San Francisco stands out the most for just watching a game. With the gorgeous view of the bay, a game there is a very memorable experience. STADIUM JOURNEY: Best stadium or two to eat in? CHRIS HUGHES: The best stadium I've eaten at was Citi Field. The lobster rolls in right field are amazing and a must-have if you are ever at a game in New York. Another must-have is California Pizza Kitchen at Dodger Stadium. The BBQ chicken pizza is amazing, and I would have it again! STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for www.mygameballs.com ? CHRIS HUGHES: We’re excited to announce that we have been coding a mobile version of the MGB website, which is scheduled to launch this season. It will allow users to easily and quickly log the baseballs they snag, using their mobile device. We’re also bringing back our Survivor Pool, which is starting on June 2nd. This is a weekly competition whereby participants select one MLB game to predict from a list of 10 being played from Friday through Sunday. Making an incorrect pick results in a strike. When competitors get three strikes, they’re eliminated from the competition, which will continue until one person remains. The winner gets a $100 Amazon gift card. We’re also excited to bring back Ballhawk Fest, the annual in-person ballhawk convention, which we’ll be taking applications for soon. Follow us on @myGameBalls for the latest. ----- Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Memorial Gym 210 25th Ave S Nashville, TN 37240 Vanderbilt Commodores website Memorial Gym website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 14,316 Historical Memorial Gymnasium - Vanderbilt Commodores In the Music City, it only seems appropriate that the gymnasium of the largest university in Nashville was originally built as a basketball arena and concert hall. Vanderbilt University’s Memorial Gymnasium has a long history of being one of the most challenging venues for visiting teams to play in. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions stands are abundant throughout Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium. Each of the four main lobbies has two concession stands and a beer cart. Most food choices are found on the main level – fans can choose from Chick-fil-a sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, and nachos. There is also a wide variety of BBQ choices including nachos, mac-and-cheese, and pulled pork sandwiches. Soft drinks come from the Pepsi family of products, while alcoholic options include Budweiser beers, Bud Lite Seltzers, craft beers from Tennessee Brew Works, and wine. In addition to the concessions at the main lobby level, the mezzanine and balcony levels have smaller concessions stands. Vanderbilt also offers in seat ordering where fans can skip the line, order from their seats, and pick up their food at one of the main level concessions stands. Atmosphere 5 If making a list of quirky arenas in college basketball, Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium would be right near the top of that list. Given the building’s dual needs, it requires a unique layout. Memorial Gymnasium is one of the few raised floors in the NCAA; the raised floor allows for a more gradual slope to the main level of seating – the slope of the seating is similar to that of movie theaters. With the gradual slope and raised floor, the team benches have been moved to the ends of the court. If benches were to be in the traditional location, fans in the first few rows would be looking at the back of the bench all game. Each of the four sides of the building is comprised of three tiers of seating: court level, mezzanine, and upper balcony. Given the overhang of the decks above, seats in the back of the first two levels have some rather obstructed views of the full arena and center court scoreboard. However, Vanderbilt has tried to minimize the impact of this with large video and scoreboards on the corner abutments around the gymnasium. When buying tickets, try to stay toward the front of the sections of the A-E levels – these areas have fold down seats, rather than the bench seating that is in much of the arena. Also, the further to the front, the more of the full arena you will be able to see. Fans of the visiting team typically sit in any of the F levels of seating. Neighborhood 5 One of the big draws of Nashville is its vibrant nightlife; the epicenter of the excitement has been dubbed the “Honky Tonk Highway”, and is within 2 miles of Vanderbilt’s campus. Here visitors can take in Nashville’s famed juke-joints and bar scene. The historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, is the centerpiece of this downtown neighborhood. If looking to pair a visit to Vanderbilt with other local sporting events, the Nashville Predators are less than 2 miles away at Bridgestone Arena . The home of the Tennessee Titans of the NFL, Nissan Stadium , is just across the Cumberland River from downtown. While Nashville’s most popular tourist attractions are a quick rideshare away, Centennial Park and the Greek Parthenon replica are immediately across the street from Vanderbilt’s campus. The Hillsboro neighborhood directly bordering Vanderbilt also has many shops and quality restaurants. Fans 5 If the one-of-a-kind nature of Memorial Gymnasium is not enough to create a special experience, Vandy fans add to the aura of basketball here. Whether it is the acoustics of the building, the passion of the fanbase, or a combination of both, the energy throughout Memorial Gymnasium shoots through you as if you’ve been struck by lightning. A great deal of the credit for this energy goes to the student section – students show up in large numbers and make themselves part of the game atmosphere from the moment the Commodores take the floor. Basketball at Vanderbilt is a special experience, and much of that can be attributed to the students due to the school spirit and enthusiasm they display. Access 4 Getting to the Vanderbilt campus, as with most metropolitan areas, is dependent on the traffic. While not much more than a mile off Interstate-65, weekday games can be impacted by the headaches of gridlock in major cities. Parking is available at several decks around Memorial Gymnasium, the most convenient being the 25th Street garage. Prices fluctuate depending on whether it is a conference or non-conference game, and if parking is purchased in advance or not. Non-conference parking runs $5, while for conference games it is $10 if bought ahead of time; buying the day of adds $5 to the cost. There are 10 entry points around Memorial Gymnasium. For first time visitors, there might be a bit of importance to entering through the gate associated with the section of the seat – the entry level of the arena contains a maze of hallways, so it is easy to get turned around in the wrong direction if you don’t enter too close to your assigned seat. Return on Investment 3 When talking Power 5 schools, you are typically going to pay a premium when it comes to ticket prices. Ticket costs are going to be higher in a conference like the SEC, but it doesn’t have to be a deterrent to attending a game. Non-conference games typically have lower priced tickets while providing a similar experience. Vanderbilt utilizes flex pricing when it comes to their tickets. For example, tickets against rivals Kentucky or Tennessee are three times the rate as the get-in-the-door price for Alabama. While the overall experience can be worth the expense, it can be a bit cost prohibitive, so scout the schedule ahead of time to find the most reasonable ticket prices. Extras 4 There are many points of interest that just add to the experience of Memorial Gymnasium. First, the practice gym is home to Vandyville, a carnival of photo ops, face painting, and inflatables to help keep the younger fans entertained during pre-game, or if sitting down for the entirety of the game becomes too much. The lobby areas also provide fans with live action game statistics, so while fans may not directly be able to see the action while getting some food, they can keep up with the score and any statistics they might be missing. Vanderbilt features the history of its men’s and women’s programs around the arena; the most impressive among past Vanderbilt basketball players, who have also won conference awards and played professionally, is their 1984 Olympian, Jeff Turner. Final Thoughts Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium is definitely an arena that is a must-stop for stadium enthusiasts. Beyond the rarity of the raised court and the quirks of the building itself, the whole experience of a basketball game at Vanderbilt is extremely fan friendly and a great college basketball atmosphere.