Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Earlier this week the San Francisco Giants  announced that after 24 seasons they will be parting ways with beloved PA Announcer Renel Brooks-Moon .   “As a Bay Area native, it has been the honor of my lifetime to serve on the mike and in the community for the Giants for 24 years,” the 65-year-old said in the news release. “My very first game on April 11, 2000, I shall never forget, because the job has always been bigger than me. Representation matters, and it is my great hope that my time in the booth has inspired little girls, young women and people of color to pursue their dreams even if those dreams seem impossible, because impossible dreams can come true.   “To my successor, best of luck, and enjoy every minute of it! To the talented young control-room crew, I could not be prouder of you all. And last, but certainly not the least, the fans: 100% the best fans in all of baseball, many of whom have become personal friends. I can’t thank you enough for your overwhelming kindness and support. I will miss you all the most. Go Get 'Em Bo Mel!”   The news came as a shock to baseball fans throughout the Bay Area . In the past quarter century the presence and voice of Brooks-Moon at Oracle Park was synonymous to the game day experience along with the sweeping views of the bay and their three World Championships. Brooks-Moon was the second female PA Announcer for the San Francisco Giants replacing Sherry Davis , who held the position from 1993-1999. Aside from being the first female PA Announcer to announce during the World Series, Brooks-Moon has been honored by many organizations , including American Women in Radio and Television, Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, 100 Black Women, Bay Area Black Journalists Association and Girls, Inc. She is in the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, and former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom proclaimed "Renel Brooks-Moon Day" in her honor on March 18, 2005.  San Francisco Giants announcer Renel Brooks-Moon addresses the crowd during a Wall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on Sept. 17, 2022, in San Francisco. Photo Courtesy of Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images In light of her separation, Brooks-Moon on Wednesday was named 2024 Woman of the Year  by the California State Assembly on Wednesday by District Supervisor Matt Haney. On Thursday Giants President and CEO Larry Baer announced  that the Giants won’t have a permanent replacement for Brooks-Moon to start the 2024 season. Instead, they will use “rotating voices” in the 2024 season. Baer also stated that the team hasn't started the search for a replacement yet   but will “soon,” adding that it will take time because Brooks-Moon “is a legend” and leaves “tough” shoes to fill.    With Baer practically admitting the organization was not prepared to find her replacement, perhaps now would be a great opportunity for those of you out there to submit an audition tape to team president Larry Baer to be among the “rotating voices” of PA Announcers during the 2024 season. Who knows, maybe just maybe you could be the next legendary voice of Oracle Park though as Baer alluded to earlier Brooks-Moon “is a legend” and leaves “tough” shoes to fill.  Follow and view all of Andrei’s Los Angeles journeys on Instagram   @thestadiumjourneyman  and   @dreiinla  and on TikTok @dre1nla .

A historic ballpark in Fort Worth, Texas, will be torn down in the coming months. The Tarrant Regional Water District Board of Directors (TRWD) voted Tuesday night to demolish the LaGrave Field after deeming it a public safety hazard. The TRWD took control of the site in 2019 and had a contract with the Save LaGrave Foundation in the hopes of restoring the former home of the Fort Worth Cats, but ended the agreement with the foundation a year later. Since then, the TRWD has spent $200,000 annually on the property. The current LaGrave Field opened in 2002 as the home of the newly formed Cats of the Central Baseball League. The original dugouts were repurposed as suites for up to 10 people, the original home plate was left intact, and a replica of the covered bleachers was constructed behind the right field walls. The Cats would cease operations after the 2014 season. The original stadium opened in 1926 to replace the all-wooden Panther Park that opened in 1911. The Ft. Worth Panthers (Cats) had won 7 straight Texas League pennants, and fans flocked the ballpark by the thousands. A modern facility was built for the newfound interest in the team. The concrete and steel structure had seating for 12,000 and offered a view of the nearby Trinity River and kept the Panther Park name. One of the people instrumental in the success of the Cats was minority stockholder and business manager Paul LaGrave. Little did he know that the stadium would bear his name after his untimely death at age 44 in January 1929. The grandstands were destroyed on May 15, 1949 by fire. Fans would continue to watch baseball by bringing foldable chairs and finding seats on the first and third base bleachers. However, the following season, the stadium was rebuilt. The Cats would continue to play until 1958, returning for one final season in 1964. Parts of the old ballpark would be sold off and transported throughout the state. St. Mary’s University and Marble High School purchased parts of the bleachers and light standards. A few floodlights were sent to the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg. LaGrave Field was hoping to restore the city’s professional baseball history that began in 1884, but after sitting in squalid conditions and being home to vandalism and vagrants for almost a decade, the decision to raze it puts an end to its future as a home to a professional team. The stadium sits on close to 350 acres of prime real estate and is part of the future Panther Island economic development. Several plans include a mixed-use waterfront district, possibly including apartments, businesses, and hotels or a waterfront destination. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Trinity Health Arena 955 Fourth St Muskegon, MI 49440 Muskegon Risers website Trinity Health Arena website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 3,500 Rising Up to the Occasion in Muskegon The L. C. Walker Arena was dedicated to the City of Muskegon on October 27, 1960. Louis C. Walker, the founder of Shaw-Walker Office Equipment, wanted to provide for the recreational needs of his employees and residents and donated a generous $1 million for its construction. The city then spent an additional $1.5 million on the land, utilities, parking, and some furnishings. Walker would help create at least 14 other recreational fields and parks in Muskegon during his lifetime. The arena has been home to a variety of events that have included concerts, trade shows, and sporting events. The arena also houses the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League and the West Michigan Ironmen of the American Arena League; its newest tenant is the Muskegon Risers of Major Arena Soccer League 2 who call the building home for six games during the winter months. The Risers were founded in 2014 and its nickname was inspired by the ‘Muskegon, Together Rising’ sculpture that stands in the heart of downtown. The club also operates in the United Premier Soccer League Midwest conference during the summer at Kehren Stadium. According to its website, the colors of blue and gold reflect the city’s natural beauty as a lakeside community during the spring, summer, and fall seasons but change to black and white during the winter indoor season when Lake Michigan freezes and lake effect snow blankets the community. The Risers also function as the primary player development partner of the Milwaukee Wave of MASL and the unique partnership includes cross-promotions, player development, tactical mentoring, game-day operations, and MASL call-ups. The Wave will also provide players who need additional playing time to the Risers when needed. It was the first and only such agreement in the two leagues of arena soccer. The arena has a capacity of 3,500 for indoor soccer games and features a playing surface that is gray with white lining. There is also an artistic flair to the inner concourse from colorful chairs and tables, local artist paintings, and social hang-out spots. With the arena turning 60 years old at the beginning of the next decade, it is still a hip place to enjoy a soccer game. In 2018 $1.7 million of renovations improved the fan experience and created a broader entertainment hub for patrons attending events in the building. These renovations included Rad Dad’s Taco & Tequilla Bar, a pavilion/beer garden, an enlarged concourse near the Western Ave. entrance, new suites and club-seating areas, a Kids Zone, and party decks on the northwest and southwest corners of the arena. The renovations decreased seating by 400 but fans are now able to enjoy events in the building in a myriad of options allowing for an open environment seen at much larger buildings across the nation. in January 2020 the building will change its name to Mercy Health Arena at the tune of $1.5 million over 15 years. The sponsorship will begin with a sports-theme restaurant called Carlisle’s, Walker’s middle name, and include patio seating with local sports memorabilia on its walls. Food & Beverage 3 The traditional concession stands offer $2 hot dogs, $6 cheddar brats, $10 brisket sandwiches, mac-n-cheese for $5, pizza by the slice or whole pie, and Pepsi products with unlimited refills for $4. Two bars offer domestic and craft beers for $4-$7 along with $7 mixed drinks and wine. That’s nice enough but in the summer of 2018, interior space was used to create a new restaurant called Rad Dads, a high-end taco restaurant featuring a wide selection of tequilas. They serve food and drink in two plastic outdoor heated igloos and an indoor space. There are also skateboards, classic pinball, and video games along with a wall of cassette tapes that creates a lively and unique décor. Along the stadium perimeter walls, small portable stands offer items such as classic Hawaiian shave ice (highly recommended) and ice cream. Atmosphere 2 The renovations have created a building that stands out not only in the M2 but could also hold its own in the MASL. Spectators who enjoy watching soccer from their seats still have that option while others who want to mingle or be seen by others can find a spot at the bar or numerous party decks on the concourse. The changes have indeed created a “hub” for entertainment in town during the winter season. There are some exterior and interior decor that show their age from when the building debuted in 1960. However, there is a colorful array of art inside the building that injects much-needed life into the old place. The most eye-popping aspect is the gray field turf that Risers play on during games that is not your typical green-colored surface. It was installed in April of 2017 and is also utilized by the indoor football team that occupies the building during the spring and summer, so you will see a few grid marks on its surface. Approximately ten rows of reasonably comfortable red/purple padded seats surround the oval playing surface. There are not any cup holders available. The sight lines are good and seats are close to the action. A few special seating areas are available for groups and a kids' play area will keep the little ones busy. These two areas were part of recent renovations to the arena that also include a beer garden with 8 flat-screen TVs and a social area. A scoreboard is over the center of the playing field that provides an average-quality sound system and good music during timeouts and between periods. The Risers do not have an official mascot. There is a small area offering team shirts and other merchandise. Neighborhood 3 The area around the arena is mixed residential/commercial with several choices for food, drink, and entertainment. Rad Dads is a part of the building and fans can have dinner there and have great views of the action on the turf. Nearby dining choices include Rebel Pies for pizza, 18th Amendment Spirits Company for a wide-ranging menu including wood-fired pizzas, and an old-school burger joint named Hamburger Mikey. Two well-rated breweries are Pigeon Hill Brewing Company and Unruly Brewing Company. Three state parks on Lake Michigan are great to visit in the summer. Other attractions include the Muskegon Heritage Museum, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, and the Monet Garden. Fans 2 The Risers are working to create a fan interest in indoor soccer. Given the 3,500 seats, the fan support is limited right now. They have many families who attend along with several groups. The noise level is pretty low, but don’t blame The Port City Supporters, a group of four guys doing their best to get fans involved. An interesting twist that goes along with the vibe of the building, in one corner, multiple bed sheets have been painted as flags of the players’ nationalities. A total of 25 out of the squad’s 31 players are from the area or have attended a West Michigan college or university. Access 3 Located on Business US 31 downtown and about two miles west of US 31, driving to the arena is pretty easy. Parking is a bit of a challenge as there are a few lots nearby so consider street parking. Handicap parking is at Fourth Street and Western Avenue and they have a handicap entrance with an elevator at the small back parking lot. There are two entrances; Western Avenue is handicap accessible and there are three handicap seating sections. Gates open one hour before the game starts. A concourse surrounds the seating area which allows fans to follow the action everywhere. They are updating and adding new restrooms. Return on Investment 3 Loge seats are $15; section seating is $11 and $9 tickets are offered to seniors, children under 17, and military members. Food and beverage prices are very reasonable and parking is free. The club does not offer a program but does offer free roster sheets showcasing the players’ names and uniform numbers. Extras 3 Any arena that has a taco joint named Rad Dads is certainly worth a point, as well as real Hawaiian shave ice for another. Outdoor igloos in winter are fun for a small group, especially in the frigid temperatures of Michigan. The local art, grey turf, colorful displays around the concourse, and local eateries add to an interesting vibe to the arena that sets it a party for your typical M2 venue. This might be the crown jewel of the league. Final Thoughts Muskegon’s citizens are working hard to use L. C. Walker Arena as a local entertainment opportunity at a reasonable price. It is a nice spot for families and groups to enjoy a night out. As for the game of indoor soccer, the arena is the ideal size for the sport and the Risers hope to hang their hat along with minor league hockey and indoor football as a sports and entertainment option in the city. The local art, grey turf, colorful displays around the concourse, and local eateries add to an interesting vibe to the arena that sets it apart for your typical M2 venue. This might be the crown jewel of the league.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hulman Center 200 N 8th St. Terre Haute, IN 47809 Indiana State Sycamores website Hulman Center website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 9,000 Hulman Center is the Place to Be in Terre Haute When you think of Indiana State University, you think of Larry Bird, and rightfully so. He put Terre Haute, Indiana, on the map in 1979 when he led the Sycamores to a 33-1 record and the NCAA Final Four, culminating in the iconic championship game against Michigan State and Magic Johnson. The canvas on which Bird and his teammates performed their magic was the Hulman Center. The multi-purpose venue opened in 1973 and had a capacity of 10,200 spectators. It is named after Indiana Motor Speedway owner and Terre Haute native Tony Hulman, who donated $2.5 million towards its construction. The State Budget Agency gathered $6 million, and the remaining $1.5 million was collected in a campaign sponsored by the ISU Foundation. The building was more than double the size of the Sycamores ISU Arena that had opened in 1961. The arena is centrally located between downtown and campus, designed to attract touring musical acts, house commencement ceremonies, and stage other events. The building remained virtually unchanged in aesthetics until recent renovations vastly improved its exterior and interior appearance. It has been a welcoming change from fans and alumni. The $50 million renovations added a new exterior façade, a glass entrance from the south end, an event/meeting space, a multi-purpose suite, and open views of the seating bowl from the concourse level. The most impressive improvement might be the glass windows, providing natural lighting to the building that changes the experience for fans. Other improvements include two hanging video boards measuring more than 14 by 24 feet and two hanging boards measuring more than 9 by 16 feet. The $2 million scoreboard was donated by the Hulman-George family. There is also new seating, new banners against the upper walls, and reduced seating capacity, down from 10,200 to 9,000. Also new this year is a Sycamore team that was nationally ranked for the first time since that 1979 team. It has created a renewed interest in the program, resulting in four sold-out crowds and increased attendance figures at most games. How has the change been since our last visit to town one year ago? Food & Beverage 3 The building has four concession points in the corners, offering basic stadium fare at reasonable prices, plus the school's Crossroads Cream Ale. The food choices include hot dogs, brats, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches. Pepsi products are the drink of choice at the arena. The ISU Athletics Department has partnered with the Terre Haute Brewing Company for the Crossroads Cream Ale, which "pays homage to a celebration of Sycamore pride. The beer is directed to fans and alumni and is an easy-drinking ale served by the can but poured in plastic cups. Atmosphere 4 The Hulman Center looks almost brand new, including an artistic design to the outside of the building along with a new glass entrance on the south side. The arena has a much warmer and more welcoming feel than the giant white warehouse-looking structure it once exhibited. However, one must pay homage to the 17-foot statue of Larry Bird outside its entrance. The North Entrance welcomes fans into the building and the first view of the seating bowl and video board. The team merchandise area is located adjacent to the doors. The number of options has more than quadrupled in size. The stands offer selections in old-school sky blue and current royal blue in caps, t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies, and half-zip shirts. The Sycamores lead their conference and are playing their best basketball since 1979. It has led to increased attendance and an improved atmosphere at the home and center. Instead of a half-empty, vapid building, the place is alive with a frenzy of fans and students. The noise level booms during big plays and team introductions. The student section is at the south end of the court. It has been nicknamed The Forest, and they are always on their feet at the start of each contest. The dance team is situated on the end lines and performs during time-outs. Sycamore Sam is the official mascot and entertains fans on the court. Neighborhood 4 The arena is within walking distance of many bars and restaurants downtown and on the edge of campus. Downtown has changed a bit, and there are quite a few establishments to visit before or after the game