Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Aloha Stadium 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96818 Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors website Aloha Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 50,000 Football in the Pacific Aloha Stadium opened in 1975, and is located in Honolulu, Hawai’i. The stadium is home to the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors Football team, who currently compete in the Mountain West Conference. With a capacity of 50,000, Aloha Stadium is the largest venue in the state, and besides the Rainbow Warriors, the facility is home to the NCAA’s Hawai’i Bowl, and also hosts a swap meet every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday (except on football game days). Aloha Stadium was also home to the NFL’s Pro Bowl for many years, until the game was moved to Orlando. Food & Beverage   5 Aloha Stadium’s concessions offer a great mix of traditional stadium fare, such as hot dogs, pizza, and burgers, as well as a large complement of local favorites, including kalua pork, saimin, and malasadas. Before you decide what to get, however, be sure to walk around a bit first, as each stand features different items. Main dishes available at Aloha Stadium include plate lunches, a traditional meal in Hawai’i which includes rice and some type of meat, in this case beef stew, as well as saimin (a noodle soup dish), kalua pork (a traditional favorite at Hawaiian luaus, where the whole pig is cooked in an underground sand pit), gyros, salads, chicken wraps, cheesesteak, pizza, hot dogs (with or without chili), burgers, and chicken strips. Other items include roasted ears of corn, nachos, pretzels, boiled peanuts, French fries (regular or garlic), onion rings, churros, baklava, and two types of donuts (traditional and the aforementioned Hawaiian-style malasadas). Main dishes range from $4 to $12, while side and dessert items run $3.50 to about $6. There are not a ton of drink options available at Aloha Stadium, but alcohol is served, and there is even a beer garden on the upper level. Non-alcoholic selections include bottled water, coffee, and soda (from the fountain or in bottles), while alcohol selections include both domestic and premium beer on tap. Coffee is $2.75, bottled water is $3.50, soda starts at $4.75, and beer starts at $9. Atmosphere   3 The parking lots around Aloha Stadium make the venue appear deceptively full – even if you arrive two hours before kickoff, the parking lots seem packed, and there are seemingly thousands of fans outside tailgating and having a grand old time – members of the Rainbow Warriors marching band can even be spotted walking amongst the fans, banging their drums and cymbals in order to rev up the crowd. However, by the time the game begins, there are very few fans inside, so the venue is not able to generate much energy. On the plus side, Aloha Stadium has live bands performing during tailgating – you can find local bands set up on top of the entrance gates – and the marching band at Aloha Stadium is fun to watch during pregame (and again during halftime), particularly the flag bearers waving their brightly colored UH banners. Before kickoff you can see them spell out U-H, similar to pregame formations seen at other college football venues. However, be sure to arrive early, because there are two things you will NOT see elsewhere – first off, at Aloha Stadium you will hear two songs sung before kickoff: the US National Anthem, followed by the state song of Hawai’i, Hawaiʻi Ponoʻi. In addition, you will also witness the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors football team perform the Haka, a traditional Maori war dance. The Rainbow Warriors have been known to perform the Haka on the road as well, though in the past they have been penalized 15 yards for it. Neighborhood   5 Aloha Stadium is located within one mile of the Pearl Harbor historic sites, and is only a couple of miles from the Honolulu Airport. There are plenty of restaurants and attractions in the area, but you will likely need to drive to them, as the stadium is bordered by several freeways, and thus is not really pedestrian friendly. No visit to Oahu is complete without visiting the Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor, which commemorates the Japanese attack on December 7th, 1941, which led to the United States’ entry into World War II. Admission to the memorial is free, however, only 1300 walk-up tickets are available per day, so unless you book weeks or months in advance, you should plan on getting there at 7 am (when they open) to guarantee yourself a seat. Once there you can also purchase tickets to other sites, such as the Battleship Missouri Memorial (the site of Japan’s surrender, which ended World War II), the Pacific Aviation Museum (which houses one of the planes flown by former president George H. W. Bush), and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum. If you are looking for something to eat before or after the game, chop suey and sushi restaurants abound on the island, and there are also myriad small bakeries around, where you can purchase all manner of Hawaiian pastries and sweet breads – feel free to stop in at one as you pass by. However, two restaurants I would recommend are Lisa’s House on Dillingham Boulevard, and Restaurant 604. Lisa’s House is about 7 miles away from Aloha Stadium, towards Waikki, and while not much to look at from the outside, features great happy hour specials, and a fabulous kimchi Teri burger. Alternatively, Restaurant 604 offers both American and classic Hawaiian fare, and is not far from the stadium. There are plenty of hotels near Aloha Stadium, but the “best” ones are all out at Waikki (near the beach) – this is the resort area of the island, and the hotels there are priced accordingly, but cheaper options can be found closer to the airport. Fans   2 As mentioned previously, the parking lot may appear full, but there are very few fans in Aloha Stadium come game time. A few more fans will trickle in after kickoff, as a lot of fans stay outside partying until the first or second quarter, but even by halftime the stadium will be almost empty, and the Warriors’ ticket pricing doesn’t really take this into account – unlike some venues, Hawai’i does not close off certain sections due to lack of demand, so fans looking to save money will still purchase tickets in the upper deck, despite the fact there is plenty of room closer to the action. Access   3 Getting to and from Aloha Stadium can be tricky. For starters, the stadium is at least a 6-hour flight from the US mainland, and even if you live elsewhere in the islands, it will still take a boat ride or a plane trip to get to Oahu. If you are flying in, Honolulu Airport is the most convenient, as it will get you within a few miles of Aloha Stadium; H-1 is the main freeway to get you to the stadium itself, from either the east or the west. There is plenty of parking in the huge lots right outside Aloha Stadium for $7 per car, but you may want to arrive early, as they seem to fill up. Also, despite the very small crowd, getting out after the game takes a long time because there are only a couple of exits, so you may want to park close to those, rather than trying to get as close to the stadium as possible; this will mean a further walk, but will ultimately save you time. Once you get inside Aloha Stadium, there are plenty of restrooms and concessions stands to accommodate the small crowd, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any long lines. There are also escalators which you can use to get to the upper levels, which is a plus – these change direction about halfway through the game, so you can use them on your way out as well. Note that driving around Honolulu is difficult, even during the tourist “off-season”, as traffic is heavy, and there are a lot of one-way streets. Also, there is not enough parking on the island, so during certain hours of the day people are allowed to park in one of the traffic lanes, which restricts traffic even more. Also, note that some of the lanes on the main drags switch direction, so even though they are painted to go a certain way, cones will be set up to switch them to the opposite directions during certain hours. Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets to Rainbow Warriors football games start at $25 for upper level seats, but you can’t really move down to the lower levels (even though there is room), as there are staff members on hand guarding the entrances to each section. Parking is cheap, though, and concessions are reasonable – there are plenty of good options for fans on a budget. The biggest downside to attending a game at Aloha Stadium is simply the lackluster attendance. Extras   3 Hawai’i is a fabulous place to visit, so sports fans should take any excuse they can find to make the trip. Also, music is a huge part of the culture in Hawai’i, so having the chance to hear the state song sung in the native language, and witness the Maori war dance, are both great reasons to visit Aloha Stadium when you come to the islands. Final Thoughts While Aloha Stadium may lack the energy of many big-time college football programs, Hawai’i is an obvious destination for anyone, let alone college football fans, so consider a trip to the islands, perhaps the next time your favorite team plays the Rainbow Warriors on the road.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.57 Highland Stadium 9135 Erie Street Highland, IN 46322 Indiana Panthers website Highland Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 500 Making a Home at Highland High The Indiana Panthers are new to the Northern League for 2023. The ball club had called Crestwood, Illinois, home for over a decade before crossing the border into Indiana. The club was renamed Indiana to act as a mobile team that can be placed anywhere in The Region or when league membership is uneven. The Panthers last-minute move landed them at Highland High School in Highland, Indiana. The 500-seat stadium is your typical high school venue with two sets of aluminum bleachers and a press/concession stand in the middle. The layout is ideal for baseball in the league that operates in similar-style facilities. Food & Beverage 0 Unfortunately, the concession stand is closed during the game, and no food and beverages are available. It is a shame since a simple cool pop or a bag of chips would be all you need to pass your time watching baseball. Fans can bring food to the game but maybe not alcoholic beverages. Fortunately, there are plenty of nearby local and chain restaurants, but skip down to the neighborhood section of this review for more information. Atmosphere 1 If you like baseball and baseball only, this might be the place for 9- innings. There is not much else taking place than the game on the field. Be prepared to sit back in the aluminum bleachers and enjoy the ballgame. Unlike other members of the league, the Panthers do not provide much of a game-day atmosphere. You will not hear music, a PA announcer, witness one-field promotions, or even keep track of the game on the scoreboard (it was turned off). The few fans in attendance are a mix of family members, fans of the opposing team, and curious onlookers from the neighborhood. The atmosphere does include hearing players’ banter in the dugout, the crack of the bat, and the sounds of cheers and jeers on the field. An interesting sight is the foul balls that land on residential lawns retrieved by the players. Neighborhood 4 The high school is in a residential area of Highland, Indiana, but a few miles away from the busy US-41, where a myriad of shops, retail chains, and malls exist. The average fan will find almost everything they want in these various spots. Sophia's Pancake House, Kui Korean BBQ, Theo's Steak & Seafood, and Highland Gyros are on US-41, AKA Indianapolis Blvd. The Blue Top Drive-In is a throwback to the early 1960s that features burgers, fries, shakes, and a few muscle cars. It is a great spot for families. The Highland Grove Shopping Plaza offers a variety of regional chains that include Chipotle, Panda Express, Dave's Hot Chicken, Noodles & Company, Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery, and Naf Naf Grill. Lou Malnati's is home to Chicago-style deep-dish and thin-crust pizza. Fans 1 There is little fanfare at Panthers games. It is dominated by family members supporting their sons out on the field. You might gain a little interest from the opposing team's fans, but the fan support is light during games. Access 3 The stadium is located a mile or two from the busy US-41 corridor, and the small size makes it easy to move around during ball games. There are bathrooms and plenty of parking outside the stadium. Return on Investment 1 There is no charge for games or parking. However, the atmosphere is not anywhere close to what you would find at nearby league games in Crown Point, Griffin, and Whiting. Attending a game should be for the curiosity seeker during the summer months. . Extras 1 The stadium earns a point for being in an area where fans get a chance to watch players fetch balls out of neighborhood lawns and driveways. It is something to don't see any other ballparks. Final Thoughts Highland High School might be a temporary fix for the Northern League and worth checking out due to its proximity to nearby Griffin High School, less than 2 miles away. However, there are better ballpark experiences in the league and The Region. ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Michael Rusignuolo, and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Steinbrenner Field One Steinbrenner Road Tampa, FL 33614 New York Yankees Spring Training website Steinbrenner Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,386 The Pride of the Yankees George M Steinbrenner Field has been the home of the New York Yankees spring training since 1996. It was originally known as Legends Field, but the name of the stadium was changed in 2008, as the late Yankees owner had become very ill, and the team wanted to honor him while he was still alive so he would know about it. The stadium has a capacity of 11,026 and is the largest stadium in the Grapefruit League. Steinbrenner Field is also the only spring training facility in the city of Tampa. The stadium underwent a $40 million renovation in 2017. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage program at Steinbrenner Field has improved tremendously in recent years. This includes more food selection, types of dining options, and the number of concession locations in the stadium. The expansion of the concourses at Steinbrenner Field has allowed for many more concession stands to open. This consists of both static concession stands, as well as carts devoted to a specific product. The increase in the number of stands/carts has resulted in a decrease in congestion in the concourses and faster service. The types of dining options a fan is looking for have also greatly improved. First, a majority of fans just want a specific item as quickly as possible so they can get back to their seat and not miss much of the action. The traditional concession stands service this segment just fine. Other fans with a larger budget may want to consider dining in at Steinbrenner Field. The 2017 renovations included a pair of bars/restaurants with dine-in service. The Bullpen Club is open to all fans and is located above the right field foul line. The décor features the many great pitchers the Yankees have had over the years. The Third Base Club is on the left field side of the stadium. Its décor features the many sluggers that have worn the pinstripe uniforms of the Yankees. There are also sections where rounded tables and stools are located in right and left-center field that provide service on demand. Drinking rails and eating rails are also available in the outfield sections at Steinbrenner Field. Most importantly, the food selection and food quality have improved. You can order the stadium standards, but you also can order many non-traditional items as well. New York is a melting pot of people who have come to this country to better their lives. There are many stands or carts that feature distinct ethnic favorites to serve these fans. The concession stands tend to carry the more generic items like hot dogs and hamburgers, while carts often are representative of a certain brand or product like a Boar’s Head sandwich or a specific brewery’s beer. Atmosphere 5 Steinbrenner Field serves as a mini version of the Yankees home in the Bronx. This is readily apparent even before you enter through the stadium gates. There is a smaller version of Monument Park that honors 18 Yankee icons just outside of the stadium. You will also see a memorial to the victims of the 911 attacks and first responders nearby. This memorial includes a steel beam that was rescued from the debris of the Twin Towers. A short distance from these two areas is a statue of “The Boss” himself. It was dedicated after the death of Mr. Steinbrenner in 2010. Once inside the gates, you will see additional elements in the stadium that make you feel you are in the Bronx. The decorative elements atop the roof of the stadium replicate the latticework found at the top of Yankee Stadium. The stadium also features a large number of pennants that fly above the stadium. These flags represent each of the years that the Yankees were the World Series Champions. If that is not enough to remind you are in a facility used by today’s Bronx Bombers, Y-A-N-K-E-E-S is spelled out on the windscreens of the ballpark. In keeping with a Yankees tradition, the Frank Sinatra version of “New York, New York” is played on the sound system after each hometown win. Steinbrenner Field has the same dimensions as Yankee Stadium (318L, 399LC, 385RC, 314R). This is done so that players will be used to the field dimensions once the regular season gets underway. The stadium went through a $40 million renovation in 2017 which greatly enhanced the fan experience. These changes included replacing the stadium seats with wider room to sit, as well as cup holders for the drinks. The concourses were extended to 360 degrees around the stadium, making it much easier for fans to check out other areas of the stadium. Several bars, restaurants, and clubs were added to the facility for fan enjoyment during games. A huge video board with very sharp graphics was also added during the renovations. Neighborhood 2 Steinbrenner Field is different from the other Grapefruit League stadiums in that it is in a major Florida city, rather than a quaint small-town feel. This may make it easier to access, but also has its drawbacks, including traffic, very limited parking at the stadium, and the safety of walking in the areas surrounding the park. Unfortunately, Steinbrenner Field receives its lowest score in this area. Traffic in Tampa is always heavy, whether there is a game occurring that day or not. The parking outside of the football stadium is not convenient, as it requires a long walk over a pedestrian bridge to get to the stadium. The neighborhood surrounding the Yankees complex is rather seedy, as it includes seedy hotels and strip joints. We would not recommend any of the hotels that line Dale Mabry Highway, even if they are close to the Yankees complex. We do have some recommendations of places to stay, nice restaurants, and attractions located in Tampa. Busch Gardens is a beautiful place to visit, both for its gardens and the amusement park attached to it. It is only seven miles from Steinbrenner Field. Fans 4 There is a huge fan base for the Yankees in the Tampa area. First, you have the locals and the snowbirds. Tampa only has one outpost for Grapefruit League action in its city limits. The Yankees are the hometown favorites. George Steinbrenner had a home in the area, as do many former residents of the Big Apple. These transplants have an allegiance to the team that carries over to attending the games at Steinbrenner Field. Secondarily, you have the snowbirds who come to Florida to escape seasonally to avoid the tough winters in the northeastern U.S. Another portion of the fan base is much more transitory. These are true baseball fans who are interested in games at Steinbrenner Field due to the mystique of the Yankees brand. They relish going to games to check out the many salutes to Yankee history that are found in and around the Yankees spring training complex. Finally, you have the corporate leadership in the Tampa area. Most of the seats behind home plate or in seats with added amenities are owned not by an individual, but by a corporate entity. They see Yankee games as a way to treat their most important clients to an experience they will remember. Access 3 Getting to Steinbrenner Field is relatively easy, but there is a bit of a walk after you park your car. Take I-275 to Dale Mabry Highway and head north for three miles. Steinbrenner Field is on your right. Parking for Yankee games is on the large grass field adjoining the football stadium on your left. After parking your car, cross over Dale Mabry Highway via the pedestrian bridge to Steinbrenner Field. Persons with mobility issues can be dropped off at the stadium, but drivers must still park in the grass lot across the street. Steinbrenner Field is only three miles from Tampa International Airport. The stadium lot opens four hours before the first pitch. The stadium gates open two hours before the first pitch. It is a good idea to arrive early when traffic is lighter. This will also allow you time to visit the many Yankee salutes outside the stadium gates, as well as time to visit the Yankees training camp that adjoins the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The renovations in 2017 created many new choices of seating for fans to consider. These include group areas, areas that include special food and drink options, as well as seat selections based on the view of the field. This has resulted in more than twelve different price points for tickets to Yankees games. Game selection may also differ by who the opposing team is. Games involving the Mets, Phillies, and Red Sox are always sellouts, driving the cost up accordingly. One thing all fans need to know is that moving from your ticket location to a better seat located in another section which is “empty” is strictly forbidden. Ushers at Steinbrenner Field are legendary for sending folks back to their ticketed location with strict admonishment. Parking is $15 in the grass lot adjoining the football stadium. Extras 4 During the regular season, Steinbrenner Field serves as the home field for the Class A Tampa Tarpons in the Florida State League, which is one of the minor league affiliates of the Yankees. There are several great selfie locations at Steinbrenner Field. Outside of the stadium, the Monument Park salute to the Yankee icons, the Steinbrenner statue, and the 911 Memorial form great backdrops. Inside the stadium is a statue featuring the iconic “NY” found on the Yankees’ ballcap. There are also two numbers of retired Yankees located along the outfield concourse. Derek Jeter (#2) and Thurman Munson (#15) are featured in this area. The spring training homes of the Toronto Blue Jays , the Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Philadelphia Phillies are located close to Steinbrenner Field. This allows you to visit two Grapefruit League stadiums in a day if they line up in a day/night combination. Each of the entry tunnels along the concourses of Steinbrenner Field feature graphics about Yankees history and the many World Series that the team has won. Each tunnel highlights a different decade in the timeline of the history of the Yankees. Final Thoughts The Yankees are truly an iconic brand in Major League Baseball. Steinbrenner Field certainly realizes that in the many ways it salutes the many players who have worn the pinstripes over the years, while also preparing new players for the upcoming season. The ballpark is still one of the most popular stadiums to visit in the Grapefruit League, as it is very convenient for travelers to the Tampa area to catch a game due to its close proximity to the Tampa International Airport.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Target Center 600 North 1st Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 Minnesota Lynx website Target Center website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 19,356 The Top Cats In The Twin Cities The Target Center has been the major indoor sports center for basketball since it opened in 1990. It is home to both the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA and the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA. It has also hosted basketball tournaments at the college level as well as the state basketball championships at the high school level. The Lynx are by far the most successful basketball program at the Target Center. Since beginning play in 1999, the team has won WNBA titles four times (2011,2013,2015, and 2017) and has won Western Division titles four times (2011,2012,2013, 2015). The team has made the WNBA playoffs for ten straight seasons. Coach Cheryl Reeves has been with the Lynx since 2010 and is a three-time WNBA Coach of the Year. She is a four-time coach of the WNBA Championship team. She has also served as the coach for the West Division of the WNBA’s All-Star team on three occasions. Food & Beverage 3 The Lynx food and beverage options at the Target Center offer a diverse set of menu options. Fans can pull up the menus for each of these concession stands and order their choices on the Lynx app. It will then notify them when their items are ready, which keeps the lines at the stands short and minimizes the fan’s time away from the game. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Concession stands that operate at Lynx games include: The Wicked Kitchen- This stand offers items based on a plant-based menu. Its’ menu includes vegan burgers, salads, gluten-free foods, and even gluten-free ice cream. Fhima’s features Wagyu Sliders as well as Spicy Chicken Lollipops. Parlour features double burgers with Swiss American cheese on a brioche bun. Mini Donuts offers donuts either by the bucket full or the bag full. Bibigo features sweet and spicy chicken, chicken wontons, and beef mandu. Soul Bowl features a Caribbean line of food bowls featuring different spices and ingredients. Stilly offers a line of premium distilled cocktails in a can. Flavors include Cranberry/Lime, Grapefruit, and Peach. All stands offer Coca-Cola brand soft drinks and bottled water. The end zone area of the Target Center is devoted to the Budweiser Beer Garden, which sells both Bud and Bud Lite options, as well as some craft beers. Prices of the concessions at the Target Center are the same as those charged at the individual stores outside of the arena. The Warehouse District offers a wider variety of restaurants within easy walking distance of the arena. You might want to enjoy a pre- or post-game meal at one of these restaurants, and just enjoy a drink or snack inside the Target Center. Atmosphere 5 Even though the Lynx utilizes only the lower level of the Target Center seating bowl, there is an electric level of energy in the building. The team is welcomed like the sport's royalty they are as they enter the court for warmups. The introduction of players before the game rivals any level of sports, for men or women. The lights are out, but the players are in the spotlight during this phase of the pregame show. Once the game begins, each stop at the opponent’s end of the court receives a tremendous round of applause. Three-pointers by the home team receive a similar response from the crowds. The Target Center has gone through numerous renovations in its thirty years of operation, with the latest occurring in 2016. This renovation included every area of the gameday experience. It totally replaced every seat in the venue, and updated all electronics packages in the venue, covering everything from the sound system to the videoboard. The building also went through an extensive renovation of its interior, working its way up from the street-level entrance lobby to the skybridges that connect the building to most of downtown Minneapolis. Neighborhood 4 The Target Center is one of the landmark anchors in the Warehouse District just north of the downtown area. The district also includes Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins of the MLB. The Warehouse District is also a hub for galleries, shops, boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife in Minneapolis. Many of these stores took over the spaces formerly used by warehouses in the old days. Among the favorite spots in the district are the Loon Café, the Fulton Brewing Company, and Cowboy Jack’s Saloon. Lodging in the district is provided by the Hampton Inn and Suites Minneapolis Downtown, which is connected by skybridge to the Target Center. Fans 5 It should come as no surprise considering the team’s history of success over the years that it has a very loyal, and loud fanbase. The Lynx's average attendance is 7,168 fans per game, putting them second in the WNBA attendance, trailing only the Seattle Storm. Lynx Fanbase, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The stands fill as quickly as the Target Center doors open, as fans do not even want to miss the warmups Be sure to look up at all the various championship banners the Lynx have earned at the Target Center over the years. It is a great way to get fired up before the game even starts. Access 4 The Target Center access is unique in that most of the fans enter the building via a network of skywalks that connect the major building in downtown Minneapolis. The skyways are very important in the Twin Cities, as they protect the natives and visitors from the sub-zero temperatures that winter brings. Fans can enter the seating bowl at the Target Center 60 minutes prior to tipoff, but fans can access the building earlier than that via these skybridges. Fans can also enter through the lobby at street level earlier than one hour for seating bowl entry. Remember the temperatures during the WNBA season are warmer than the winter months, so walking outside may be easier depending on where you are coming from. The Target Center has three parking garages labeled A, B, and C. It is important that you remember which letter your garage was, as all three are connected to the Center via separate skybridges. Parking is also available in the Mayo Clinic Square Parking deck located across the street from the Target Center. There are more than 12,000 parking spaces in the Target Center area. The Metrorail light rail system brings you very close to the Target Center. Take the Blue Line train north towards Target Field. You will exit the train at the Warehouse District Rail Center. From the Rail Center head southwest for .10 of a mile to the Target Center and enter through the street-level lobby. A 24-hour fare on Metrorail costs $5 and is good for 24 hours after purchase. Return on Investment 3 Seats in the Target Center come at three price points. Seats on the sides at midcourt go for $36. The remainder of the seats along the side of the court go for $31, and the corners at the end of the court are priced at $26. There is no seating behind the goals at Lynx games, as the space is taken up by the Budweiser Beer Garden at one end and the North End Bar at the opposite end. If you are coming via Metrorail and have a 24-hour pass, the cost will be $5. Parking at lots A, B, or C will cost you an average of $15. Concessions are priced at the same price you would see in their neighborhood operations. Extras 5 The Lynx play an active role in their community. They are very involved in the area of breast cancer. Each year the team sponsors a fund-raising walk at the Mall of America. They also salute the members of the military community with a Salute to a Homegrown Hero at each game. The team’s charitable foundation known as the Pack Gives Back supports more than 200 community organizations through both charitable donations and donating tickets to the communities they serve. The roof of the Target Center is “green”. The 2.5-acre roof is covered with plants that are typically found on the prairies of Minnesota and that are hearty enough to withstand the state’s harsh winters. The plants extend the life expectancy of the roof by over five years and conserve water by lessening the amount of rainwater that runs off into the Mississippi River. The Target Center is at the forefront of women’s sports. It hosted the 2022 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Finals in 2022 and will host the Big 10 Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2024. The Target Center is the leading concert venue in the Twin Cities area. Thirty-five members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have given concerts at the venue. Bullseye, the Target company’s mascot dog, is well represented at the Target Center. He has a statue in the street-level lobby as well as his likeness dominating the exterior of the building. There is also a live mascot Bullseye present at many games. Final Thoughts The Lynx are the top cats of the Twin Cities, as they have won multiple WNBA championships over the years. The Target Center provides a worthy home for the Lynx’s lair.