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Resch Center 820 Armed Forces Dr Green Bay, WI 54304 Green Bay Blizzard website Resch Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 9,877 In the Shadow of Lambeau The Green Bay Packers are the most well-known football team in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and perhaps the most well-known in the NFL as well. But you may not know about the other professional football team in Green Bay, which plays its home games right next door to Lambeau Field at Resch Center – the Green Bay Blizzard began playing indoor football in 2003 as members of Arena Football 2, and moved to the Indoor Football League (IFL) in 2010. The Blizzard have played at Resch Center for their entire existence. Food & Beverage 5 Resch Center has a ridiculous number of concessions options available from its main stands, including everything from hot dogs, brats, and burgers to chicken sandwiches and boneless wings, and sides ranging from popcorn and kettle corn to packaged candy, hot pretzels, and of course cheese curds. The most expensive food item rings in at only $6, and you can get $2 hot dogs at every game. Drink selections include soda, bottled water, Gatorade, Bubblr, draft beer, and Bud Light and vodka seltzers – non-alcoholic drinks range from $2 to $4.50, while the seltzers and beer run $8 to $10.50. Besides the main stands there is also a Mexican cantina offering mixed drinks and additional beer options, as well as nachos, walking tacos, and churros. There is also a smoothie stand, as well as a convenience store-type stand which offers a wider selection of canned beer, bottled water, and soda, plus Dippin’ Dots ice cream. Atmosphere 4 The Green Bay Blizzard offer a wonderful atmosphere for fans – besides the action of the field they have a great mascot (think the Abominable Snowman), fan contests during breaks in the action, such as fans having to catch footballs in shopping carts, local youth teams coming in to play rugby on the field during halftime, promotions where fans can win prizes by throwing footballs onto the middle of the field, TVs in the hallways so you don’t miss the action while at the concession stands, and best of all, special events like Micah Tyler in concert after the game during Faith & Fellowship Night – there was a stage set up behind one of the end zones. There are also premiere seating options like the Bud Light Cave, great music played throughout the game that fans can dance to, and a fabulous (and hilarious) PA announcer. Neighborhood 4 Being right next to Lambeau Field , it is not surprising there are plenty of restaurants and hotels within walking distance of Resch Center – popular spots include Stadium View Bar, Restaurant, & Banquet Hall (a Packers -themed sports bar); Badger State Brewing Company; and Anduzzi’s Sports Club on Holmgren Way. There is also a Buffalo Wild Wings nearby, and for hotels there is a Hilton Garden Inn right next to the arena. If you plan to be in town for the weekend, of course any true football fan should make a visit to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame (attached to Lambeau Field ), and you can also take the Oneida Walk of Legends, a 1-mile walking tour exploring 24 statues honoring the Packers . Fans 2 The fans at Blizzard games are passionate, they really seem to enjoy themselves and cheer at all the right times, but the facility is pretty empty. Even on a special events night with a free concert following the game, and all the fun activities the staff brings in to enhance the experience, there is just not much of a draw. This is a little disappointing for a team that has been in the area for almost 20 years. Access 3 Once you get inside Resch Center it is very easy to move around – the concessions lines are pretty short and there are plenty of bathrooms. The concourse is also absolutely massive so it is easy to move around, and there are stairs, escalators, and elevators all over the place tucked into various corners and hallways, so getting where you need to go is a breeze. The main drawback in regard to access is the parking – there is a lot right across the street from Resch Center ($10 per car), but this road backs up pretty badly; you could easily wait 15 minutes to half an hour just to get into the lot. Granted, once you get into the lot it is a super short walk to the venue, but you may be better off parking further away if you want to save some time and stress. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Green Bay Blizzard game is absolutely worth it – there is a trend nowadays with small venues across the country trying to avoid Ticketmaster and its fees (in order to reduce ticket prices and get more fans), and the Blizzard are all in on this. They instead use a site called Ticket Star, which charges much less in fees, or you can just buy at the door starting at $12 and avoid the fees altogether. $12 is a steal for this level of football – given all the great amenities, such as the free concert and getting to see kids play rugby during halftime, you really can’t beat this price point. Add in only $10 for parking, plus the ultra-cheap concessions, and you really are getting your money’s worth at Resch Center, even if you bring a large crowd. Extras 5 The Blizzard offer several great bonuses for fans who attend games at Resch Center – first off they have special promotions for most of their games, like Superheroes Night when kids are invited to dress up as their favorite superhero, or Faith & Fellowship Night when they have a free post-game concert by popular faith singer Micah Tyler. They also create special game balls, each with different graphics to match that day’s theme, for each of these games. They also throw out some really cool classic sound effects, for example when something good happens for the Blizzard they play the power up sound from Super Mario (the sound it makes when Mario grows bigger), and when something bad happens for the home team they play the sound of Pac-Man being eaten by the ghosts. They also have a team gear stand on the upper level if you want to grab your Blizzard swag, and the mascot is really top notch. Final Thoughts Indoor football is a lot of fun – with its shorter field and unique rules you are guaranteed to see a lot of scoring, and here at Resch Center you can get really close to the action, and even hear the smack of the pads coming together, or the sounds of the players trash-talking each other. The Blizzard take the sport to a whole new level with all the extras they throw in, so I definitely recommend seeing a game here – you won’t regret it.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Denunzio Pool Stadium Dr Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers website Denunzio Pool website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 1,700 Tigers in the Pool Denunzio Pool is home to Princeton University's water polo programs as well as their swimming & diving teams. This review will focus on the water polo experience at Princeton. Although water polo is primarily thought of as a west coast sport, the Tigers have been an exception to the rule, making the NCAA Tournament eight times on the men's side. Denunzio Pool opened in 1990 and hosted the 2009 NCAA Water Polo Tournament. It is located next door to Jadwin Gymnasium , home to Princeton's basketball teams. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at Denunzio Pool. However, there is a machine just inside the entrance that sells soda and water. Fans are also free to bring their own food and drink as long as they do not get anything on the pool deck, but as a typical water polo match lasts only around an hour of real time, there is little reason to bring anything more than a drink and maybe a light snack. Atmosphere 2 Before each match, a hype video will play on a video board as the overhead lights roll. However, that is about the only excitement you will see at Denunzio Pool besides the water polo match itself. The same board that shows the hype video doubles as a scoreboard, showing the score, game clock, and ejections. (In water polo, an "ejection" does not refer to a player being permanently removed from the game, like it would in other sports. Rather, they have to leave the game for 20 seconds for a foul while their team plays shorthanded, similar to a penalty and ensuing power play in ice hockey.) Seating is on uncomfortable concrete risers, but the games are usually short enough that it won't be too much of an issue. Neighborhood 4 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 2 Most of the crowd at a Princeton water polo match will be the friends and family of the players involved, although a few others will show up as well. They will cheer after Princeton goals, but beyond that it is mostly quiet in here. Given how short a typical water polo match is, almost everyone stays for the whole thing. Access 4 Free parking is available in the Stadium Drive a short walk the street from the stadium. The procedure may be slightly different on weekday afternoons, so check the Princeton website if this applies to you. The Princeton Branch of NJ Transit, more commonly known as the Dinky, is a short commuter rail line (the shortest in the country in fact) connecting Princeton's campus with Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. From the station, the stadium is about a 20-25 minute walk. Once inside, restrooms are located at the top of the seating area. Given the small crowds, they are of a more than sufficient size. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Princeton soccer games is free. Parking is free too, and concessions are affordable. As a result, a game at Roberts Stadium can be an excellent value. Extras 1 There are banners and displays all over Denunzio Pool dedicated to the history and accomplishments of Princeton swimming & diving and water polo. Final Thoughts Water polo is not the most popular college sport, especially on the east coast, and as a result, Princeton water polo is a pretty basic matchday experience. However, if you are a fan of the sport or just wanting to check out something new, you may want to head down to Denunzio Pool.