for a bite to eat or drink or two. The Copper Bar and Terminal Public House are two spots for dinner that offer traditional pub food of appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pizzas. The Copper Bar has a limited menu compared to The T Terminal, but prices are more than reasonable, and sandwiches are plenty. Both operate in historic buildings that add to the ambiance. They are open well after evening games on the weekends but expect an up to an hour wait before the game on Saturday nights. The Verve and The Ballyhoo are two college hangouts if you are in the mood. If staying away from the younger college crowd, a few blocks away are M. Moggers, Terre Haute Brewing Company, J. Gumbo’s, and Chava’s Mexican Grill are other options before the game, but grab a drink at the brewery instead of food. The Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center is a must-visit. It was founded by Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor, who passed away in 2019. She created a hologram of herself. Visitors can ask questions about her experiences during the war, fleeing Europe, and setting up a life in the United States. Fans 4 The Indiana State fans have something to cheer about with the Sycamores on the cusp of capturing the regular season MVC title. It has resulted in three sold-out crowds, something that hasn't been seen since 1979. The fan base has also taken their act on the road, chartering busses to away games in Evansville, Valpo, and Drake. The additional support is evident, with cheers and roars echoing throughout the 50-year-old venue. The student section has seating for 1,200 and has also blossomed with coordinated cheers and thoughts throughout the game. Access 5 The arena is downtown, three miles north of I-70 and off campus. If you arrive early, there is free parking on the street, but additional lots and a parking garage are available. A free parking lot a block north of the arena on Chestnut Street. Downtown Terre Haute consists of many one-way streets, but police presence moves fans in and out before and after the game. The building has four entrances and one concourse surrounding the seating bowl. The signage for seating sections is large and easy to follow for the first-time visitor. The concourse offers an open view of the seating bowl from the north entrance. During half-time, the lines can be long for concessions and bathrooms. Be prepared, or leave a little earlier to avoid congestion. Return on Investment 4 When your team is winning, it reflects the cost of a ticket. One year ago, the price of a ticket would be as low as $8, but since this is the best run by the Sycamores in 44 years, the price has gone up. Weekend games sell out, but it is possible to find a ticket on the secondary market for $20 for upper deck seats and $50 for the lower deck. Season ticket holders unable to attend a game are encouraged to give up their seats. It could lead to additional tickets offered the day before a sold-out Saturday game. The prices can be as low as $14 with service fees. It is wise to plan if the Sycamores continue their dominant play beyond this season. Team merchandise ranges from as low as $20 for a shirt, $25 for a cap or hoodie, to $45 for dry-fit shirts and jerseys. Concession prices are fair: hot dogs are $3.50, nachos are $5.50, large sodas are $4.50, and 20-ounce tall boy beers are $7.50. Extras 4 The arena earns one point for the 17-foot statue of Larry Bird in front, honoring one of the game's greatest players. He last suited up in 1979, but his legacy is alive at the school. He is indeed Larry Legend. The second point is for the recent renovations that have changed the appearance of the building from the inside out. A third point is for the newer banners on display, including a retro-looking 1979 Final Four logo, along with the school's only NCAA championship, the 1977 Gymnastic team. A third point is for after the game when fans line up around the portion of the court and high-five players. Many others pose for pictures or seek an autograph. Young fans eagerly await a chance for a photo or signature from their favorite player. A final point is for the improved merchandise stand. Pacesetters Sports operates the area and offers various styles and colors to show off your Sycamore pride. There are t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies, polos, half-zips, and caps in royal blue and sky blue. There are many options featuring the old-school ISU logo from the 1970s. It's been a vast improvement since our visit a little over a year ago. Final Thoughts It is amazing what winning can do to a basketball program. The Hulman Center has not seen this much excitement since disco was king. The building is full of energy, folks are proud to wear school merchandise, and downtown restaurants are bustling before and after the game. The arena has always been a great place to watch a game, but it is much better when your team is vying for a conference title. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Culpeper County High School Baseball Field 1420 Achievement Drive Culpeper, VA 22701 Culpeper Cavaliers website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 500 Get on Your Horse and Watch Cavaliers Baseball The Valley Baseball League is one of the oldest summer collegiate baseball leagues in America, with 12 teams in and around Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley. The league has existed in some form for at least 100 years, although early records are spotty as to the exact date of founding and there are several conflicting sources. The Culpeper Cavaliers are the newest member of the VBL, having just joined this season. The Cavaliers play at Culpeper County High School, whose baseball field is not otherwise in use during the summer months. Despite playing in the Valley League, Culpeper is not actually in the Shenandoah Valley, as it is located east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession options at a Culpeper Cavaliers game. The main stand, which also houses the team store, sells bottled water, soda, Gatorade, candy, popcorn, and chips. There are also other more substantive options available out of a food truck, including burgers, fresh grilled hot dogs, and chicken tenders. Excluding the food truck, which sets its own prices, nothing costs more than about $4, which is a great deal. Atmosphere 3 There are a lot of places you can watch the game from here in Culpeper. The seating area is built into a hill surrounding the field, with several sets of bleachers at the top of the hill. There are also a few rows of very widely spaced bench seating further down. Many fans choose to forgo these options and bring their own chairs and sit either in the shade of the trees at the top of the hill, or somewhere else on it. Be warned there are a lot of bugs in the grass, and if you do not throw away your trash quickly after eating, the ants will swarm. However, the ants do not seem to have learned to climb the bleachers at the top of the hill, so you should be safe there. Unfortunately, most vantage points will find their view of either the scoreboard or some part of the field obstructed by the dugout roof, so this rating does get downgraded. The Cavaliers do some activities to engage fans, including the pony race, where kids attempt to race around the field while riding inflatable ponies. The team leans heavily into the horse imagery here, with the sound of a whinny played over the PA system after a Cavaliers pitcher strikes out an opponent. The team even brings in real ponies for select home games. Finally, there are a couple of Valley League traditions that are worth noting. Your game ticket doubles as a raffle ticket for the chance to win prizes throughout the game, so hold onto it. Additionally, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls hit out of play, but can return them to the concession stand for a lollipop. Kids are constantly running up and down the hill to chase the foul balls to get their prize. Neighborhood 3 Culpeper County as a whole only has about 50,000 people, and most of it is very rural, but the area around the high school where the Cavaliers play is more developed than most other parts. Los Portillos Taqueria is located almost right next door, and if you head towards Business Route 15, you will find many more places including both chains and local restaurants such as Grill 309. Fans 3 Culpeper is the newest franchise in the league, so they have not had the time to build up a fan base that the other more established clubs have. A typical game will draw a couple hundred fans, with larger crowds on weekends usually. The Valley League is the epitome of small town ball, so there's a natural limit to how much any team can draw, and the Cavaliers are still establishing their fan base. Given a few years, they may draw even more than they are today, but they still manage to draw a decent crowd most nights. Access 3 Getting into Culpeper is relatively easy, although you will have little choice but to drive given this is a rural area. US Routes 15 and 29 split just south of here, and both provide easy access. Although they do have some lights, for the most part you can make good time. That being said, if coming from a major city you will have to do quite a bit of driving. Washington, DC is about an hour and a half to two hours away, and even if coming from another Valley League town, you will have to cross the Blue Ridge Mountains, which can be challenging for drivers if not doing so on an interstate like I-66 or I-64. Once you arrive here, signs will direct you where to go, although they are small and can be hard to see. Although the baseball field is at the high school, you are better off parking at the middle school next door, as that lot is closer than the high school's lot. Go all the way back and park in the corner of the lot closest to the high school. From there, you will walk between the two buildings to the baseball field. There is a small lot right next to the field, but it fills up quickly and is mostly used by gameday personnel, the elderly, and the handicapped, so you will probably have to use the much larger middle school lot. The hill is pretty steep, so getting up and down it can be a problem, especially since there are no paths so you will be walking on grass. Single-person men's and women's restrooms are available on the side of the press box opposite the concession stand. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $5, as they are in most of the Valley League. Concessions are affordable as well with most items being under $4 other than the food truck, making a trip to a Cavaliers game an outstanding value. Extras 3 One star for the team store which sells Cavaliers gear. Normally it has its own tent, but occasionally it may be sold out of the concession stand. A second star for all the unique vantage points to watch a game here. A third and final star for the free programs at the entrance. Final Thoughts The Valley League is small town baseball at its finest, and the Culpeper Cavaliers are no exception. This is a new team that is rapidly growing its fan base, but they still manage to create a great experience for fans here. Given a couple years to further establish itself, a game here will be even better than it is now.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Patriots Point Soccer Stadium 85 Patriot Points Rd Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Charleston Battery website Patriots Point Soccer Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 3,900 The Energized Battery The Charleston Battery is one of the oldest continuously operating professional soccer clubs in the United States, as it was founded in 1993. It has played in several different soccer leagues, including the USISL Pro League, the USLA-League, and the USL Second Division. The team currently plays at the USL Championship level. The Battery plays its home matches in the Patriots Point Soccer Stadium located in Mount Pleasant, SC, just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston. The iconic Arthur Ravenel Bridge towers over the stadium and provides a dramatic backdrop during home matches. The stadium presently has a capacity of 3,900, with plans to expand to 5,000 over the next few seasons. The stadium also serves the soccer program for the College of Charleston. Patriots Point Soccer Complex is the club’s third home pitch in its long history. The previous homes for the Battery were Stoney Field (1993-1998) and MUSC Health Stadium (1999-2019). Patriots Point held its inaugural season with fans allowed in 2021, after a shortened pandemic season in 2020, where fans were not allowed in the stadium. Food & Beverage 5 Charleston is known as a foodie heaven, and the food and beverage selection at Battery matches will allow you to sample the best it has to offer. Before each match, a wide selection of food vendors is set up in the pregame pavilion area. Among the restaurants represented at every match are Home Team BBQ (chicken wings for $10, pork cracklins for $9, pork sandwiches for $10); Coastal Crust Pizza (cheese pizza for $15, pepperoni pizza for $16, and sausage and mushroom pizza for $17) and Cochita’s Kitchen (tacos for $3, quesadillas for $12, gourmet burritos for $14 and Cuban sandwiches for $12). Co-Op Burgers, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, T&T Kettle Korn, Foxes Fried, Taste of Berlin, and the Immortal Lobster operate on a rotating basis at Battery games. The stadium serves Coca-Cola brand soft drinks ($4), Recover 180 energy drinks ($6), lemonade ($4) and water ($3). Adult beverages are sold pregame in the Beer Garden and at concession stands during the matches. Brands represented at every match include Bud Light ($6), Heineken ($5), Rusty Bull Pale Ale for $8 (features the Strikers’ Wit Battery Soccer Edition in a can), Wicked Weed ($8) and Porch Pounder ($10). Atmosphere 5 A day or evening out at a Battery match is a picnic, a brew fest, a concert and a soccer match all rolled into one. Gates open 90 minutes prior to each match , with pregame activities centered around the pavilion area. This area includes a concert stage with different groups performing at each game, several vendors pouring in the beer garden, supporter group gatherings under tents, several food trucks and a team store. A miniature kid’s pitch will keep the little ones entertained. The Supporter Groups March takes place 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Neighborhood 4 Mount Pleasant is an eastern suburb of Charleston, SC. It is across the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor from Downtown Charleston. It is easily accessed via the Charles Ravenel Bridge. Mount Pleasant offers a wide variety of recreational activities for visitors. It offers beachfront activities along the Atlantic Ocean on the city’s eastern border. Two sites visitors will want to check out while visiting are the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Boone Plantation and Gardens , which feature lush gardens in the springtime, as well as educational activities about the Gullah culture which flourishes in this area. There are several hotels and restaurants along Johnnie Dodds Boulevard and Coleman Boulevard that offer easy access to the Patriots Point Soccer Stadium. Across the harbor from Mount Pleasant is the tourist mecca of Charleston. The city offers a wide variety of historical sites, including Rainbow Row, the Battery and The Citadel, great shopping along Meeting Street and wonderful restaurants throughout the city. For detailed information on things to do in Charleston, go to www.charlestoncvb.com Fans 4 The Charleston Battery has a strong fanbase headed by its supporter groups. The Regiment is its longest-running supporter group and is also the largest. Queen Anne’s Revenge is a younger group that is decidedly more contemporary, as it utilizes yellow smoke and a drumline throughout the matches. Its drumline leads the supporter group marches into the stadium 30 minutes prior to every match. Charleston Barra Brava consists of members of Charleston’s Hispanic population. The supporters’ section is a General Admission area located behind the goal at the northern end of the pitch. Access 5 Patriots Point is easily accessed via the Arthur Ravenel Bridge from downtown Charleston or I-26 and North Charleston. After getting onto the Arthur Ravenel Bridge towards Mount Pleasant, get in the right lane and exit at the SC 703 ramp towards Sullivan’s Island. Turn right at Patriots Point Road. Once at Patriot Point Soccer Stadium, you can enter through any one of three gates. Seating is at the eastern, western, and northern sides of the pitch. There are no seats any further away than 20 rows from the pitch, and the aisles are wide and easy to navigate. Return on Investment 5 A night or afternoon at the Battery games will not drain your budget. Tickets run from $25-$35 for seats along the sides of the pitch, with the higher priced tickets reflecting their closeness to the field. General Admission is $12 and is located behind the goal at the north end of the pitch. This is also the Supporter Section. Tickets are available the day of the game at the two ticket offices located at the stadium. However, Battery games frequently sell out prior to the day of the match, so we strongly urge you to prepurchase your ticket at the team’s Seat Geek online website prior to the day of the game. There are five parking lots servicing the stadium. The White lot costs $10, and the Orange lot is $5, as it is located 5 minutes from the stadium at the Shrine Temple. A second offsite lot, the Purple lot is also $5, and is located at the Patriots Point Naval Museum adjacent to the stadium. The Yellow and Blue lots are reserved for season ticket holders. There are a wide variety of concession vendors available during the pregame activities around the Pavilion and at concession stands during the matches. The prices are very reasonable. A team store is also open during each match, with merchandise at several price points. All transactions are cashless at Patriots Point. Extras 5 The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier is permanently moored at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, which is adjacent to the soccer stadium and is well worth a visit. The Battery hosts the Carolina Challenge Cup each season. It pits four MLS and USL teams in a round-robin competition over one week. The Battery team name is a salute to the famous seawall and promenade in downtown Charleston. The team’s use of a cannon in its logo is a historical reference to the artillery placements that were placed along the Battery. A cannon is fired at the beginning and end of every match, as well as after each Charleston goal. The Patriot Point Soccer Stadium lies in the shadow of the iconic Arthur Ravenel Bridge. The 2.5-mile span connects Charleston and Mount Pleasant as it crosses the Cooper River. It is designed to withstand winds of more than 300 MPH. This is necessary as Charleston is prone to hurricanes. The port of Charleston is one of the largest container ports on the East Coast. Patriot Point has repurposed shipping containers to serve as “suite boxes.” Each suite includes a bar and seating atop of the container or on a deck built in front of the shipping container. Final Thoughts The Charleston Battery is one of the pioneers in professional soccer in the United States. Their new stadium at Patriots Point offers a great place to enjoy a soccer match, with a quality pregame experience, exciting action on the pitch and the dramatic backdrop of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge hovering over the stadium. Best of all, the tourist mecca of Charleston is just across the bridge, offering great restaurants and a plethora of interesting historical sites to enjoy.