Photo by Eric Hasman and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Legacy Fields 851 Center Ross Rd Crown Point, IN 46307 Map It Lake County Corndogs website Legacy Fields website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 600 Have a Corndog & a Smile In 2022, its inaugural season, the Lake County Corndogs baseball team captured the Northern League crown. They lost the championship in 2023 in their second season. In 2024, the Corndogs left the Northern League and are playing independently. Their opponents during the 2024 season mostly seem to be teams from the CSBL (Chicago Suburban Baseball League) and the Crestwood Collegiate League (wood-bat, semi-pro leagues). Hopefully, they are back in a league next season. Playing as an independent team seems like a college pickup game. The club is privately owned and is looking to make an impact with fans outside the city of Chicago in The Region. The team calls Legacy Fields in Crown Point, Indiana, its home. The ballpark holds approximately 600 and opened in 2009. The Corndog's name was chosen from a fan contest. The name combines two area staples: corn stalks growing in the area and the local high school Bulldogs nickname. The logo is catchy and fits in well in minor league baseball. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a concession stand and a beer garden with a surprising choice of reasonably priced food and drinks. The concessions are geared more towards kids. The food options include cheeseburgers ($3.50), chili dogs, hamburgers, walking tacos ($3), nachos / pretzels ($2.50), and popcorn ($1). Of course, there are corn dogs for $2. Some surprising items are string cheese, Slim Jims, freeze pops and cow tales ($0.50). Soda, Gatorade, lemonade or iced tea are $2. The beer garden is sponsored by the local Off the Square Brewery. They provide an ale made especially for the ball club, Batter Up Ale, which is tasty. In addition, there are a couple of other domestic beers, such as Coors. They are $6 for a 20-ounce can, and a souvenir cup is an extra $2. If you are not a beer fan, you can choose a variety of White Claws. Atmosphere 2 The complex has two fields and also serves as home to the local Babe Ruth League and it looks like it. No netting protects the fans. Instead, there is black chain link fencing with many poles. This makes it difficult to see the action on the field. With that said, this field is a good fit for low-level summer collegiate league baseball. A double-decker press box offers more than enough space for radio and staff purposes and features aluminum bleachers behind the home plate and bleachers on each side of the press box. Another section of aluminum bleachers extends down the right field line. At the bottom of the press box, a concession area faces the main entrance. Cornelius the Corndog, a corn dog with mustard, is the mascot. He dances on the field and runs with the kids in between innings. He did not make an appearance at the game I attended. I am not sure why. A kid's zone is in the large grassy area down the right field line. The sound system is clear and loud enough for the various in-between gimmicks that include on-field contests like a hula hoop competition and the after-7th inning stretch for kids. Kids also chase foul balls and turn them into the concession stand for an ice pop, or they can keep them. The team encourages kids to turn them in. Sponsored by Off The Square Brewing, a shelter serves as the Beer Garden between the two fields. Fans entering the area need a wristband to enjoy a beer, and it is packed for weekend games. A small table offering concessions is next door, selling t-shirts, adult and youth caps, and other collectibles, from stuffed animals to mini baseball bats. Neighborhood 2 Legacy Fields is surrounded by a residential neighborhood and a wastewater treatment plant. However, downtown Crown Point is 1.5 miles from the downtown square of Crown Point. Multiple restaurants in that area include Station 21 American Grill, Ricochet Tacos, Tavern on Main, True BBQ and Whiskey Bar, and Twelve Islands. Crown Point Brewing and Off the Square Brewing are two local options for craft beer. Of course, chain fast food places like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage inhabit the downtown region. Crown Point is close to two other ballparks: Oil City Field and US Steel Yard in Gary. Oil City Stadium is home to the rival NW Indiana Oilmen and is worth a visit in downtown Whiting, while the Railcats play in Gary, bringing in large crowds on weekends. Fans 3 I am told the Corndogs have created a nice fan base. However, on the day I went, approximately 100 people were in attendance, many of whom were parents of the players and a few other traditional fans. The atmosphere is similar to other summer collegiate leagues at this level. Kids chase foul balls, friends and family have a few laughs, and properly cheer for home runs and runs scored. Access 2 Legacy Fields is located a few miles west of I-65 and accessible by GPS on your phone. The closest exit is the 109th Street exit. The field itself is easy to move around, with three sets of bleachers surrounding the ball field. There is no public transportation in the area of the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $6 - $8, concession prices are no more than $4, beer is $6, and parking is free. The crowd is usually festive, and kids’ activities take place in between innings. If you have the time, the downtown square in Crown Point is visiting. . Extras 2 The Corndogs earn points for having affordable concessions and a beer garden with local and affordable beer. They get an extra point for encouraging kids to turn in foul balls for ice pops. The field gets a point taken away for the chain link fencing blocking the view. I hope this can be changed to netting. Final Thoughts The Corndogs management knows how to build a good team. Hopefully, they will be able to add some new items to the experience in the future. The stadium offers a small-town feel with plenty of affordable options at the concession stand and beer garden.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Armfield Athletic Center 5800 West Friendly Ave. Greensboro, NC 27410 Guilford Quakers Armfield Athletic Center Capacity: 2,200 D3 Football in Greensboro Armfield Athletic Center, home of the Guilford Quakers, is a great venue for what it is. The 2,200-seat facility doesn’t hold many fans, and doesn’t have a video scoreboard, but does provide an idyllic setting surrounded by trees, with lots of nice brickwork, and is a hassle-free way to take in an evening or afternoon of football. Armfield Athletic Center is named after members of the Armfield family, one of whom played on Guilford’s first football back in the late 1800s. The facility has been renovated several times in the last decades, including adding stadium lights and new visitor bleachers in 2007, and a new Field Turf surface in 2009. The Guilford Quakers currently compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference of D3 college football. Food & Beverage 2 Armfield Athletic Center has one concessions stand behind the north end zone (down a short walking path from the field, you can actually see the flames from the grills from your seat). Only 7 items are offered, namely burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and chips, as well as Gatorade, bottled Pepsi products, and bottled water. Burgers are the most expensive item at $5, with most of the other items coming in at $2 or $1. Atmosphere 3 Armfield Athletic Center is pretty basic, with the home stands and press box on the west side, and a much smaller set of visitor stands on the east side. There is a digital scoreboard (non-video) behind the south end zone, but no seating in either end zone. There are no cheerleaders or mascots, but you are very close to the action – almost too close in fact, your best bet is to sit in the last row of the bleachers so you can see the action better. But you can definitely hear the sound of pads smacking together, and you are close enough to easily read the names on the jerseys. Neighborhood 4 There are a couple of fast food restaurants within a half mile of Armfield Athletic Center such as McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A, but one of the most popular destinations in Greensboro is Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing Co. on Elm Street downtown; this popular stop is named after Revolutionary War Hero Nathaniel Green. If you plan to be in town for the day, Greensboro, NC is not a huge city by any stretch, but there are plenty of historic sites and other attractions in the area. One of most well-known is the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, which commemorates the sit-ins that occurred in Greensboro during the 1960s – those sit-ins were actually some of the most influential and significant protests of the entire Civil Rights movement. You can also visit the Greensboro Science Center, which includes an aquarium, zoo, and hands-on activities for the kids. Or, if you are a military history buff (or aspire to be), you can visit Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, and learn about Nathaniel Greene’s actions during the Revolutionary War. Fans 2 Very few fans show up for Guilford football games, but the ones who are there are very supportive of the team, and many of them wear team gear. For such a small crowd you actually get a surprising amount of crowd noise, but the stands do look pretty empty. Access 4 Parking should be free at Armfield Athletic Center, and moving around is a cinch due to the small size. There is a very small parking lot right next to the venue, but you need a pass to park there, so most people park a few hundred feet away in other lots on campus. Once you get inside the venue, however, it is very easy to move around – there is a ticket tent next to the front entrance, and there is plenty of room. There is a walking path that connects the two grandstands (and also leads to the concessions stand), and since the venue likely will not be full, you should be able to move around and sit wherever you want. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Guilford Quakers football games start at only $7, which is a great deal for college football. The concessions are also very cheap, so even if you have a large group, this would be a great way to entertain yourself and support a local team without spending a fortune. Extras 1 Armfield Athletic Center is in a nice setting with lots of trees around it, and you are very close to the action. But this is really a no-frills sort of experience, so if you are just coming for the football, you should like it just fine.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 The Reservation 149 Twin Lake Rd Gaffney, SC 29341 Limestone Saints website The Reservation website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 10,000 Football’s Marching Saints Now in their 7th season, the Limestone College Saints began playing football in 2014, and play their home games at The Reservation, a nearby high school stadium which is mainly home to the Gaffney Indians. The Saints currently compete in the South Atlantic Conference in college football’s Division II. The Reservation was built in 2008 at a cost of over $8MM but has been renovated since, and now features a turf field, seats for about 10K in grandstands along both sidelines, a small set of bleachers for the band behind one end zone, as well as a large video board behind one end zone and a digital scoreboard behind the other. The facility also features a four-story press box plus two locker rooms, one on each side of the field. Food & Beverage 3 The Reservation offers typical concessions sold from fixed stands beneath both grandstands, including standards such as hot dogs, pizza, nachos, packaged candy, soda, and bottled water. Like many conferences throughout different levels of college football, the Saints offered an abbreviated spring season in 2021 following the cancellation of football activities in 2020 – concessions are not available during the spring season due to social distancing requirements, but will be available again during games in the fall. Atmosphere 4 The Reservation is an amazing facility for this level of college football, especially given that it is actually a high school stadium. With clean, modern lines, the grandstands along the sidelines are pulled back slightly from the field, allowing for better visibility for the fans. The small size also provides an intimate atmosphere where you can easily see the action and hear the sounds from the field. The turf is also a great feature, allowing fans to see the graphics in the end zone and the yard markers clearly, without them getting messed up partway through the game by the action on the field, as with many natural grass fields. The trees surrounding the stadium also add to the pleasant atmosphere. The only reason this section does not earn a higher score is due to the lack of décor for the Saints – most of the graphics in the stadium are for the high school team instead, with only a couple of banners showing support for Limestone College’s club; it would also be nice if the video board showed instant replays instead of only Limestone graphics. Nevertheless, these two items can easily be overlooked by the otherwise great facility in which to watch college football. Neighborhood 4 If you are looking for something to do before or after the game, Gaffney is a large enough town to offer numerous attractions, and like many college towns there is plenty of fast food available. But for a little better food experience, Harold’s Restaurant (featured on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives for its world-famous chili burgers and hotdogs – yes, that’s how they spell it) is less than 3 miles from The Reservation, or you can also try Fatz Café, a South Carolina local favorite featuring Southern cuisine. Or if you are in the mood for barbecue, which is always something to try when visiting the Carolinas, check out Daddy Joe’s Beach House BBQ & Grill – looks a bit like a dive, and perhaps a little seedy, but always seems to be packed. If you plan to be in town for the day or for the weekend, there are plenty of attractions to be seen in the local area, such as the Cowpens Civil War battlefield site or Shunkawauken Falls. But no visit to Gaffney could be called complete without a visit to The Peachoid, the 135-foot tall water tower painted to resemble a giant peach. This famous landmark can be seen from the freeway, but you can also get closer if you would like a selfie. And like any town this size, Gaffney has plenty of hotel choices depending on how close you want to be to the college and depending on how much you want to spend. Fans 3 For its biggest games, Limestone can draw as many as five thousand fans to The Reservation, which is about half full, but even when there is a much smaller crowd in the stands, the Saints faithful get pretty loud and rowdy. You will see plenty of Limestone gear in the stands, including lots of blue slickers during foul weather, and if you need Limestone gear you can even purchase your own from a mobile cart on the concourse. A lot of fun music is also played during breaks in the action, which really gets the crowd moving, so that adds to the enjoyment as well. Faithful Limestone Saints Fans, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 5 Getting to The Reservation is as simple as can be – the stadium is only about 2 miles off the freeway using either Exit 90 or 92 from I-85, and the lights on the field can easily be seen as you approach Gaffney High School along Twin Lake Road. Remember though that the facility is not actually on the college’s campus, so make sure you head toward Gaffney High School instead of Limestone College as you get close. Once you get to The Reservation, there is a plenty of parking in a huge lot right next to the north end zone, so you won’t have much of a walk to get inside (the Gold lot offers even closer parking if you happen to be a donor or other VIP). As you enter the stadium, be sure to pay attention to whether you are sitting on the main or visitor side, however, as the two grandstands don’t connect, so you can’t move between them during the game – The Reservation has a no re-entry policy, so if you leave your side during the game you will have to pay to get back in. However, since the stadium likely won’t be quite full you may be able to sit on whichever side you want; note that this is not the case during high school football games here, which have a much larger attendance than do Limestone games. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Limestone Saints games are only $15 each (cash only), which is a great deal for college football, and concessions prices are reasonable. Extras 5 Limestone College has many great traditions, many of which relate to the game of football we all know and love. For example, every Friday students and staff members are encouraged to wear blue, as part of Limestone College’s “Be Bold. Be Blue.” initiative to show school pride and support for the school’s athletic teams. The team’s costumed mascot, a Saint Bernard named Bernie, shows up at most athletic events, and the Victory Bell on campus is rung after every Limestone athletic victory. The alma mater and fight song are sung during every football game, and if you take a visit to Limestone’s campus, you can find the fountain topped with a seven-branched candelabrum, representing the seven branches of learning offered at the college; the candelabrum is part of Limestone’s official seal. And if you happen to be in the area around Christmas, the campus is alight with over 10,000 luminaries, most of which are prepared and lit by student athletes. One final note regarding the team’s logo – known as the “Fast Fleur”, the symbol is reminiscent of the traditional fleur sports fan are probably familiar with from teams like the New Orleans Saints . However, at Limestone the fleur is angled slightly forward with racing lines coming off the back, evocative of the fleur being in motion, hence the moniker “Fast Fleur”. Final Thoughts Many sports fans may not consider attending college football games in the D2 set, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the football stadium at Limestone. The Reservation is definitely worth making a visit to you if you are in the Gaffney or wider Charlotte area.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website SpeedTour Series website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 A Vintage Weekend at Indy Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America – the likes of IndyCar, NASCAR, and IMSA all compete here. While events like the SRO Indy 8 Hours and the SCCA Runoffs have been held here in recent years, none of these offer the uniqueness of watching vintage racing on track. SpeedTour Weekend at Indiapolis Motor Speedway is chock full of unique run groups, but also lacks some of the touches of other events on the track’s road course.   Food & Beverage   3 The standard fare is available throughout the infield thanks to various concession stands. The basics like burgers ($13.50), chicken fingers ($12), pork tenderloin baskets ($16.50) etc. are all available, as well as soda ($8), water ($5), and beer ($9.25). Fans can also expect a variety of food trucks and independent vendors in the infield Pagoda Plaza.   Atmosphere   4 Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile. However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, some ups and downs can be noticed during SVRA weekend. Various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before, such as a new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track, which offer fans a chance to see the action no matter where they are. Renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades as well. Nevertheless, there is no access for fans to watch the action from the main grandstands on the outside of the circuit, and certain run groups like the pre-war era cars are no longer permitted to run exhibition laps on the track’s 2.5-mile oval.   Neighborhood   3 Speedway, Indiana is a unique setting, as you will see both the past and future of the area in a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of nearby homes. Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. Thursday night before race weekend begins, a fan festival is held here with various race cars on display, driver autographs and Q&A sessions, and live music taking place. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indy just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track.   Fans   2 The fans at Indy are among the most sport-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top this. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades. However, the attendance here for SpeedTour Weekend is significantly lower than that for other races at the circuit’s road course, such as IMSA and SRO.   Access   4 To get to the track you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the track’s exit. Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside the facility, though many of these lots require pre-purchased parking passes. With that said, various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to SpeedTour Weekend at IMS are relatively well priced; access for Saturday costs $30, while Sunday tickets are just $20. Free infield parking is included with each ticket, and access to the paddock area is also included.   Extras   3 Though still under construction, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield, and should usually be open during race days once the renovations are completed. Fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past, and enjoying the history of the sport of racing. The Formula Regional race on Saturday also features a pre-race grid walk for fans to get up close with the cars and stars of tomorrow. Finally, the Ragtime Racers group of pre-WWI era cars are a big draw, offering a view into the past with cars that have stood the test of time.   Final Thoughts Fans still flock to Indianapolis Motor Speedway no matter what is racing here, and SpeedTour Weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it is hard to skip this now annual stop on the SVRA calendar. Sportscar fans will have plenty to watch throughout the weekend, with no less than four racing series taking to the speedway during the event thanks to International GT, SVRA, Formula Regional, and BMW USA all visiting the circuit for this event.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Lewis and Clark Park 3400 Line Dr Sioux City, IA 51106 Sioux City Explorers website Lewis and Clark Park website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 3,631 Baseball Sioux City Style The Sioux City Explorers were founded in 1993 as members of the Northern League. From their inception, they have called Lewis and Clark Park home. The ballpark was the first one built specifically for an independent baseball team. The Explorers have experienced some success, both in their Northern League days and in the American Association. While they have yet to win a league championship, they reached the Northern League finals in 1994 and the American Association championship in 2015, losing both times. To help fund renovations to the facility, naming rights were sold to Mercy Medical Center in 2016. The facility is now properly named Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park. Improvements that were made at the time included a new scoreboard (replacing the old scoreboard, which had been struck by lightning), renovations to the press box, outfield fencing, clubhouses and suites. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at Lewis and Clark Park, which offers typical ballpark fare. Hot dogs, bratwurst, burgers, chicken fingers and pork tenderloin sandwiches are sold at this stand. A variety of ballpark snacks, including nachos, fries, popcorn and peanuts are also available here. Fans looking for something a bit out of the ordinary can order jumbo pickles or cheese balls. Pepsi products are featured at Lewis and Clark Park. Adding a bit of variety to the menu is a portable cart on the third base side of the stadium, dubbed the "South of the Border" cart. Here fans can find a specialty item, the "Expedition Nachos." Traditional Nacho chips are covered with pulled pork, tomatillo salsa and white queso sauce. Draft beers are also sold here from Bud Light, Coors Light, Blue Moon and local brand 712 Brewery. An interesting twist in the menu is the nightly "Eat Your Opponent" promotion, where one menu item is selected as the nightly special. For example, on the night of Stadium Journey's visit the opponent was the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The Eat Your Opponent menu item was chicken tenderloins smothered in BBQ sauce served with a side of french fries. OK, it's not a perfect correlation, but that's as close to fish and chips as the Explorers could get. Atmosphere 3 The gameday atmosphere at a small ballpark such as Lewis and Clark Park is fairly simple and laid-back, as you may expect. A bare bones presentation fits in perfectly with a bare bones ballpark. Still, there is plenty of fun to be had at an explorers game. The Explorers utilize a mascot, a black dog named Slider, who interacts with fans and participates in between inning promotions. The ballpark has a new videoboard in left-center field that is put to good use with player stats, videos and game information. Country music blares over the speakers between innings, which is not surprising in this part of the country. Veteran minor league baseball travelers will find a lot that's familiar and comfortable here in Sioux City. Neighborhood 3 Lewis and Clark Park is located about five miles south of downtown Sioux City at the junction of Interstate 29 and Route 75. The area around the ballpark is a mixed use business and industrial area. Visiting fans will find many options for dining and lodging in the immediate area. Among the favorite spots to eat right near the ballpark are Four Brothers Grill & Bar and Clyde's Grill & Pub. The Southern Hills Mall is located on the far side of Route 75. Other fans visiting Sioux City may wish to head downtown, where the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino anchors the area. Also located in the downtown area is the Tyson Events Center, which hosts events ranging from concerts to hockey games to indoor football. History buffs may seek out the Sargent Floyd Memorial, located a short drive from the ballpark. Sargent Floyd was a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition who passed away during the voyage near the present-day site of Sioux City. Fans 2 The Explorers generally rank near the bottom of the American Association attendance rankings, averaging between 1,200-1,500 fans per game. Despite their small size, the fans that do attend Explorers games are knowledgable about their team and enthusiastic about the action going on down on the field. A crowd at Lewis and Clark Park is a mix of locals, families and groups, just as you will find at minor league ballparks across the country. Sioux City boasts friendly fans befitting this small midwestern city. Even if you are from out of town, chances are you'll have some new friends by the time an Explorers game is over. Access 4 Driving is the only way to arrive at Lewis and Clark Park, and the ballpark is easy to find. It is located just off of Interstate 29 and Route 75 a few miles south of downtown Sioux City. Exit 143 (Singing Hills Rd.) drops fans off about a half mile from the ballpark. Simply take a left onto Stadium Drive, and Lewis and Clark Park is at the end of the road. There is a large parking lot right next to the ballpark. Some spots are very close to the field, so beware of stray foul balls finding your windshield. You may wish to fnd a spot a little farther from the entrance. The ballpark is a simple structure with a grandstand that wraps around from first base to third base. The seating bowl is separated into upper and lower sections by a walkway located about a third of the way up. All seats are individual folding stadium seats. Lower seats are red, and upper sections are blue. There are bleachers located down either foul line that are sold as general admission. Concession Stands and a small merchandise stand are located underneath the seating area. There is a party deck far down the left field line, with views of the field from its large porch. Lewis and Clark Stadium has newly renovated bathrooms that are large enough to handle a typical Explorers crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Explorers games are sold in three levels; Box Seats (red) for $13, Reserved Seats (blue) for $11 and General Admission (red) for $8. Purchasing ticket on game day increases prices by two dollars, and by three dollars on Friday and Saturday nights. Parking in the lot adjacent to the ballpark will cost you two dollars. Concessions are affordable, making going to an Explorers game an affordable entertainment option. The team offers a couple of unique in-game promotions. If the opponent's "K-Man" strikes out during an at-bat, draft beers are available for just a dollar for the rest of that inning. If the Explorers' "Hit Man" gets a hit during his at-bat, all soft drinks are sold for one dollar for the rest of the inning. The resulting rush to the concession stands is fun to watch. Extras 2 The concession specials are worth an extra point. Lewis and Clark Park is the first ballpark in the country built specifically for independent baseball. Final Thoughts Lewis and Clark Park is a small-town ballpark that is in danger of being passed by, even by the independent American Association. As the league continues to move into newer ballparks in larger cities, small cities like Sioux City are in danger of losing their teams. This is hardly an indictment on ballparks like Lewis and Clark Park, which are quickly becoming obsolete as the stadium arms race escalates. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 WLU Athletic Complex 75 University Ave W Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5 Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks basketball website WLU Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,197 __________________________________________________________________________________ Golden Hoops Wilfrid Laurier University is normally viewed as a football school in USports and the OUA. However, the Golden Hawks can trace their basketball history quite deeply and boast some national accolades as well. The Hawks basketball squad was established in 1961 and have led a roller coaster existence on the court over the past six decades. The Golden Hawks were quite strong in the sixties and seventies which coincided with seven provincial conference championships in 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, and 1971. These were all earned when the Hawks were members of the OUA’s predecessor the OIAA. Basketball glory culminated for the Golden Hawks in 1968 with Laurier earning the W.P. McGee Trophy as Canadian National Champions. All basketball championships were won before Laurier changed its name from Waterloo Lutheran University. Lean times were found on the court throughout the eighties and nineties and a bit of a renaissance was found with the Hawks in the new millennium. However, with the Carleton Ravens dominating OUA and USports basketball in the last twenty years, there has not been much hardware for the Hawks, let alone the rest of the OUA. Wilfrid Laurier University was established in 1911 as a Lutheran Seminary and would morph into a full-fledged university as Laurier in 1973. The final name change which would coincide with Canada’s seventh Prime Minister, who had no local connections, would be filled with controversy and panned as just an easy way to keep the WLU initials, which belonged to Waterloo Lutheran University. This public university features over 15,000 students with the main campus located in Waterloo, Ontario on a small campus in an urban area. Waterloo features a population of over 121,000 and is a twin-city with neighbouring Kitchener. Not close to the same scale as basketball schools in the NCAA, the Golden Hawks put together a simple, entertaining product in a decent facility for a great price. In the end, is there anything else that a paying customer can ask for? Food & Beverage 2 Concession options at the Athletic Complex are very limited. The Hawk Shop on the north side of the gym offers soda and water, hot dogs, popcorn, chips, chocolate bars and sometimes pizza. It is clear that the Hawk Shop is being reimagined and fairly unfinished in the post-Covid era. What that looks like going forward and how it affects concession options remains a bit of a mystery. Atmosphere 3 As with many OUA basketball venues, the Athletic Complex serves the greater university and is not just an arena for basketball on gameday. Located on the edge of campus, right at the corner of King Street and University Ave, the exterior of the Athletic Complex has been renovated numerous times. When entering through the main entrance, which is on the opposite side of the building from King Street, fans are greeted with plenty of glass and an attractive view of the fairly pedestrian building. The student fitness facilities can be seen from the outside. Entering the Athletic Complex has fans greeted by the main ticketing desk which doubles as the recreation help desk. There is a huge collage above the desk featuring pictures of great moments in Golden Hawks athletics including their Vanier Cup wins in football and National Championship in Women’s hockey. Past the entryway and around the corner and up a couple of stairs is the main entry to the gym. Just outside of that is the former Hawk Shop which serves as concession and used to have team merchandise. A large trophy case is across from the entrance and kitty corner is the Hawk Lounge, which houses the Laurier Athletics Hall of Fame. The gym is fairly simple with two entries on the east and west sides of the court. The court runs from north to south and the perfect spot for that centre court logo photo is in the west bleachers. The gym is used for more than just basketball games and the seating is two sets of retractable plastic bleachers and folding chairs. There is nothing overly exciting about the interior of the gym. Championship banners for all sports used to hang on the south side of the gym, but those have been removed as a part of some renovation. A large team photo of the 1968 National Championship basketball team was temporarily in the Hawk Shop, but it is unclear where that went. Although there is plenty of purple and gold in the gym, there is plenty that could be done to bump up the atmosphere at the AC. The gameday production of a Laurier Golden Hawks game is fairly simple. Pregame warmups are dominated with rap music no doubt chosen by the players. Once the game begins there are a few student run promotions and simple halftime games like the beanbag toss. Neighbourhood 4 Wilfrid Laurier is an urban university located just up the street from another urban university. As a result there are a ton of great options for pre and post game meals. University and King streets are where fans would find most options. There are a ton of great spots to get something to eat before or after the game. Some places worth considering include Pin Up Arcade Bar, Philthy Philly’s, Williams Fresh Cafe and Smoke’s Poutinerie. The on-campus pub is Wilf’s and offers a great atmosphere and food while being student run and managed. The place fans probably should settle on, however, is Morty’s Pub. Home of arguably the best chicken wings in the city, Morty’s always satisfies the post game craving. As far as entertainment goes, there are a few options in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. When planning on catching a Laurier game around Canadian Thanksgiving, there is the possibility of catching Oktoberfest. This is the signature festival of Kitchener-Waterloo and the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany. There are a number of great events that take place over the 10 day festival at a variety of locations including the numerous Fest Halls. Head south on King Street toward Uptown Waterloo to find a great spot for some evening entertainment in the Huether Hotel Jazz Room. One of the top jazz venues in the province, The Jazz Room offers weekend performances at a great price. There are also a number of pubs in Uptown Waterloo that feature live music. If interested in enhancing the sporting weekend then there are also a few other options. Wilfrid Laurier also fields other athletic teams, specifically football at Knight-Newbrough Field and hockey at the Sun Life Financial Arena. Just up the road, the University of Waterloo also fields USports athletic programs. Football is found at Warrior Field, basketball at the Physical Activities Complex and hockey at the Columbia IceField. Driving across town to Kitchener brings the opportunity to catch the phenomenal experience of the Kitchener Rangers at the legendary Aud. For fans planning on staying the night, the Inn of Waterloo or the Delta are short drives from the Laurier campus. Fans 3 Evaluating fans in the OUA is very challenging. All games are doubleheaders with the women’s team and attendance figures are not published. The Golden Hawks usually top out at a couple hundred fans. Big games against Western or the rival down the street, Waterloo, will provide a better fan atmosphere. When members of the football team are in attendance there is always a bigger buzz in the building. Periodically a group of students will sit behind the visitors bench and cause a ruckus, however the fans in attendance are not over the top or obnoxious. Like most other Canadian universities, connecting current students with athletics remains a big challenge and more students in attendance would go a long way to making Laurier basketball a better experience. Access 4 Getting to the Athletic Complex and around is not very difficult. The Athletic Complex is located right on the corner of University and King. Normally, the entry for parking would be at the main entrance at University and Hazel. However, due to construction in 2023, fans will have to enter campus off of King Street for parking near the AC. Fans coming from out of town, will have a decent drive through the city as the university campus is a fair trek southwest of Highway 85. Traffic on University Ave moves fairly quickly, so getting to the gym should not be too much of an issue. Parking is available in the main lot on the other side of Alumni Field, by the Science Building. Parking is free, but fans should be conscious of parking in a permit spot during the wrong time. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the ION Light Rail stops at Waterloo Park and Seagram Drive, a short walk to the AC. Otherwise, there are buses that travel along King Street and University Ave. Fans should check the Grand River Transit website for maps and schedules. Ticketing is located at the main entry of the Athletic Complex at the fitness desk. Credit and debit cards are accepted for those not pre-purchasing tickets. Finding a spot in the general admission grandstands is not too difficult. However, washroom facilities and access to the northwest grandstand requires fans to go around the Hawk Shop and down the breezeway, alongside the pool to the other side. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Laurier Golden Hawks basketball are $9.50 when purchased in advance. There are discounts for alumni, students, seniors, children, faculty and staff. In most cases there is a $2 surcharge when purchasing at the ticket desk right before the game. Parking can be found for free and concession prices are good. OUA basketball is very underrated and the product on the court will surprise sports fans. Being able to get to a game for under $10 is nearly impossible now. The investment is small and the return is strong so the value is excellent. Extras 2 An extra mark for Wilfrid Laurier University and their simple, traditional approach to presenting basketball. An extra mark for the unique Golden Hawk mascot , which has an interesting history. Final Thoughts The experience of Laurier Golden Hawks basketball may not blow fans away like a professional or big-time NCAA game would. However, a Laurier basketball game is a nice afternoon or evening’s entertainment and for the price that fans are expected to shell out, there isn’t too much more that fans can ask for. A few more people in the stands would make the Laurier basketball experience even better. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 George C. Page Stadium 1 LMU Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045 Loyola Marymount Lions website George C. Page Stadium website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 1,200 Behold The Blue Monster in The Lions Den There is certainly no shortage of college baseball in Southern California. From L.A. to Orange County eight major collegiate programs take to the diamond. Southern California certainly is not lacking when it comes to young baseball talent. LMU has produced its share of baseball talent, amassing six conference championships along with eight appearances to the NCAA Regionals with one College World Series appearance in 1986. Food & Beverage 2 As you would expect of a small venue the concession options are limited to your basic fare. Options include a 1/4 lb Lion Dog ($3, $7 Value Combo includes bottled water/soda and chips), bacon wrapped dogs ($4.99), hamburger ($4.29, + .99 with cheese, + $1.49 with bacon), bbq pulled beef on ciabatta ($4.29). Fries, nachos, and your basic snacks (popcorn, pretzel, peanuts, churros, sunflower seeds, chips, and candy) and Coke products are also available. Atmosphere 3 Because of Page Stadium’s small seating capacity, chances are you will be within earshot of everyone inside the yard. The crowd here doesn’t seem to be so overbearing that visiting teams should feel intimidated. That does not stop the home fans from making their feelings known to the umpires should they feel a call does not go their way. The page also offers a nice neighborhood feel. Though located close to several major thoroughfares, the only thing in sight beyond the outfield walls are trees and housing. Neighborhood 4 LMU is located nearby L.A. International airport so lodging should not be a problem. There are several dining spots nearby Lincoln Blvd. Tower Pizza is a popular spot among students. If you want to hit up a nearby tourist spot, drive 5-10 minutes east of campus along Manchester Blvd toward Randy’s Donuts. You really can’t miss the familiar 23-foot donut that’s made appearances in a few productions, as well as Randy Newman’s music video I Love L.A. If you’re not looking to spend too much on dining, there’s always that SoCal favorite nearby LAX on Sepulveda Blvd, In N Out, where many a local has gone to see what a hamburger is all about. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are also a short drive from LMU. Fans 3 Though you should not expect large droves of fans, the fans that do show up are a supportive bunch. College baseball is pretty much an afterthought for fans in Southern California due largely in part to the vast entertainment options. Having three major league teams located from L.A. to San Diego could also be a factor. Don’t expect the loud, rabid feel that you might get from other college baseball venues throughout other parts of the country. Access 4 There are two main entrances to the campus. One entrance is located just off of Lincoln Blvd while the other entrance goes through a residential neighborhood via Loyola Blvd. If arriving from LAX or points south, you will want to drive along Manchester Blvd and head north on Loyola. Not only will this street lead you directly inside the campus, but this entrance will also lead you closer to the yard rather than driving around a long windy road from the Lincoln Blvd entrance. LMU charges for parking on campus, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (except University Holidays). All fans attending games during those hours will be required to register and pay for parking. There is no charge on Saturday and Sunday. There is one entrance to Page Stadium. In front of the entrance is Pride Park. Pride Park features a scaled-down baseball infield, recognizing alumni and friends of LMU as well as a concrete bench surrounding the infield paying tribute to memorable players and moments in LMU baseball. Return on Investment 3 The price of admission is about what you would pay for most collegiate baseball games. However, there is a $2 purchase charge per ticket regardless of whether you buy them online or at the box office. Ticket prices are $10/$12 for reserved adult seats behind home plate and $8/$9 for reserved child/senior. General admission adults behind the dugouts are $8/$10, GA child/senior $6/$7. Extras 3 To be honest, the extras here aren’t much at all. There isn’t a video board that gives fans replays or in game stats. However, you will find along the right field wall tributes noted in blue to the years LMU teams that made NCAA playoff appearances, with the 1986 College World Series highlighted in red. Along the left field wall are three retired uniform numbers. The numbers honor #44 Billy Beane, #54 Tim Layana, a member of the 1986 CWS team who played parts of three seasons with the Reds (1990-91) and Giants (1993), and #10 Jerry Stone. Where the score gets a bump is the sight of The Mikos Blue Monster. Yes, folks, The Blue Monster is a replica of that famous Green Monster, or MON-STAH, in Boston’s Fenway Park. The Monster is a gift from LMU alum Paul Mikos, complete with a manual scoreboard and an out-of-town scoreboard, just like its Green cousin in Boston. Final Thoughts As you descend upon your journey to hit up as many ballparks on your ballpark bucket list, when passing through L.A., you will want to make it a point to visit Page Stadium and catch an LMU game. Its proximity to LAX makes it easy to access. With the many baseball options in the L.A. and Southern California region, chances are great you will be able to knock out a few other collegiate (and perhaps MLB action, depending on the time of visit) venues from your bucket list of baseball yards, all in one trip and maybe the same day. Oh yeah, in case I forgot to mention, if you are a true baseball fan, you will want to say hi to The Blue Monster.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 William H. Greene Stadium 2400 6th St NW Washington, DC 20059 Howard Bison website William H. Greene Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 10,000 Northwest D. C. The Howard Bison are one of two FCS football teams that play in Washington, D. C., the other being the Georgetown Hoyas . Howard plays its home football games at Greene Stadium, which opened in 1926 and is also used for Bison lacrosse and soccer matches. The facility seats 10,000 for football in bleacher seating on three sides of the field – there is also field-level seating behind the north end zone, under a large white tent, for special guests. Greene Stadium is named after a local physician and benefactor of Howard University. The staff does try to put on a good show for football games here, but there aren’t very many fans who show up.   Food & Beverage   2 Greene Stadium doesn’t have any fixed concession stands, but they do bring in food trucks on the west side of the field. The different food trucks offer such items as burgers, hibachi, funnel cake, fried Oreos, fried fish, fried shrimp, ribs, and wings, along with French fries and a few drink selections, such as lemonade, bottled water, and Gatorade. The prices are on the high side, and unfortunately, the food trucks are located behind the visitor stands – the venue is not large by any means, so it is not a long walk, but your best bet is to get your food and drinks as you enter (all the entrances area on the west side), before walking around to the home side to find your seats (assuming you are not here to cheer on the opposing team, of course).   Atmosphere   3 Greene Stadium has a lively atmosphere, with lots of fun music piped in – the kind people like to dance to with heavy, loud beats. The band also does a great job entertaining fans, as do the cheerleaders; the performance at halftime is especially superb, accompanied by strutting drum majors, the dance team, and colorful banners lofted high. During my most recent visit, an October game included a tribute to cancer survivors. There is a large video board behind the north end zone, which works fine for replays, as most of the seats are on the other three sides of the field. The home stands (east side) are next to the reservoir and do offer chairback seats in the middle section – all of the other seating in Greene Stadium are metal bleachers without backs. The turf field boasts some very sharp Howard logos in dark blue with red trim, and the PA announcer is very passionate – when he announces first downs, his exuberance is accompanied by laser tag-esque electronic sounds. There is not a lot of shade, however, except in the last few rows on the home side, directly in front of the press box (although the sun sets facing the home side since the home seating is on the east, so you may have the sun in your eyes toward the end of the game.   Neighborhood   4 Howard itself is located in a run-down part of Washington, D. C., where you might not necessarily feel safe walking around at night. During the football game, there are plenty of police officers around, however, so there shouldn’t be any issues around game time. That said, there isn’t much to see and do in the immediate area, with no hotels to speak of and only a few quick-service restaurants. However, there is, of course, plenty to see and do nearer the Capitol, about 2-3 miles away, with all the monuments, museums, and other attractions, including the Wizards , Capitals , and Nationals  if you can swing a sports doubleheader while in town. There are also hundreds, perhaps thousands, of hotels and restaurants in and around Washington, D. C. – your choice there solely depends on how close you want to be to the action and how much money you want to spend, as the two are closely related.   Fans   3 Not many fans attend Howard football games at Greene Stadium, so the stands can look pretty empty, depending, of course, on how the Bison are playing at that point in the season. In fact, for many games, you might see more visiting fans on the west side than there are home fans on the east. The band and student section sits on the south end of the field – the student section at times is practically non-existent over there, with only 2-3 dozen fans visible next to the band.   Access   3 There is no real parking at Greene Stadium – you can park along the nearby streets, although the signs are confusing. In certain places where you can park on a normal day, it is blocked off, and some of the signs say you can park for four hours, but the meter only allows you to pay for two. A pay lot would be welcome, but I wasn’t able to find any after twenty minutes of driving around. The lack of parking also means a potentially long walk up to the stadium, and the entry once you get there is confusing as well. Tickets and will call are located in the gymnasium on 6th and Girard, but some of the streets are blocked off, so you may have to walk around if you are coming from the south. There are two entrances into the venue, one on the north and one on the south, which, as mentioned, are next to the visiting stands and food trucks.   Return on Investment    3 General admission tickets are $35 if you buy beforehand, but they add $10 to the price if you buy on the day of. That makes for a pretty pricey ticket to get into the game, not to mention the high food truck concession prices. On the plus side, you may be able to park for free, but that is a little risky, given the signage. All of that said, I am not sure it is worthwhile to come to see a game here – the stadium itself is decent and seems modern enough, and there are some fun elements, but they do come at a price.   Extras   2 Greene Stadium does have a small team gear stand next to the entrance on the southwest side. You also can get close to the action here, as you have to walk around right next to the field to get to your seats if you are sitting on the south or east (home) side. The Bison also boasts a fully-costumed mascot wearing a buffalo head, jersey, and camouflage pants.   Final Thoughts Greene Stadium is perfectly fine as smaller football stadiums go, but it is a little challenging in terms of access and maybe also in terms of the concession options. If you really love football, this is an okay way to spend an afternoon – just mind the lack of shade if you are coming for a day game. Otherwise, this might be one you save for when your favorite team is coming to play in D.C.