Photos by Brian Wilmer Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Corbett Sports Center John W. Mitchell Dr & N. Benbow Dr. Greensboro, NC 27411 North Carolina A&T Aggies website Corbett Sports Center website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 6,700 The Key to The Lock There are many well-known college basketball venues around the nation, with a lot of them residing in North Carolina. You have the Cameron Crazies at Duke , the blue heaven of North Carolina , and many others. These facilities are loaded with storied atmospheres and unrivaled basketball history. For as great as those places are if you consider yourself a true basketball fan, there is nothing like a basketball game on an HBCU campus. One such campus resides in Greensboro, North Carolina at North Carolina A&T. There are so many things of which to take note of in this place. The Blue and Gold Marching Machine. The Greensboro Four. The Lock. The Dawg Pound. Ten-plus NCAA appearances. A visit to the Corbett Sports Center — as with many Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) schools — is not just a visit to see a game. It’s a party, a history lesson and so much more. Food & Beverage 3 There is not an abundance of food and drink at the Corbett Sports Center, but what is around will more than suffice. The vending signs at the three stands (two by the staircases that lead downstairs to the reserved seating, and another near the women’s restroom on the reserved level) are divided into three categories. The entrees consist of barbecue sandwiches, nachos, and jumbo beef hot dogs. Each entry on this portion of the menu is priced at $4. There are also three snack-related items listed on the menu board. Popcorn ($3), candy ($2), and king-size candy ($3) are all listed. Chips hang from a rack behind the counter at some of the stands, though no price was listed on the board when I visited. Bottled Pepsi products ($3) and water ($2) are available to wash down your food purchases. There is also a soda machine available in the lobby, with drinks priced at $1.50. However, you will need to get your drink and go through it as fast as humanly possible before entering the arena or waiting until the game is over. Atmosphere 4 There is a distinct difference between a conference game at A&T and a non-conference game. There are several great rivalries across the MEAC for the Aggies, including North Carolina Central , South Carolina State , and Howard , among others. The magic of these rivalries may be enough to convince you to attend a game with one of these schools in Greensboro. Two separate gates will allow you to gain entry into the gym area. The gates enter on the concourse level, with bleacher seating above the concourse and reserved seating downstairs. The staircases to access the reserved level are opposite the entry doors. The concourse completely rings the seating area, allowing an open view of the game from almost anywhere within the gym itself. Also opposite the entry doors is a bleacher section that almost entirely contains the Blue & Gold Marching Machine. The A&T band is the highlight of the game for many, and it is easy to understand why when listening to them. The band plays an extended set as the teams are warming up before the game, as well as during the halftime break. If anything, though, the band could be featured even more. Some of the breaks in the action are a bit calmer than some of A&T’s conference brethren, and the extremely loud (and fun) band or the musical selection over the PA could stand to be amped up all the more to keep the crowd involved during stoppages in play. The school features an Aggie mascot that wanders through the crowd and occasionally performs dance routines on the floor. He also participates in the musical chairs competition that is held at halftime, usually involving several A&T students. The cheerleading team performs the standard routines, but with a slight twist. The cheerleaders travel to the different seating sections to perform their routines for each section. This is an unusual touch that helps keep the fans involved from the floor to the ceiling. There are no extravagant video boards to be found in the facility. A simple center-hung scoreboard can be seen above the floor from every angle of the gym. There are also wall-hung scoreboards above the floor in two corners. These scoreboards are easy to read but do not offer more than just basic statistical information. It is also impossible to write this piece without mentioning public address announcer John Allen. Allen’s booming voice can be heard throughout the game, and his frequent calls to “Aggie Nation” to make noise or honor their team are a standard at any A&T event. Neighborhood 1 North Carolina A&T’s location along US 29 away from downtown means that pre and post-game activities within a walking distance of the university are extremely limited. As mentioned in the reviews of the other Aggie athletic facilities, most of the opportunities for nightlife and dining areas in the downtown district of the city. Should you want a quick meal near the university, there are several fast food choices available nearby on the Cone Boulevard exits, along with other surrounding areas. Fans 5 North Carolina A&T does not have bandwagon fans. Keep this in mind for any visit you may ever make to Corbett Sports Center. Fans of all ages make their way to Aggie contests, and they are loud from beginning to end. The night I attended featured an attendance that was nowhere near capacity, but it was tough to know that fact without looking around. Whether the team is winning or losing, Aggie fans will show up in their blue and gold and yell from the opening tip to the final buzzer. I also have to commend the Aggie fans on their knowledge of their team and those of the conference. I was approached by a fan as I left the arena, and he and I carried on a 15-minute conversation about A&T basketball and their chances in the conference schedule. That rarely — if ever — happens, even at the larger basketball schools. Access 4 Travel to an A&T game is rather easy by air, car, or mass transit. If you are flying to Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad International Airport is within 15-20 minutes of the university. There are two major interstates (85 and 40) within a few minutes of the university, with Interstates 73 and 74 just miles away. US 29, 70, and 220 are also within five minutes of your parking space. There are several free parking spaces available in the university run lots off Benbow Drive near the facility. Be careful when parking for weeknight games, as some of the lots are restricted by permits. The available parking spaces are within a short walk of the arena, so there is no need to pack your hiking gear before leaving your car. The concourse around the gym is suitably wide and offers plenty of room to maneuver. The restrooms are in somewhat unusual locations, as they can be found under the bleacher seats at the bottom of the staircases. The facilities are clean and suitable for the crowds that attend Aggie games. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices at A&T vary based on where you choose to sit. The reserved chairback seats at the floor level are nice, though it is up to the purchaser whether they are worth the investment. The reserved seats are $25 per game, with the general admission bleacher seats priced at $15. Children (ages 12 and under) are $10. Should you choose the bleacher seats, be advised that even the highest-pitched seats at this price point still provide a reasonable view of the game. With small game programs provided free at the entry gates, the cost for a general admission seat, parking, hot dog, and bottled soda totals $22. This is a reasonable investment for basketball at this level, but the reserved seat pricing cannot enjoy the same claim. Extras 3 One of the more interesting extras about the Corbett Sports Center is immediately apparent when walking into the building. Three trophy cases to the left of the ticket booth illustrate much of the history of A&T sports. All three cases are full, and they provide a fun and educational few minutes of review on your way into or out of the arena. Along with the previously mentioned free programs, there is also a table of free Aggie promotional items between the ticket booth and the gates. Posters, schedules, and other A&T paraphernalia are stacked on the table and are ready for the taking. The history component of the trophy cases has already been mentioned, but there is one more inside the arena. If you look above the gym floor, the banners honoring the numerous championships and NCAA tournament appearances for the men and women ring the rafters. It is always a joy to see a school that honors its history, and A&T certainly has more than its share to put on display. Final Thoughts Though the Corbett Sports Center will never feature groups of students waiting in tents in a camping area named after their coach or anything of the sort, there is much value to be found in a trip to Greensboro. From the interlocking “AT” logo on the floor (known as “The Lock”) to the occasional “Aggie Pride” call-and-response, your location — and level of enjoyment — will never be in doubt.