Photo by Gordon Sheldall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Student Recreation Center 900 University Ave Riverside, CA 92521 UC-Riverside Highlanders website Student Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,168 Big West in the Inland Empire The city of Riverside is located 60 miles east of Los Angeles but even native Angelenos can forget how big and important an area it is. Riverside is the 12th largest city by population in California and has had tremendous impact on the state’s citrus industry. UC Riverside had its beginning in 1907 as an agricultural research station and opened for classes for the first time in 1954, explaining the number 54 on their mascot’s uniform. The UC Riverside Highlanders basketball team plays in the Big West Conference. The men’s team has never won a championship, unlike the UCR ladies, who have won three titles to date. Despite this, they regularly field competitive athletic teams and provide an entertaining diversion for the students and citizens of their community. Food & Beverage 2 There are no concessions inside the basketball gym where the Highlanders play so the only option is the Highlander food truck parked just outside the venue. You must get your hand stamped by Security so you can re-enter but you are allowed to bring your food and beverage inside the gym. They offer cheeseburger sliders, BBQ pulled pork sliders and BBQ shredded chicken sliders (2 for $4.39 and 4 for $7.99), a hot dog ($3.59), chili cheese dog ($4.59), pretzel ($3.79), nachos ($3.99) and a third-pound cheeseburger for $5.99. The quality and value are good. A great choice, whether you’re a vegetarian or not, is the tasty Black Bean burger ($4.99) which is served Memphis-style with coleslaw and sweet BBQ sauce on it. Snacks include candy, Cracker Jacks, chips and popcorn. Soda, water and Gatorade are the only drinks on the menu. No alcohol is available. Be forewarned – Because there are no other options, the line is long and takes considerable time. If you want to want to grab some grub at halftime, you should duck outside a couple of minutes before the half ends, else, you’ll get stuck in the queue and may even miss the start of the third period. Atmosphere 3 The school band adds a great deal to the atmosphere, playing fan favorites. There are so many cheerleaders I lose count; they are active in bringing the players on before the game, dancing, leading cheers and making the handstands and towers look easy. The scoreboard is top notch and there is a guest table on entry where you can pick up some cool free stuff (posters, schedules, etc.). The game program with rosters and the current Big West standings is free. “Scotty,” the university’s mascot, sports a Tam o’ Shanter and actively roams the stands to interact with fans. Neighborhood 3 Box Springs Mountain Park is located just to the east of the UC Riverside campus. There are walking trails among the natural beauty. There is also a botanic garden on the UCR campus. Otherwise, the neighborhood is the college campus, student housing and businesses that cater to the UCR students. The Getaway Cafe (directly across from parking lot #24 is a sports bar popular with the university’s students. If you don’t want to hang out there, the Sub Station is a well-reviewed sandwich shop near the Getaway Cafe. Fans 3 The attendance at the game I attended was neither paltry nor huge. Fans were seated in the stands on both sides of the court and seemed knowledgeable as well as loyal to the home team. It looked as though there was a good mix of students (especially athletes from other school teams), parents and alumni. They rooted their Highlanders on but shrugged off a close loss when it was over. Access 3 The campus is off CA Interstate 215 making the recreation center easy to find if you go in the daytime and do not make any wrong turns; otherwise, it can get tricky. Signage on the campus is poor. I advise printing out a campus map and bringing it with you in case you get lost. Use “UCR Student Recreation Center” on Google Maps to navigate but keep in mind that the parking lot is around the corner. Exit the 215 freeway at University Ave. and head east toward the mountains. The road curves to the left whereupon it becomes Canyon Crest Drive. Parking lot #24 will be on your right and the attendant will be there to collect your $10. You should feel safe leaving your car there as this lot is directly adjacent to the UCR Police Department. Be advised it is a bit of a hike from the lot, North past the Police Department, turn right at the corner of W. Linden St., pass the track and the Student Recreation Center will be on your right. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are $12 for an assigned seat but $10 for seniors, youth and military with ID. You can save another $2 by getting your tickets in advance online. There is a Guest Services table with schedules, posters and a free game program. Factor in $10 for parking and you can see a game here for under $20 which is a reasonable value. Extras 4 One extra star is credited for the fine band and another for the numerous cheerleaders to fire up the crowd’s school spirit. A third star is awarded for the nice scoreboard with big screen, though it would be enhanced if they used it to show replays and highlights. Currently, it just shows the live action and the occasional “fan cam.” Lastly, a friendly and helpful staff is a big plus. Final Thoughts If you are in the Riverside area and get a hankering to watch some college b-ball action, or if your favorite team is playing the Highlanders, then this venue may just fit your bill. The fans and staff are helpful and friendly. The campus is out-of-the-way from the usual SoCal tourist traps, but this may be the secret to its appeal for many visitors.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches 5444 Haverhill Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Houston Astros Spring Training website The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 7,858 Astros’ Launching Pad The Houston Astros moved into the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in 2017. They share the stadium and the training complex with the Washington Nationals. The ballpark was built by the city of West Palm Beach to attract a major league team (or two) back for the first time since the Atlanta Braves left for a new stadium in the Disney complex. Both the Nationals and the Astros were looking to relocate as their former training sites were distant from other MLB team’s sites and this was resulting in a great deal of time traveling by bus to away games. Moving to the West Palm Beach area meant the Astros and Nationals could play each other at home, while also playing the Cardinals and the Marlins, who are a short distance away in Jupiter. The site of the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches was a former dump for debris from past hurricanes, and there was a tax incentive for reclaiming this area for the public’s use. The location of the stadium is between I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, making it very easy to reach via these main thoroughfares. The design of the stadium is very similar to many others in Florida in that it must be elevated as digging down into the ground would result in hitting the high water table. The stadium is in the center of the complex, with the Astros and Nationals training facilities surrounding it. The stadium entry is via a set of steps on the west side of the stadium. The exterior of the stadium is virtually hidden, as there is greenery growing all around the stadium. Once you reach the top of the stairs you will be at the concourse level of the stadium. The concourse travels 360 degrees around the field. All of the seating bowls are located below the concourse level, with only the suites and press box on the second level. The Astro's dugout is on the third-base side of the field. The seating capacity consists of 6,200 seats, and room for 1,400 more fans on the outfield grass berms. Food & Beverage 3 For the most part, the concession offerings at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches are your typical baseball fare. Items include hamburgers w/fries ($11), grilled chicken w/fries ($10), BBQ sandwiches w/fries ($10), and chicken tenders w/fries ($10.50). Other items include ¼ lb. brats ($7.50), hot dogs ($5.50), nachos ($5.50), pretzels ($6), candy ($4.50), and chips ($2.50) Pepsi brand products are sold for $5-$7 depending on the size. Water is $5.00 Beers cost Adult beverages include domestic drafts ($10), premium drafts ($12), canned domestic beers are $9.00 and canned premium beers are $10. Cocktails and wine are both $9.00.The H-Town Grille is designed to bring a bit of Texas flavor to the park. It sells 2 tacos for $8 and a Super Nacho for $12. It also carries Shiner Bock beer, a Texas favorite for $7.50. Two other stands in the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches sell more specialized fare. The West Palm Pizza Grille sells a variety of pizzas by the slice for $6.50. If you are feeling chill, head over to the Beaches Ice Cream stand. They offer an ice cream helmet for $7.50, soft serve in either a waffle cone or a cup for $6 and root beer floats are $7. Atmosphere 3 It has taken a while for Astro fans to adjust from their former home in Kissimmee. They were the only team playing at that stadium. Sharing the stadium with another club has taken a while for both the players and the fans to feel at home in their new surroundings. The stadium does not do much branding of either team in the stadium, apart from the two team’s logos in a sculpture form outside of the stadium. In 2021 the stadium is catching on with both the locals and the Astro fans, as they are reporting more sellout games this season. Neighborhood 3 The area around the stadium itself is surrounded by the two teams’ practice fields and training facilities. The complex is so large that shuttle vans take you back to the distant parking lots. Once you exit onto Haverhill Road you will need a car as there are no hotels or nice restaurants within walking distance of the park. Most of the hotels are located along the I-95 corridor and the only restaurants nearby are of the fast-food variety. Since you will have a car, it is well worth your time to head across the causeway from West Palm Beach to Palm Beach. Once in Palm Beach, you will feel like you are in an episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” First check out the boutiques along Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s shopping district, then visit the Flagler Museum next to The Breakers to learn about this enclave. Before you leave take a short driving tour of homes owned by the Kennedys, the Pulitzers, and many other celebrities. Fans 3 Astros fans are gradually adjusting to the move from their longtime home in Kissimmee. Their numbers are increasing and many locals from the Palm Beaches area have adopted the team. The team has created a great rivalry with their training complex neighbors, the Nationals, as both teams have won a World Series in recent years. The teams play each other frequently, as the MLB is trying to keep travel to a minimum due to COVID protocols. Fans from both teams can stock up on team memorabilia at the Team Store located by the main gate. Access 3 Getting to a game at the ballpark is going to require a car. Parking is available as you enter the complex from Haverhill and costs $10 (credit cards only). Make sure you take one of the free trams that will drop you off at the park. Once at the stadium, you will have a series of steps to navigate up to the concourse level. All fans must enter through the West Gate, and during the security check, this area can become quite congested. Once inside, the stadium is very well laid out. The stadium has wide concourses, and great signage and it will be easy to locate your seat. BTW, the seats are a generous 20 inches wide, making it much more comfortable for you as you enjoy the game. Return on Investment 3 The FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches uses a variable pricing system depending on the popularity of the visiting teams. Prices for the different sections can be compared with the slide with the stadium schematic. Field Box seats ($37-$56), Dugout Boxes ($31-$47), Infield seats ($28-$42), Outfield Reserve ($23-$32), and the Banana Boat Berm ($15-$25). Pre-purchasing your ticket before game day brings the price down by $5. Parking is $10 and payment must be made by credit card. Extras 4 The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches has canopies atop the stadium to provide as much shade and sun protection as possible. Parts of the concourse allow fans to see directly down into the bullpens. Beach chairs atop the berm are available on a first-come/first-serve basis and provide a great view of the field while providing you with a wonderfully comfortable chair. A craft beer corner is in the left-field corner of the concourse. It has more than 32 tap handles to choose from. Final Thoughts The FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is a very functional facility, but it lacks the bells and whistles found in other spring training facilities. There was no drinking rail along the concourse and the video board never showed replays during the game… features that are found in nearly every ballpark. We found the concessions to be reasonable, and our view of the field was excellent. The lack of branding for the two resident teams was disappointing.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Stephen C. O’Connell Center 250 Gale Lemerand Dr. Gainesville, FL 32611 Florida Gators website Stephen C. O’Connell Center website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 10,133 Alligator Alley Florida is a football school. Everyone knows this. The National Championships that the Gators won with the likes of Gator legends Steve Spurrier, Tim Tebow, and Danny Wuerffel are iconic and well-known. However, it wasn’t that long ago that the Gators brought National Championships in basketball back to Gainesville. The likes of Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer, and Billy Donovan are synonymous with the unlikely back-to-back championships the swamp is proud of. Florida has been playing basketball since 1915. They are currently a member of the Southeastern Conference and not normally the powerhouse that Big Blue, the Kentucky Wildcats, is. Since 1980, the home of the Gators has been the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Named after the 6th president of the University of Florida, who served from 1967 to 1973, the O’Connell Center shares the same architectural design as the Yuengling Center on the campus of the University of South Florida in Tampa. It was a way to stretch the limited state funding. In 2016 naming rights were sold to the medical firm Exactech for 10 years. The home for the Gators is currently known as the Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The Gators basketball teams share the facility with the volleyball and gymnastics programs. It offers a great experience for college basketball in a power conference in what is often a forgotten corner of the SEC. Food & Beverage 4 Concession items at Exactech Arena are about what you would expect from a college basketball experience. There is decent variety at the numerous concession stands, but nothing that an ardent traveler would go out of their way to sample. Popcorn, burgers, hot dogs, fries, peanuts, nachos, and pretzels are all available. Not all items are available at all stands, so a quick tour of the arena to get a handle on concessions is not a bad idea. In a humorous tidbit, all chicken products are referred to as Gator Bait. BBQ Pork nachos and jambalaya are the most unique options. Soft drink options include Pepsi products as well as bottled water and sweet tea. Hot coffee and tea are also available. However, it just wouldn’t be the University of Florida in a variety of Gatorade products that several were not also prominently on the menu. Alcohol is not available at Exactech Arena. Atmosphere 4 The O’Connell Center is an attractive building from the exterior. Directly across the road from the legendary Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and surrounded by the requisite Florida palm trees, the O’Connell has a surprisingly modern look to the exterior with plenty of color present. Getting a picture with the bronze bull gator statue across the street is a must for visiting fans. Entry into the Exactech Arena brings fans into a plush atrium filled with the requisite orange and plenty of video screens. The date of this review was also the same day as the Peach Bowl in which the Gators were participating so, understandably the screens were tuned to the football Gators. The decor in the concourses is very nice and small details are considered. Pictures highlighting key moments at the Exactech Arena and some historical murals as well. The Alligator Alley kids zone has plenty of activities for the kids and is a great gathering point before the action starts. Inside the seating bowl, fans are welcomed by three levels of seating separated by a pair of walkways. The court runs from east to west and the best spot for a picture with the center logo facing the correct way is from the north side. Blue seats with orange highlights keep the school colors continuous through the arena. The east end of the arena features basketball banners. Final Four appearances are memorialized in blue and the National Championship banners for 2006 and 2007 stand out in orange. Above the court hangs a four-sided video board which is not overwhelming and adds to the atmosphere. Surprisingly, however, there are very few remnants of those championship teams. It could be just a matter of time until some of those championship players have their numbers retired and hung in the rafters for all the Gator-faithful to see. The game day experience is solid at the Exactech Arena. The Gator band can be found in the southeast corner of the arena, right beside the “Rowdy Reptiles” student section. The cheerleaders and Pom team keep that college feeling strong and the Gator mascot, Albert, can be found around the arena participating in the festivities and interacting with fans. Considering the game that was reviewed was during the winter break, the student section was particularly impressive and played a significant part in the game. Neighborhood 5 Exactech Arena is located at the north end of the campus of the University of Florida. As with many large universities, there are several local options for pre and post-game fare close to campus. Heading north to University Ave is probably the best place to be. Several recognizable chain restaurants can be found in the immediate vicinity, however, travelers who are looking for a more local option should check out The Swamp, Leonardo’s Felipe’s Mexican, The Social at Midtown, and Mother’s Pub and Grill. For travelers looking for other sporting options in the area, Florida Gators athletics are about all that will be found. Florida offers a full complement of athletic teams and courses, the crown jewel is the legendary Florida Gators football team who calls nearby Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium home. Other entertainment options could include the Florida Museum of Natural History. For fans that are looking to stay near the university, there are several options. The Hilton and Holiday Inn are both solid options, very close to the O’Connell Center. Fans 4 Keeping in mind that Florida is a football-first school, the basketball program does enjoy strong support. In years past, Florida has ranked in the top 50 in NCAA basketball attendance, recently ranking as high as 35th. Florida routinely averages between 9,500 and 10,500 fans per game. The game that was reviewed saw over 9,800 fans in attendance at a time when the school was quiet for winter break and the football team was playing in the Peach Bowl. The student section, known as the Rowdy Reptiles, brings energy and excitement to the game and sits courtside, beside the band. Access 3 The Stephen C. O’Connell Center is located at the north end of the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville. The campus is a fair hike east of I-75 and the arena is just south of University Ave. Patrons coming from out of town will have to do some meandering through Gainesville to get to campus. Once on campus, parking can be a bit of a challenge to maneuver. The date of the review saw the campus quiet for winter break so it was unclear as to how much parking enforcement was happening. However, there were plenty of cars pulled up over curbs and near sidewalks. When walking to the arena, mind the signs around greenspaces that warn you not to travel them after dark. Presumably, the wildlife comes out after dark. For fans looking for public transit options, there are plenty. Buses travel all over campus. Fans are encouraged to check out the Gainesville Mobility website for options including maps, fares, and schedules. Many college basketball facilities feature major league security procedures. Fans are encouraged to consult the Gators website for the most up-to-date security information before heading to the game. Inside, the O’Connell Center can be a bit of a maze and there are a number of different levels and ways to get lost. There are plenty of stairs and this would be a detractor for fans who struggle to ascend and descend staircases. Washroom facilities are found on the main concourse level and many fans will require descending those staircases often if too much Gatorade is on the agenda! Return on Investment 4 The opportunity to see some top-ranked college basketball in Florida for a decent price is a possibility. Tickets can be had for under $20 for a decent opponent. Keep in mind that the top-selling opponents are Kentucky, Tennessee, and other Florida teams. Parking can be found for a decent price and concession prices are not out of whack. Combine that with a solid product on the court and a surprisingly strong basketball experience and fans can enjoy a great experience without dropping a mortgage payment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the opportunity to get a photo with the bronze bull alligator outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, on the opposite side of Gale Lemerand Dr. An extra mark for the naming of the building after a former Florida president. An extra mark for the opportunity to poke around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The main team store is inside and it is open for fans to walk right in and check out The Swamp. Final Thoughts A trip to Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center is not a mecca experience however, fans will be pleasantly surprised at just how good the experience is. Gators basketball offers a great return on investment and a whole lot of fun that the whole family can enjoy. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @ profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 United Supermarkets Arena 1701 Indiana Ave Lubbock, TX 79409 Texas Tech Red Raiders website United Supermarkets Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 15,098 Red Raiders Wreck 'Em at United Supermarkets Arena Deep in the wide-open plains of West Texas lies the city of Lubbock. A booming oil and agricultural town, it has a reputation for breeding men and women doing things their own way: Mavericks. This way of life, this mindset, has been adopted by the school and athletics teams closely tied to Lubbock: the Texas Tech University Red Raiders. The Red Raiders began playing hoops at Tech the year the school opened for business, 1925. Since that time the Texas Tech men’s basketball team has won 11 conference tournaments and made 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Since 1999, Tech has done all of their home court winning at United Supermarkets Arena. This state-of-the-art facility blends new tech with old school aesthetics and has proven to be a true winner in West Texas. Food & Beverage 3 Texas Tech does a good job of catering to their fans, especially when it comes to food and beverages. There are numerous food stands and kiosks throughout United Supermarkets Arena; these range from your traditional stadium fare – hamburgers and hot dogs – to some good old-fashioned Texas-style barbecue. One stand in particular, the Lone Star Grille, offers some of that traditional grub, but in combo form – the stand’s offerings include a bacon cheeseburger basket ($11), a 1/2-pound hamburger basket ($10), and a steak finger basket (which I personally recommend) at $10. Alternatively, if you’re looking to branch away from the norm, look for the Big 12 Bowls stand; in addition to nachos and other favorites, this latter stand offers an out-of-the-box Asian Bowl ($12). At every stand inside United Supermarkets Arena you can also purchase soft drinks ($6 or $7.50 depending on size), bottled water, sports drinks, candy, chips, and popcorn, and there are also beer and alcohol kiosks sprinkled throughout the venue. I think you’ll be able to find something you find tasty to eat at Tech. Atmosphere 4 I’ve had the pleasure of catching several sporting events at Texas Tech over the years, so I felt I was prepared for what I was going to experience for my first-ever visit to United Supermarkets Arena. I admit that I have never been to some of the legendary college hoops venues in the country, but I have been to quite a few, and I can say unequivocally that Texas Tech fans are the loudest I have ever experienced. From the moment you walk through the doors of United Supermarkets Arena – which has a beautiful brick façade that is part of that great old school aesthetic – you are surrounded by a sea of red; Tech fans definitely give their Red Raiders a home court advantage. The rafters are bedecked with banners touting the success of teams past, and the retired numbers of Red Raider greats Polk Robison and Gerald Myers also hang there. The hallways of the arena have trophy cases displaying the tangible proof of the programs’ (both the men’s and women’s teams) successes. For women’s hoops fans, a full-sized painting of all-time great Sheryl Swoopes hangs on a wall near one of the arena’s entrances, and the national championship trophy from Swoopes’ 1993 team is also on display. You can feel the history emanating from every corner of United Supermarkets Arena, and it is a history that Texas Tech fans cherish and celebrate at every opportunity. Neighborhood 3 The city of Lubbock is a great blend of pure West Texas (you can literally see tumbleweeds in certain parts of the city) and a traditional college town. There are college hangouts and hot spots, and then there are places that celebrate the frontier spirit of Lubbock. If you’re looking to take in some of that history, make sure to take in the National Ranching Heritage Center . This sprawling complex, run by Texas Tech, features a collection of authentic ranch buildings that have been disassembled and reassembled on site along a walking path – this is a true trip back in time. Or for music lovers, be sure to stop by the Buddy Holly Center ; this museum honors Lubbock’s native son and one of the early pioneers of rock and roll, whose life was tragically cut short at an early age. United Supermarkets Arena is located right on the campus of Texas Tech University and is within walking distance of both Jones AT&T Stadium and Rip Griffin Park . If you plan your visit right, you can get in more than one game on your trip. Fans 4 Texas Tech fans are very passionate about their school and their teams. The men’s hoops team averages nearly 11,000 per game at United Supermarkets Arena, and the vast majority of these rabid fans sport the red of their team and throw their guns up (the team’s traditional hand gesture) at every chance they get. This is also a vocal fan base that loudly supports its team. The energy that they put out is infectious and starts as soon as fans walk through the door, and lasts until the final buzzer. The student section in particular is a sight to behold – this is a rowdy bunch and I mean that in a good way! If you attend a game I think you will be able to feel it for sure, and will probably get as caught up in it as I was on my most recent visit. Access 2 If there is one drawback to games at Texas Tech it is, quite frankly, how relatively difficult it is to get to Lubbock. If you look at a map of Texas and you cast your eyes out toward the New Mexico border, well before you get there you’ll find Lubbock. You can fly there from most cities in the country via the Preston Smith International Airport . Once you get there though, United Supermarkets Arena is pretty easy to find. Tech’s sports facilities are on campus and can easily be gotten to via Interstate 82. Parking is plentiful and is free in certain lots (there are paid lots if you want to park even closer). Public transport is plentiful and runs right up to the venue via Lubbock’s Citibus line. Or, another mode to be on the lookout for are the numerous electric scooters scattered across the city and the campus; there is even a parking lot for these scooters right outside the arena if you want to give them a shot. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Texas Tech basketball start at $20 per person for general admission seating, which is a pretty good bargain for the action you get on court. This is especially true in a season like the current one (2018-19) where the Red Raiders are a contender for the national championship. The concession prices are on par with other major Division I facilities, and you can find some pretty good bargains if you look. With free parking, you should be able to have an affordable evening at a gem of a facility in one of the most unique places in the state of Texas. Extras 3 I personally love going to college games because of all the accompanying pomp and circumstance that the teams bring to the games, and Texas Tech is no exception. The band (the Goin’ Band from Raiderland ) is there for games at United Supermarkets Arena, as are the cheerleaders and Texas Tech Pom Squad. In addition, the mascot Raider Red is there to patrol the baselines and entertain the fans. You can also expect an appearance from Tech’s other mascot, the Masked Rider – though without her horse (Fearless Champion) which would be wildly impractical in a basketball arena, so she does lose a little bit of her mystique. Oh yeah, make sure you get there in time for the announcement of the starting lineups for one main reason: pyrotechnics. Final Thoughts United Supermarkets Arena is a truly fantastic facility – Texas Tech has done a great job of honoring its history and heritage while embracing all of the “new” that caters to fans of all ages. If you’re a fan of college hoops, add this stop to your bucket list; I think you will enjoy it. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photo courtesy of Kristella Cruz The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)  announced on February 28th that it has acquired H-E-B Park  in Edinburg, Texas, the current home of the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros of the United Soccer League, which ceased operations in 2023. The move paves the way for UTRGV to use the facility as its homefield for the Vaqueros football program, which will play its inaugural season in 2025.   Also announced at a press conference was the rechristening of the venue to UTRGV Stadium. Built in 2017, the stadium currently seats approximately 10,000, with the ability to expand to 12,500. In addition to their new home, the Vaqueros will play one game each season at Sams Memorial Stadium in Brownsville, Texas.   "UTRGV Stadium gives both our community and football program immediate access to a premier facility while also providing additional possibilities for our university," UTRGV President Guy Bailey said. "Its location off Expressway 281 also ensures convenient access for our fans, as well as visitors who make their way into the Valley for games." Image courtesy of UTRGV Athletics  The UTRGV Stadium complex features 20 acres of festival grounds that can be utilized for tailgating, concerts, and campus or community events. The stadium’s LED video board is 43-feet-by-24-feet, and was lauded as being state-of-the-art when installed. Lastly, there are 30 luxury suites and eight patio suites for premium game day seating.     “Continuing another historic chapter in our longstanding relationship with the university, this partnership between the City of Edinburg and UTRGV symbolizes our steadfast commitment to nurturing growth and opportunity within our community,” Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza said. “Bringing Division 1 football to Edinburg enriches our city's sports landscape and paves the way for new possibilities for our residents and visitors alike … I eagerly anticipate UTRGV football's transformative impact on Edinburg and the entire Rio Grande Valley.” ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

In February 2023 Major League Baseball’s Spring Training returned to a full schedule of games for the first time since 2020. The intervening years were wiped out by the pandemic in 2021 and the labor lockout in 2022. The Grapefruit League is the home for 15 MLB teams, playing games in 13 ballparks. Florida has hosted spring training in some fashion for more than 130 years. All but six of the current MLB teams have held their spring training in Florida at some time in their history. Three cities in Florida have hosted spring training for more than 70 years. Fans welcomed the return of spring training, with a 2023 attendance of more than 1.4 million fans attending a Grapefruit League game. The return of a full slate of games in 2023 has allowed us to do an updated ranking of the league’s home ballparks. To do this we employ our FANFARE rating system. This system evaluates each ballpark on its concessions programs, gameday atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, value, and other extras. Special note: The Tampa Bay Rays ballpark in Port Charlotte was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian. This left the ballpark unplayable for the 2023 Grapefruit League season. It forced the Rays to play their 2023 spring training games at Champions Stadium at Disney’s Wide World of Sports and Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. We are not including these two stadiums in our rankings, as they are only being used temporarily for the 2023 season. Stadium Journey is proud to release our 2023 ranking of the ballparks of the Grapefruit League: 1. LECOM Park, Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates (4.43) Lloyd Brown - LECOM Park has been a Pirate’s treasure, as the ballpark celebrated its 100th birthday in 2023. The park has hosted more than 6 MLB teams during its existence. The dedication to preserving the stadium and maintaining an excellent gameday experience is something to be admired. We were also impressed by the all-volunteer efforts of the Pittsburgh Pirates booster club in Bradenton to staff each Pirates home game. This earns the top spot in our Grapefruit League ratings for 2023. Congratulations… and Happy 100th Birthday to LECOM Park! 2. Hammond Stadium, Home of the Minnesota Twins (4.43) Lloyd Brown – Hammond Stadium delivers a strong Midwestern vibe to fans attending a Twins game. The concessions menu offers items like cheese curds, corn dogs, and brats. After that, you can wash it all down with a Killebrew root beer. The team also holds a Minnesota Day game, where fans are encouraged to wear something repping their hometown in Minnesota. 3. Clover Park, Home of the New York Mets (4.29) Lloyd Brown-The Mets took advantage of the two suspended years of spring training to transform its home in Port St. Lucie, FL. Clover Park’s changes have been a big hit with Mets fans. The ballpark made big improvements in its exterior, adding a lot of the blue and orange Mets team colors into its outward appearance. Accessibility was also improved, as the concourses were widened and extended to the outfield. 4. Ed Smith Stadium, Home of the Baltimore Orioles (4.14) Lloyd Brown- If you close your eyes, you will swear you are at a game at Camden Yards when you attend a game at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. You are sitting in a seat that came from there. The concession stands offer familiar foods from the Bay State, including crab cakes and Boog’s BBQ. We also love the beautiful grand lobby at the park, as it includes an impressive chandelier that features the pennants earned by the Orioles over the years. 5. JetBlue Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox (4.00) Lloyd Brown- Fenway South has received rave reviews for its unique wing-like roof that helps to cool the fans on hot Florida afternoons. The park also replicates many of the quirky features of Fenway Park. This includes the Green Monster in left field, the Pesky Pole, and the singing of “Sweet Caroline” at each game. 6. TD Ballpark, Home of the Toronto Blue Jays (4.00) Lloyd Brown- Oh Canada! TD Ballpark should earn the Comeback Ballpark of the Year in the Grapefruit League this year. The stadium is almost unrecognizable from its previous look. The exterior has had a major makeover, with the blue and white colors of the team becoming much more pronounced. The interior features new seating options, a much larger video board, an outfield boardwalk, and an improved concessions menu (don’t worry…. poutine is still on it!) 7. BayCare Ballpark, Home of the Philadelphia Phillies (4.00) Lloyd Brown - BayCare Ballpark pioneered the use of several elements that are now found in nearly every spring training ballpark. It was the first to offer a 360-degree concourse around the field, the first to offer berm seating in the outfields and the first to offer an extended spring training a menu that included regional favorites. 8. Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Home of the Detroit Tigers (3.86) Lloyd Brown- The Tigers have called Joker Marchant their home stadium since 1996. However, Tigertown has undergone several renovations over time to keep the stadium up to date. Capacity has increased to 9,000 seats, making it one of the Grapefruit League’s largest stadiums. All new seats are in the shade, keeping fans cool on hot Florida afternoons. Best of all, Joker Marchant offers the unusual concession item of strawberry shortcake. This is because Lakeland Florida is considered the Strawberry Capitol of the World. 9. Steinbrenner Field, Home of the New York Yankees (3.86) Lloyd Brown- The New York Yankees have been an iconic brand in baseball for many decades. Steinbrenner Field celebrates that status throughout the venue. Yankee legends are commemorated outside of the ballpark with the Monument Garden and a statue of “The Boss”. Inside the stadium, you will find concession items that you would expect to find in the Bronx. If you look toward the top of the stadium, you will notice the latticework that is suggestive of Yankee Stadium. 10. CoolToday Park, Home of the Atlanta Braves (3.57) Lloyd Brown - CoolToday Park is the newest park in the Grapefruit League. It features a stunning graphics package on the outside, with murals featuring Braves greats including Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, and Phil Niekro. Inside the ballpark, the concourses are extremely wide and open to the field. There are drinking rails that go 360 degrees around the park. Fans can enjoy the Tiki bar in left field 365 days of the year. The concession package includes fried and grilled chicken, fried fish, and other food items with a Florida twist. 11. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Home of the St. Louis Cardinals (3.57) Mike Rusignuolo – Cardinal fans flock to Roger Dean Chevrolet in large numbers each spring, making this the toughest ticket on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Even though this stadium is shared with the Miami Marlins, the Cardinals are the main tenant in this ballpark. Cardinal fans fill the park for every game, and Roger Dean is rocking in red. When the games are over, fans have plenty of attractions in Jupiter, including several lighthouses along the Atlantic coast. 12. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Home of the Miami Marlins (3.57) Sean MacDonald - The Miami Marlins are one of two teams to call Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium their spring training home. Their spring training HQ in Jupiter, FL makes them the closest team to their regular season home stadium. This makes it easier for their fans to travel a short distance to their spring training games. The ticket prices for Marlins games at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium for Marlins games are the lowest in the Grapefruit League. 13. The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches Home of the Washington Nationals (3.29) Lloyd Brown - The Washington Nationals are one of two MLB teams to call The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches home. The park features unique sunshades at the top of each section of the stadium to provide a cooler environment for the fans. There are beach chairs atop the berm in right field to provide a unique spot to enjoy the game while sipping a cold drink. The park also features the iconic Presidential Race on the video board between the innings. 14. The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, Home of the Houston Astros (3.14) Lloyd Brown - The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches offers easy access from both I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. The complex also offers fans the easiest access to the training facilities and practice fields of any team in the Grapefruit League.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Griffith Generals 600 N Wiggs St . Griffith, IN 46319 Griffith Generals website Griffith Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 500 Green & Gold for Griffith Generals Griffith High School’s baseball stadium is the home of the Griffith Generals of the Northern League. The summer collegiate team had played in Joliet, Illinois, for the past few years before making the move before the 2023 campaign. The relocation moves the club closer to other members in Northwest Indiana, locally known as The Region. The selection of Griffith High School was based on Assistance Principal Brian Jennings, who was the school’s former head coach and had been involved with the league in the past. The Generals were formed in 2018 and are entering their sixth season in the league. They won the league championship in 2021 and made the playoffs in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is open for General games. The menu options include hot dogs, Polish sausage, nachos, pretzels, candy, popcorn, chips, and pop. The prices range from $1 to $3 and are enough to snack on during a ball game. Since this is a high school baseball field, there are no alcoholic beverages served. Atmosphere 3 The Generals play at a small, 500-seat high school stadium that features two aluminum sets of bleachers with a concession and press box directly behind home plate. The area behind the concession stand offers picnic tables and borders the softball field. The setup creates an opportunity for an atmosphere that is grassroots. There is a PA announcer, music played between innings, and announcements made for the concession stand. Kids who retrieve a foul ball and earn a dollar when returned and a small ticket both at the entrance of the stadium provides information about the team. The atmosphere is laid back with the focus on baseball. There are not any in-between inning promotions, mascots, gimmicks, or over-the-top announcements for local companies. Player banter can be heard from the respective dugouts and when they are on deck. Player uniforms are vibrant gold and yellow and feature slashes through the number zero. Neighborhood 4 The high school is in a residential area of Griffith, 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, A KA 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 2 There are few supporters in the stands at the Generals game. Many are friends and family members of the players on the field. However, with enough time and promotion, more fans might make their way to ball games during the summer months in The Region. Access 4 Griffith High School is south of I-94, east of US-40, and west of I-65. The ballpark is easily accessible by car in every direction. The parking lot is down the left field line and there is plenty of room to move around once inside the stadium. Return on Investment 2 The price of a ticket is $7, kids/veterans/seniors are $5, and children under 5 years old are free. T-shirts are $12 and $15 and ball caps are $25. The food prices range from $1-$3. It is affordable baseball for the entire family, and the gameday atmosphere is better than a few other fields in the area. Extras 2 Griffith Ball Field earns a point for selling team merchandise and offering kids a buck for returning foul balls. Final Thoughts Griffith Ball Field is a nice place for a Northern League franchise. Ownership has provided a nice backdrop for a game and perhaps that will improve in the future years with a little more game day production and promotion. Right now, if your focus is on the game, this is a nice escape during the summertime. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.42 NBT Bank Stadium 1 Tex Simone Dr Syracuse, NY 13208 Syracuse Mets website NBT Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 11,117 From Chiefs to Mets in Syracuse Professional baseball goes back a long way in Syracuse, beginning when the Jersey City Skeeters moved north in 1934 to start playing in the brand-new Municipal Stadium as the “Chiefs.” Outside of the renaming of the stadium for WWII hero Douglas MacArthur in 1942 and a three-year break in the late 50s, not much has changed in Syracuse minor league baseball except for their MLB affiliation. During their longest affiliation with the Blue Jays, the team moved to the new P&C Stadium in 1997 from the venerable MacArthur Park (unceremoniously demolished for the new stadium’s parking lot) and changed their names to the “Sky Chiefs.” That 11,071-seat stadium has undergone several name changes, renovations, and affiliate changes since then. And 2019 finds a new big-league club sponsoring the team, with the New York Mets taking over from the Nationals and renaming the team in their likeness. The former P&C Stadium is still their home, but since 2014, the naming rights have gone to NBT Bank. While the Mets are talking about big new renovations (and perhaps even a new downtown park), NBT Bank Stadium saw its last big renovations in 2012, with a PA system upgrade and installation of one of the largest LED scoreboards in the minors. While NBT Bank Stadium doesn’t stand out in a lot of areas, it is an easy-to-get-to park with a lot of good food and drink options for a cheap night out of baseball entertainment. Food & Beverage 4 Although the other facilities at the park might not blow a visitor away, the food and drink selection at the park lives up to their AAA pedigree. Salt Potato Hot Dog and Souvenir Drink, Photo by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey The food concessions are only along the main concourse that runs above the lower seating bowl, but they cram in a ton. The concessions include The Show (an eclectic mix of hot dogs, sausages, pulled pork and mac and cheese, $4.50-$7), Dunkin’ Donuts (donuts and unexpected offerings like poutine, $6.50-$9.50), Chicken Fry Fry (tenders and wings, $8-$10), Hoffman’s Home Plate (custom dogs, $6), Syracuse Land & Cattle (gourmet burgers, $9.50-$9.75), Vinny’s Original ($4.50 pizza slices), and Taste of NY at 1st (spiedes and brats, $8-$9). All of the food concessions stands and a few specialty concessions serve the same range of standard suds with a few variations (Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Labatt) at $7 for a regular and $9 for a large. The Jim Beam Bullpen Bar (by home plate, for some reason) has a selection of big-beer pounders ($8) and bombers ($12), as well as mixed drinks and the soccer mom favorite, wine slushies ($10-$12). But if you’re serious about beer, head to the Hops Spot and check out the big chalkboard wall with the dozens of craft beers available that day ($10-$12). Coke is the non-alcoholic beverage brand of choice, with drinks running $3.50, $4.50, and $6 for small, large, and souvenir. Bottled water is $4. “Eat local” is always the best policy, and since there is a short list of upstate New York culinary masterpieces, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not grabbing a Lupo’s chicken or pork spiede ($9) at Taste of NY. Or another undeniable upstate taste is the salt potato hot dog ($6 — it tastes better than it might sound) at Hoffman’s Home Plate. Don’t mess around and grab your choice of the local craft beers available that day at the Hop’s Spot ($10-$12) to wash it all down. Atmosphere 3 Tacking on the name “Historic” to a ballpark built in the late 90s doesn’t do NBT Bank Stadium any favors. While it shares the location of the original Municipal Park from the 1930s, the 22-year-old stadium doesn’t have any of the charm and appearance of an actual historic park and doesn’t measure up favorably with newer stadiums. It is a solid stadium, but it is nothing exceptional, especially in the International League. All the entrances dump onto the main concourse above the lower deck seating that runs from left field to right field around home plate. A smaller walkway divides the field box seats from the reserve box seats. A second level consists of palatial, two-tier luxury box building above home plate and separate general admissions bleachers hanging above first and third base. A small picnic area, kids area, and the Jim Beam Party deck sit out in right field. The backdrop over the outfield wall is scrub brush and trees, occasionally interrupted by passenger and cargo trains that run beyond the left field wall. A sizable digital video board juts above the left field wall to keep the fans informed on the play on the field. Ambiguous monster mascot Scootch leads the on-field shenanigans before the game and between innings. Anyone familiar with minor league baseball will recognize the standard array of contests of dubious skill, races, quizzes, and sing-alongs that fill the spaces between baseball. Any of the seats offer a good view of the field. If you want to be closer to most of the activities, grab a seat on the third base side by the home dugout. The reserved box seats are just as good as the field boxes, so you can save yourself some money. Heck, a $10 GA ticket for the upper deck isn’t a bad view of the field, either, and has some of the only areas in the shade or shelter from inclement weather. Neighborhood 2 As with many Mets’ affiliate parks, the immediate area around the park isn’t too inspiring. There’s not a ton to do unless you go downtown, but there are some good choices for lodgings. Right by the stadium doesn’t give you a ton of options for food outside of some recognizable chains. Downtown by the university opens up dozens of options, from cheap college comfort food to upscale restaurants. However, a quick drive or medium walk from the park onto Wolf Street lands you local standbys Jim’s Fish Fry, JR Diner, and The Loop Grill. Besides its relative closeness to the lake, there’s also not a lot going on by the stadium. The Destiny USA mall right south of the park has all the activities you’d expect of an upscale mall, including escape rooms, a WonderWorks, and indoor go-carts, but to find anything more substantial, you’ll need to take the drive downtown. Located between downtown, Onondaga Lake, and the airport, NBT Bank Stadium does have hotel options close-by. Just south of the park on the inner lakefront, there are the ritzy and hip Embassy Suites and Aloft Syracuse. North of the park is a clutch of airport hotels, including the more modest Super 8 and Country Inn & Suites, as well as the mid-level Maplewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn, and Homewood Suites. More options lie north closer by the airport, east in East Syracuse, and, of course, downtown. Fans 3 Time will tell if the 2019 change of affiliation to the New York Mets will reverse the Syracuse baseball attendance fortunes, but the squad has nearly nowhere to go but up. The only thing keeping the former Chiefs out of the bottom of the barrel in the International League was the Gwinnett Stripers, who had a death grip on the bottom of the league for attendance for the last five years. While the determined but damp crowd for this game isn’t a fair bellwether, the situation does look to be improving. Early on in the campaign, the Mets have crawled within striking distance of the middle of the league’s attendance pack, but it will be seen if they can hold on to that for the entire season. That said, the crowd at the park are clear baseball fans. While the families certainly enjoy the between-inning antics, they are there to see a ball game and are involved and loud about the game on the field. Access 4 The park is very convenient to travel, and the wide main concourse makes it easy to get around most of the park. NBT Bank Stadium is located just off of I-81 and S.R. 11. If you’re coming from out of town, good news: the Syracuse Amtrak station is just beyond third base. For other mass transit, Syracuse CENTRO bus lines 116 or 216 ($2) will also get you right to the stadium from downtown. The copious parking area is split into two lots: general ($5) and VIP ($10). While the VIP lots are closer to the park, it isn’t *that* much closer, and doesn’t have a quicker way out of the park, so you should save $5 and stick to the cheaper lot. Attendants are still on duty at the end of the game to direct traffic, and exiting the stadium is hassle-free. Perhaps indicative of better days, there are three large entrances to the park at first base, third base, and home plate, but only home plate is generally open for most games. And it isn’t a problem, as the entrance process is quick and efficient, and you’re soon up the flight of stairs that dumps you out on the stadium’s main concourse. There is also a special entrance in right field for the Jim Beam Party deck and the picnic area, the only part of the outfield accessible to fans. Walking around is quite easy on the spacious concourse, but it only runs from outfield to outfield and not around the entire park. Getting around in the second level can be a little more challenging, as it only has stairways at regular intervals leading up to a small walkway at the base of the upper deck, but unless the crowds are big that day, it shouldn’t be much of an issue. Return on Investment 5 While the park may not stand out in many areas, it is certainly a very affordable experience, especially for a Triple-A team that is one step away from the majors. The dismal attendance of late has led to the happy outcome of dirt-cheap ticket pricing. All tickets are $2 more on game day, but even then, they are quite the bargain. Premium Field Boxes behind home plate and the dugouts are $15, reserved box in the outfield and the second level of main seating bowl are $13, and general admission and handicapped tickets are just $10. (Active military gets $2 off premium tickets and free GA seats.) Food and drink prices are reasonable, with nearly all food and most drink options under $10. Parking is $5 for general and $10 for VIP parking, and the slim newsprint program is free, almost unheard of at the AAA level. As with most minor league teams, there are regular daily specials, such as craft beer nights, Taco Tuesdays, and all-you-can-eat nights that have special discounts or items added to your ticket. Extras 3 The park has a modest collection of memorials around. At the main entrance, there are banners for major leaguer Hank Sauer (who spent some time in Syracuse in the minors), baseball legend Jackie Robinson, and long-time Syracuse baseball executive Tex Simone (who’s name also graces the road of the stadium). The increasingly crowded Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame is on the concourse by home plate, and the Hank Sauer Room of Legends (also housing a bust of Tex Simone) is a restaurant area sitting in the right field corner that is also rented out for parties and hosts some special events, such as all-you-can-eat nights. One stand-out of note is the Frederick J. Karle Fan Walk of Fame on the promenade. While it currently enshrines only its namesake, it is a nice nod to the fans that you don’t often find in other parks. The small-ish team store is on the concourse by home plate, a small play area is found beyond right field, and the fan relation booth to sign up for on-field events and other activities are on the concourse close to third base. It is also worth noting that all the personnel are polite and helpful to a person, which also helps enhance a ballpark experience. Final Thoughts NBT Bank Ballpark has a great selection of food and drinks at a great price for baseball fans but doesn’t stand out in many other areas — a solid ballpark, but not a lot more.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex 711 W. Naylor Mill Road Salisbury, MD 21801 Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks website Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 250 Baseball on the Eastern Shore The University of Maryland – Eastern Shore (UMES) is a historically black university (HBCU) located in Princess Anne, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore of the state. The school's athletic programs, known as the Hawks, primarily compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), but as the MEAC does not have enough teams to sponsor baseball, the Hawks and the three other MEAC members who sponsor the sport compete in the Northeast Conference. The Hawks previously played on campus at Hawk Stadium , but with that field desperately in need of repairs and unable to host Division I baseball, the team began temporarily playing its home games at Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds , in 2018. Excluding the COVID-cancelled 2021 season, the Hawks continued to play there until 2022. In 2023, they moved into the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex, a county park in Salisbury. The complex consists of eight baseball and softball fields used by youth, high school, and amateur teams of various levels. UMES baseball plays at field number six in this complex - when you enter the parking lot, head straight back all the way and look for the school name and logo on a banner along the outfield fence. The good news is that in April 2023, construction began on a new on-campus baseball stadium on the site of the old one. That stadium is set to open at the start of the 2024 season. The stadium is supposed to be a vast improvement on the previous one, and after years of waiting, UMES will finally have their own home stadium again. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand in the middle of the complex shared by all the fields. Walk down the path along the right field line past fields five and seven and look for the blue building straight ahead. The menu is fairly basic but has a good selection for this level. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders are all available, and can be made into a combo with a fountain soda and fries for added value. Snacks include chips, mozzarella sticks, nachos, soft pretzels, snow cones, and assorted candies. Fountain drinks and bottled Gatorade and water are also available. Prices are affordable - no individual items costs more than $7, most are much less, and the combo will save you several dollars compared to buying everything individually. Atmosphere 2 The layout at Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is extremely basic. There is a small set of bleachers down each of the foul lines near the dugouts, and fans are able to bring their own lawn chairs as well, which many do as the bleachers are quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the dugouts block views of the corners from the bleachers, and there is only a small area behind home plate to set up your chairs and avoid this as most of it is blocked off by a black windscreen. The good news is you will be up close to the action. The field UMES plays on does not even have a permanent scoreboard - a staffer gets up and hangs a cheap portable one from the chain link fence that is the backstop before the game. If you are sitting in the first base bleachers, you will not be able to see the scoreboard, or more precisely will only be able to see the back of the scoreboard, which doesn't help you any. There is not much going on at a UMES Hawks game besides the game itself. Baseball purists will love that, while others may not. Ultimately this is a basic experience in a basic stadium. Neighborhood 3 The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is located in a residential neighborhood of Salisbury. If you head a short distance away to Salisbury Boulevard (US Route 13), you will find many options up and down the street. Two breweries, Gateway Craft Brewing and Burnish Beer Company, are also close by. There are many other options available about a ten minute drive away in downtown Salisbury along Main Street and the other nearby roads. Fans 2 The crowd at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is mostly friends and family of the UMES players, or the visiting players. Due to the extreme distance from campus, very few students are able to attend. While the fans can occasionally be loud, for the most part they barely make themselves heard. Of course, this is inevitable with so few fans, and it is impressive that they even occasionally manage that. With so few fans in attendance, you can hear every individual clap and every thing every individual fan yells. On the rare occasions it gets loud, this can make for an interesting experience. Because this is a multi-field complex, you will occasionally get Little Leaguers whose game on one of the other fields just wrapped up watching from beyond the outfield fence for a few outs before they head home, and any time home run is hit over the fence, kids watching their siblings on the adjacent field will chase after the ball. This is an interesting twist on the common practice of kids chasing after balls hit out of play that you see at many ballparks. Access 2 The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is located a short drive off of US Route 50 via some residential streets. Salisbury is far from any major city, and depending on how late in the baseball season you come, you may hit beach traffic on the way to or from Salisbury which can add significant time to your route. Once you get to the complex, be sure to use the Scenic Drive entrance. Some GPS apps will try to take you to the Paleo Drive entrance, but this entrance is for umpires and staff only. However, there is no sign telling you this until you are halfway down the road, at which point you will have to make a three-point turn on a narrow residential street to get out, and avoid other cars coming down the road who also didn't realize it was the wrong entrance (or perhaps the drivers live on that street.) Once you get into the complex, there is plenty of parking in a gravel lot, but be careful of parking close to any of the fields or you may be in foul ball territory. There is a single port-a-potty next to the field. Real restrooms are available elsewhere in the park although you will have to walk quite a bit to get there. The concession stand is also far away from the field, as it serves the whole complex, and lines can get long depending on what is happening on the other fields. Return on Investment 4 Admission to UMES games is free and parking is also free. Concessions are affordable, especially if you order a combo meal to add value. However, this is too basic a stadium to earn the top score. Extras 1 Look for the ball and glove statue in the middle of the complex near the concession stand. Final Thoughts The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is such a basic experience that it is hard to believe Division I baseball is played here. The field UMES plays on is not even the nicest field in the complex - field number five has a permanent scoreboard and press box. Thankfully, the Hawks are getting a new stadium on campus next year, and it can not come soon enough.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Luther Williams Stadium 150 Willie Smokie Glover Dr Macon, GA 31201 Macon Bacon website Luther Williams Field website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 3,500 Bacon & Baseball While the Macon Bacon has only been a part of the middle Georgia community since 2017, the historic Luther Williams field has been a part of the fabric of Macon since 1929. The 3,500-seat park has seen its fair share of baseball, and it continues to play a role in the sporting culture of middle Georgia with quirky seating, a manual scoreboard, and the timeless beams that hold the awning over the grandstand. The Bacon are members of the Coastal Plain League, a wood bat summer collegiate league. Food & Beverage 2 The food and beverage here come in two waves. Season ticket holders have their all-you-can-eat concession stands, while the single-game goer has two concession stands on opposite corners of the grandstand. Here are the basic concession foods like nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels, etc. In addition to these items, you can select from their “baconized” menu which is essentially the same basic concessions with bacon added to them for an upcharge of $5. I recommend sticking to the normal concessions as the upcharge of $5 to add burnt bacon bits to your cheese nachos is not worth it, and the normal items are reasonably priced.  In terms of alcoholic options, there is a full bar in the concession stand behind home plate and numerous lite beers and IPAs in the corner concession stands. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at a Bacon game is nothing to frown upon, nor is it anything out of this world. While it is a very old stadium, Bacon has done a fantastic job preserving its character while adding modern and quirky amenities. There is terrace and patio high-top seating along the foul lines, mixed with the traditional bleachers covered by a supported tin roof with a manual scoreboard. The bottom sections are chairbacks, while the top sections are bleachers with seatbacks. So if bleachers do not bother you, I suggest you go with the cheapest ticket. Unless you are stuck behind a support beam, there is not a bad seat. The Bacon staff tries to help you out with this issue by highlighting any obstructed view when purchasing tickets on their website. While there is no video board, Bacon still makes sure they find a way to do crowd activations in between innings. Whether it is having on-field musical chairs, or having some of the players race toddlers on a big wheel tricycle, they make sure something is done in between each break in action. The team store is located in a little room behind home plate, but because the area is so small they also set merchandise available for sale outside in the concourse to accommodate the crowd. With merchandise being said, keep an eye out for promotions that the Bacon hold, as they often do merchandise giveaways, or waffle house vouchers depending on the night. The night’s promotions can be found on their ticketing website. Neighborhood 2 The town of Macon itself does not give the fuzziest of vibes when compared to other cities in the beautiful state of Georgia. Luther Williams Field is situated inside a public park known as Central City Park and sits alongside recreational soccer and baseball fields. There is not much that one would want to walk to in terms of a pre-game or post-game location. I would suggest you take the brief car ride to Macon’s downtown strip as it is pretty nice with a plethora of bars and restaurants such as Downtown Grill, Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen, and Little India. However, there is not a plethora of hotels in the area, but I would suggest you stay in Hilton Garden Inn or TownePlace Suites, located on the campus of Mercer University, for the best budget option. Macon is also home to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Macon City Auditorium, Mercer University, and the Macon Coliseum. Fans 4 Although a relatively new franchise, the residents of middle Georgia seem to have a keen interest in this franchise. I believe that were in attendance for an exhibition match, as I could not find the opponent in the league standings, but the stadium was nonetheless sold out, which seems like a common occurrence for a Bacon home game. This crowd is not crazy passionate about their team, but they continue to show up and support the small local franchise in town, and families like to use it as an excuse to have a night out of the house. Access 3 The stadium itself sits in a recreation complex just east of downtown Macon, it is not right off the interstate, but still close to it. With it being in a rec complex, the free parking is simply pulling over in the grass lots surrounding the field. This does make it kind of hectic getting out of games because you are prone to being blocked in by other cars that break the unwritten rules regarding the organization of a rather unorganized parking structure on the grass. There is only one entrance gate to the venue, which does make the lines potentially slow, so it is advised you get to the stadium a little early to make sure you don’t get stuck in the line. There are ticket offices beyond security, but it is advised you purchase your tickets online before the game because it is prone to selling out. Once in the stadium, the outside concourse is very wide and easy to navigate, and the grandstand walkway splits the two levels of seating. Return on Investment 3 The get-in price for bleacher seating is $15, which does seem steep for summer league ball, but it is nothing absurd and is canceled out by free parking. Concessions are generally on par with stadium prices as long as you don’t add bacon to the items. If you are coming with a group be on the lookout for group promotions such as free hats and other items during select nights for groups of five or more. Extras 3 It is the oldest baseball in a state that baseball has a stranglehold on. It has bizarre seating areas combined with a non-electric scoreboard which successfully modernizes the stadium but also preserves the history that makes it unique. Final Thoughts Is this the coolest experience in baseball? No. But is it worth checking out if you live or ever find yourself in middle Georgia? Absolutely. It is classic low-level summer baseball that calls both baseball purists, as well as the casual fan to its gates time in and time out.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park 701 Porter Rd State College, PA 16802 State College Spikes website Medlar Field at Lubrano Park website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,570 Deer Old State College Spikes Baseball Located on the Penn State University campus in State College, Pennsylvania, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is home to the State College Spikes baseball team as well as that of Penn State. The Spikes are a former New York-Penn League team, but when that was contracted following the 2020 season, they transferred to the newly-formed MLB Draft League, a summer league consisting of prospects for the upcoming MLB Draft. The stadium opened in 2006, seats approximately 5,600, and offers picturesque views of Mount Nittany beyond the outfield fence. It is named after two former members of the Penn State baseball program, longtime coach Charles "Chuck" Medlar and player Anthony Lubrano. The team name alludes to the white-tailed deer, for whom a "spike" is an undeveloped antler. Food & Beverage 5 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park has a wide range of concession items at numerous stands scattered throughout the concourse. The Flash Point Grille sells the usual things such as burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and pizza. There are also numerous specialty stands selling everything from walking tacos to cheesesteaks to cinnamon-roasted nuts and more. Burgertopia, down the right field line, sells several specialty burgers, while a barbecue stand down the left field line offers pulled pork and brisket sandwiches and platters, the latter of which comes with cornbread, mac and cheese, and cole slaw. Despite being on a college campus, beer is available here to those of age. Just be sure to pick up a wristband first. Atmosphere 4 Despite losing its affiliated minor league status, a trip to a Spikes game still very much feels like minor league ball. A concourse runs from right field to left field with the field visible from anywhere on it. All seats are chairbacks with a good view of the action. The public address announcer is passionate and constantly attempts to get the fans involved. There are frequent between-inning contests on the field, including the dizzy bat race and knocker ball, where two contestants in giant inflatable balls will try to knock each other over. Music and other sound effects are almost constantly playing over the PA system, not just between batters but between pitches as well. However, this seems to keep the fans engaged as they will often use this opportunity to shout "Baseball" together. Neighborhood 3 Penn State is located in State College, and as the name would imply is a classic college town. If looking for a place to eat or hang out, your best bet is to head downtown to College Avenue where you will find several restaurants and bars. Fans with a sweet tooth may also want to check out the Berkey Creamery on the Penn State Campus, a short walk or drive from the stadium. Fans 3 State College draws a couple of thousand fans a game, which is decent attendance, particularly when you consider this is a college town in the summer. The fans in attendance are passionate and frequently shout "Baseball!" after sound effects like fans in other places will shout "Charge!". They are engaged and not afraid to get on the umpire's case if they feel a call went against them. However, their passion is proportionate to their incentive. They were by far the loudest and most boisterous when a designated visiting player came up to bat - if he strikes out, everyone in attendance receives free Big Macs. The fans rooted for this to happen all night when we were there, and when it finally did, they were the loudest they'd been all game even though half of them had already gone home. Access 3 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is on the Penn State campus at the intersection of I-99 and US 322. Once you get on campus, parking is available in a large lot across from the stadium, surrounded on two other sides by the Bryce Jordan Center , home of Penn State basketball, and Beaver Stadium , home of Penn State football. Parking is $5, and signs direct fans to the proper entrance. The concourses at the stadium are wide and allow plenty of space for fans to move around. Multiple sets of restrooms are available, including family restrooms. Fans should not encounter a wait for these. Wheelchair-accessible seating, including companion seats, is available at the top of the concourse. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $8 and go up to $14 as you get closer to home plate. Concessions are affordable, and as mentioned above, parking is $5. The team also offers ways to increase this value further, such as 4 for $44 Fridays, where fans can get four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas for only $44, a 50% cost savings. Even if you can't take advantage of this, a visit to a Spikes game is an affordable way of watching a baseball game and offers great value. Extras 3 One star for the gorgeous view of Mount Nittany beyond the outfield fence. There is a Kids Zone down the left field line. A third and final star for a unique mascot tradition, the Rally Rooster. If the Spikes are losing heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, a hype video welcoming the Rally Rooster and featuring the caw of the rooster will be played on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, a rather creepy-looking costumed rooster will run out onto the field to pump up the crowd, then enter the stands to continue engaging with them as the Spikes try to rally to victory. Every batter that inning will be preceded by a caw in addition to the usual walk-up music. Final Thoughts Although the State College Spikes are no longer an affiliated minor league team, a trip to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is still a minor-league carnival atmosphere. From the action on the field to hanging out with Ike and the Rally Rooster to the smell of roasting nuts and sizzling cheesesteaks, baseball fans of all ages are sure to have a good time at a Spikes game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Gutterson Fieldhouse 97 Spear St Burlington, VT 05405 Vermont Catamounts men’s hockey website Gutterson Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 4,035 A Punch in The Gut Gutterson Fieldhouse, also known as “The Gut,” is the largest indoor arena in the state of Vermont. It is named for Albert Gutterson, class of 1912, who was the school’s first Olympian. He set a record in the long jump beating the legendary Jim Thorpe. After winning back-to-back Division Two titles in 1972 and 1973, Vermont moved up to Division One in 1974. The team competed in the ECAC until 2005 when they moved to the Hockey East Conference. The Catamounts have qualified for the NCAA Tournament six times, reaching the Frozen Four twice (1996 and 2009). 18 Vermont alumni have played in the National Hockey League, including Hockey Hall of Famer Martin St. Louis. Food & Beverage 3 There are several points of sale in the main lobby as you enter Gutterson Fieldhouse. The menu doesn’t stray too far from arena basics, but hungry Catamount fans will find what they need. Stadium Journey does recommend heading downtown before or after the game to satisfy those hunger pangs. Maybe just stop here for a snack or drink. The snack bar at Gutterson Fieldhouse features Leonardo’s Pizza and McKenzie Hot Dogs. All your standard snacks can be found here, from pretzels and popcorn to nachos and chili. Fans looking for healthier options can choose tossed or chicken Caesar salads, along with assorted pieces of fruit. Fans looking for decidedly unhealthier choices can add some chili to their nachos or hot dogs. Coca-Cola products are featured at Gutterson Fieldhouse. In keeping with the university’s green policies, bottled water is not sold here. There are no alcoholic beverages sold at this on-campus facility. Fans sitting on the northern side of the building who do not want to navigate their way around the arena to the snack bar (more on that later), can make do with a small stand at the top of the stands. Assorted snacks and drinks can be purchased here. Atmosphere 4 Hockey is the top sport at the University of Vermont, and tickets can be hard to come by. You can’t help but be struck by the nostalgia and old-school feel of Gutterson from the moment you walk in the doors. The old curved wooden roof, the bleachers, and the tiny scoreboard at center ice all harken to days gone by. The students pack the sections at the far end of the fieldhouse along with Vermont’s pep band. While this isn’t the loudest or most organized student section a college hockey fan will come across, they get the job done and create a lively atmosphere at The Gut. In a different twist, the school utilizes the school’s ice skating team, dubbed the “Ice Cats,” not only to perform before the game but to act as the ice crew, scraping the ice during play stoppages. The remainder of the crowd consists of locals, some of whom have been coming to UVM games for decades. Vermont hockey fans know their stuff, but as may be expected, they take in the game in a more reserved fashion than fans elsewhere. Neighborhood 4 Burlington is a fantastic city with a real bohemian vibe, known for its microbreweries and excellent dining options. Located about a mile and a half from Gutterson Fieldhouse, it’s worth a visit, even in the harsh Vermont winter. The only thing keeping this neighborhood from a perfect score is that it’s rot walkable from campus, particularly in colder months. The Church Street Marketplace is the hub of the downtown. Filled with notable pubs, breweries, and eateries, it’s the place to be in Burlington. Visiting fans flock to American Flatbread, The Farmhouse, and Leunigs for local food and drink. As mentioned before, Burlington has a thriving microbrewery scene, with notable breweries including Zero Gravity, Queen City, Switchback, and Magic Hat all operating pubs downtown. Fans 5 The Catamounts annually average over 90 percent capacity at Gutterson Fieldhouse, ranking in the top 20 nationwide in attendance. Not bad for a school that plays in an older building with a capacity of only about 4,000. Hockey is the premier sport in Vermont, and the fans who pack Gutterson oregularlyknow their stuff. It’s not unusual to find yourself sitting among fans who have been coming to games for decades. The students at the University of Vermont pack the old barn as well, filling up the sections at the far end of the arena. While not the loudest or most organized section you’ll come across in your college hockey travels, they add a bunch of energy to the building. When the Catamounts get on a roll, the noise generated in the cozy rink can become quite intimidating. Access 4 Gutterson Fieldhouse is easy to find, located just off Interstate 89 on the southern edge of the University of Vermont campus. The school’s other athletic facilities, including Patrick Gymnasium , are located here. Parking is located in a small lot and a parking garage next to the building. Plan to get here early, because once the lot fills up, you will be forced to park in lots some distance from Gutterson, and take shuttles to and from the game. Also give yourself extra time after the game, as the garage takes a while to empty Fans will enter into Gutterson Fieldhouse into a decent-sized lobby, which houses the ticket booths, team store, and concession stands. Now, here’s where things get interesting. Depending on where you sit, you will have to enter the arena in though a specific side of the lobby. Fans sitting in sections 1-14 (the bleachers on the south side of the fieldhouse and the student sections on the far end) will enter the arena on the left. A walkway passes in front of these bleachers to these sections. If sitting on this side of Gutterson, you may want to avoid the first few rows. Fans sitting in sections 15-28 (the bleachers on the north side of the fieldhouse and the reserved seating on the near end) will climb a set of stairs to the Hall of Honor and proceed down the concourse to their seats. Yes, you have to go up to the top of the seating bowl and then back down to your seats. If you are sitting down low on this side of the arena, there will be no obstructions to your view. Return on Investment 3 Vermont utilizes variable pricing for its home games, with prices ranging from $23 for most bleacher seats to a maximum of $40 for individual seats for premium games. Children under 17 receive a five-dollar discount. Parking is free in the garage and lots around the fieldhouse. Concessions are reasonably priced, making a trip to a Catamounts hockey game an affordable option for Vermont sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the banners hanging inside the arena. Tournament appearances are recognized here, as is every Catamount player to represent his or her country in the Olympics. The school’s all-time team is honored, and there is a banner for the school’s only retired number, Martin St. Louis’ number nine. Be sure to check out the Vermont Hockey Hall of Honor, located on the second level above the main lobby. Photos of every Catamount to play in the NHL or NWHL line the walls, as do pictures of every All-American. Plaques honor Vermont Olympians and captains. Every Vermont alum to have their name on the Stanley Cup is honored, as is every Catamount draft pick. Banners hang from the roof, and the floor is painted to resemble the ice surface. It’s a great place to look around as you wait for the traffic to lessen after a game. Final Thoughts Gutterson Fieldhouse is a quintessential old-school hockey barn. Everything about the place screams old-time hockey. Vermont displays its history throughout the facility, and it’s easy to see that hockey is king here at UVM. Renovations are planned for “The Gut” as part of a $95 million improvement project, which will include a new events center next door to Gutterson Fieldhouse. Here’s hoping the renovations don’t change too much of the old-school aura here. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown & Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Fiserv Forum FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fiserv Forum 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203 Marquette Golden Eagles website Fiserv Forum website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 17,341 Where Golden Eagles Soar The Marquette University Golden Eagles basketball program is one of the most storied NCAA basketball programs in the country. The Golden Eagles are members of the Big East Conference. The program holds the record as the ninth highest number of NCAA postseason appearances with 30 NCAA Tournament appearances and 15 NIT Tournament appearances. The Golden Eagles won the 1977 National Championship, was a finalist in 1974 and went to the semifinals in 2003. They have been led by such coaching legends as Al McGuire and Rick Majerus. Amongst the elite players to come out of the Golden Eagles programs are Dwayne Wade, Jimmy Butler, Butch Lee, Maurice Lucas, Doc Rivers, and Jerome Whitehead. From 1988-2018 the Marquette basketball program called the Bradley Center in downtown Milwaukee their home court. In 2018 they moved next door to the brand-new Fiserv Forum, which also serves as the home of the Milwaukee Bucks . The Fiserv Forum was built to replace the Bradley Center, as it no longer met NBA standards for an arena and was the oldest non-renovated arena in the league. Marquette signed a lease with the Fiserv Forum through 2025, leaving them the option to move to a smaller capacity, an on-campus arena at Marquette in the future if they decide to build one. The Fiserv Forum has a capacity of 17,341 for basketball, with 10,000 of those seats in the lower seating bowl. It is the first new sports and entertainment arena built in Wisconsin since 2002. It has thirty-four suites and three clubs and offers excellent sightlines from anywhere in the facility. It offers a full electronics package, including ribbon boards and the largest symmetrical scoreboard in the NBA. The scoreboard weighs 76,00 pounds and its panels measure 25 feet high by 29 feet wide. Naming rights for the arena belong to Fiserv Financial, a financial services technology company based in a Milwaukee suburb. Food & Beverage 4 Fiserv Forum has followed the lead of many of the other new stadiums and arenas that promote local restaurants heavily in its concessions program. Its program is known as “MKE Eats” and it features such local eateries as The Laughing Taco, Canal Street Pizzeria, Sobelman’s Burgers, Gold Rush Chicken, and Klements. It does have a smattering of national brands represented, including Chick-fil-A. As you would expect, in a town known worldwide for its beer, the arena’s alcoholic beverage offerings cover nearly every beer brand in the country. Brands with stands in the Fiserv Forum include Coors, Miller, Leinenkugel’s, and Pabst. There are four craft beer spots located around the arena featuring the beers from the local brew makers. The frequency of concession stands in the upper level of the Fiserv Forum is much lower on the upper level of the facility than the lower. You may want to make your purchases on the concourse level of the arena to avoid the long lines. Atmosphere 4 It is not a big secret who the primary tenant is at Fiserv Forum, as the Milwaukee Bucks signage is predominant throughout the building. However, once you are in the seating bowl of the arena, the Marquette logo and branding are everywhere on game day. The blue and gold color scheme of the court and huge “MU” at midcourt and Marquette Golden Eagles printed along the baselines assure you that you are in the right place. There is also signage at the tops of each of the two student sections featuring the Marquette branding. The video board above the playing surface also plays Marquette on a consistent basis, although upcoming events at the Fiserv Forum are promoted during the game as well. If you look up at the rafters, you will find that they are filled with banners reflecting the many championships the Golden Eagles have won and the many future NBA legends who wore the blue and gold during their college days. The student sections are divided behind each basket, assuring the visiting team will be distracted at their offensive end of the court throughout the game. The Golden Eagles fans can match the decibel level found at any Milwaukee Bucks game. They are assisted by the Marquette University Pep Band and Iggy, the Golden Eagle Mascot. The baseline seats are a sea of golden and blue at every home game. Most alumni of the school stay in the greater Milwaukee area after graduation. They also make up a sizable portion of the audience at Golden Eagles home games. It is not unusual to find many of the players from the National Championship team of 1977 in the house, as they are incredibly supportive of the basketball program. Neighborhood 