Photo courtesy of La Tech Sports Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 J. C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park 1100 W Alabama Ave Ruston, LA 71270 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs website J. C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 3,000 The Love Shack, That's Where It's At Beautiful J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park is located on the campus of Louisiana Tech University in the northern section of Louisiana in the city of Ruston. Affectionately coined 'The Love Shack,' the ballpark is a little ole place where Bulldog fans can get together in support of their LA Tech Bulldog baseball team. Love Field at Patterson Park opened in 1971 and features a seating capacity of 3000. Louisiana Tech baseball might not be known as a perennial baseball powerhouse, but their home field ballpark provides a great atmosphere that's sure to please both college baseball fans and their families. Food & Beverage 3 Love Field provides the classic ballpark staples at a reasonable cost. The stand is located in the courtyard behind the main grandstand, build into the stadium. Quality and Variety of Food Options. The Love Shack food items are somewhat limited, but do provide enough to keep you satisfied during the game. Your classic items include hot dogs ($3, $4 with chili and/or cheese) and nachos ($4). Gourmet dogs are available including Cajun links and smoked sausage links ($4). Additional snack items include popcorn ($2), pretzels ($3), peanuts ($3), and sunflower seeds ($1), among others. Variety of Drink Options. The ballpark serves 20oz Pepsi products for $3. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at Love Field. Recommendation. While your options are anything but endless, the Cajun link is pretty tasty and pairs well with a Pepsi. Atmosphere 4 The Love Shack provides an outstanding atmosphere for college baseball. Whether it's the overhead awning casting shade on a hot day, the view of college dorms in left field or a train passing by beyond the right field wall, the overall atmosphere is a strength of the experience. Stadium Aesthetics. If you've never been to The Love Shack, you'll likely be surprised with how quickly you fall in love with the ballpark. The awning allows for a comfortable viewing experience in the shade. The natural grass field is well maintained and the views beyond the outfield are pretty neat. You'll notice a few students watching the game from their dorms in left field and some tailgaters on the berm in right field in front of the train track. Expect a couple of trains to pass by throughout the game. There is a fenced-in courtyard around the back of the stadium which offers green space, a couple of picnic tables, and a playground. The playground is a big bonus for families (unless you are the lucky parent assigned to miss the game and watch your kid run wild). In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. The promotions crew does an excellent job of ensuring there's no down-time between innings without going overboard. Expect to see a few entertaining on-field competitions. The music selection is appropriate for the crowd with primarily country and classic rock genres. Seat Location Recommendations. The main grandstand offers both chair back and bleacher seating. The lower half of the seats on the right and left sides are chair back while the upper seats are bleacher. The area directly behind home plate is entirely chair back. There really isn't a bad seat in the main grandstand under the awning, but the best seat will obviously be the chair backs directly behind home plate. If you are traveling with the visiting team, look for the dugout seats above the opponent dugout down first baseline. Neighborhood 3 Louisiana Tech University is located in the city of Ruston in north Louisiana. Love Field is situated on the northwest corner of the campus across from Joe Aillet Stadium. The neighborhood immediately around the ballpark is filled with dorms and college buildings. Ruston thrives around the university and is most decidedly a college town. You'll find enough to keep you busy for a weekend series, with additional options within driving range in both Monroe and Shreveport. Where to Eat. While there are a few good eats in Ruston, nothing screams Louisiana Tech like the Dawg House Sports Grill. With a great pub-style atmosphere, the venue is filled with pictures, memorabilia, and pride for the Bulldogs. Other recommended stops include the Log Cabin Mesquite Grill and Ponchatoulas. Attractions & Entertainment. The heartbeat of the city is based primarily around restaurants and LA Tech related events. There's not a plethora of options outside of that. Be sure to check-out the Louisiana Military Museum while in town. Grab a brew and enjoy a college bar atmosphere at 3 Docs Brewhouse. If you're traveling with little ones, the Idea Place is a good break from the sports scene. Where to Stay. The Hampton Inn on North Trenton Street is near the university and provides a comfortable stay. Fans 3 Louisiana Tech fans are loyal and supportive. Crowds vary in size, but Ruston loves their Bulldogs, regardless of sport. Typical Attendance. The typical crowd for Louisiana Tech baseball games averages around 500-650. For some special promotion games, such as Greek Day, you can expect crowds which are more robust, between 1,000 and at-capacity. Despite a great game day atmosphere, the crowd levels are a bit inconsistent, which can be attributed, in-part, to an inconsistent on-field product. Were the Bulldogs to put a solid post-season run together, the experience at The Love Shack has great potential to become an elite baseball atmosphere. Crowd Noise & Engagement. Louisiana Tech fans are engaged throughout the game. Expect to hear a clap-down late in the game in support of the Bulldog closer. Fans will cheer during big plays and jeer the umpire when calls don't go their way. The fan produced noise level varies throughout the game. Access 3 To quote a catchy B-52's song, "If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says "15 miles to the Love Shack,", [You're] headin' down the [Louisiana] highway, Lookin' for the love getaway." One-hit wonders aside, access to the Love Shack has both ups and downs. While the ballpark is quickly accessible near the interstate, the ticket and concession lines can be a bit of a headache and the main concourse is a bit of a squeeze. Transit to and from Stadium. Ruston is accessible off I-20 if you're coming in from the east or west. Exit onto Cooktown Road (Hwy 544) and head south towards the Louisiana Tech campus. Cooktown turns into Tech Drive. The ballpark will be on your left, across from the softball field, track and field complex, and Joe Aillet Stadium. Parking. There are two primary lots which can fill quickly for well attended games. Across Tech Drive is a lot next to the Lady Techster softball field. There is also a lot adjacent to third baseline. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early so you can grab a spot in one of these free lots near the stadium. Ticketing & Gate Entry. The ticket booth and main entrance gate are located on the third baseline side of the stadium. You'll actually walk through the entrance gate and then take a slight right to the ticket window. The pathway between the fencing and ticket window is extremely small and lines can block your path. If possible, get your tickets ahead of time so you can avoid a headache (there's a small entrance behind home plate you can utilize). Moving around the Stadium. In addition to the tight walk-way by the ticket booth, the main concourse at the bottom of the grandstand allows two people, at most, in width. The concessions line moves well for typical crowd sizes, but can be a little long for well attended games. The restrooms are adequate for average crowds. Return on Investment 4 The overall return on investment for a Louisiana Tech game is especially strong. General admission runs $8 with the dugout seats selling for $12 each. Children admissions is $4 for ages 4-17. Concessions are reasonably priced and parking is free. The only thing holding back the ROI for now is a quality on-field product. If prices remain intact and the Bulldogs near a 40 win season, the investment will be well worth it for the overall experience. Extras 4 The Love Shack comes through with a few "extra" items that help to enhance the overall experience. Be on the look-out for the plaque and display which memorializes J.C. Love, the ballpark namesake, and the dedication of the stadium. The dugout seats are a neat idea for visiting team fans. You'll get to sit on-top of your favorite team's dugout. The playground area is a great benefit to families attending the game with little ones. The train passing by beyond right field and the dorms in view just beyond left field add a unique flavor to the overall experience.

Photo Courtesy of Jose Carlos Fajardo, Contra Costa Times Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 University Credit Union Pavilion 1928 Saint Mary’s Rd. Moraga, CA 94556 Saint Mary’s Gaels website University Credit Union Pavilion website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 3,500 Moraga Hoops McKeon Pavilion (pronounced mc-CUE-in) is the home gym for the Saint Mary’s Gaels men and women basketball teams. The men’s team has been a top “mid-major” team over the last decade and has made some noise in the NCAA Tournament. Overall, Saint Mary’s has appeared in eight NCAA Tournaments after winning three conference tournaments and six conference regular seasons. Their best showing was making the Elite Eight in 1959. Additionally, they made the Sweet Sixteen in 2010. McKeon Pavilion has served as the home court for the Gaels since 1978 and has a capacity of 3,500 fans. Saint Mary’s has plans to renovate the aging facility to accommodate 500 additional fans, luxury suites and video boards as well as an athletic training facility. In the meantime, the Gaels still enjoy a great home court advantage. A game at McKeon Pavilion is one of the best college basketball experiences in Northern California thanks to quality of play and the intimate setting for a game. Note: The venue's name changed from McKeon Pavilion to University Credit Union Pavilion in Dec 2019. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand on the entry level concourse. Here you will find hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and other staples. Upstairs, you’ll find snacks like chips and candy. Both concession areas serve bottled water and soft drinks. In short, eat prior to getting to McKeon Pavilion and just supplement it with a snack or a soda. Atmosphere 4 There is not a better college basketball atmosphere in Northern California going right now than a Saint Mary’s home game. If California or Stanford have a good year it’s possible either of them could supplant the Gaels in this category. However, year in and year out, my money’s on McKeon. The seating is the one downside. Everything in the upper level is bleacher seating in hard, plastic form. One side of the gym has no seat pads, while the other side does ($10 more). There is very little leg room between benches which can make for an uncomfortable experience at times, but certainly serves to pack 3,500 spectators as close to the court as possible. You cannot access the lower level at anytime without a ticket for that area. Being almost 40 years old, McKeon Pavilion feels its age. There is no video screen showing replays or advertisements but that furthers the gym-like vibe. There is one small scoreboard at one end of the court and a larger one, complete with stats, at the other. “Gael Force,” the Saint Mary’s student section, stands on the bleachers opposite the team benches. Clad in all red, they keep the energy level high throughout. Though the students are raucous, it’s just as likely to see older couples and families with small children at McKeon. McKeon Pavilion is split into two main sections; lower and upper levels to your right and lower and upper levels to your left upon entry. The one exception to the mirror image is the Hall of Fame Lounge with its seats hanging over one end of the court, giving a unique perspective. Since Randy Bennett arrived in Moraga there has been an influx of Australian talent (e.g., Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova amongst others) and they now display an Australian flag in the gym. This, and the “Aussie-Aussie-Aussie” chants are sure to make these players right at home. Neighborhood 3 McKeon Pavilion is located on the Saint Mary’s campus in the town of Moraga, just 15 miles from Oakland. However, as most games are on weeknights during rush hour, it can take up to an hour to get to Moraga from the more urban areas of the Bay Area. Moraga has a population of less than 20,000 and is a quiet, but beautiful place. Rolling hills and tall redwoods allow for beautiful day hikes in the area. Being located on campus, though scenic, is not conducive to grabbing food or drink prior to or after a Gaels basketball game. Your best options are in downtown Moraga or Rheem Valley. Here you can find Lamorinda Pizza, Italian restaurant Amaroma, and Asia Palace (mostly Chinese). Regardless of where you eat prior to the game, you will be getting back into your car to get to McKeon. Since you’re driving, maybe check out nearby Orinda for La Piazza or Hanazen for sushi. Moraga is a mostly sleepy community where you can enjoy being outside or catching a movie. This portion is one of the more affluent of the Bay Area so you’re options for dining reflect that. You won’t find a row of sports bars where you can catch a game on a big screen. Fans 4 Like many students sections in college basketball, Gael Force remains standing for the duration of the game. They lead chants that the whole gym gets involved with and are the catalysts for big runs by the hometown team. The Gaels seem to benefit from playing in a small town, somewhat secluded from the otherwise busy and bustling Bay Area. They are not only the hot ticket in town, but the only. The community seems to embrace them as their own, with many members of the community alumnus of SMC. There is a perception about the fans being a little uppity at SMC. This may be true but I didn’t find it to negatively affect my experience. Access 2 Moraga is somewhat secluded from the rest of the Bay Area. The nearest freeways (13 and 24) are more than 5 miles away, accessible only by winding roads, with one lane going each direction. That doesn’t begin to tell the story of getting to McKeon. Though it’s only 20 miles away from San Francisco, it can take well over an hour to get to Moraga during rush hour. This is not unique to the Moraga/Lafayette area but certainly affects a trip to see the game. It’s not only an issue of getting out of the city as it backs up on the other side of the bay on 580 and 24. Keep traffic in mind as most college basketball games are held on weeknights. For many Bay Area residents avoiding traffic can be solved by taking a BART train. Unfortunately the nearest station is 5 miles away, so it is not walkable. Riding a bicycle is an option from the train station and would be a nice ride through the rolling hills, but isn’t advisable as there aren’t many street lights from the station into town. It’s not much easier when you get inside the venue. The bleacher seating in the general admission area leaves literally no room for people to pass in front of seated spectators. Even standing up to let fans by is tricky as there really is only room for one person to stand at a time. Other seating looks to be more accessible. Even the parking lots, though inexpensive at $5, are a good walk away from the venue. Return on Investment 3 Tickets have increased in recent years. A general admission ticket is now $15, with an identical seat across the court with seat cushion going for $25. These are starting points and go up depending on the opponent. Largely, single game seats in the lower level are unavailable as they are swooped up by season ticket holders. It would be nice to see them lower the price for sparsely attended non-conference games like when I saw the Gaels take on Morgan State. Concessions, though limited, and parking at a great value bump up the overall return a point. Extras 3 There aren’t many state-of-the-art extras at McKeon Pavilion. Rather, the extras consist of the historical value, the nostalgic nature of the gym and the atmosphere of this elite mid-major squad. The elevated area behind one backboard for some season ticket holders is cool, albeit strange, aesthetic. This area has risers filled with comfy folding chairs and plenty of legroom. They have typical contests throughout the game including a 3-point shooting contest which, on the night I attended, was won by a young man with use of only one of his arms. Very impressive. Lastly, the Gaels proudly display their retired numbers and championship banners for men’s and women’s hoops as well as the full trophy case in the main entrance concourse.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bridgeforth Field 1001 East Cork Street Winchester, VA 22601 Winchester Royals website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 1,500 A Winning Night in Winchester The Winchester Royals play in the Valley Baseball League, a collegiate summer wood bat league based in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The league includes 11 teams split into a northern and southern division. The Royals have been in the league since 1979 and play their home games at Bridgeforth Field. This field is located within Jim Barnett Park, which is owned by the City of Winchester and also includes several other fields, a disc golf course, and a skate pavilion. It is also home to the baseball team of Shenandoah University. Following the 2021 season, the stadium was extensively renovated, including a new turf playing surface, better lighting, and a new scoreboard. Food & Beverage 4 For such a small venue, Bridgeforth Field has a great selection at the concession stand, and the prices are extremely affordable. Hot dogs are $3, hamburgers are $4, cheeseburgers are $4.50, and you can make any option a combo with chips and a drink by adding $1.50. Snacks include locally made Route 11 potato chips, nachos, Pirate’s Booty, popcorn, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and candy. Water and soda are available to drink, as are iced tea (sweet or unsweet), lemonade, Gatorade, and Honest Juice. For the sweet tooth, freezie pops and ice cream bars are available. Atmosphere 4 Bridgeforth Field has five seats of bleachers, two on each side of the field and one directly behind home plate. The one behind home plate consists of bleachers with backs, while the other four are a weird hodgepodge of chairbacks bolted onto bleachers and bleachers without backs. As the entire stadium is general admission, make sure to arrive early to get the seat you want. Winchester fans tend to sit down the third base line where their teams’ dugout is, while visiting fans tend to sit down the first base line. The seats behind home plate are more mixed. There is a scoreboard in left centerfield which shows the line score, count, and current batter. Like in most of the Valley League, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls, but can return them to the team store for a free freezie pop. You will often see kids chasing after the balls in the hope of getting one. Unlike many summer league teams, the Royals do a great job of keeping fans engaged. Most half-inning breaks feature either contests on the field or raffle drawings using the number on your game ticket (so be sure to hold onto that!) and there are other ways to keep the fans engaged like trivia and Name that Tune contests. Instead of playing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch, the team plays its own theme song about enjoying the team and the game. Neighborhood 3 Winchester is a small city located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. There are a number of restaurants located near the stadium, ranging from sports bars to barbecue to homemade ice cream. Since Bridgeforth Field is located near the highway, pretty much everything in Winchester is right there. While Winchester certainly isn’t a bustling city, it does have that small-town charm. History buffs may also want to visit the many Civil War sites in and around Winchester, which played a major role in the conflict. The city changed hands 72 times during the war and was known as the Shuttlecock of the Confederacy. Fans 4 While some teams in the Valley Baseball League don’t have many fans, the Winchester Royals do draw a good crowd. They fill up most of the bleachers and cheer on their team throughout the game. They also seem to be quite familiar with the players despite the fact that none of them stick around for more than one summer. The fans range from young families with kids to older people who have watched this team every summer for decades. Many people can be seen wearing Winchester Royals colors and hats as well. This team has been around for a while, and it is good to see the fan base continues to be loyal to their team. Access 4 The nearest highway to Bridgeforth Field is Interstate 81, and it is easily accessible via Exit 313A. Fans coming from the east or west will need to take State Route 7 or U.S. Route 50 at least part of the way, and while these are not highways, you can usually make good time. Once you get to the stadium, there is parking available in a lot right next to it. If this fills up, there is parking available elsewhere in Jim Barnett Park as well. All parking is free. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Winchester, like most of the teams in this league, is located far from any major city. Washington, D.C. is about an hour and a half away, and no other major city is anywhere near Winchester. There’s probably a VBL team close to any fan in the Shenandoah Valley, but to fans from outside it, getting there can be a challenge. Return on Investment 5 When admission is charged, tickets cost $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens, $2 for children six to 12 years, and free for children under six. However, thanks to sponsorship deals, many games have free admission. Be sure to check the schedule online first. Free games do still require a ticket, because this doubles as your raffle ticket for a chance to win one of several prizes throughout the game. Even if you have to pay admission, it’s not that much, and when you throw in the free parking and affordable concessions, it can be an excellent deal for the entire family. Extras 3 There are free programs located by the entrance, though there is a donation box next to it to raise money for team meals. Some fans stick a dollar or so in, some don’t. Either way, it’s a great deal. There is a souvenir shop in the stadium as well which sells Winchester Royals merchandise. You don’t always see such an extensive selection at this level. One final star for the extremely affordable prices and the possibility to see free baseball on certain nights. Final Thoughts Although collegiate summer league baseball doesn’t really get that much attention, the Valley Baseball League has been achieving success for many years. For fans who live in the area, a visit to Bridgeforth Stadium can be an enjoyable and affordable experience throughout the summer. Fans outside the Valley may still want to consider making a trip here as it is a nice way to take in a baseball game on a summer night.