Compadre Stadium Postcard Our second of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Compadre Stadium, Chandler, AZ, built in 1985, served as the spring training home of the Milwaukee Brewers from 1986 – 1997. State-of-the-art when it opened, the complex included several batting cages, on-site practice fields, and six practice pitching mounds. Compadre Stadium was the first in the Cactus League to have a lawn-seating area in the outfield. It had its very own little artificial lake. And, for the first time, the Brewers had their own clubhouse in their own spring facility. Compadre Stadium Lawn Seating, Photo Courtesy of Chandler Historical Society “Oh, what a great place to watch a Cactus League game. Fans and players mingled on the concourse before the game as there seemed to be no barrier separating them. The view from anywhere was awesome. The game was right in front of you (think 3D). And the tailgating on the huge grass parking lot was fantastic. That was before Spring Training became the $$$$-producing industry it is today…” reminisces one fan. “Game days were simpler.” It cost two dollars to park when it first opened with the lot located behind the outfield, and the entrance to the park located behind home plate, so it was a decent car-to-bleacher hike for the time. Plenty of fans came down from Wisconsin annually, and yes, tailgating was big back then too. It was, however, the only Cactus League stadium where players had to walk through the bleachers to get from the clubhouse to the dugout, which can be a good thing or not depending on if you were a player or a fan. The press box was open air and private boxes were not part of the design in 1985. The stadium experienced a boiler explosion within the first four days of opening which injured nine players and coaches. Many residents and visitors considered Chandler “too far” back then. At the time, the stadium was built in the middle of farm land when Chandler was not the vibrant town it is today. It was as though the stadium was plopped in a field with only planned residences and subdivisions making up the neighborhood. And, of course, roads and highways were not as developed back then either. The Brewers moved to Maryvale Baseball Park on the west side of Phoenix in 1998. Compadre Stadium remained unused, sat vacant, and was used for livestock grazing until its demolition in 2014. Compadre Stadium – Sheep Grazing, Photo Courtesy of East Valley Tribune Today, restaurants, take out food, a shopping center, and a gated subdivision makes up what was once the ballpark. A Holiday Inn and a golf course sit across the street. In fact, the address where the stadium was located – 1425 W Ocotillo Rd – doesn’t exist anymore. The closest is 1401 W Ocotillo Rd which is a small shopping center with a gated subdivision beyond that. Could this have been the artificial lake? Probably not; shrubbery is too small for being from 1986. Compadre Stadium is a small shopping center now Some greenery in front of the shopping center. No plaques or indication there ever was a ball field here. I find that sad.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Multipurpose Stadium 240 S 31st St Philadelphia, PA 19104 Penn Quakers website Multipurpose website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 450 Penn Softball Note: The stadium name changed from Multidimensional Amphitheater to Multipurpose Stadium since Stadium Journey last visited. The University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn or UPenn, is a private Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Penn is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Benjamin Franklin is Penn’s founder. The university has also produced many alumni, which include 14 heads of state (including two U.S. Presidents) and 25 billionaires. Penn allows undergraduates access to courses at all of Penn’s undergraduate and graduate schools, except the medical, veterinary and dental schools. Undergraduates at Penn may also take courses at Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Swarthmore, under a reciprocal agreement known as the Quaker Consortium. Penn’s sports teams are nicknamed the Quakers. Built as part of Penn Park the Multidimensional Amphitheater is the home of the Penn softball program. It opened in 2011. It is located next door to the Hamlin Tennis Center, Penn’s tennis center. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at the Multidimensional Amphitheater or in any other place within the Penn Park athletic field. Plan on bringing your own food. Atmosphere 3 Penn Park and the athletic facilities located within, have a nice distinct, almost futuristic look and feel. The architecture is pretty stunning. The softball stadium is a basic affair otherwise, running behind home plate between the bases. The seats themselves are nice, but remind me of what you would experience at a state or national park campfire auditorium, as the floors are basic gravel. The view towards some of the tall buildings of Philadelphia is worth a trip to the stadium alone. Neighborhood 5 There is no real neighborhood to the stadium as it is inside of Penn Park, a set of athletic fields for the university. You will find plenty of shops and restaurants to satisfy almost any appetite. The best bet is to find a food truck, as they will be plentiful around the campus. I was lucky to find the Insomnia Cookies truck on 33rd St between Market And Chestnut just as they had some fresh cookies coming out of the oven. There are a lot less food trucks on weekend games, unfortunately. Also located nearby at Drexel University is a location of Landmark Americana (3333 Market St), which is a great option for post game eating. This restaurant offers a nice choice of meals and has a large bar, as well. For Saturday games, look out for the $10 all-you-can-eat wings special. They also offer numerous drink specials at the bar. Also nearby is Wahoo’s Fish Tacos (3180 Chestnut St.), which is primarily a west coast chain, so finding them here is pretty special. If driving, consider Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue for traditional Philly cheesesteaks. This is not one of the more touristy spots, but is still in a safe neighborhood and offers free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. Fans 2 The majority of the fans are friends and family of the athletes. The ones in attendance all seem quite knowledgeable of the game. Access 2 There is not a lot of parking in the area. Parking will not be cheap, as this is Philadelphia and no parking is cheap. Plan on paying at least $15. You can enter the Penn Park lots at River Fields Drive and may be able to find some cheaper parking. Interstate 76, the Schuylkill Expressway, is right behind the university and is very busy. But it would make a convenient way to get to the game. Public transportation is easy to find and use. SEPTA mass-transit system is right off campus, and Amtrak’s 30th Street train station is a short walk away. Return on Investment 4 Aside, from parking, there is no charge to attend a UPenn softball game. Extras 3 The view of Philadelphia is worth the trip by itself. Stop on your way to see the amazing Franklin Field just off to the side of the softball field and Penn Park. The stadium has been open since 1895 and is an amazing venue. Franklin Field is also the site of the annual Penn Relays track and field meet. This event gets the biggest crowds yearly for the stadium. Also check out the Mondschein Throwing Complex, located on the old softball field, as it is also nearby and offers a great facility for field events. Final Thoughts There is no cost to attend this unique facility, other than parking. If in Philadelphia, you should look to see if you can fit a game into your schedule.