It’s the dead of winter, spring training is over a month away, and even the baseball discussion groups on Facebook and X are dead quiet. What’s a baseball fan to do? The winter months are a great time to plan your baseball journeys for the spring and summer. 101 Baseball Places to See Before You Strike Out , by Josh Pahigian, is a wonderful resource for anyone who loves baseball. It doesn’t cover the current major and minor league stadiums, as that information is readily available on the internet. The book’s focus is on the hundreds of baseball shrines across the country that you might pass by on your baseball trips, simply because you were not aware of their existence. Obviously, Cooperstown is included in the book, but it also includes the Canadian Hall of Fame and Museum, the National College Baseball Hall of Fame and the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. There are also individual Hall of Fames dedicated to such baseball elites such as Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Ty Cobb, Bob Feller and Dizzy Dean. Film fans will be interested in the many sites around the country that were used in the production of baseball themed movies. These include the Field of Dreams cornfield and home in Dyersville, Iowa, the Durham, NC stadium used in Bull Durham . Other baseball pop culture sites featured in the book include the Simpsons statues at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, NM and the Bob Uecker Seats at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Another section of the book focuses on some behind the scenes baseball sites that make baseball games possible. The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory in Louisville, KY and the Baseball Mud Site in New Jersey are covered in one of the chapters. While you are out on your baseball road trip, it’s easy to work up an appetite for something other than a fast-food stop. 101 Baseball Places provides you with detailed information on restaurants with a baseball connection. Among the sites covered in this chapter are the Yankee Tavern in the Bronx, McCovey’s Restaurant on Walnut Creek, CA, Bobby Valentine’s Sports Gallery Café in Stamford, CT and Chappell’s Restaurant and Sports Museum in Kansas City, MO. There is also a chapter covering the Negro Leagues and the eventual integration of major league baseball. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a must see for baseball travelers in the Kansas City area. There are Jackie Robinson Trails in both Pasadena, CA and New York City. The Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Museum in Daytona, FL is located at the actual stadium made his major league debut with the Dodgers. We’ve only scratched the surface on the many baseball-related attractions and restaurants waiting for you this spring and summer. 101 Baseball Places to See Before You Strike Out is an indispensable resource for any baseball traveler. See you out on the road!

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Marriott Center 701 East University Parkway Provo, UT 84604 BYU Cougars website Marriott Center website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 63,470 Rise And Shout Since 1971, the BYU Cougars have played their home basketball games at the Marriott Center. Since the team moved into the facility, it has undergone many renovations, with the most recent in 2015. After those renovations, the school added the brand new Marriott Center annex in February 2017, complete with a practice court, a strength and conditioning center and team lounge just to name a few things. The Cougars have been part of the West Coast Conference since 2011 and have had great success since joining the conference, making either the NCAA or NIT tournament in each of the seven seasons they have been in the conference. Ever since then, the basketball program has enjoyed great success and the level of fan excitement continues to grow. The upgrades that were made to the arena have had a big impact. Food & Beverage 4 Prices for food and drinks at the Marriott Center are right around the price you would pay for stadium food. But what the food lacks in price more than makes up for in quality. One of the concessions stands you will see while traveling around the concourse is for BYU Signature Concessions. Some of the items you will find here include BYU Creamery ice cream, with flavors such as Cookies & Cream, Graham Canyon, Roasted Almond Fudge and Rose’s Snickerdoodle, with all flavors costing $4. Other items include the BYU Brownie ($2) and Cougar Crunch ($6). The signature item here is a giant gourmet sandwich ($9), with your choice of either Turkey on Wheat or Ham on Rye. BYU recently made the switch to Pepsi, so it will be all Pepsi products if you’re ever attending a game, with a bottled soda costing $4. An important note: BYU is an LDS campus, so that means there is no alcohol served on school grounds, including at sporting events. Atmosphere 4 With BYU on the rise in the West Coast Conference, game day on campus has become an even bigger deal. On the outside, the Marriott Center looks like a typical arena built in the 1970’s. But once you get past the concourse and into the arena itself, it’s a completely different experience. The renovations in 2012 and 2015 added prime chair seating to the lower bowl, a new sound system and new video boards, which makes the fan experience that much more enjoyable. At a capacity of 19,000, BYU has the largest arena in terms of capacity in the West Conference Conference. Attendance varies from game to game, but for the most part the arena is either full or close to full on game day. Neighborhood 4 The arena itself is on the northern fringe of campus, just about kitty-corner from LaVell Edwards Stadium. And while it is located on the campus itself, it sits along University Parkway, a major road that leads from the arena, through downtown Provo, all the way to Interstate 15. If you are coming from out of town, be advised that there are few, if any, bars located in the city. BYU is an LDS campus, and alcohol is not served and is not allowed on campus. If it is food you’re looking for, then there are no shortage of options in town. About two miles from the arena is one of my favorite places to eat: Pizza Pie Cafe. They do have a few locations outside of the state, but PPC is mainly a Utah chain. Prices vary depending if you arrive for lunch or dinner. The restaurant is all-you-can-eat, which includes 13 regular pizzas, five dessert pizzas, pasta and a salad bar. It is a local favorite and I highly recommend coming here if you ever visit. For those looking to a place to stay, there are hotels less than a mile from the arena. For those of you that like to stay in budget hotels, the Super 8 University hotel across from the stadium is a good option. If you prefer something that is a little more upscale, there is a Courtyard by Marriott just a little further away. Fans 4 Even with the move to the West Coast Conference, the Marriott Center is as a formidable place to play as any, especially when it comes time for conference play. One of the most noticeable things when it comes to the fans is BYU’s student section, known as The Roc. Even with late 9PM tip-offs being the norm during conference play, the student section makes itself known, especially in big games when Saint Mary’s or Gonzaga come to town. With the recent success of the BYU basketball program, it seems the student section has become more formidable over time. With the energy The Roc brings, that really isn’t a surprise. During the game, the rest of the fans seem to feed off the energy the student section brings. The arena sees a good crowd during BYU home games, even though some games don’t tip-off until 9PM. Access 4 Some of the parking in front of and close to the Marriott Center are reserved for permit holders, but there is plenty of public parking to be found two or three blocks away from the arena. When I was there, the most expensive price I saw for parking was $10, so you won’t be paying a whole lot in terms of parking. Getting to the stadium is very easy. If you are coming from either direction on Interstate 15, you will take the exit for University Parkway (exit 269). Once you are on University Parkway, it is a straight, 4-mile drive to the arena. Return on Investment 4 For those looking for single game tickets, you are getting a good deal. The range on tickets is between $15 and $80, but that may go up a little bit if a more high profile opponent visits town. For students, they have to purchase what is called a ROC Pass, which gives them access to all home events for the academy. Prices will vary depending on whether the pass includes access to football games or all other events except football. Extras 2 Located next to the arena is the Marriott Center Annex, which was completed as part of the arena’s renovations in 2017. The annex includes two practice courts, athletic offices, a strength and conditioning center and a BYU Basketball Hall of Honor, just to name a few. Another extra for the Cougars’ energetic mascot, Cosmo the Cougar. He is one of the more energetic mascots that I’ve seen, and it looks like both the players and the fans love him. He is definitely a big presence during home games. Final Thoughts While not a bucket list arena, the Marriott Center is definitely an arena you should visit if you are ever in Provo for a game. With the renovations complete, the interior has more of a modern look, which you will be hard-pressed to miss. With its recent success, don’t expect BYU to fade anytime soon.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Powers Field at Princeton Stadium 500 Ivy Lane Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers football website Powers Field at Princeton Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 27,800 Tiger Football at Princeton Stadium The Princeton Tigers football team plays their home games at Powers Field at Princeton Stadium in Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton is a member of the Ivy League in all sports and competes at the Division 1 FCS level for football. The Ivy League is made up of 8 prestigious colleges located in the Northeast. The term Ivy League comes from 1930s sportswriter Caswell Adams, who complained that he had to cover a Columbia-UPenn game instead of a game at his alma mater Fordham. Adams called the two schools “Ivy-covered” because of how old they were and the name stuck. Adams was correct in saying that the Ivy League schools are old. Princeton University was founded so long ago, America was still ruled by a king. Princeton came about as The College of New Jersey in 1746 and was originally located in Elizabeth and Newark before moving to Princeton in 1756, long before football was even played. But since football came about Princeton has always been competitive, claiming 28 national titles (all pre-1951) and winning 12 Ivy League championships since the conference officially formed in 1954. Their most recent Ivy League title was captured in 2018. Food & Beverage 3 There are four concession kiosks at Princeton Stadium, two on the home sideline and two on the road team sideline. The concession stands offer a variety of food and drink options. The stand menus are divided into three sections: Hot Plays for entrees, Grab and Go for snacks, and beverages. Hot Plays include bratwurst for $6.50, a hot dog for $5, a crafted burger for $6, and a crafted cheeseburger and grilled chicken sandwich for $6.50. Both crafted burgers were made with grass fed beef and a mushroom blend. The grab and go menu featured cotton candy for $4, chips for $2.50, and candy and a jumbo pretzel for $3. Beverages included small sodas for $3 and large sodas for $4.50. There is no official soda brand at Princeton but sodas offered included Sprite, Coke Zero, Coke, and Diet Coke. No alcohol is served at the stadium and other beverage offerings include Powerade, Vitamin Water, Bottled Water, Coffee, Tea, and Hot Chocolate, all for $3. Princeton also offers a souvenir mug bearing the athletics department logo for $5. Attendees who buy the cup are entitled to $1 refills on any beverage they bought. All concession stands at Princeton Stadium close after halftime, so get your food and drinks early. This writer tried the crafted cheeseburger and it wasn’t very good. It tasted more like a veggie burger than a cheeseburger and seemed like a classic attempt to be health conscious with food while eschewing taste and flavor in the process. Atmosphere 4 Princeton Stadium is cavernous. Seating wraps around the entire stadium, with two-tiered seating on both sidelines and in one end zone. The other end zone had only one tier seating and was roped off for some reason and no one was sitting there. Princeton’s sideline was to the right after entering the stadium and the opposing sideline was to the left. The Princeton band sits at the far side of the home sideline and the Tigers’ student section (The Jungle) was relatively indistinguishable from other fans because almost everyone was clad in orange. Almost no seats at Princeton have chair backs or cushions of some sort so it is necessary for fans to stand up and stretch every once in a while for the sake of comfort. The press box at Princeton is located above the home sideline and offers sweeping views of not only the action on the field but buildings on Princeton’s campus and historic Jadwin Gymnasium in the distance behind the end zone. Princeton’s scoreboard is diminutive in comparison to mammoth video boards popping up in stadiums nationwide, but still features the score, school names, down/to go, timeouts left, ball on, quarter, and replays of the action taking place on the field. The P.A. announcer had a clear, deep voice and made no crucial errors in mispronunciation. He also wasn’t overly showy like some in his line of work, adroitly playing the role of purveyor of information without falling into the realm of boisterous hype man. Free WiFi was available at the stadium and fans who accessed the PU visitor network got free WiFi for a month in the event they returned to Princeton for any event, sporting or otherwise. Music was played throughout the game, both from the public address system and from the Princeton marching band. The Princeton marching band is small and goofy in the same vein as Stanford’s. That doesn’t mean they aren’t quality musicians; they just don’t carry themselves with the same seriousness as most collegiate marching bands do. Case in point, a postgame concert knee deep in a fountain on campus. The band upholds the tradition of playing the school fight song after touchdowns and the alma mater postgame but also includes rock and pop songs like Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” and “The Time Warp” from Rocky Horror Picture Show. Their aquatic postgame concert featured Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al,” The B52’s “Rock Lobster” and Green Day’s “Basket Case,” all songs that most straight-laced marching bands wouldn’t dare to attempt. The P.A. system blared the usual mix of songs to get people hype at a football game, including “YMCA”, the ubiquitous “Seven Nation Army” and Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud.” A cheerleading squad performed at the end of the 1st quarter and the school mascot, a tiger wearing jersey number 42, roamed the sidelines hyping up the crowd throughout the game. Neighborhood 4 Few stadiums can boast a more unique surrounding area than Princeton. Princeton has it all, a stunning campus of an elite school that has produced luminaries in numerous fields, colonial history, and both the quaint feel of a small town and the vibrancy of a college town. Walking through Princeton’s campus is jarring, each building carries the panache of an Ivy League school built in the 1700s, carrying the history of all those who walked its halls. You can’t help thinking as you walk around Princeton’s campus that this is where Michelle Obama walked, where Jeff Bezos walked, where F. Scott Fitzgerald walked, and the list goes on and on. Imposing gilded age mansions line Prospect Avenue and carry weighty names like the Colonial Club and the Charter Club. These clubs date back over a hundred years and are Princeton’s versions of fraternities and sororities. A short walk from campus is a thriving and trendy downtown with a diverse array of restaurants, including PJ’s Pancake House, Mamoun’s Falafel, and Hoagie Haven (yes Princeton isn’t immune to Philly slang due to its Central Jersey location). A five minute trip to nearby Route 1 features big name hotels like Courtyard by Marriott but the Nassau Inn in town is a more historic, yet pricier option. Princeton also brings unique attractions like the McCarter Theatre on campus and the stately New Jersey Governor’s Mansion, Drumthwacket, which lies a few minutes down Route 206. Fans 4 Someone who has never attended a Princeton football game would surmise that the crowd there would be typical of a gathering of the bourgeoisie, featuring little rowdiness and talk of academic journals and sailing trips off Martha’s Vineyard. But a Princeton crowd is packed, loud, and engaged on every play. Fans stayed in their seats throughout the game and stayed the entire game but that may change if a game was a blowout. The game Stadium Journey attended was close and tense throughout however. Traditions include the playing of the fight song after a touchdown, the singing of the alma mater after the game with players and students locked arm in arm, and the fifth quarter, which provides fans with the opportunity to hang out on the field after the game. Chants were germane to football games, with fans yelling “defense” and “let’s go Tigers.” Access 3 Princeton Stadium is accessible by numerous modes of transportation. It is located near the major thoroughfares of Route 1 and the New Jersey Turnpike and is almost equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia. The stadium is about an hour and a half train ride from Manhattan and North Jersey and the Princeton Junction stop on the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor line from Penn Station is five minutes from campus. Visitors can then take the oddly named Dinky shuttle from the Princeton Junction station to campus. The dinky drops passengers near Hobey Baker Rink, the school’s hockey arena, about a five minute walk across campus from Princeton Stadium. Four major airports are less than an hour and a half drive/train ride from Princeton’s campus: Philadelphia International Airport, Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia. Parking at Princeton costs $10 unless you have a parking pass that allows for free parking. If you don’t have one of the passes and don’t arrive in town early on gameday, finding parking is an arduous task. Lots close to campus fill up quickly and late arriving visitors have to park in a field a few blocks away or on the street where parking is available. Princeton accepts both hard copy and printed tickets. Tickets could be ordered online and either printed out, scanned from a phone, or picked up at will call on gameday. Superiority of one gate versus another depended on where your tickets are within the stadium. If you’re on the Princeton side it’s better to enter at the gate closest to there but if you’re a fan of a visiting team it’s better to enter at the gate closest to that sideline. There was no bag check at Princeton Stadium and concourse traffic flowed well despite the large crowd, even at the concession stands where lines formed due to their early closing at halftime but the lines moved quickly. Bathrooms at Princeton Stadium were clean, odor free and featured paper towels for hand drying as opposed to newfangled machines with names like turbo dryer or xlerator. Return on Investment 4 A train ride from New York City to Princeton costs $38 round trip ($32 to get from Penn Station to Princeton Junction, and $6 more to use the dinky to get to campus). A trip down or up the New Jersey Turnpike can cost anywhere from $3 to $15, depending on where you’re traveling from. The low end would cover travelers from Central Jersey but $15 is a possibility if you’re coming from Bergen and Hudson county because turnpike tolls increase the closer you live to New York City. The recommended entree of a crafted cheeseburger cost $6.50 and with a drink for $3 and chips for $2.50 a whole meal barely exceeds $10. Parking costs $10, which is about the average for any sporting event and programs weren’t sold at the stadium and could be accessed online for free. Tickets bought in advance cost $15 for adults and $12 for children and tickets bought on gameday cost $20 for adults and $15 for children, so definitely buy tickets in advance if you are planning to attend a Princeton football game, because you can save at least $8 and every little bit of saved money counts. Special ticket packages include group tickets and a birthday package. Group tickets can be purchased for $8 each if the group is between 20 and 49 people (60% savings) and for $6 each if the group exceeds 50 (70% savings). A $120 birthday package includes 12 game day tickets for $10, video board recognition, a P.A. announcement, a picture with the Tiger mascot, and a gift bag/team poster, so fans with birthdays can save money and additionally make special memories at a Princeton game. Extras 5 -Nassau Hall, located on Princeton’s campus, was built in 1756 and served as the U.S. Capitol building for four months in 1783 -Albert Einstein’s house at 112 Mercer Street. Einstein lived in Princeton from 1935 to 1955 while he worked at the Institute for Advanced Study in town. -A merchandise tent at the stadium selling hats, shirts, and Princeton Tiger plushes. -Friendly and helpful concessions staff -Notable Princeton alumni include basketball legend Bill Bradley, former First Lady Michelle Obama, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Final Thoughts Anyone looking for a fun fall Saturday in New Jersey can look no further than a Princeton Tigers football game at Princeton Stadium.

For the first time, Stadium Journey presents its rankings of the stadium experience for the 24 clubs in the EFL Sky Bet Championship. There are several categories in the ground reviews: food & beverage in the arena, atmosphere, the local neighborhood, fans, access (including parking, restrooms, and ability to move around on the grounds), overall return on investment, and a catchall category for all extras. We use the rating of our correspondents as our primary ranking, with the crowd reviews of our members as the secondary factor. In cases where there is still a tie, we have an internal discussion to determine which arena experience might be slightly better. Click on the stadium or team name to read each stadium review. As with any list of stadium rankings, there will be some disagreements and a few headscratchers. You are more than willing to let us know what you think in the comment section, and perhaps we could see a change next year, but until then, here is the 2023 Stadium Journey EFL Sky Bet Championship Stadium Ranking. 1. Bramall Lane - Sheffield United 4.14 Bramall Lane boasts so many different things, it’s quite fascinating. Firstly, the away stand is dedicated to Sheffield-born, Olympic hero, Jessica Ennis-Hill. As an away supporter, it gives your stadium experience just that little extra touch. The historical impact always plays in the back of your mind, as after all, it is the oldest major football stadium in the world. In addition to this, another key extra is that it’s just minutes away from the city centre, which is a must-see. 2. Kenilworth Road - Luton Town 4.00 Visiting Kenilworth Road was fulfilling a childhood ambition! I was fascinated with their artificial surface in the 80s and how they always defied the odds to survive in the top flight! This is a very old ground, compact with very little room to manoeuvre due to the surrounding houses and busy roads, and a venue that all enthusiasts should visit. 3. Loftus Road - QPR 3.71 Walking to the ground through the narrow streets and sitting near other fans is what gives the ground such character and will be hard to create once they move. That said, those characteristics are what has stopped the ground from being developed, which is both a blessing and a curse. 4. Stoke City - Bet365 Stadium 3.57 The stadium consists of four cantilever stands with the L-shaped Boothen and East stands being of a separate structure from the rest of the stadium. The main West stand, consisting of two tiers, houses the club's corporate and media facilities. The legendary Sir Stanley Mathews who officially opened the stadium had his ashes buried under the stadium’s centre circle following his death in 2000. Statues outside the stadium show his career at different stages. 5. Swansea City - Liberty Stadium 3.57 Swansea City fans have known what it has been like to suffer through lean years and also know what it’s like to revel in glory seasons. You can’t break the heart and souls of its fans and supporters. Liberty Stadium is providing a fitting symbol for their continuing rise. 6. Bristol City - Ashton Gate 3.57 It is certainly exciting times for Bristol City fans off the pitch as the club continues to invest and grow its profile and infrastructure. The stadium is now fit for big matches, the most recent being the Vanarama Promotion Cup Final between Torquay United and Hartlepool United which was switched from Wembley due to its Euro 2020 commitments. This demonstrates that this venue is on its way to becoming the first-class facility that chairman Stephen Lansdown has always dreamed of. 7 . Coventry City - CBS Arena 3.43 CBS Arena is a very non-descript stadium but offers a few advantages for the atmosphere. While it's located outside the city for easy access by car or train, it doesn't stand out from other venues in the league in terms of aesthetics. Is it worth checking out of the match, Of course? However, it sort of falls in the middle-of-the-road category. 8 . Reading - Select Car Leasing Stadium 3.43 Select Car Leasing Stadium is home to the English Football Championship club Reading and was formerly named Madejski Stadium after their Chairman Sir John Madejski. The stadium was built in 1998 following the club's departure from their Elm Park residence of over one hundred years. The stadium has an all-seated capacity of 24,161. 9 . Sunderland - Stadium of Light 3.43 Visiting the Stadium of Light is something you should do. It’s a program ground, which at times can be very full of atmosphere. My only problem is that when you get there, you will be disappointed with the contest. However, overall I would recommend visiting this stadium, as it is reasonably priced to get in and has well-designed many-around all-around features that not many other stadiums have. 10 . Blackpool - Bloomfield Road 3.29 Attending a Blackpool match is a fun experience in a great location in England for Championship football. It is an ideal destination if you are with the family, but great if you are ground-hopping alone or with a few friends. Bloomfield Road has plenty to see, along with the rest of Blackpool. 11. Millwall - The Den 3.29 The Den offers great views from almost every part of the grounds and is the perfect size for being close to the action. It is clean, comfortable, and a serviceable stadium that has shown its age in certain places but offers an array of food kiosks and social quarters. The Den and its supporters have their reputation but for the most part, makes for an ideal afternoon for football in London. 12. Norwich City - Carrow Road 3.29 When you are enjoying a stay in the English countryside (Anglia) and if you want something else then visit its beautiful villages, castles ruins, and cathedrals, then a visit to a match of Norwich City Football Club is a welcome break. You can experience the real football atmosphere created by passionate Canaries fans. The atmosphere you will experience at Carrow Road is probably better than you will find at some of the top teams in the league. 13. Watford - Vicarage Road 3.29 Watford fans are great and this is a nice stadium overall The grounds are at near capacity crowds that are up close and personal to the players on the pitch. The cheering echoes throughout the stands and the atmosphere is full of history at the facility that blends both modern and classic styles. 14. Wigan Athletic - DW Stadium 3.29 The DW Stadium was built in 1999 as a home for the Wigan Athletic soccer team. Wigan’s previous home was Springfield Park, where most of the success came towards the end of their 67-year stay. The DW has a capacity of 25,133 and also provides a home for the Wigan Warriors Rugby League Team. Like most newly built stadiums in England, The DW is situated in the middle of a vast retail park. 15. Cardiff City - Cardiff City Stadium 3.29 Cardiff City Stadium comes alive on match day with local pubs and restaurants near the grounds packed with fans. Once inside the stadium, the crowd becomes electric against bigger opponents but halftime takes for a fine day of footy on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. 16. Huddersfield Town - John Smith's Stadium 3.14 The John Smith Stadium is a modern, comfortable football stadium that is inexpensive, features a good range of concession items, and overall has a very good time. The home of the Terriers should not be overlooked when visiting English Football grounds, 17. Birmingham City - St. Andrew's Stadium 3.00 The stadium features four stands: Spion Kop Stand, The Main Stand, Gil Merrick Stand, and the Tilton Road Stand. Away supporters enter through the Gil Merrick Stand and The Main Stand offers both the Cookhouse and Family section. The best spot for the atmosphere is in the Tilton Road Stand but some seats feature an obstructed view. 18. Burnley - Turf Moor 3.00 Burnley has occupied its ground since 1883 and holds the record for the longest period in one place in England. When it first opened it was home to an 800-capacity grandstand and served as the home venue for Burnley Rovers FC. The plot of land was first occupied by Burnley’s cricket club in 1833. 19. Middlesbrough - Riverside Stadium 3.00 The Riverside Stadium has opened in 1995 following Middlesbrough's relocation from their historic but outdated Ayresome Park home a little over a mile away. The Riverside was one of the first newly built larger stadiums within Britain at that time and now has an all-seated capacity of 35,100. 20 . Preston North End - Deepdale 3.00 Although the atmosphere of old Deepdale can never be replaced, the new version when full can become a close second. If North End can one day return to the top flight of English soccer where they were once one of the top dogs back in the 40s and 50s, then this will certainly be an outstanding venue to view English football. 21 . Rotherham - New York Stadium 3.00 It would take very little to improve the atmosphere compared to the club’s temporary Don Valley experience. However Rotherham United has tried extremely hard to ensure the New York experience will bring supporters back to the club. Home supporters generate most of the noise from the KCM Recycling Stand. 22. West Bromich - The Hawthorns 3.00 In the stadium, there is plenty of noise from the home and away ends. Two big screens show replays as well. Leg space is slightly cramped especially if you are tall. Concourses are narrow so can be quite cramped at halftime or pregame. Views of the game are great from any seat and you are never far away from the action. There are electronic ticket scanners at the turnstiles when entering the ground resulting in quick queue times. 23. Hull City - MKM Stadium 2.86 The design of the stadium ensures that it retains its atmosphere and this remains the case when the stadium is not full which tends to be the case now that the club is back in the Championship League. 24. Blackburn - Ewood Park 2.29 There are a lot of things that need improving at the club. A good manager needs to be given time to work with his players, and the fans need to be more supportive of their team. Oh, and the Venky’s need to get a grip. Once this is all done, Blackburn may return to the Premier League and hopefully, the stadium experience will improve.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hammond Stadium 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33912 Ft Myers Mighty Mussels website Hammond Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 7,500 Tropical Comfort Note: In Dec 2019, the team name changed from Fort Myers Miracle to Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. Talking about minor league baseball stadiums, purists look for the old and historic stadiums, while others look for the newest and shiniest facilities. Hammond Stadium may not initially fit either of these categories, having been built in 1991, and looking quite similar to the abandoned Homestead Baseball Complex constructed for the Cleveland Indians around that time. However, a closer look reveals that the renovations in 2014-15 have completely transformed this once hum-drum facility into a beautiful, tropical oasis in southwest Florida. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions at Hammond Stadium are affordable and offer the traditional options fans would expect to see on the menu – hot dogs, burgers, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, etc. In addition, the stadium also features various game-day specials, like grilled ham and cheese sandwiches ($5.75), churro bites ($2), and meatball subs ($6.75). There are also several bars on site, including one in left field and another in right field for fans to pick from. At either location you can get a beer for as low as $4.50, wine for $6, and cocktails starting at $7.50, as well as purchase other food items like nachos ($5.50), sunflower seeds ($1.75), chips ($1.50), and more. Atmosphere 4 Hammond Stadium is beautiful, and the entire main concourse level is walkable around the whole field, allowing fans to wander and watch the action from various vantage points during contests. The outfield boardwalk offers up close views too, as well as alternate seating and standing-room only areas for fans to watch the Miracle take the field. The team store at Hammond Stadium is two stories, meaning you shouldn’t have a hard time finding your favorite gear for your favorite team. The main entrance is also stunning, with the fountain plaza area presenting the perfect introduction to the stadium. In addition, the field faces northeast, meaning fans will never have to sit through a game with the sun in their eyes; it also means you will always have comfortable shade to cool you off on those hot summer days in Florida. Neighborhood 3 Hammond Stadium itself is in a more suburban area of Fort Myers, Florida, meaning you will see more houses than stores and restaurants. However, while there may not be anything right across the street, you can drive less than a mile down the road to where I-75 crosses Daniels Parkway – here you can find plenty of dining and lodging options: Stevie Tomato’s Sports Page and Cracker Barrel are both popular stops, while Baymont Inn & Suites Fort Myers Airport and Hampton Inn Fort Myers Airport are the two closest hotels to the stadium. For sightseers, Sanibel Island is a short drive west – home to beautiful beaches, the Sanibel Lighthouse, and the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Fans 3 While fans may not pack the stands like they would for Twins spring training games, they are no less supportive of the Miracle. The crowds can easily swell depending on what visiting team is there, and which players from the big leagues are on assignment, or shrink if the famously unpredictable Florida weather looks like rain. Access 4 Getting to Hammond Stadium is easy, despite it not being right off the main roads. I-75 is just a few minutes away, and getting off the highway and heading west on Daniels Parkway is the best option. Once you get to 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, head south and the stadium will be on your right; parking is plentiful on site, and is only $5. Once inside the stadium, making your way around the facility is easy, as signage is plentiful, and the open concept of the stadium helps make finding your way a breeze. Return on Investment 4 Taking the family, or even just a few friends, to the game is a great option, as the price of tickets is affordable. Hammond Stadium also features low cost concessions and parking, meaning you won’t break the bank before you get to your seat. The beauty of the stadium is also hard to miss, and the options you have for seating around the field are among the best in Florida. Extras 2 The team features various themed nights, such as Star Wars Night, to help get fans out to games. There are also various giveaways for fans throughout the season, both from the team and from local vendors. Final Thoughts Looking for affordable and comfortable baseball options in Florida can be hard at times, but Hammond Stadium achieves both with ease. It may be easy to overlook the Miracle when looking at MiLB games to attend when in Florida, but make no mistake…the Miracle has a comfortable, modern facility that is welcoming, enjoyable, and affordable, which isn’t something other teams can lay claim to.

The city of Brockton, Massachusetts refers to itself as “The City of Champions.” This moniker comes from its history of producing boxing champions, most notably Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. On Thursday the city unveiled a statue of Hagler in the shadows of the site of legendary Petronelli Gym, where Hagler famously trained during his fighting days.   The statue, commissioned at a price of $150,000, is located in the new Hagler Park at the corner of Petronelli Way and Hagler Way. Hagler passed away in 2021 at the age of 66. He finished his career with a record of 62-3-2 with 53 knockouts. He was the undisputed Middleweight champion from 1980-87, making 12 title defenses during that time. Hagler was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993. Boxing Illustrated named him the 1980s Fighter of the Decade, and he was named Boxer of the Year twice.   Dozens of people were in attendance at the unveiling, including family members, former opponent Vito Antuofermo and city leaders. “I will say one thing about Marvelous Marvin, he never forgot where he came from,” Mayor Robert Sullivan told the crowd. “So today he is not here physically, but he is here in spirit.”     The statue, which stands about six feet tall, depicts Hagler throwing one of his legendary left jabs. At the base of the statue are replicas of his three championship belts. A dogwood sapling, which should grow to about 12 feet tall, is planted at the park to honor Hagler’s mother, Ida Mae Lang.   Hagler’s statue is the second erected in the city honoring a local boxing champion. In 2012, the World Boxing Council gifted a $250,000, 22 foot-tall statue of Rocky Marciano. This statue, the largest statue of a sporting figure in the world, is located at Rocky Marciano Stadium on the campus of Brockton High School, behind Campanelli Stadium, home of the New England Knockouts and Brockton Rox .

Photos by Chris Patton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Rent One Park 1000 Miners Dr. Marion, IL 62959 Rent One Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,000 Fun for Everyone at Rent One Park Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois is home to the Southern Illinois Miners of the independent Frontier League. The stadium opened on May 29, 2007, as the Miners defeated the Evansville Otters with over 6,300 fans in attendance. In their inaugural season, the Miners set Frontier League attendance records and continue to draw good crowds to the ballpark near the intersection of I-57 and Illinois Route 13. Rent One Park has 3,200 chair seats (with cup holders) and lawn seating for over 2,000. Additional seating is available in two picnic gardens. The Budweiser Bullpen Bar-n-Grille has picnic table seating for 300, while the Rent One Picnic Garden beyond the outfield walls seats another 500 fans. The park also has 14 suites and a banquet facility. EDITOR'S Note: The Southern Illinois Miners folded at the end of the 2021 season. Food & Beverage 4 There are four concession stands in Rent One Park. The stands offer all the ballpark staples, but they take it to the next level by offering them several different ways. For example, Nathan’s hot dog is $3.50, but for $0.50 more, you can get a chili cheese dog, salsa dog, or cheese dog. French fries are $3, while garlic or chili cheese fries are $3.50. The garlic fries aren’t the same quality as those at a San Francisco Giants game but are enjoyable. The variety continues with five different versions of nachos, ranging in price from $3.25 to $6. At the main concession stands, regular soda is $2.75, while a large is $4. Bottles of Pepsi products sell for $3.25. Draft beers are $3.75 and bottled beers are $4.75. The Budweiser Bullpen Bar-n-Grille down the right-field line also offers a wide variety of food and drink. In this location, you can dine on several different burgers or chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, and sausages. Draft beers listed are Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and 312. For a $0.75 savings, Natural Light drafts are also available. At freestanding carts along the concourse, three different types of cheesesteaks and Italian sausage with peppers are grilled up and sold for $6. Leinenkugel’s and Redd’s drafts are listed, as well. For dessert, one item that is recommended is the funnel cake fries. The $4 treat might seem more at home at the county fair than a ballpark but is worth trying. Atmosphere 4 Rent One Park is still a new facility at just a few years old and remains in great shape. As we walked into the stadium, the team staff handed us a free replica jersey and game program. The program is a small magazine or newspaper but is very informative. There had been some rain in the area before the game, but ushers walked with fans to their seats and wiped them down with a towel before anybody sat down. The concourse is wide open and covered in most areas, in case of rain. At the end of the concourse down the left-field line is a kids’ play area with six inflatables. This is right near the lawn seating, so parents can keep one eye on the game and one eye on their kids playing in a bounce house. The team’s name is a tribute to the history of coal mining in southern Illinois. The concourse walls feature black and white photos of local coal miners from years past. Along with the miner mascot, Big John is a canary mascot that celebrates runs by dancing on the dugout with one of the team’s Diamond Girls, who helped out with promotional contests. Rent One Park’s playing surface is Sportexe Turf. While this takes away from the charm for baseball, it allows several other events such as football, concerts, and pro-wrestling to take place throughout the year. The bullpens are behind the right-field fence. Behind and above the bullpens are the scoreboard, video screen, and several advertising panels. One of the advertisements is for Pitt Lite, the official mining light of the ball club. Their advertisement includes a large mining helmet light that is turned on during the game. Neighborhood 3 A new exit off of Interstate 57 essentially leads you right to the Rent One Park parking lot. The stadium is set back from IL Route 13, the main thoroughfare in Marion that leads to Carbondale, home of Southern Illinois University. Route 13 has been developed significantly since the early 1990s. The road now features a mall, numerous big box stores, chain restaurants, and hotels. 17th Street BBQ is one of the closest restaurants to Rent One Park. The restaurant has been featured on the Food Network and Travel Channel. The menu features a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and platters. The pulled pork sandwich is big and filling and hushpuppies are a welcome sight as a side item. The bar features several local selections from Big Muddy Brewing out of Murphysboro, Illinois. Fans 4 Along with Southern Illinois Salukis sports, Miners baseball has become a source of pride for the folks in and around Marion. The success and stability of the team have endeared the Miners to the community. While fans aren’t coming out in the record numbers of the opening season anymore, there are still plenty of excited and knowledgeable folks attending games in team gear. That is not always the case with independent baseball. Access 4 Parking is available for $3 in a spacious lot just outside the main stadium gates. You should have no trouble getting in and out of the lot. Keep an eye peeled for fans that are staying at one of the nearby hotels and walking back after the game. Rent One Park features plenty of clean, large restrooms with no waiting in line. Return on Investment 4 General Admission tickets sell for $7, Box Seats sell for $10 in advance ($2 extra on the day of game), and Club Seats sell for $14 in advance ($1 extra on game day. Tickets and parking are comparable with other independent sports franchises. My meal of Polish sausage, garlic fries, and a regular soda was a fair deal at $10.75. Extras 3 On the outfield wall is a sign honoring former Miner, Joey Metropolous. The ninth-round draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2004 became a fan favorite in Marion for his home run power and had his jersey retired in 2014. Nearly every Miners game has some sort of promotion or special theme. The game I attended was on the first Saturday of the college football season. Much of the night featured players using college fight songs as their walk-up music. Some players represented their alma maters, but others just had a school and fight song assigned to them. It was a nice tie-in to what was going on in the sports world that day. Final Thoughts Baseball remains king in southern Illinois. While the Miners will never replace the St. Louis Cardinals in the hearts of area residents, Rent One Park has become a destination for local sports fans.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Vandivier Gymnasium 625 Grizzly Cub Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Franklin Community HS Grizzly Cubs Franklin Community Gym website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 4,112 The Vandy is Still Dandy in Franklin The Vandivier Gym opened with Franklin Community High School for the 1961-1962 academic year. The gym would host its first game on November 14 in front of a near-capacity crowd at the 4,112 building. The gym would be home to Franklin Grizzly Cubs basketball until the 2005-2006 school year when modern facilities were constructed less than 2.5 miles away. The Vandy Gym and campus is now the middle school, but at least one high school home game a season sometime in late January. The idea stems from the school’s AD, who was a 1990 graduate and wants the old gym to provide a few more memories to the town of Franklin. The night of our visit was to honor the 50th-anniversary state championship finalists of 1973-1974. The venue gets its name from Robert Polk “Fuzzy” Vandivier, a legendary player on the Franklin Wonder Five. They captured three state high school championships from 1920-1922 with a combined record of 89-9, and then all five men moved a few blocks away to Franklin College and won two more state college championships in 1923 and 1924. After college, Vandivier was the head coach of the Cubs and later the athletic director from 1923-1964. Food & Beverage 3 A small concession stand offers hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and soda. There is a limited menu selection due to it handling a middle school crowd regularly. There is also an upstairs concession window that might be used for the larger high school crowds. The school offers Pepsi products, good-sized hot dogs with a proper meat-to-bun ratio, and additional toppings of chili and cheese. The stand does not take credit cards but does accept Venmo through an app on the phone. The first of its kind was witnessed at an Indiana high school gym. Atmosphere 3 The Vandy Gym appears frozen in time since the Grizzly Cubs last played inside its walls. The old court still has the hand-painted school logo, the words Grizzly Cubs are arched over the 3-point line, and the school colors of light blue and white adorn the walls.  