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Pioneer Park 135 Shiloh Rd Greeneville, TN 37743 Greeneville FlyBoys website Pioneer Park website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 56,000 Flying High in Greeneville The Appalachian League celebrated its 100th anniversary in Greeneville, Tennessee in 2021. The first team was the Burley Cubs who operated on and off until 1942, and it wasn’t until 2004 when baseball came back that the Houston Astros, followed by the Cincinnati Reds, placed a club at the new ballpark. The construction of Pioneer Park was a philanthropic endeavor from Tusculum alumni Scott Niswonger. The local businessman donated $5 million for the construction of the baseball stadium for the college and then the minor league ball club. It returned professional baseball to town for the first time since 1942. In 2021, a new era of summer collegiate baseball began at Pioneer Park with the introduction of the Greeneville Flyboys. The name pays homage to the historic airfield that once existed on the site of the ballpark at Tusculum University. They were both built on an airfield that was used for World War II and closed two years after the fighting ended in 1947. Food & Beverage 3 There is the main concession stand on the concourse that offers items from hot dogs, brats, burgers, barbecue sandwiches, nachos, pizza, and barbecue nachos for anywhere from $3 to $7. Coca-Cola products are available for purchase at $3 to $5. Beer is sold in 16 and 24-ounce cups at $5 and $6. There are various points of sale throughout the ballpark as well, offering similar items. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark was built to double a standard that includes awning-covered seats from the foul line to the foul line that is enveloped by a brick interior and exterior. All of the 2,572 seats are theater-style and painted in dark green. The look is similar to many higher-level ballparks from the last 25 years but stands out quite well in the Appy League. There is usually a nice crowd of around 1,000 or so folks at the game, but the ballpark feels much larger than it should. The concourses are wide and spacious, grass seating is available down the third baseline, and a team store called The Flight Deck offers a selection of new gear from caps to t-shirts. The two things that stand out at Pioneer Park are its ornate entrance that features large baseball sculptures, a baseball-shaped garden, a brick tower, and beautifully landscaped trees and bushes. The second area is the Greeneville Baseball Museum which is inside the team offices that also features a baseball-shaped ceiling, plus a glass-encased exhibit of both professional and collegiate baseball in the city. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is located on the campus of Tusculum College and it blends in quite nicely with surrounding buildings on the 140-acre campus. Head into town and visit the Andrew Johnson Historic Site on Monument Ave. The 17th president of the United States is from Greeneville and is honored throughout the city. You can visit the City Garage Car Museum if you are not feeling presidential. There are quite a bit of restaurants nearby to choose from that including Brumley’s, Butcher’s Block, Smoking Pig BBQ, Aunt Bea’s, FATZ, and Gondolier Italian Restaurant. As with a few other cities in the Appy League, Pioneer Park is close to two other clubs in the league. TVA Credit Union Ballpark in Johnson City and Riverside Park in Elizabethon are both within less than an hour’s drive. It is more than possible to squeeze in three games during a two-day stay, or perhaps a multiple-city doubleheader when in town. Fans 3 The Flyboys have a nice selection of fans who come out to the ballpark and cheer on the home team. They take notice of the action on the field, applaud when the team scores, and comment when they do not agree with the umpire. A few enjoy just being at the game with friends and family. Access 4 Once inside the ballpark, the seating bowl allows fans to walk down to their seat. A large concourse wraps from the foul line to the foul line providing ample room to move around during the game. Concessions, the team shop, restrooms, and an information booth are located on the wide concourse. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is $7 and $8, concession prices are affordable, and parking is free for all games. It is a beautifully constructed ballpark that is in a class all by itself in the Appy League. The setting around the ballpark is also quite nice. Extras 3 The ballpark earns a point for the Greeneville Baseball Museum, the baseball-shaped garden at the main entrance, and the stadium-style seats throughout the seating bowl. Final Thoughts A nice, little ballpark in the Appy League. It should be included on your next visit to the area where multiple stadiums in the league are available for a long weekend of baseball and fun.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Capital One Park 1600 Scotts Crossing Road McLean, VA 22102 Capital One Park website Potomac League website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 300 Northern Virginia's Hidden Baseball Gem Located in Tysons, Virginia, bounded by elevated metro tracks and a highway interchange, Capital One Park is Northern Virginia's newest baseball stadium. Opened in 2023, the ballpark is located in Capital One Center, a mixed use development adjacent to Capital One Headquarters that also includes a hotel, a concert hall, shops, and restaurants. During the summer, Capital One Park is home to the Potomac League, a summer collegiate baseball league consisting mostly of players with ties to the area. Similar to the United Shore and Mavericks Leagues, the Potomac League consists of seven teams all playing at one centralized location. Two or three games are played per day, creating an opportunity for a day full of baseball. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of the Plates Loaded food truck behind the grandstand. Although it has a limited menu, the food is high-quality. Burgers are $5 (add $1 for cheese) and are big and juicy, hot dogs are $4, pretzels are $4, chips are $2, and water and soft drinks are $. The service here is very quick, our food was ready and waiting for us at the next window before we even finished paying. Atmosphere 4 Capital One Park is a small, intimate ballpark, with 300 chairback seats located behind home plate. Some of the upper rows are in the shade, which will come in handy on a hot summer day. There are also some picnic tables located down the lines for groups. No matter where you sit, you will have a great view of the action. The league organizers do a great job getting fans involved. There are between-inning contests for kids every two innings or so, and with so many contests and so few fans, and with so many contests and so few fans, if your kid wants to participate in one, they will probably be able to. There are also giveaways such as t-shirt and sunglass tosses, and given how small the ballpark is, your chances of getting one are better than they'd be almost anywhere else. Elevated Metro tracks run beyond the first base line, making this one of a handful of ballparks around the country where you can see trains pass during the game. Trains will pass by frequently throughout the game. Neighborhood 5 Although Capital One Park has a McLean address, the area surrounding the stadium is more properly classified as Tysons, one of the fastest growing business districts in the country in the heart of Fairfax County.. Tysons is regarded as a classic example of an edge city - an area of the suburbs that feels more comparable to the downtown area of a city. In fact, due to severe restrictions on heights of buildings in the District of Columbia, this feels more like a classic downtown than Downtown DC does. As mentioned above, the park is part of Capital One Center, which also contains a concert hall, several shops and restaurants, the Watermark Hotel, and Capital One headquarters itself. The Perch is located on the roof of Capital One Hall and features food trucks, a beer garden, a putt-putt course, and more open space to hang out. Several other restaurants will be opening soon in Capital One Center but are not open as of time of writing, including a pizza place and a taqueria. There are plenty of other places to hang out in Tysons as well. The area is famous for not one but two giant shopping malls, Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria, which offer a wide variety of shopping and dining including the original Apple Store. Founding Farmers is a popular American restaurant, and Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse famous for its large salad bar. Whatever you want to do, you will probably find it in Tysons. Fans 2 Most of the fans are friends or family of the players on the teams, although there are some families with young children as well. As most of these players played high school ball locally and have family in the area, the crowds can decently fill the 300-seat stands, although it does tend to empty out between games before the new fans come in. That being said, based on the overall numbers, this is not a large crowd at all and it seems most locals don't even realize this place exists. Access 4 How easy it is to get to Capital One Park depends on what time of day you are coming. Rush hour traffic in Northern Virginia is some of the worst in the country, and it is especially bad in Tysons, where numerous highways converge with not enough space to accommodate all movement between them. If you are coming any other time, traffic should probably be lighter, and you can take your choice of the Capital Beltway, State Route 267, or State Route 123, among others. We suggest using a GPS app such as Waze to take you around traffic and on the best possible route. Once you arrive, parking is available in a lot next to the stadium for $5 for one game or $10 for the whole day. A garage near Wegman's is available if that lot fills up. The Silver Line of the Washington Metro runs right by the stadium, with the McLean station a short walk away. Unfortunately this does mean people will use the lot for Metro parking even though they are not supposed to, and if coming on a weekday, you may find the it full even if you arrive well in advance. Restrooms are available, including a family restroom, and are of a sufficient size for the crowd, although the metal toilets and sinks are an odd touch that seems out of place here. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $5 and get you into all games played that day, making this an excellent value. The ticket booth only takes cash, so be prepared, although the food truck accepts credit cards. . Extras 1 Look on the concourse for the statue of Bruno the Bear, the official mascot of Capital One Park. Bruno is based on a real bear who made headlines in October 2022 after he was spotted roaming the streets of Tysons and the surrounding area. Final Thoughts Capital One Park is situated in an odd location, surrounded by highway interchanges, elevated train tracks, and numerous mixed-use buildings. Few Northern Virginia residents know it exists, and even those who work in Tysons and drive by it every day may not give it much thought. However, the Potomac League has found a way to create a great atmosphere her. With two or even three games played back-to-back, you can take in a whole day of baseball here and have a great time.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 #The Lucky Corner-Memorial Park 31050 Woodward Ave. Royal Oak, MI 48073 Royal Oak Leprechauns website Memorial Park website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 600 Leprechauns Feeling Lucky in Royal Oak The Royal Oak Leprechauns are members of the Northwoods League and call Memorial Park home. The team has made many renovations to the field that they dub “The Lucky Corner”, which only a few years ago was nothing more than a worn-out dirt infield that was showing its age. The improvements began with a generous donation from Major League All-Star and two-time batting champion D.J. LeMahieu, who went to high school in nearby Brother Rice and knows team owner Mark Sackett, resulting in a brand new playing surface. His donations helped improve the ballfield, which includes an artificial turf infield and a natural grass outfield. More changes included new plastic seating for lumbar support in the bleacher-style seating grandstand, a new scoreboard, fencing, updated dugouts, a press box, and asphalt surfacing around the field. The little ballpark not only looks much different but feels much like a place for summer collegiate baseball in Metro Detroit. The Leprechauns joined the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League in 2016 and were based out of Adrian, Michigan, at Siena Heights University. They couldn’t draw crowds for games with what Sackett believed was “people heading to the lakes instead of the ballfield in the summer.” The club looked at other areas outside of Detroit and announced plans to open the 2020 season in Royal Oak in the fall of 2019. In October of 2023, the ball club announced it was moving into the Northwoods League for the 2024 season. However, financing more than COVID-19 quelled relocation plans, and the Leprechauns might have moved to Grand Rapids if it wasn’t for LeMahieu’s generosity. The improvements to Memorial Park cost $400,000 and were privately funded, costing taxpayers not one penny. The team signed an agreement with the city for 10 years and hopes for a little luck on the field and in the standings. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage tables are located on the 3rd base side of the ballpark. The choices include grilled burgers, peanuts, hot dogs, and brats. There are also homemade cookies and, from what I have been told, fried Lucky Charms. The pizza is from Tania’s Pizza which offers a stuffed crust pizza with cheese or pepperoni. It is unusual, but very popular at the ballpark. Ice cream is served in a cone or a cup and topped with sprinkles. Beverages include a variety of beer, canned cocktails, and hard seltzers, and fans can purchase a beer bat to enjoy their favorite drink. They include Miller Lite, Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, Simply Hard Lemonade, White Claw, Modelo, and High Noon. On certain nights, the alcohol is discounted, but they will cost you no more than $5 on most game nights. Atmosphere 4 Team management turns the city park into an inviting place for baseball with team banners on the exterior fencing, food tents with team colors and logos, and a game-day staff of around 14 assisting with on-field promotions, in between inning contests, and PA announcements. There is a strong minor-league baseball atmosphere demonstrated during the night that should appeal to many fans. However, there are enough areas to keep score and watch the game. The ballpark has a capacity of 600, and its grandstand is made up of aluminum bleachers fitted with yellow and green plastic chairbacks. They add a colorful aesthetic to the scenery, as do the multiple trees surrounding the ballpark from the inside and outside fencing. A large fence with netting makes up the backstop, and the synthetic infield features the city’s official logo. Fans can purchase t-shirts and caps at the souvenir table behind home plate fans can stroll down the 3rd baseline for more views of the game, grab a bite at the food trucks when available, or mingle with friends and family in the stands. The team mascot Paddy O’Dingers makes his rounds during the game, and kids run the bases and high-five players after the game. Neighborhood 3 Royal Oak has a population of 57,000 plus and is known as The City of Trees. It has over 50 parks, and a downtown offering options for dining, nightlife, and shopping, and is home to the Detroit Zoo. There is enough to do to keep you busy after the game in the city, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Detroit. There are plenty of places to eat that include variety in town. Pronto Royal Oak is a cafe offering sandwiches and homemade soups with giant cookies for dessert. Bigalora Wood-Fired Cucina serves Neapolitan, wood-fired pizzas, and gelato. The Morrie Royal Oak features barbecue plates, pub fare, and cocktails in a music-themed roadhouse with live entertainment. KouZina Greek Street Food is a relaxed counter-service restaurant for Greek food. The Royal Oak Brewery offers a beer garden and homemade entrees. Fans 3 There has been a huge support for the Leprechauns since they arrived in Royal Oak. The fanbase packs the stadium throughout multiple promotional and weekend nights. It is a cheaper alternative than heading downtown to watch the Tigers at Comerica Park . There appear to be repeat customers who enjoy the baseball, the atmosphere, the pricing, and the easy commute from their homes. Access 3 Memorial Park is small but easy to get around the main concourse behind the backstop. The grandstand seating can be a little tight for some of us; there is plenty of room to spread out when needed. There is still more room behind the left field corner of the ballpark where trees, grass areas, and picnic tables are. The bathrooms are located a little bit and conveniently behind the left field sense. There is a large parking lot in front of the main entrance for easy access from your car. Return on Investment 5 The price of a ticket is $7, merchandise is between $20-$25 for caps or shirts, and a beer will cost you no more than $5. It does not get much better than this at any summer collegiate ballpark, and when you add the promotions and team gusto, it’s even better. It makes for a fun night of baseball with friends and family. Extras 3 Memorial Park earns a lot of extra points for this review. They include the green and yellow seating in the grandstand, various in-game promotions, and structural improvements to the ballfield and stadium. The vibe is alive at the Lucky Corner Ballpark. Final Thoughts You should check out a Leprechauns game if you are in Detroit. The affordable tickets and concessions make it an ideal spot for any ballpark traveler or anyone living within a reasonable distance from the stadium. You see a lot of different atmospheres in the Northwoods League, but they have something happening in Royal Oak. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Shuford Stadium 2295 Yost St Salisbury, NC 28144 Catawba Indians website Shuford Stadium website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 4,000 Football Enclave in NC As you drive into Salisbury, North Carolina you might not be able to tell that Catawba College exists except for the signage pointing you there. But nestled among the trees and beautiful old brick buildings you will find Shuford Stadium, home of the Catawba College Indians. Here you will find a venerable stadium that offers a lot more than you might expect from a D2 college football venue. Food & Beverage 3 While Shuford Stadium does not boast a ton of food and beverage options, there is more than enough to keep you from going hungry during the game. There are three identical concession stands, one behind the visitors’ side and two under the home stands, that offer chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and caramel corn, chips, and packaged candy. Nothing is over $5, and you can even get snow cones from a food truck near the visitor stands if you need something to help you beat the North Carolina temperatures. Beverage options at Shuford Stadium include bottled Coke products or PowerAde for $2.50, and bottled water for $2 all of the concessions prices here are very reasonable and cheaper than you will find at most college sports venues. Atmosphere 4 Like many football stadiums at smaller colleges and universities, the multi-purpose venue at Catawba College has a track around the outside, and the field itself is also used for lacrosse. The stands on the home side look very modern and include a press box and suites, while the stands on the visitor’s side are accented with brickwork. The stadium is also partially surrounded by trees, giving a pleasing aesthetic, and there is berm seating behind one of the end zones – you might have to bring your lawn chair if you don’t want to sit on the grass, but the berm seating is very popular with fans, as it lets you sit in the shade under the trees as you watch the action. Sitting in the Shade at Shuford Stadium, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Shuford Stadium does not have a video board yet, but there is a fairly large scoreboard behind one end zone that is easily visible from even the furthest seats to help fans keep up with the stats during the contest. The staff also provides some entertainment at halftime, in the form of the Catawba Indians band and dance team, to keep fans entertained during the break. Except for the ones right in front of the press box, all of the seats here are benches without chair backs, but given the size of Shuford Stadium, you are close to the action no matter where you sit. Neighborhood 3 Salisbury, NC is your quintessential rural small town, with a population of under 34K living in an area of about 18 square miles. Despite its small size the town boasts a theological seminary and three colleges, including Catawba and Livingstone, and offers several options for fans in town for the day or weekend. A few restaurants close to Shuford Stadium include College Barbecue, Romano’s Italian Cuisine, and DJ’s Restaurant, a lounge-style bar that offers live music. For fans of the outdoors, nearby Hurley Park offers gardens and trails for walking or quiet reflection, or those with an interest in history can check out the NC Transportation Museum a few miles to the west. And, if you plan to be in town overnight there are plenty of hotels near the stadium (at the I-85 exit), including a Comfort Suites and a Courtyard by Marriott. Fans 2 Shuford Stadium boasts a really solid fan base for a D2 football school, with plenty of fans showing up to support the Indians during games (though by no means a sellout). The home stands are a lot more crowded than the visitors’ side as you might expect, and you will also see numerous fans sitting on the hill in the berm seating; a few who want an even closer view will even set up chairs almost immediately behind the end zones, which is permitted at this venue. Access 5 Getting to Shuford Stadium could not be much easier – located in Salisbury, NC along with crosstown D2 football rival Livingstone, the venue is only a few miles off I-85 and offers free parking in a large lot right behind the stadium. There is no traffic to worry about as you approach, even if you are arriving within a few minutes of kickoff, and event staff are friendly and courteous in helping you find parking and the entrances. Once you get to the venue, getting in and out is super easy thanks to the numerous entrances and the short lines. The concessions stands are also easy to get to, with plenty of space in front of them so fans trying to find their seats are not blocked by those waiting in line; there are also plenty of napkin and condiment stations, and more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the size of the crowd. Also, while there are a lot of fans in attendance the stands are by no means full, which means you have the option to spread out if you want to. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Catawba Indians game at Shuford Stadium is highly recommended if you can make the trip – tickets start at just $10 for general admission seats (or you can pay $5 more for the chair backs), and concessions here are cheaper than at most of the sports venues you may have visited in the past. Throw in the free parking, ease of access, and beautiful setting, and you could bring your whole crew here for a pleasant day watching football without even getting close to breaking the bank. Extras 3 The beautiful brickwork is a plus, and the Indians have plenty of signage around the stadium promoting the college and its numerous sports programs, including a wall of championship banners behind one of the end zones. The trees surrounding the venue are also a nice touch, giving Shuford Stadium that idyllic setting that should always accompany the best sport there is. Final Thoughts If you have a chance to see a game at Shuford Stadium I would highly recommend it – though it may be overlooked in a state with several other big-time football programs, the atmosphere and setting at Catawba make it well worth the trip.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 Scott Park Field Nebraska Ave and Parkside Blvd Toledo, OH 43607 Toledo Rockets website Scott Park Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 1,000 (Not So) Great Scott The Toledo Rockets baseball team plays at Scott Park Field. Located on Scott Park campus, and named for Jesup W. Scott who donated the land in 1872, the Rockets have played here since 1992. Like many small college baseball programs, there is little to capture your attention or imagination other than the game itself. The Rockets are a part of the Mid-American Conference. The program has never made an appearance in the College World Series, and they have never won a MAC championship. In a town with a strong baseball tradition, it is a shame that the Rockets haven’t been able to become a part of that fabric. The Toledo Mud Hens have a fantastic ballpark in Fifth Third Field , but you’ll find that Scott Park Field is just the basics. Food & Beverage 1 There is one small concession stand which services both the baseball field and nearby softball field. The options are very limited. Hot dogs ($3), cracker jack ($3), candy ($3), and chips ($1.50) make up the whole of your food selections. Pepsi products are available ($3), as is coffee and hot chocolate ($2) for those colder April days. Atmosphere 2 Find a spot on the cold metal bleachers that make up the seating area which stretches from dugout to dugout. There are no nets here, but instead, a large metal backstop to prevent foul balls from traveling into the seating area. Programs for the day are available in the bleachers behind home plate along the fence, so you can find your stats and player names. The playing field itself has a symmetrical outfield with dimensions of 330-370-400-370-300 from left to right. You’ll hear pop music played between innings and the occasional announcement from the PA announcer. By and large, though, this is baseball in its simplest form, with little to distinguish the experience. Neighborhood 1 There is nothing within walking distance from the field and little within an immediate drive. I would recommend heading to downtown Toledo if you are spending some time in town and need something to eat. The Toledo Zoo is a short drive away and could be a good place to spend a few hours, but I was surprised to find a $14 entrance fee. I drove in quite a while trying to find something to eat before the game. Passing by fast food chains like Wendy’s and Church’s Chicken, I ended up visiting South End Pizza. There I found a slice for 99 cents to get me through the game. Fans 2 Few fans other than family braved the elements for