However, the main focal points are its walls and lighting. The walls hang low with a set of lights that reflect off the basketball court below. It is similar in design to the Glen Ray Gym  just up the road at Whiteland High School. The Vandy Gym also features an upper concourse that wraps around the seating bowl for easy access and a play area for younger students. There are two sets of stands, the upper permanent bleachers and the lower pull-out bleachers that are adorned in plastic. Fans are close to the action all around the lower seating, and metal fencing separates the upper rows of seats for safety and access. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Franklin is known for its quaint restaurants and locally-owned shops since featured in the December 2, 1940 edition of Life magazine. That spirit remains intact 80-plus years later, where visitors can find everything from bars, casual and chef-driven restaurants, shops, bakeries, cafes, and breweries. Downtown is less than 2 miles from the Vandy Gym. Many buildings were constructed in the 1800s and now feature local places for food and drink. Blue Cactus Tacos & Tequila Bar and Shale Creek Brewery are two such establishments that are ideal spots before or after the game. The Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 and has been restored to its original look, offering second-run movies. Next door is The Willard, built in 1860. Today, it is a bar and restaurant. There are more places to choose from from its official website. North of the gym on US-31 is an array of fast-food restaurants and regional chain eateries. There are also retail, supermarkets, and several other places of interest. It is ideal for a quick bite on the run or with the family. Fans 4 Franklin fans are a vocal bunch who make it well-known what they think of a call or play on the court. Many have been coming to games for decades and enjoy watching high school hoops in the old building. The student cheer block was present, and the small group did their best to help out their classmates on the floor. Access 4 The Vandivier Gym is located at the middle school and easily accessible off of US-31 on the northbound side of the highway. A large parking lot on the south side provides plenty of parking before the game. Once inside, a wraparound concourse above the upper seating bowl allows fans to enjoy the game from a different perspective, and external staircases provide easy exits after the game. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a game is $7, concession prices are $3 for a hot dog and nachos, and a table sells used basketball gear and older t-shirts for $1 or $3. Venmo is an acceptable form of payment without cash. Extra 2 The Vandy Gym earns a point for its wrap-around concourse, low ceiling and lighting, and its name for one of the best players who ever laced his sneakers up, Robert “Fuzzy” Vandivier. Final Thoughts A visit to the Vandivier Gym is a rare opportunity for fans of high school basketball. The gym only hosts one game a year in January, and plans are to make it more of an event to create a unique tradition in the state. The stands are filled with former players, alumni, and other fans who make a Grizzly Cub game at the venerable gym a rare treat. ------  Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter  and his   YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 McGuirk Arena East Broomfield Road and South Mission Mt Pleasant, MI 48859 Central Michigan Chippewas website McGuirk Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 5,300 Go Chips In 2010, Central Michigan University’s Rose Center became McGuirk Arena after the completion of a renovation which included a new exterior, redesigned seating, a practice facility, and a student fitness center. McGuirk Arena is named for the McGuirk family who own real estate properties in Mt Pleasant and made a $2.5 million donation to help fund the project. The facility seats 5,300 fans with the majority of the seating being maroon plastic chairs, but the top 10 rows are plastic bleachers. The most unique feature of McGuirk Arena is that there is no center court overhang scoreboard, which makes for a very clean view of the action of the court. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few somewhat interesting items on the menu, but after ordering they left a bit to be desired. I tried the pizza calzone ($4), which was sort of a doughy disaster. I also tried the Embers pork sandwich ($6.50). Embers is a name I am familiar with for the area, and I was also a bit disappointed in this pulled pork sandwich offering. My suggestion with the food is to stick to the basics, since they’re cheaper. Better yet, eat before or after the game. They also offer pretzel bites ($4), which are similar to a hot pretzel that you would find in most arenas, just in a more manageable form. Pepsi is the soda of choice and you can purchase one in a souvenir sized cup ($6), or 32-ounce size ($3). Hot beverages are also available including coffee, cocoa, and cappuccino ($3). Overall, the food isn’t bad. Sometimes when interesting items are offered, it raises expectations, and in this case everything is just so-so. Atmosphere 2 You’ll walk in to the spacious entrance at the CMU Events Center and be greeted by a bust of CMU alum Dick Enberg. It is a great way to start, and you are hopeful that you’ll get that “Oh my!” feeling. The arena feels intimate, and you have a good view of everything going on from anywhere in the arena. The student section is mostly full, and students are on their feet, but no one seems overly into the game. The students sit under the basket nearest the home team’s bench. On the opposite side, in the corner behind the other basket is the pep band. Unfortunately, they are away from the opponent’s bench and, while decent, have little impact on the general atmosphere. I would have loved to see the band and the students more closely aligned and nearer the opposition’s bench so that they could be a more critical component to the home court advantage. The first 16 rows of seats are chairback with average leg room and no cupholder. As you climb beyond that, the seats are a fairly comfortable plastic bleacher. Ushers seemed to be checking to ensure that fans seated in the chairback seats had the appropriate ticket, but fans in the bleachers could easily choose where they want to see the game. I really like having no center court scoreboard, especially in an arena with a fairly low ceiling. It is interesting though that the main scoreboard does not display a game clock. The only places to see the clock are on the shot clocks atop each basket or at the scorers’ table. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does take some getting used to. Neighborhood 3 McGuirk Arena is located near the home of CMU football, Kelly/Shorts Stadium not far from the main thoroughfare into Mt Pleasant, Mission Street. The nearest place to find something to eat or drink would be O’Kelly’s. O’Kelly’s is sort of your typical sports bar with plenty of TVs, cheap drinks, and typical bar food. I chose to drive about 2 miles from the arena to Mt Pleasant Brewing Company. I am always a fan of the opportunity to try a new local beer when visiting a new sporting arena. Mt Pleasant Brewing Company has a small bar area, serving up 8 beers on tap, and a small menu of very good sandwiches. I tried the Brewben (like Rueben), and thought it was delicious. All sandwiches are $8, and all beers are only $3.50. This is definitely the spot that I would recommend. Fans 2 I was pretty disappointed by the fans in general. There are even some amongst the student section who are dressed up in clever outfits, so from the looks of it, you would think that they may be a rowdy crew. They seemed to enjoy themselves most after the referee made a bad call (or more accurately, a call that went against the Chips), and launched into a chant of “BULL-SH!*, BULL-SH!*”. It felt a little bit juvenile. The rest of the crowd was present, but seemed no more interested in the contest than someone in the park watching the squirrels. In fairness though, the game I witnessed was never really close and the Chippewas seemed out of it by halftime, so that may have sapped some of the energy out of the place. Access 3 Parking is free, but you’re still in for a bit of a walk from your car to the arena. Make sure you have your warm clothes if it is cold (it’s winter after all) as the trek across the parking lot is probably a 10 minute hike. That said, free parking is hard to beat. Inside the arena, everything is new and dressed in maroon and gold. The concourses are wide enough to deal with the crowd, and the bathrooms are clean and modern. Return on Investment 3 Reserved seating (chairback) will cost you $18, or you can go with the bleacher seats ($12). I would recommend the latter to save some money unless you need the back support. Seniors and children can get in for only $8. As of the time of this visit (January 2012), online tickets were not available through the team’s official website. Hopefully that will change soon. In the interim, you should feel comfortable getting your tickets the day of the game. The overall cost is very reasonable, even if you are not getting anything that would be considered life altering. If you’re in Mid-Michigan and want to check out some MAC basketball, then you won’t go broke seeing the Central Michigan Chippewas at McGuirk Arena. Extras 2 One extra point for the cool interactive Chippewas Hall of Fame located in the concourse. Rather than the standard plaques that you might find at many arenas, CMU has an interactive touchscreen that allows you to peruse the members of their Hall of Fame and get information as you like. It is rather innovative, and I would suspect more and more schools may move to something similar in the future. Another extra point, and this is just straight hometown bias, for the #44 hanging along the wall for former NBA All-Star, Olympian, MAC Player of the Year, and Traverse City Trojan Dan Majerle one of my personal idols growing up. Final Thoughts While far from a must-see venue, McGuirk Arena does manage to provide a comfortable and modern feeling experience, and a chance to see Division I basketball at a good price. If you are in or near Mt Pleasant, Michigan, then stop over at the Mt Pleasant Brewing Company for an IPA, and stop over to McGuirk Arena for a little round ball action.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Pittsburgh International Race Complex 201 Penndale Road Wampum, PA 16157 SpeedTour website Pittsburgh International Race Complex website Year Opened: 2002 Motorsports Outside the Steel City Taking over and renovating an old racetrack into a modern facility is no easy task, yet the folks at Pitt Race have done exactly that. Formerly known as Beaver Run, Pittsburgh International Race Complex is a well-manicured racetrack just under 45 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh proper. The layout is challenging, featuring lots of elevation changes and technical corners. However, for all the positives for the updated facility, there is a general lack of access for fans, as well as a very inconspicuous location. Nevertheless, the Trans Am and SVRA SpeedTour weekend is by far the biggest pro event on the track’s calendar, meaning fans flock to this track for a taste of top-level motorsports.   Food & Beverage   2 There isn’t a permanent concession stand anywhere at the track, so food trucks are brought in for fans. On top of the fan viewing hill is an ice cream/shaved ice truck that offers drinks and cold snacks, while down in the main paddock a local BBQ food truck is stationed, featuring both breakfast and lunch menus for fans and crews. Selections for food can change from race event to race event, which means prices are unpredictable. Other than the food trucks, a few vending machines for drinks are located around the facility. To make matters worse, the only real food options immediately outside the track itself is a local Subway shop that gets quite busy.   Atmosphere   3 This track is beautiful – verdant vistas greet you in all directions, and well-manicured grounds make for a welcoming sight. There is also a go-kart track on site, as well as a fan shop and an event center for rent. Victory lane is located in the paddock, allowing easy fan access to watch the winner get their trophy at the end of the race. Unfortunately there are also some major downsides to the track; fan viewing options are limited, and there aren’t a lot of shade trees to help you beat the summer heat. Overall, while aesthetically pleasing, there is still much work to be done for the circuit to challenge others in the Northeast region for fan attention.   Neighborhood   2 There isn’t too much nearby for fans to find at Pitt Race – the track is located down a small road that turns off seemingly into a neighborhood. Outside the circuit, few hotels and restaurants exist aside from a Subway and some old-fashioned motels. The nearest highway exit with proper restaurants and hotel chains is about 20-25 minutes south of the track.   Fans   3 The fans at Pittsburgh International Race Complex are casual enjoyers of motorsports; this region of the country doesn’t have a long history for sportscar racing, meaning that most fans in attendance aren’t in the diehard category. On top of that there aren’t a lot of attendees on hand, even on Sunday for the main event. This means that palpable feeling of excitement you get at other tracks is hard to find at Pitt Race.   Access   3 The track is located only a few miles from a major highway, which makes getting to the circuit rather easy. However, its location is very well hidden, and signage is at an absolute minimum. The road up to the track’s entry gate is small and unkempt, making you doubt whether you made the right turn. In addition, once inside fans can only access just under half of the circuit trackside – the entirety of the far side of the track, as well as all the infield areas, are off limits, even to media due to a lack of walls or barriers. Where crossover bridges and infield viewing areas would be a welcome addition for fans to take in more of the track, they’re forced to settle for viewing from the top of the fan hill only, or from the event center balcony.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SpeedTour weekend here start at $20 for a Friday ticket, while Saturday or Sunday access runs $30. A weekend pass is available for $65, while family four packs ($175) and two-packs ($125) that include general parking are also available. This means watching professional racing at Pitt Race won’t break the bank to get in the front door.   Extras   3 The flag poles near the event center feature memorial plaques for several members of Corvettes of Pennsylvania, who were friends of the track. Also, as is tradition at SpeedTour events, a fan walk takes place before the main Trans Am races, giving fans the chance to see the cars and stars of the races on track up close and personal. Finally, the circuit features a go-kart track on site, allowing anyone who has the need for speed to get a sample of what it’s like to race.   Final Thoughts Pittsburgh International Race Complex features so much potential to be a great facility – a challenging track that looks pretty to the eye, it unfortunately lacks the finer touches fans crave in terms of both creature comforts and overall access around the circuit. While tickets are inexpensive to come watch Trans Am and vintage SVRA racing here, there isn’t too much to truly draw fans to this track over others in the region.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Williams Stadium 1971 University Blvd Lynchburg, VA 24502 Liberty Flames website Williams Stadium website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 25,000 Taking Names in Lynchburg Arthur L. Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, VA is home to the Liberty Flames football team, and was built in 1989; its current capacity is 25,000. The facility started off with only 12,000 seats, but underwent a major renovation a few years back when Liberty made the move from FCS to FBS. The facility now includes two-story stands on both the east and west sides, a five-story press box complete with 18 suites, and seating around the horseshoe of the south end zone, which boasts both box seats as well as berm seating, capped off by brick arches built into the wall surrounding the venue. The current attendance record at Williams Stadium (24,012) was set on October 22, 2022 in a game against the BYU Cougars (a game which Liberty won handily). Since joining FBS the Flames have competed in and won three consecutive bowl games (and based on their current record will most likely be invited back after this season); the Flames currently compete as an FBS Independent, but will join Conference USA next year. Food & Beverage 5 Williams Stadium has an amazing selection of food and beverage options at its concessions stands – there are the main stands which offer your basic stadium fare, but also a host of additional stands from local restaurants which offer more unique items, including Bacon St. Bagels which offers grilled bagel melts with options ranging from Grown Up Grilled Cheeses to Roast Beef & Swiss, or Rookie’s which offers ice cream sandwiches, ice cream sundaes, lemonade, and warm chocolate chip cookies. Food options available from the main stands include burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, popcorn, candy, and chips, and they also sell combos with football-themed names like Safety (hot dog, chips, and a drink) or Third Down (chicken, fries, and a drink). The prices are pretty reasonable with a hamburger coming in at $4, chicken tender for $5, candy for $2, and chips for $1 as an example. Drink options at Williams Stadium include Coke products from the fountain or in bottles, bottled water, coffee, and hot cocoa – drinks cost $3 except for the souvenir soda cup which is $8. Note however that there is no alcohol sold at Williams Stadium, as Liberty is a Christian university (founded by none other than Jerry Falwell). Atmosphere 5 Williams Stadium is a great venue for college football, and it is no wonder the football program decided to make the move to FBS. The facility itself is a great venue with lots of great amenities, and the fans (particularly the student section) are very supportive of their team and their school. The action on game day starts with the band marching in, and as with many teams there are fireworks when the home team scores (and after a win), as well as the spirit squad with flags waving, plus spurts of smoke and fire (remember the team is called the “Flames”) when the team comes onto the field. The mascot is also really great, and you might even spot him playing rock-paper-scissors with the opposing team’s mascot in-between bouts of t-shirt tossing and otherwise revving up the fans in the stadium. The Liberty Band may be the highlight of the day, however – before the game they do a ton of great formations on the field, for example the “L-U” (for Liberty University) which they actually do twice, spectacularly rotating themselves around so both sets of stands can see the formation right-side up. The band also spells out “U-S-A” during the National Anthem, as well as spelling out the word “Liberty”. Liberty Flames Band Formation on Scoreboard, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey There is also a large jumbotron behind the north end zone atop the new athletics center, and you can even see fans watching the game from the second and third stories of that building – that is the same end of the field the team comes in from. Behind the south end zone there is a giant Liberty logo in the center, surrounded by fenced-off sections of berm seating with a few sections of box seats along the top. You can also see the main entrance beyond that with beautiful brickwork and nice arches, providing a very pleasing aesthetic all around. Neighborhood 4 Bordered on one side by a freeway and by campus building, athletic fields, and parking lots on the other three sides, there aren’t any restaurants within sight of Williams Stadiums, but you can find plenty to eat within a short walk. Along Route 29 to the north of the stadium are plenty of fast food places, but there are some more upscale options like Red Lobster and Olive Garden. However, if you want to take in some local flavor I would recommend either Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria (your classic campus pizza place) or Macado’s (a pop culture-themed local favorite offering great sandwiches) – Macado’s is within walking distance of the stadium, right across the street from the Pink Lot parking. The 2 closest hotels to Williams Stadium are Super 8 and Extended Stay America (both within walking distance of the venue), but these are a little on the low end, so you might want to look for something farther out like the nearby Residence Inn or Fairfield Inn & Suites. And if you plan to be in town for the weekend, there are a couple of great historical sites to visit near Lynchburg, such as the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, or the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum in Staunton. Fans 5 Williams Stadium boasts a great crowd, especially in the student section. The fans are very loud, and deservedly so given how successful the Flames have been on the gridiron over the last few years. Since moving to FBS, Williams Stadium can easily pull in over 20K fans at an average game. You will also see plenty of team gear being worn, which is sold at the stadium in case you didn’t bring your own. But by far the most impressive (and vocal) set of fans at Liberty football games is the student section – the students sit on the “visitors” side, are very loud, and really get into the game – you will see them making the first down signal en masse whenever the announcer gives that call, and all of them are decked out head to toe in Liberty red, most with boom sticks at the ready. And of course in the front row you will see that ubiquitous diehard group going shirtless with painted chests, which is always a great boost to the atmosphere at any sports venue. Liberty Flames Student Section, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to Williams Stadium is fairly easy, given that there is a major freeway literally within sight of the venue (Highway 460 is just to the east). However, parking can be a bit of challenge – the cost is not unreasonable, but the lots (especially the pass ones) can take a while to get out of after the game, which is surprising given the relatively small size of the crowd compared to many other FBS stadiums. Also, most of the parking seems to be near the northwest corner of the facility, and that entrance is a little hard to use given the uphill climb to get there. However, on the plus side once you get into Williams Stadium moving around is very easy – there is a walking path that connects the two grandstands, and it is raised above the field so you never have to miss any of the action while you are walking to and fro. Also, there are plenty of bathrooms and concessions stands, so you shouldn’t have to spend much time in line during your visit. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets to Liberty Flames games at Williams Stadium range from $30 to $60 depending on the opponent, but they charge the same price for the chair backs as the bench backs, with the berm seats coming in a little lower. Also the concessions are on the low end, and parking is very reasonable, making your trip to Lynchburg a stellar value for your sports dollar. You could easily get by here for around $50 to $75 per person for a ticket, a snack, and a beverage (again depending on the game – the Va Tech game being the most expensive and the FCS games being the cheapest). Extras 5 The Liberty band is a great plus at Williams Stadium for all the different formations they do, and the mascot is a lot of fun as well. But most impressive are the fireworks and the spurts of flame before the team comes onto the field (if you are close enough you can really feel the heat from them). I know several venues that use spurts of flame as part of their intro (including some NFL teams), but there is something to be said for it here with a team known as the Flames. Liberty Flames Taking the Field Between Fire and Smoke, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The renovations to Williams Stadium are long since complete, and the team has really proven itself since moving to FBS with three consecutive bowl wins in the past three seasons, so the experience here is pretty close to top notch and should only get better with time. That said, Williams Stadium is definitely worth a look, so make time to take in a Flames game this season; you won’t regret it.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 GCC Baseball Field 6000 W. Olive Ave Glendale, AZ 85302 Map It Glendale Gauchos website GCC Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 350 (approx) Gaucho Pride Glendale Gauchos are NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC) members. The Gauchos baseball team began in 1967 and plays  on its on-campus baseball field in Glendale, AZ.   GCC Baseball Field, built when the college opened in 1965, has artificial turf around the home plate area and Bermuda grass and annual winter rye on the remainder of the field .   The baselines from home plate to first and third are grass, not dirt, which is common in other  ACCAC baseball fields I’ve visited. The Gauchos won the 1968 NJCAA Div 2 National Championship and made NJCAA World Series appearances in 2023, 2003, and 1991.  The team is starting the 2024 season strong.  Let’s see if they make it back to Enid, OK this summer! Note: The NJCAA Div 2 (National Junior College Athletic Association) has played their baseball championship series at David Allen Memorial Ballpark in Enid, OK since 2009. Food & Beverage 0 The baseball stadium does not have refreshments for sale.  Fans can (and should) bring their own beverages and snacks.  