a game with temperatures in the 30’s and the occasional snow flurry, and it was hard to blame them. The cold bleachers made the experience that much more frigid, so this may be a good place to bring a seat cushion or blanket to help keep warm during an April game. The location away from the other man athletic facilities of the Glass Bowl and Savage Arena make this a less than ideal setting for students to help bolster attendance. Access 4 Parking is free just outside the Findlay building. It is a lot that has signs indicating that a pass is necessary, but that did not seem to be the case during my visit as there are plenty of spaces available. The restrooms are small, clean, and best of all, warm. I made two trips to the restroom just to get a break from the cold winds that swept through the complex. Return on Investment 2 It is difficult to complain about free parking and a $5 admission fee, but for what you’re getting, it really should be free to enter. Kids can get in for just $1, and I was glad to see that discount, but once you get down to $1 admission, what’s the point? I would like to see the Toledo Rockets change this to free admission, and try to earn some revenue through an improved concession selection and perhaps some merchandise within the complex. For now, this is an experience that is not even worth the small cost associated with it. Extras 1 I appreciated that there were programs available so you could have the names of the players on both sides as well as updated stats. Otherwise, there was nothing unique or particularly exciting about the experience of attending a Toledo Rockets baseball game at Scott Park Field.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Milton Memorial Arena 77 Thompson Road Milton, ON L9T 6H7 Milton Menace website Milton Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 500 A Junior Hockey Menace The Milton Merchants were founded in 1966 and began as a Junior C team.  Eventually, they moved up to Junior A and were very successful, winning championships in 1997 and 1998.  The Merchants franchise continues today in the OJHL as the King Rebellion, however, the Merchants carved out a niche for Junior hockey in Milton.  Jason Tryfon purchased the Newmarket Hurricanes franchise in 2019 and moved them to the Milton Memorial Arena to become the Milton Menace. Located between Guelph and Toronto, Milton has been traditionally viewed as a commuter town.  Today, the city boasts a population of over 132,000.  The Menace calls the Milton Memorial Arena home.  A classic hockey barn, the Memorial Arena opened in 1974 and has seating for 500, with more for those who want to stand.  Although limited by some old bones, the Milton Menace has done just about everything possible to make it the best OJHL experience that the arena can provide. Food & Beverage 3 The Milton Memorial Arena has a simple snack bar-style concession area.  On the menu, fans can find hot dogs, nachos, pizza, chips, chicken wraps and popcorn.  Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Gatorade, water, and soda are the beverage options.  Coca-Cola products are the featured soda.  Concession prices are very reasonable.  A limited selection of beer is also available.  On the day of the game that was reviewed, tallboys were available for $5. Atmosphere 3 The Milton Memorial Arena has a very non-descript exterior.  Fans should know where they are heading, as it would not be difficult to pass the arena and not know.  The exterior features light brown brick and tan siding, and there is no sign on the building itself.  A sign can be seen from the street and shared with the Lions Club Hall and Lions Sports Park, with four lines of manually changeable messages. Inside the arena, fans are met with a small lobby on the southwest side of the arena.  Temporary tables welcome fans with sales for tickets and the 50/50 draw.  A small trophy case in the lobby is filled with Milton Menace merchandise and acts as a display.  Past the lobby and into the arena area, it is immediately obvious that this is the home of the Milton Menace.   The outer side of the boards and the entire southwest end are painted black and gold with Menace markings.  The ice is oriented from northeast to southwest, with the seating on the northwest side.  The seating is made of eleven rows of wooden benches that are painted black.  The arena interior has low profile support beams, painted a light colour, with silver insulation on the ceiling.  Banners from the Milton Merchants championships, including Junior B titles from 1992 and Junior A championships from 1997 and 1998, hang at the northeast end of the rink.  A memorial banner from the Humboldt Broncos from 2018 also hangs on the northeast side.  The Broncos played in a Junior A league that is a part of the CJHL, of which the OJHL is also a part.  Although Humboldt, Saskatchewan, is far from Milton, the banner is a reminder of the kinship that binds Junior hockey franchises.  A modern division banner from 2022 hangs above the Menace bench.  A simple digital score clock also hangs at the northeast end. The Menace offers a solid gameday experience.  The experience starts with the Menace flag being skated around the ice by a local minor hockey player.  There are plenty of on-ice promotions, probably more than other OJHL teams.  A favourite promotion is Mr. Glizzy’s Hot Dog Toss.  It’s just like it sounds.  The PA system at the Milton Memorial Arena is very good, and the Menace takes advantage of it with a variety of music being used during stoppages.  The Menace also has a strong social media presence and makes use of electronic programs and gameday emails.  They are a step ahead of other OJHL franchises. Neighbourhood 3 Milton Memorial Arena is located in the Clarke neighbourhood of Milton.  Right across the road is a large outdoor mall with a number of spots for food or drink.  Most are national chains including East Side Mario’s, Hero Certified Burgers, Mary Brown’s and Shoeless Joes.  Some more original options include Main Street Donuts, Milton Fish and Chips and Emma’s Kitchen.  As far as other sporting options, the Menace are pretty much the only game in town.  However, it is central to other OJHL teams including the Georgetown Raiders, Mississauga Chargers, Oakville Blades and Burlington Cougars.  Other tourist options include the FirstOntario Arts Centre, which is right across the parking lot from the arena, and Lions Park.  For fans wishing to stay near the arena, the Holiday Inn is not too far away. Fans 4 For the 2023 and 2024 seasons the Menace averaged around 370 fans per game.  In 2023 that ranked them 6th in the OJHL, easily in the top third.  Considering a small capacity of 500 at the Milton Memorial Arena, this is a pretty solid show of support.  The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive.  At the game that was reviewed, it appeared that a Menace game is a bit of a teen hangout, which is not necessarily a positive.  They definitely were notches on the turnstile, however, they were definitely not into the game and at times were disruptive to other fans.   Access 4 Milton Memorial Arena is located in the Clarke neighbourhood of Milton south of Highway 401.  Along with Lions Park, the arena is found between Thompson Road South and Main Street East.  It is less than 2 km from Highway 401, the main artery through Southern Ontario.  Traffic on the 401 can be an issue, so extra time should be given when coming from out of town.  Parking on site is free.  For those wishing to take public transit, there are Milton Transit buses that travel Thompson Road.  Fans should consult the Milton Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  The Milton Memorial Arena is an older building so traversing it for people with mobility issues may be a bit of a challenge.  The washroom facilities are also on the small side. Return on Investment 5 Taking in a Menace game offers a terrific return on investment.  Tickets for the Menace are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door.  Seniors and children can get a ticket for $5 each and children seven and under are free.  The Menace offer pretty much the cheapest ticket prices in the OJHL.  Parking is free and concession prices are very good.  In the end, the Menace is one of the most economical sporting options that fans could find and the product on the ice and gameday atmosphere are both solid. Extras 3 An extra mark for the strong social media presence that the Menace have. An extra mark for the Milton Menace making the most of their home rink, despite the limitations it offers. An extra mark for the Menace branding with a cool logo and excellent black and gold colour scheme. Final Thoughts There is a lot that the Milton Menace are doing right.  The Menace offer the best possible experience with the limitations of their older arena.  A trip to the Milton Memorial Arena for some OJHL hockey will satisfy the sports fan while not denting the pocketbook. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.