The facility has several picnic tables spread out near and behind the stands. Atmosphere 3 Watching a baseball game at GCC is a no-frills affair.  It’s all about the game and the players from both teams.  If you’re one who enjoys the game for the game, this is for you. The ballpark has three sets of bleachers behind home plate.  For safety, a thick chain link fence surrounds the infield.  It is difficult to see some of the plays through it.  Many fans bring portable chairs and park right behind the chain link fence.  The stadium has an easy-to-read dot matrix scoreboard in right field showing the basic line score.  Whoever updates the scoreboard does a fantastic job at being accurate and timely.  Two retired numbers, 11 Boetto and 5 Grant, are displayed to the left of the scoreboard. Herb Boetto was the first Head Baseball Coach at GCC and brought the team to the NJCAA National Championship in 1968.  Dave Grant was Head Baseball Coach from Fall 1979 - Spring 2017 with over 1000 career wins.  He is a Hall of Fame Coach in these organizations: American Baseball Coaches Association NJCAA Hall of Fame Arizona Baseball Coaches Association ACCAC Hall of Fame GCC Hall of Fame The team does not play music during the game.  The players have a portable radio from the home dugout turned on pre-game, but it is shut off once the game starts.  This makes watching the game here a blessed relief from the noise that’s pummeled into fans at major and minor league games.  Currently, there is no announcer, so print a copy of the roster if that’s something you’re interested in knowing or recording.  Note:   Speakers are used for announcers and music when the sound system works.  The school is currently looking to replace the PA system. The stadium does not have lights, so only day games are played.  The team plays quite a few double headers during the season – seven innings each, with the first game starting at noon.  I recommend bringing drinks and snacks if staying for both games. A grassy area with some trees is behind the bleachers.  Kids can run around and blow off steam, or fans can place their chairs in  the shade if it gets too warm. Neighborhood 3 Glendale Community College is in a residential area in the northwest suburbs of Phoenix, AZ.   Houses and apartments border the baseball field.  A few shopping centers and fast food  places are nearby.  Parson’s Family Restaurant, a mom-and-pop family restaurant, is a wonderful place for breakfast or brunch and is a mile and a half south.  Sahuaro Ranch Park , a park with historic buildings, farm animals, and recreation areas, is just up the road and is worth visiting on a nice Arizona afternoon.     Other sports in the area include: Brazell Field ,  home of the GCU Antelopes (7 miles away);   American Family Fields of Phoenix , the Milwaukee Brewers spring training facility (6 miles away); and the Peoria Sports Complex, spring training home of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres .   Most of the lodging is near the I-17 exits, about 4 miles from the college.  Fans 3 The Glendale Gaucho’s fanbase falls under the ‘family and friends’ category.  Most seem to know each other.   Since many of the teams the Gauchos play are close, fans of opposing teams are often in the stands.  The ACCAC does not keep attendance records.  There were about 100 fans (off and on) during the doubleheader I visited. The fans cheer all good plays (regardless of team) and respectfully utter dismay at the umpire’s calls and strikes.  Access 3 Getting to GCC Baseball Field is relatively easy.  It is located between I-17 and US 60.  The field is four miles west of I-17 (off the Dunlap Ave exit).  Dunlap Ave changes to Olive Ave as you drive west.  Fans can park along 63rd Ave and walk through a gate to the field.  The ballpark is not wheelchair accessible as some steps exist, and the pathway is grass and gravel.  Handrails are available in the middle bleacher set. Valley Metro bus route 90 (Olive and 63rd) stop drops you off right at the field.  Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is about 18 miles from the ballpark.  Public transportation is available from the airport; travel time is 1 hour 30 min (rail and bus). Most importantly, the facility has functioning restrooms, especially needed for those doubleheaders. Return on Investment 5 Like all ACCAC baseball teams, the Gauchos do not charge to watch a baseball game.  The only expense you’ll have is the snacks and drinks you bring and the cost of getting to the park. . Extras 2 The retired numbers of Herb Boetto and Dave Grant are worth an additional mention.  Over 245 Glendale Gauchos baseball student-athletes have moved on from this 2-year college to ninety different 4-year colleges and universities.  Thirty-seven players have signed professional baseball contracts; 7 have reached the major league level. Final Thoughts Pack your sunscreen, water, snacks, and a cushion (for your bum), and enjoy a quiet, lovely Gauchos baseball afternoon in Glendale, AZ.  It’s a fantastic way to decompress from life’s challenges and see our future generation playing America’s pastime.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park 360 Fishburne St Charleston, SC 29403 Charleston RiverDogs website Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 6,000 Charleston’s Coastal Canines Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park has served as the home field for the Charleston RiverDogs since 1997. It is located along the banks of the Ashley River. The 6,000-seat stadium (known locally as The Joe) is named for longtime mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Riley served as mayor for 10 terms, serving from 1975-2016, and was best known for guiding the city through the recovery from Hurricane Hugo. Charleston has a long history in professional baseball dating back to 1886. Past teams have gone under names including the Seagulls, the Palmettos, the Rebels, the Pirates, the Royals, the Rainbows and finally in 1994, the RiverDogs. Today, the RiverDogs serve as the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees and are members of the South Atlantic League (SAL). The RiverDogs served as the professional starting point for many of baseball’s most familiar names. Two former Charleston players, Kiki Cuyler and Roberto Alomar, are in baseball’s Hall of Fame. Other players who have seen playing time at The Joe include David Cone, W.S. “Bull” Durham, Willie Randolph, Gorman Thomas, Sandy Alomar, Ryan Dempster, Josh Hamilton, Pedro Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Aaron Judge and B.J. Upton. Several players are remembered in murals around the park. Food & Beverage 5 Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park offers one of the widest variety of foods in minor league baseball. Amongst its vendors are the Peanut and Pretzel Café, Dave’s Sausage World, Grab-N- Go, Smokin’ Joe’s, Scoops, Pie House, Dog House and Dog World. The concessions menu does contain several uniquely Charleston items. The RiverDog is a beef hot dog with cole slaw, Carolina BBQ mustard sauce and pickled okra. The stadium also is known for its Coastal Shrimp Burger. Another popular item is the Homewrecker, which is a hot dog with slaw, pimento cheese, pickles, okra and BBQ sauce. Here’s an overview of what’s available at The Joe: hot dogs (Carrot Dog, Vegan Dog, River Dog…all at $4.50 … and the Homewrecker at $10), salads (chicken, spinach and strawberry and summer harvest..all at $4.50), grilled cheese sandwiches ($4.50), nachos ($4), corn dogs ($6), burgers ($8.50), chicken tenders ($8), popcorn ($3), peanuts ($4), cotton candy ($4), gelato ($4) and ice cream ($4). Beverages include Pepsi brand sodas ($4.50), bottled water ($3), coffee ($3), smoothies ($5) and milkshakes (key lime, dreamsicle and caramel expresso… all at $5). A wide assortment of beers is available at $6. Atmosphere 4 The Joe is a terrific venue to enjoy a baseball game. It offers scenic views of the Ashley River and The Citadel, which is located just across a marsh from the stadium’s right field stands. Its architecture is in keeping with the surrounding area, including brick exterior walls and iron gates. The seating bowl is close to the field and primarily around the infield. There is no seating beyond the outfield walls. The main entry into the park is along the third baseline, as the first base side of the park lies along the banks of the Ashley River. It’s no wonder that Riley Park has been chosen as the host for four South Atlantic League All Star Games (1998, 2000, 2004, 2012). There are some seats at the higher levels of the stadium that are covered by a hanging roof. This can make a huge difference in fan comfort during the hot and humid spring and summer afternoons at The Joe. Neighborhood 5 Joseph P. Riley Park is located just north and west of the Charleston Downtown Historic District. It has a very picturesque setting along the Ashley River. It is located just a few blocks from the Charleston Historic District. Tours of the Historic District are offered daily, with horse drawn carriage, van and walking options available. After your tour is over and you have worked up an appetite, head over to Rodney Scott’s BBQ. The James Beard Award winner serves up a unique form of Low Country BBQ. Also in the area is the Palmetto Brewery, which bills itself as “South Carolina’s Oldest Brewery Since Prohibition.” Hotels convenient to Riley Park include the Courtyard Marriott Historic District and the Comfort Inn Downtown Charleston. Fans 4 Due to baseball’s long history in the Charleston area, the fan base for the RiverDogs is quite large and loyal. Even though the team has never claimed a league title, the fans know that there is a good chance that they will be watching several future major league ballplayers at their first stop on the way to The Show. There are a wide range of ages in the stands for each game. The RiverDogs are very active in the youth community, visiting schools and youth centers, so they draw many younger fans from the youth baseball programs. Charleston is also a haven for retirees from all over the country, who bring their love for the game to their new homes. Despite the closing of the Charleston Naval Yards a few years back, there is still a large military presence and the team holds numerous Military Appreciation Nights. It also offers $5 tickets throughout the season to active military personnel, no matter what the seat location in the stadium. Access 3 Riley Park is easily accessed from any number of directions: From Downtown Charleston: Take Broad Street west until it becomes Lockwood Drive. Continue to follow Lockwood for ½ mile and the ballpark will be on your left From North Charleston: Take I-26 East to Highway 17 South. Turn right on Lockwood Drive and stadium will be on your left. From: Mount Pleasant: Take Highway 17 across the Ravenel Bridge into Charleston. Turn right on Lockwood and follow it until you reach the stadium, which will be on your left. Once at the stadium you will find the access to be excellent. The concourse is very wide, and both concessions and restrooms are frequent enough that you should not encounter any long lines. Return on Investment 4 Fans attending a RiverDogs baseball game will receive an excellent return on investment. All home games are played at one of the top-rated stadiums in the minor leagues, with amenities not typically found in a Class A level stadium. Tickets are priced between $8 – $20, with a $2 discount if purchased prior to the day of the game . Military seats are always $5, no matter the location in the park. Concessions at Joseph P. Riley, Jr Park are above average in quality, so expect the prices to be higher than usual for a minor league venue. Parking in privately owned parking lots adjacent to the stadium is $5. Extras 4 Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park also serves as the home field for The Citadel baseball team as the facility is built on land formerly owned by the Citadel. The school donated the property to the city of Charleston. The RiverDogs have set many attendance records at The Joe. They also hold the record for the lowest attendance at a game. In 2002 the team held a Nobody Night, where no one was admitted into the park until the game was official in the middle of the fifth inning. This resulted in the official attendance figure being zero. The grounds keeping staff has been recognized five times nationally for its turf management excellence. Numerous events are held in the off-season at The Joe. These include the Ballpark Festival of Beers, youth baseball clinics and camps, as well as the Shrimp and Grits Festival. Final Thoughts Baseball and the city of Charleston have shared a love affair for more than 100 years. Today their rendezvous spot is the Joseph P Riley, Jr. Ballpark on the banks of the Ashley River. The Joe combines up close seating with a huge concession menu and a history of sending players to the majors as its recipe for keeping this relationship alive and strong.

Photos by Patricia Beninato and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse 1304 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Duquesne Dukes website UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 3,500 A Storied History in an Updated Space When it comes to Pittsburgh collegiate athletics, the University of Pittsburgh tends to overshadow the other schools in the area. Southwest of Pitt, though, Duquesne University (pronounced du-CANE) has been a longtime presence in the Atlantic 10, producing more high scorers in the division than any other school. It also made history in 1950 when one of its star players, Chuck Cooper, was the first Black player to be drafted by the NBA, going to the Boston Celtics. Duquesne’s recently renovated fieldhouse was named for the Pittsburgh native. While it’s not big, its prime location near downtown and updated amenities make it fun for college basketball fans, who can watch young stars like Amir “Primo” Spears and Kevin Easley Jr. under the direction of head coach Keith Dambrot. Food & Beverage 3 You’ll don’t come to UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse to eat, but if you’re hungry, food and drink here are decent and reasonably priced. Along with the usual hot dogs, popcorn and nachos, you can get a Pig and Pickles sandwich, with pulled pork, onions, pickles (of course) and a local brewery’s mustard. For seven bucks, it’s a good deal. It’s also seven bucks for beer and hard seltzer. There’s a small bar on court level in front of the Dukes’ locker room that offers various cocktails for around ten dollars for mixed drinks. Atmosphere 4 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse holds roughly 3500 people for basketball, with two levels of seating around the court with six club suites on the right facing the windows, framing a stunning view of downtown Pittsburgh. Most seats are typical fieldhouse seats, with a bleacher section reserved for students. The displays are top-notch with the recent renovation, with big LED screens above each basket and semi-circular screens showing scores and stats in each corner. The PA announcer completely leans into his job, and a DJ provides some interesting mixes–at very loud levels.When he’s got the turntables going, a conversation is next to impossible, even with the person next to you. With its intimate seating and the ponytailed pom pom-waving cheerleaders on the sidelines, it’s very reminiscent of a high school gym, albeit with excellent high tech. There are currently no restrictions due to the COVID pandemic at the fieldhouse. Neighborhood 3 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse is located on the Duquesne campus, but it’s happy to piggyback on its across-the-block neighbor, PPG Paints Arena when it comes to places for fans to hang out at before and after the game. That being said, there’s not that many, and add in major campus construction–at this writing, an osteopathic medical school is being built across the street from the fieldhouse–makes walking around a bit tricky. However, people always manage to find the Souper Bowl on Fifth Avenue, about two blocks from the fieldhouse, which despite its name offers burgers, sandwiches, and other pub food and not soup. Don’t miss the cheese-and-bacon-loaded Souper Fries, and the honey mustard chicken sandwich is top-notch. Its hours are dependent on what’s going on at the arena, so be aware of that if you’re planning a visit. Fans 4 I was warned beforehand that two things would affect the crowd at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse at the game I attended. First, it was the end of a holiday weekend, so there weren’t going to be a lot of students around. Second, and more importantly for a Pittsburgh school, the Steelers were playing at the same time, and in this town, Steelers über alles. So the crowd was sparse, but they were very enthusiastic. There was plenty of Duquesne scarlet and navy to be seen, drum rolls on seats during Duke free throws, lots of cheering and chants, and the occasional heckling of the refs. Nicely, though, since Duquesne’s a Catholic school after all. I imagine this place rocks when it’s full because it was rocking pretty hard at about 40% capacity. Access 4 UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse’s parking garage is located next to the fieldhouse with a cost of $10. If you find it, street parking is available through the Pittsburgh Parking Authority; you can pay at kiosks or on the Go Mobile PGH app. Bonus: it’s free if you get street parking for a Sunday game. The fieldhouse is an easy 5-10 minute walk from downtown, and if you’re taking the T (light rail), Steel Plaza will be the closest stop, roughly eight minutes away on foot. The fieldhouse itself has wide concourses and multiple points of entry. At this time, only mobile tickets are available. Restrooms are clean and have all-new fixtures, although be warned that the aforementioned super-loud DJ is super loud here. I emerged from a halftime restroom break with ringing ears and a renewed hatred of Pitbull. Return on Investment 3 If you sit on the first level behind the baskets, expect to pay $15 for seats. After that, the prices go up to $45 for club seats or seats in the Fan Corners above the scoreboards for in-conference games, five dollars less expensive for non-conference games. $30 for a cheap seat, sandwich, and beer for a lower-echelon Division I basketball game can be a deal for a big college basketball fan, but for families looking for something to do, the price tag at a Duquesne game can add up quickly. . Extras 2 There is a small kiosk on the main concourse by the concessions stand where you can buy some Duquesne apparel, but that’s about it for buying Dukes’ stuff inside UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. A much more extensive selection is available at the Barnes and Noble bookstore down the block from the fieldhouse, so head there for your Dukes souvenirs. The staff, which seems to be a mix of students and employees, are friendly and pleasant, and the Pittsburgh skyline view is a nice touch. Final Thoughts The game experience at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse is pretty basic. You won’t get the frills of a big Division I school like Pitt, but if you like college basketball in a fun atmosphere, it’s worth your consideration. Duquesne has gone to some expense to create a good space for its students and alumni to cheer on the Dukes, and while I’d hesitate to call it a must-see destination for Pittsburgh visitors, it can be a nice addition to a Steel City sports tour.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Regis Baseball Field 3333 Regis Blvd Denver, CO 80221 Regis Rangers website Regis Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 1,000 Regis Rangers Baseball Regis University is Colorado’s only Jesuit Catholic University. It has an enrollment of close to 15,000 students amongst all its schools and offers educational programs in liberal arts, sciences, business, education, computer and information sciences and health care. For athletics, the Regis Rangers are more known for its basketball achievements than its baseball success. Even so, the baseball game day event is a delightful afternoon experience. The baseball program began in 1969 and has been a part of the Div II RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) since then. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions at Regis Field are minimal yet enough to satisfy the fans in attendance. One concession stand is under the press box and offers soda (Pepsi), water, Gatorade ($2), nachos, pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, peanuts, seeds, and candy ($1 – $3). The hot dog looks quite tasty. Alcohol is not sold at Regis Field. Atmosphere 4 Watching a baseball game at Regis Field on a warm spring day in Colorado provides a fabulous, stress-free afternoon. It’s an excellent venue for a relaxing game of baseball just five miles from downtown Denver. The field is a beautiful natural green grass and there’s real dirt between the bases, at home plate, and on the pitcher’s mound. None of that fake turf here. The backstop is a handsomely designed brick wall which blends in well with the press box and the home plate area. Seating is the perfect size for the attendance. Four rows of blue fold-down stadium seats are on each side of the press box then a section of aluminum bleachers with handrails ending at the beginning of the dugouts rounds out the seating. There is a separate set of bleachers down the third baseline. A net extends from dugout to dugout. Yet there’s still an area where one can stand next to the dugout and watch the game net free. Many fans sit on a hill on the first base side behind the dugout. This area is also net free. Unlike several other RMAC venues, one does have to watch out for foul balls at this venue. There are no lights – only day games are played here. For music during a game, a mix of country, Christian, patriotic, and top pop songs are played and it’s not too loud. In fact, it is the perfect volume, enough to enjoy yet still hear and talk with friends in the stands. Trees adorn the left and center fields. A new LED scoreboard was installed in 2011 and sits above the left field wall. It provides the basic information needed for score keeping: batter number, ball, strike, hit / error, and runs per inning. It can sometimes be difficult to read between the net and the sun. Neighborhood 3 Regis University sits just five or so miles from downtown Denver and all that city has to offer. Several places for food and beverage are just a block or two from the university. Fast food options include Wendy’s, Taco Bell, McDonald’s and the like. Good Times (a regional ‘Burgers and Frozen Custard’ fast food chain) is a block away. Also within walking distance are some non-chain food and drink establishments. A spot to visit for a beer (between those double headers or after the game) is Goldspot Brewing Company, a local craft brewery which has a friendly and welcoming environment. Next door to Goldspot is Dubbel Dutch (European sandwiches, salads, and coffee). The one hotel within walking distance is a Motel 6 (it is a safe neighborhood to stroll). Plenty of other hotel chains are just a few miles away in or near downtown Denver including Quality Inn, LaQuinta Inn, Residence Inn, etc. For a fancy hotel, try the Crawford Hotel at Union Station (it’s quite pricey). Most of the tourist attractions are in downtown Denver. Check Visit Denver for points of interest. Fans 4 A good crowd is on hand. Lots of families, particularly dad’s with sons. The dads/granddads take the kids and play catch or Frisbee on the hill and park area adjacent to the field. It’s very much a joyful family environment. Plenty of visitors from the opposing team are in the stands as a handful of the RMAC schools are within an hour or so drive. Many cheer on players as they know them personally. All are friendly, polite, and welcome to conversation. Access 3 While getting to Regis University is relatively easy, parking and finding the ball field is a chore. The university is off of I-70 exit 272 (Federal Ave / US 287) then north a few blocks to 50th Ave. Once arriving onto the campus, no signage of the ball field is visible. Parking is difficult to figure out; I ended up parking in a small visitors lot (Entrance #1 off Regis Blvd) near the David M Clark, SJ Hall building. Walk around that building and the Field House and you’ll find the baseball field. RTD Bus 52 is the available public transportation. Get off at W 50th St and Irving Ave or Regis Blvd and Irving Ave to get to the Regis University. Wheelchair access is limited. No tickets are handed out; just pay at the folding table (cash only). Seating is on the honor system; bleachers are general admission; the fold-down blue seats are the reserved seats. Return on Investment 5 Attending a warm, sunny Saturday/Sunday afternoon game is well worth the ticket price. Prices are: General admission (bleachers/grass) $6, Reserved seats (chair back) $9, Non-Regis students $3, Regis students and faculty free, under-7/over-65 free. A season ticket package is $50. Doubleheaders are common at Regis Baseball Field. Two seven-inning games for the price of one. Can’t beat that. Concession items are no more than $3 and as far as I could tell, parking is free. It’s a splendid game day experience on a warm spring day. Extras 2 An excellent game day program with a sharp-looking glossy photo cover is available upon entry. It includes rosters for both teams, game notes, Regis baseball schedule and results so far in the season. A ball player recites the RMAC sportsmanship code of conduct before the game. Final Thoughts A refreshing afternoon of baseball can be witnessed at Regis University. If needing a baseball fix and the weather cooperates, check out a game at Regis Field. It’s a good overall relaxing, entertaining afternoon of baseball. Note: Snow outs and cancellations do occur because of the versatile weather conditions in the Rocky Mountains. If you’re in town visiting a Rockies game in the early part of the season, check and see if the Rangers are at home and extend your vacation activities.