3 The district surrounding the Fiserv Forum is known as the Deer District. This is a play on the Milwaukee Bucks moniker. The 30-acre area is being developed as Milwaukee’s live/work/play area within its downtown confines. An entertainment block has already been established across the street from the arena, with tenants including Good City Brewing Company, Punch Bowl Social, and Drink Wisconsinbly. Other restaurants in the area are the MECCA Sports Bar and Grill, the Cluckery, and Insomnia Cookies. Loft apartments near the arena opened in 2019 to begin to fill the “live” component of the district and a new office tower has been built to encompass the “work” portion of the triad. These are just the preliminary wave of development in the Deer District, with numerous projects in the construction phase. Another area close by is the Milwaukee Riverwalk, which includes a wide variety of restaurants and shops along its length. The “Bronze Fonz” statue is also a popular photo stop as the statue of Fonzie from “Happy Days” salutes Milwaukee for serving as the fictitious home of the Cunningham family. Fans 3 Marquette has a much longer winning tradition than the Bucks, as their appearances in the postseason have far outpaced their NBA brethren. Before 2019, the Bucks had only won one NBA title back in the days of Kareem Abdul Jabbar. The Golden Eagles fanbase is used to winning teams and is very loyal in its support. The alumni base for Marquette University is also heavily skewed to residents of the Milwaukee area, so they have never lost touch with the team over the years. Access 4 The Fiserv Forum offers easy access from every direction in the greater Milwaukee area. It is located less than a 15-minute drive from the city’s main airport General Mitchell Airport. The arena also offers easy access from both I-94 and I-43, the main interstates serving the Milwaukee area. Directions from I-43: From I-93 North take exit 73A (McKinley Avenue). Go right on McKinley Avenue to 5th Street. Turn right on 5th. Fiserv Forum will be one block left and a right onto 4th Street. Directions from I-94: Take I-94 East to I-43 North. Exit at 72C and proceed through the Kilbourn Avenue tunnel. At the next light turn left onto 6th Street and go two blocks north. Fiserv Forum will be on your left. Once at the arena, you will be able to find parking either connected to or adjacent to Fiserv Forum. This is especially important when winter comes, and the temperatures drop. There are three main entrances into the facility, in addition to a season ticket owner-only entry. The concourses in the building are wider than most NBA and college arenas. The Fiserv Forum has ten escalators and ten elevators to transport you to the second level of seats. There are nineteen women’s restrooms and fifteen men’s restrooms in the facility, so you should not encounter any long lines, even during the halftime breaks. Return on Investment 4 A night out at a Golden Eagles game is much easier on the pocketbook than attending a Bucks game at the same facility. Tickets range in price from $32-$38 for most games, with variable pricing in place for marquee games such as Notre Dame, UCLA, and the University of Wisconsin and Big East Conference games. Parking is available in the 5th Street Parking structure, which is attached to the Forum by a sky bridge, for $20. The Highland parking structure also serves the Forum for the same cost. The prices for concessions at the Fiserv Forum are quite reasonable in comparison with other NBA-level facilities. Extras 4 The Fiserv Forum’s unusual, curved exterior is meant to represent the major waterways, the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, which serve as important parts of the city’s history. The Fiserv Forum has a “no bag” policy in effect for entry into the facility. Its security rules are amongst the toughest in the nation in this regard. The Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame is located just down the street from the Forum. It is located outside of the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Arena. This building was formerly known as the MECCA, and it served as the home to both Marquette and the Bucks during the 1970s. Make sure you look up during your visit to the Fiserv Forum. There are a vast number of Marquette banners hanging from the rafters saluting the many championships the Golden Eagles have won over the years. Final Thoughts The Fiserv Forum is a wonderful NBA arena and makes a good home for a high-end college basketball program.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Pohl Gymnasium 1100 College St Columbus, MS 39701 MUW Owls website Pohl Gymnasium website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 570 Getting Ws at the W Columbus, Mississippi is home to the Mississippi University for Women (MUW), a public institution that has over 2,300 students enrolled. Despite its name, the school’s enrollment is currently 23% male. MUW started as a women’s only institution in 1884 when it was called the Mississippi Industrial Institute and College for the Education of White Girls. This was the first women’s public college in the United States. It was renamed the Mississippi State College for Women in 1920 before another renaming gave the institution its current name in 1974. In 1982 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the school’s single sex admission policy was in violation of the fourteenth amendment and had to accept qualified men. Since that ruling, MUW has been a co-ed institution academic wise. While the academics had been integrated, the athletic programs continued to be exclusively for women. In 1971, MUW won the Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (CIAW) national championship in basketball, becoming the third program to accomplish that feat. The CIAW was the predecessor to the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) which eventually folded into the NCAA. The point is MUW is part of women’s college basketball history. Unfortunately on November 10, 2002, a tornado ripped through Columbus and MUW. The tornado damaged a large part of the campus, including Pohl Gymnasium. The tornado forced the program to shut down their athletic program. In 2017, sports came back to MUW, this time the Owls would have men’s teams. Five years later, the Owls joined Division 3’s St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). The school has had numerous proposals to change the name of the school due to the fact that it has not been a women’s institution in over four decades. As of the writing of this article, no name change has been approved. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand at the entrance that sells basics such as hot dogs ($2), popcorn ($1), candy ($1), chips ($1), sodas ($2), Gatorade ($2), and water ($1). Have cash on you as the stand does not have a card reader. All proceeds go to the Owls Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Atmosphere 3 When you enter Pohl Gymnasium, there is a trophy case showing off various athletic successes from the MUW program over the years. After opening a door and walking to the seats you see a sign that says “Win Every Day” as well as a USCAA women’s basketball championship banner.  There is a running track that surrounds the gym above the seats and the players' locker rooms are upstairs by the track on the opposite side of the seating area. Only one side of the gym has seats. Two LED matrix scoreboards are in each corner of the gym, which face the seating area. They display the basics of points, period, time, and TOL. The gym displays banners of the other schools in the SLIAC above the players' benches and officials' tables. Neighborhood 3 Columbus is part of Mississippi’s Golden Triangle that also includes Starkville and West Point. Columbus is home to the Columbus Air Force Base and is therefore considered to be a Military town. On the campus of MUW is Summer Hall where there is an art gallery that is free to the public. A few blocks northwest is Columbus’ Main Street, where other attractions include the home of Tennessee Williams and the Riverwalk Trail hiking area. Dining options on Main Street include Harvey’s for Southern fare, Munson and Brothers Trading Post for pizza, and Huck’s Place for Cajun cuisine. There are plenty of chain hotels in Columbus including a Red Roof Inn, Days Inn, and La Quinta. Fans 2 MUW does not have a large fan base but its students and alumni get behind the Owls, win or lose. The fans seem to be knowledgeable about D3 basketball. Access 3 Coming from Highway 82, the drive to Pohl Gymnasium involves turning onto Military Road and driving until reaching 11th street where heading South will get you straight to the venue. There is a gravel parking lot across the field from the gym. Once inside, the gym is on the left. Return on Investment 5 On my visit to Pohl Gym there did not seem to be anyone charging admission to the public. This means I was able to see a MUW Owls Women’s and Men’s game for no charge. With free parking, it’s worth stopping by MUW to witness just how good D3 basketball can be. . Extras 1 Tennessee Williams was born in Columbus. His childhood home is now a museum. Final Thoughts Pohl Gymnasium may not have all the bells and whistles of a D1 basketball arena. However, it is a great place to watch competitive college basketball in its purest form.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Joe Walton Stadium 6001 University Blvd Moon Township, PA 15108 Robert Morris Colonials website Joe Walton Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,000 Colonials on the Move In a big city, the small college and university sports team can easily be forgotten. Robert Morris fits the description of small sports in a big city. Despite its recent success, Robert Morris football can also be described as a team that has fallen through the cracks in a big city. If you take a trip to the campus to partake in a game though, you’ll be sure to forget that you’re at a small school, but you won’t forget about your experience. Food & Beverage 2 There are no concession stands inside the stadium, but don’t be fooled, because there are two stands outside of Joe Walton Stadium. Varying on the crowd at each game, you will either need to get stamped to go outside to purchase your snacks, or sometimes the security at the game will let fans come and go as they please. Don’t expect much of anything at the stands though; there will be only the basics. The prices are pretty cheap with burgers at $3.50, nachos at $3, popcorn at $1.50 and hot dogs at $2. The quality is pretty average. Beer is not sold at Robert Morris football games. Atmosphere 3 Robert Morris is a bit of an odd combo when it comes to atmosphere. The parking lot and tailgating will give you the impression that you’re at a big time college football game. There is a lot of beer pong and corn hole being played as you walk through the gravel lot. The game itself has a lot of good and bad to it. Every time Robert Morris scores, a group of ROTC members fire off a cannon. Also, the student section seems very involved. The bad part of the atmosphere is the general admission seating (there seems to be a lot of moving around and people not paying attention to the game) and the fact that some elements to college football games that we’ve become accustomed to knowing are hidden; such as the band and the concession stands. The band is hidden at one end of the field and quite frankly, they’re not very loud. Other than this, you can pretty much expect your standard FCS atmosphere at Joe Walton Stadium. Neighborhood 4 The campus is near the Moon Township area of Pittsburgh, which is actually not that far away from Pittsburgh International Airport. The campus is your common small school campus; all of the University buildings are within a small radius of each other. Directly around the campus is not exactly a hot bed of activity, but within a short drive is the Robinson Township, which has just about anything you might need for eating or drinking purposes. A new restaurant called Burgatory just opened up in 2012 in Robinson Township. This is the same place that has a stand in CONSOL Energy Center. As long as traffic isn’t too bad, which is not always the case in Pittsburgh, it won’t take long to get from the campus to anywhere you’d like to eat or drink before or after the game. Fans 4 Robert Morris fans and students will pack this stadium. The student section is usually very loud and large compared to the size of the stadium. The fans are usually lined up even behind the seats (most of the seating is general admission) because the bleachers are full. A lot of the crowd will exit the stadium during halftime however, to go to their respective tailgating spot for their choice of beverage. Usually, a lot of the fans will arrive back to the stadium late for the second half, so normally it seems as though the second half has a little bit of a slow start. Other than that, the fans are very knowledgeable about their team and really add to the atmosphere of the game. Access 3 To start, the stadium can get extremely crowded and as a result, it’s very hard to move in the aisles behind the seats. If you get to the game too late though, be prepared to just stand behind the seats. Also, if games become too crowded, the ticket takers do not exactly check tickets from those who come back in during halftime, so the stadium can get more crowded than it even should. There are bathrooms sprinkled throughout the stadium that are of decent size, but it’s still hard to get in and out of them during halftime and in between quarters. The fans standing behind the seats make it very hard to maneuver though, through no fault of their own. Parking is spread out throughout the campus at no charge. As always, the earlier you get to the campus, the closer you’ll end up to the stadium. It will be harder to get out of the campus after the game than into the campus before the game starts, but it’s not the worst traffic you’ll see. There are plenty of police to keep traffic moving after the game; but you probably will sit for a little bit since there is only one road in and out of the campus. WARNING: If you are trying to find the stadium with a GPS, use the University’s address; not what is shown on other websites for Joe Walton Stadium. The correct address is 6001 University Blvd., Moon Township, PA. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets will cost just $7 and parking is free; so considering this is pretty equal to the price of a high school game, you can’t really spend less for such quality football. Tack on the free parking and great atmosphere outside the stadium, Robert Morris is really a tough place to beat for a high quality game at such an affordable price. However, this is FCS football and not FBS; so don’t go expecting all of the extras that come with high profile college games. Extras 2 There are not a ton of extras that come along with the Joe Walton Stadium experience. The great crowd and tailgating as you walk in are the biggest extras that this stadium provides. The other is for RoMo, the Robert Morris mascot. RoMo adds to the great atmosphere and can be very entertaining. Final Thoughts Joe Walton Stadium is a little bit of a mixed bag. The tailgating and great fans and students will give you the impression that you’re at a big time college game. But certain aspects such as the concession stands will put you back into the reality that you’re at an FCS game. Robert Morris will give an enjoyable experience, just remember the level of football that you’re going to see.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 St Mary’s Stadium Britannia Rd Southampton, England SO14 5FP United Kingdom Southampton FC website St Mary’s Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 32,384 Home of the Saints Twenty twenty-one (2021) sees the 20th anniversary of Southampton FC’s move from the Dell, their memorable former home, to St Mary’s Stadium. St Mary’s is a four-star-rated UEFA stadium that has already created memories of its own. Premier League football in 13 out of those 20 seasons, 6 Europa League fixtures, full men’s and women’s internationals all grabbed the headlines. An 8-0 win, a 0-9 defeat, a sub-3-minute Sadio Mane hat-trick, David Prutton ‘laying hands’ on an official, and, in this game, Saints striker Shane Long scoring with his ‘nether’ regions are the stories more likely to be passed down the generations. The Dell (1898-2001) held the hearts of most Southampton fans over the age of 40 as a quirky, compact ground that provided some big European nights of its own. Before that, the Antelope Ground was home situated just a mile from the current stadium. The move to a new stadium in 2001 was a homecoming of sorts – the club originally hailed from the St Mary’s area of the city. Indeed, its original name in 1885 was St Mary’s Church of England YMA. It’s a club ‘built on faith’ as they say in these parts. The stadium was built for a relatively cheap £32 million (compared to the estimated £390 million Emirates Stadium in London). In some ways, you get what you pay for since the ground differs little from similar constructions found in Derby, Middlesbrough, and Leicester. After the club was saved from extinction by the German-born billionaire Markus Liebherr, the stadium was looked after well under the watchful eye of Ted Bates, the Southampton FC legend whose statue sits just outside the ground. After the owner’s untimely death, the fabric was getting a little tired, hence the recent spruce up in summer 2019. It’s a bowl-shaped stadium, just over ten minutes from the city centre. The four stands are named after the areas of the city adjacent: the Chapel, Kingsland, Itchen, and Northam. The latter two house the more vociferous home fans where you should expect to stand more than you sit. Food & Beverage 4 You may well decide to eat in the city centre or from one of the burger vans hugging the pavements along Britannia Road. Inside the stadium, the choice and quality of refreshments certainly beat the ‘Stadia Catering’ at the Dell which famously sold out of food before halftime on more than one occasion! There are refreshment serveries in all the main concourses with prices in line with what you’d expect at a Premier League ground. Kingfisher beer and Magners Cider are £4.50 a pint. A glass of wine (do people drink wine at football?) is £4.20. Coke, Sprite, Oasis, and bottles of water as well as tea, coffee, and Bovril cost between £2 and £2.50. Steak and Ale, chicken, ham and leek pies, and sausage rolls (including a vegan option) are £4. Finally, crisps, pork scratching, and chocolate bars are also available. For more upmarket provisions, or if you just want to treat yourself, enquire via the website about the club’s hospitality options. There are 38 Executive boxes, 5 lounges, and a bar/grill with a capacity of 200. Ex-players are often around to meet visitors, chat, and take photos. The club has recently announced a new catering partnership with Gather & Gather to begin on July 1st, 2020. Gather & Gather will provide catering and events services across the club’s sites. Atmosphere 3 A move to a new stadium was mooted by FA Cup winning manager Lawrie McMenemy as far back as the 1970s with the club looking to cement its place toward the higher echelons of English football. A 25,000-capacity stadium near the airport almost came to fruition in the 1990s before finally, the council assisted in providing land on the east of the city for St Mary’s. Finally, the new stadium was ready for its inaugural fixture, a 4-3 friendly defeat to Espanyol in August 2001, and the first league fixture a week later at home to Chelsea. The record attendance so far was for the promotion party match v Coventry City in 2012 when 32.363 supporters were packed in. The stadium was built with expansion in mind. All except the Itchen Stand could be built upon to increase capacity if needed. St Mary’s could never replicate the unique atmosphere of the Dell, where fans were so close to the pitch making it such an intimidating place for visiting players. The roof can still be raised at St Mary’s though and when there is a sizable away support there can be some entertaining ‘discussion’ between fans. ‘Oh, When the Saints’ Southampton fans signature song, is sung with a real passion as well as the other usual songs that do the rounds. In short, it’s the largest ground south of London and definitely worth a visit. St Mary’s was the first stadium in England to install an LED lighting system which is cheaper, greener, and gives a distinct look at night matches. Two large scoreboards behind each goal provide information and team news and the playing surface is immaculate at all times of the season thanks to head groundsmen John Wright and his team. In late 2016 a brand new PA system was installed which, if you wanted to, you could probably hear from your hotel room! No marching bands these days, a light show with shooting flames and booming music is the latest craze. Premier League razz-a-ma-taz is loved by tourists but often loathed by the locals. There isn’t really a bad view in the whole ground although you will find it harder in rows a, b and c to get an overall impression of how the game is going. The sunsets seen from the Itchen and Northam corners are sometimes stunning! Neighborhood 4 Southampton has an eventful maritime history that in many ways has defined this city known as the ‘Gateway to the World.’ The Pilgrim Fathers set off to the ‘New World’ from here in 1620 seeking a more fruitful and ‘fit for living’ existence. Nearly three centuries later over 500 Sotonians perished at sea in the Titanic disaster. The ill-fated voyage left from Southampton and it is said that almost every family in the city was affected in some way. Both of these historical events are remembered within the excellent Sea City Museum in the cities’ Civic Centre (just look for the tall clock tower). There are also smaller memorials to both events dotted around the city. The city is a major port for container / RORO and cruise ships, many of the jobs in the city are therefore rooted in the logistics sector. Another industry that thrives in Southampton is the service sector with many of the shops, bars, cinemas, and restaurants now gathered around the West Quay Watermark complex. Other areas to explore for refreshments would be Oxford Street (upmarket bars and restaurants), Bedford Place (a large student area), Ocean Village (to get a glimpse of the sea), and the ‘Cultural Quarter’ around the civic centre building to the north of the shopping area. If culture is your thing then a guided walk around the city walls is highly recommended, as is the main art gallery and the Mayflower Theatre. If you choose to extend your stay then there are many attractive areas outside of the confines of the city to explore. The Isle of Wight, the New Forest, the historic city of Winchester, and the beaches to the west of the city around Bournemouth are all recommended. Family attractions such as Marwell Zoo and Paultons Park are both within a 20-minute drive of the city. All the usual chain hotels are here. The Jury’s Inn and Premier City Centre Hotels are very handily placed for the stadium and the city centre. For a more upmarket experience, the 5* Harbour Hotel at Ocean Village has great views from the rooftop ‘HarBar on 6th’ restaurant and is only a 15-minute walk to the stadium. For sports fans the Hilton Ageas Bowl Hotel is recommended, it’s integrated into the ‘Rose Bowl’ cricket ground, another international standard stadium on the western outskirts of the city. If you enjoy your stadium/groundhopping, other local clubs to visit include Eastleigh FC and Sholing FC, and many more in the Wessex League. St Marys’ Stadium is not in the most salubrious area of the city but there are lots of decent pubs hidden around the estates close to the ground. North and east of the stadium are the Northam Social Club (£1 entrance fee), the Prince of Wales, the Unity Brewing Company, Browns, Tap-it Brewing Company, Shamrock Quay Bistro, and The Chapel Arms. Further south there are the Oxford Street and Ocean Village areas and to the west of the city, there are numerous bars and restaurants in the city centre. Home fans tend to be spread out across the city for pre-match beverages. Away fans have various city-center bars suggested like Yates in Above Bar but, without colours, you can gain entry into most pubs if you keep your head down. Fans 4 No local team can match the large attendances at Southampton, which is regularly over 90% full each season (averaging over 30,000). This is about mid-level for the Premier League. Away from home Southampton takes good numbers across the UK and has sold out allocations in Prague, Arnhem, and Bucharest in previous years. Over 6,000 made the trip to the San Siro stadium in Milan in 2016, a memorable occasion for all Saints fans despite the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Inter. Brighton and Hove Albion, 60 miles away, are the closest attendance-wise, with similar 30k attendances. In the Premier League, Bournemouth is the closest geographically but with a restricted capacity of around 12,000, they will soon be looking for a newer, larger stadium. The fan culture in the UK is second to none. Well, it was 30 years ago. English football lacks the ‘tifo’ choreography and the organised chanting of its European neighbours, and it is now promoted as family-friendly. Grounds are far less intimidating here than they used to be. What you do get though is tribalism, humour (often coarse), and knowledgeable fans, and in all these respects, Southampton fans are no different. With the onset of all-seater stadia, English football began to attract the middle class through its turnstiles. The result was (higher revenues but) sanitized atmospheres and ‘customers’ instead of participants. St Mary’s fell foul to this like many others however in recent times, particularly in the Itchen North corner, the support is loud and proud. For the Premier League match v Aston Villa, as well as the club anthem of “Oh when the Saints,” songs were directed at star striker ‘King of the Scummers’ Danny Ings, center-back Jack Stephens, and the club’s continued ascendancy over Portsmouth, a 3rd tier side 17 miles east of the city. Access 4 There are excellent transport links to Southampton by air, rail, and road. If you are traveling from the Isle of Wight you can even arrive by sea! From Southampton Airport it’s just a 4-mile taxi ride to the stadium. Alternatively, you can take a train from directly outside the airport (Southampton Parkway) to Southampton Central in just a few minutes. A fast train to Southampton Central station from London Waterloo takes around 75 minutes, the stadium is a one-mile walk away. Shuttle buses also run on match days from the train station and the ferry terminal. You can drive to Southampton via the M27 or M3. If you head towards the city centre, you can park in any of the numerous car parks. Nearer the stadium lookout for makeshift car parks at £10 a time in the industrial estates around the ground. If you have any specific mobility needs with regards to getting around the ground it is worth contacting the club in advance. There are wheelchair accessible spaces in all 4 stands. More details can be found here. Visually impaired visitors can request audio description commentary, follow @Saints_AD for more information Match tickets are categorised depending on the opposition. Fixtures are designated as A*, A, B, or C. For A* games you could be paying £50 for a ticket, for category C matches as low as £15 for an adult (if accompanying a child). Purchase tickets online or from the ticket office on the ground. Return on Investment 3 With a location on the often-affluent south coast of England, approximately 80 miles from London, prices in Southampton will not be cheap. High demand fixtures will certainly be costly to attend. Choose a category C game and there is value to be had or a cup game/pre-season friendly as tickets are often reduced to just £10 or £15. Refreshments will always be on the expensive side inside the stadium, and when you add £4 for the matchday programme, Premier League football can be an expensive animal these days. Extras 5 The Saints Foundation is a fantastic charity that uses the power of the club to make Southampton a better place to live for everyone. Working in schools and with the city’s most vulnerable, the foundation has contributed immeasurably to the local community over recent years. The club has recently announced that three group stage matches will be played at St Mary’s in the UEFA Women’s 2021 Euros. Tours of the stadium are available, contact the club for more details. There is a large megastore in the Itchen/Chapel corner for your merchandise needs. A small ‘Fan-Zone’ has been created in the south car park of the ground. Kids can grab a burger, have a kick-around in a relatively safe environment. Saints Brass Band ( @SaintsBrass ) can be found outside the stadium come rain or shine. They lift the mood with a wide selection of tunes designed to get fans in the mood before kick-off! Saints Brass Band The stadium also hosts concerts with The Killers due in June 2020 and Take That, Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, and the Rolling Stones all appearing in previous years. Final Thoughts On the football front, the Saints have always been entertainers (except for a brief spell under Ian Branfoot who didn’t quite understand that tradition). The club’s iconic player, Matthew Le Tissier, is still a fan of this friendly club and often attends games as an ambassador alongside Lawrie McMenemy and Francis Benali MBE, another ex-player held in high esteem locally. The club has been a mainstay of the Premier League in recent years after a dip into the lower leagues in the mid-2000s. That coincided with the club going into administration and although the current Chinese owners have yet to convince fans, it’s clear this home of South Coast football will be creating many new memories in the next 20 years and beyond.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Franklin Field 235 S 33rd St Philadelphia, PA 19104 Penn Quakers football website Franklin Field website Year Opened: 1895 Capacity: 52,593 Here's a Toast to Dear Old Penn Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Franklin Field is the oldest college football stadium in the country. The Penn Quakers have been playing here since way back in 1895. Many historical moments have taken place here – the first football game broadcast on the radio was played here in 1922 and it has hosted everything from political conventions to the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles to track and field’s historic Penn Relays. The stadium has undergone several renovations over the years, and the Ivy League has faded from the top college sports conference to one more known for its academics, but Penn football is still going strong. Food & Beverage 4 All the usual food and beverage is available for sale at Franklin Field, including burgers, pizza, chicken tenders, and, since this is Philadelphia, cheesesteaks. Local favorite Chickie’s and Pete’s also sell their famous Crab Fries, which are French fries with a white cheese dipping sauce topped with crab seasoning, but no actual crab despite the name. There is an area just inside the 33rd Street entrance which sells alcohol, but it is not for sale in the rest of the stadium. Although there are a few small stands on the concourse, most of the concessions can be purchased not at a window but in areas set back from the concourse in vestibules. This gives the feeling of walking into a shop to purchase your items, although the lines move slowly and frequently stretch out onto the concourse. Only credit cards are accepted so come prepared. Atmosphere 5 Just walking up to Franklin Field and gazing at the large brick exterior, you get the field that this is a historic stadium. Walking into the stadium will put you on an old, narrow concourse under the bleachers from which you can walk to your seat. There are a few reserved chairbacks at midfield, but other than that you can sit in any bleacher seat other than the areas reserved for students and the band. The stadium is large and imposing, much larger than the typical Penn football crowds, although most fans pack into the lower level on the Penn sideline (unless they are fans of the visiting team) which makes it seem closer to capacity than it actually is. A large scoreboard is located on one end of the field while a much smaller one is at the other. Penn being a school steeped in history, there are several notable traditions here. As at many schools, the marching band will come out and play a standard selection before the game, including the official alma mater, “Hail, Pennsylvania.” At halftime, the band comes back and plays more selections, concluding with the unofficial but more popular alma mater, “The Red and Blue,” which always draws the crowd to its feet to sing and wave along. At the end of the third quarter, the band will perform “Drink a Highball”, better known as “The Toast Song”, while the crowd sings along. Previously the fans would raise an actual toast, but after alcohol was banned in the stadium, they began a new tradition – throwing toast. Some fans will bring whole stacks of toast to throw, and it can be seen flying through the air for almost a minute. When they are done, the track surrounding the field will be littered with toast as some poor sap tries to remove it with a rake. In addition to the band, Penn has some cheerleaders and a mascot simply named Quaker, who as his name implies resembles the Penn logo and a traditional Quaker, although he is probably more muscular than the actual founders of Pennsylvania were. Quaker, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Franklin Field is located on Penn’s campus in the University City Neighborhood of Philadelphia. Within a short walk, you can find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to burgers to chicken to bars, and much more. Most of this can be found north of the stadium, as the university hospital is located directly to the south. The Schuylkill River is direct to the east, but there are plenty of options as you head west along the streets as well. The New Deck Tavern is one favorite, as are the White Dog Café and highly rated Mexican restaurant Cucina Zapata. Fans 4 Penn typically draws about 5,000 fans a game, although they will get more for big games such as Homecoming. Although the stadium seats about 50,000, they make it feel like it is more than 10% full. Most Penn fans will sit in the lower level behind the Penn bench on the south side, while most fans of the visiting team will sit on the north side behind the away bench. That being said, visiting fans sitting on the home side are not likely to face anything worse than a mild curiosity as to why they are sitting there. Penn fans are loud, passionate, and intimately familiar with the traditions of the school. Whether it’s cheering after a touchdown, singing along with “The Red and Blue” or throwing toast at the end of the third quarter, Penn fans make themselves heard here at Franklin Field. Although a crowd of a few thousand may not seem like a lot in a stadium that seats ten times that, you wouldn’t know that from the way it sounds here on gameday. Of course, the student section is boisterous as well, and are enthusiastic participants in the toast toss, the singing of the official and unofficial alma maters, and all the other traditions, but they’re not the only ones here who are. Access 3 There are several roads in Philadelphia including I-76 and I-95. However you get into town, there are several garages near the stadium. The closest one is at the Penn Museum across the street from the southeast gate, but parking is first come first served so if that fills up you will have to go elsewhere. The attendant should be able to direct you if that’s the case. Parking on gameday is $20 – you will be given a ticket as you enter and pay as you exit. You can either pay at the station as you return to the garage and hand the ticket to the attendant, or you can pay the attendant as you leave the garage. Either way, only credit cards are accepted. The concourses at Franklin Field are pretty narrow, but this is not normally a problem for the crowds the football team draws. Lines at concession stands and restrooms can get long at times so plan accordingly. The aisles in the stands are very narrow and fans often have to stand up on the seats to let other fans through. This also means that there is very little legroom. Franklin Field is an old stadium and dates back to a time when people were smaller, but the stadium was recently renovated and it is disappointing that this was not addressed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $15 for general admission seats or $25 for reserved chairbacks near midfield on the south side, though prices will be slightly higher for homecoming. Concessions are affordable as well. The $20 for parking is pretty expensive, but you are downtown in a major city and parking is limited so it is what it is. Given the low cost of tickets compared to many other places, the high parking cancels out. This is still a good value, but the usual costs of parking in a major city do bring this rating down a notch. Extras 4 Look for the banners along the brick walls on the north sideline (visible from the home sideline on the south side) honoring Penn football accomplishments. There is a team store on the concourse selling Penn football merchandise as well as game programs. A third star for the toast toss, a unique tradition here at Quakers games. A fourth and final star for all the history that’s taken place here – this is the oldest and arguably the most historic stadium in all of college football. Final Thoughts A stadium that opened almost 130 years ago, closer to the founding of this country than the present day, is obviously not going to have a lot of the modern amenities you’d see at a newer stadium. That much should be a given. However, Franklin Field is steeped in a rich history and the Penn football team has built up many traditions over the years. Fans here are loyal to the red and blue, the band is not as large as at many schools but is every bit as mighty, and you will find traditions here from the pregame to the final whistle. A visit to Franklin Field is a must for any college football fan in the Philadelphia area or anyone with an interest in the history of the game.

Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Kino Sports Complex, Tucson, AZ TEP Park (now known as Kino Sports Complex ), the former spring training home for the Chicago White Sox and the Arizona Diamondbacks , opened in Tucson, AZ in 1998. Both teams played their spring games there for over a decade. The complex name changed to Kino after the agreement with Tucson Electric Power ended in early 2011. In addition, minor league baseball graced the diamond at the sports complex. The AAA Tucson Sidewinders called TEP Park their home from 1998 – 2008 prior to moving to Reno . And, when the beloved Portland Beavers were sold, they became the Tucson Padres and relocated to Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium for three years before moving to El Paso for the 2014 season. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium – Tucson Padres Game Aug 2012, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Designed as a comprehensive sports complex, the park has three main areas: North, Main, and South. The spring training diamond – Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium – is in the Main Complex. The North and South Complexes expanded after the spring training moved northeast to the Phoenix area in the late 2000’s/early 2010’s. That development and expansion continues today. When built in 1998, TEP Park was the best of the new spring training ballparks. It provided plenty of training fields for the Diamondbacks and the White Sox and had modern facilities for the two clubs. A majestic view of the Santa Catalina Mountains is featured beyond the outfield seating berm. The field and seating bowl are below street level; a concourse allows fans to circle the entire ballpark without losing sight of the field. A press box, luxury boxes and eight sections of club seats furbish the upper deck. Plus, the complex has multiple practice diamonds, batting cages and practice pitching mounds. Fans capture a nice view of the complex when walking the pedestrian bridge over Ajo Way. Plenty of parking is available without having to cross a bridge. Kino – Seating – Aug 2012, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Today, Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium hosts a dozen or more youth and amateur baseball tournaments. The electric, entertaining, and popular Mexican Baseball Fiesta is held here each fall. Plus, the facility also hosts a number of community events such as: Autism Walk High school graduations Centurions of Southern Arizona annual fundraiser KFMA Day Rock Concert Corporate and Company events TMC Girls on the Run 5K The ballpark itself hasn’t changed that much since 1998 (the green seats are a little sun faded and the nets spread more down the baselines), though the complex has greatly expanded. The sports complex hosted the Tucson Saguaros baseball team the 2023 summer season. First, in 2013, the North Complex, used for soccer, made its debut. The FC Tucson of USL-1 host their matches here and MLS holds their spring training at the complex in the spring. Kino North Complex, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Next, beginning 2020, Phase One of the South Complex opened with rugby, football, and lacrosse fields and lighted pickle ball courts. All-in-all Tucson does a fabulous job continuing to use the ballpark and enhance the sports complex for the city, various sports and community organizations and the residents of Tucson, Pima County, and Southern Arizona.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bauer Track & Field Complex Hospital Rd Piscataway, NJ 08854 Rutgers Scarlet Knights website Bauer Track & Field Complex website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 1,500 (estimated) Field Hockey Knight at Rutgers The Rutgers University Scarlet Knights field hockey program plays their home matches at the Bauer Track & Field Complex on their campus in Piscataway, New Jersey. The stadium opened in 1996 and, as the name would suggest, is home to Scarlet Knights track & field in addition to the field hockey team. Rutgers field hockey has qualified for the NCAA Tournament five times, but has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Rutgers field hockey games, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 4 The Bauer Track & Field Complex has one large set of bleachers that run along one sideline. A running track separates the field from the seating area, and the front row of the bleachers is a good distance from the edge of the track, so fans in the bleachers will be further away from the action than is ideal. A scoreboard to the right of the field shows the shots and penalty corners for each team in addition to the score and clock. It also shows the current half, but as field hockey has used quarters for several years, this is not as useful as you might think. the atmosphere here is more exciting than a typical college field hockey match. Before Rutgers penalty corners, music, typically the intro trumpet solo from "Narco" will play to get fans fired up for the big play. After goals, celebration music plays. One minor but significant point is that the PA announcer will announce the results of video reviews, including whether a call stands (i.e. video evidence is inconclusive) or is confirmed (i.e. video evidence conclusively shows the call on the field was correct.) This is not an insignificant difference in field hockey, as the former results in the team retaining their challenge and the latter does not. The Rutgers mascot, who appropriately is a costumed knight who wears scarlet, has been known to make an appearance at Rutgers field hockey matches. He will roam the stands interacting with fans and occasionally getting into mischief such as switching people's hats around. Neighborhood 5 Piscataway is a sleepy college town in northern New Jersey and you will find a few options here such as Henry’s Diner near the basketball arena and some of the best pizza places in the country. No reason to get Pizza Hut or Papa John’s here (unless you're stuck in the stadium and have the former forced upon you), it’s far better to pick up a real Jersey slice. Fans may also be interested in grabbing a Fat Sandwich from R U Hungry at the corner of Hamilton Street and College Avenue in New Brunswick. While the grease trucks serving these legendary sandwiches once dotted Rutgers’ College Avenue campus and they were thought of as the school’s quintessential food, most of these trucks have been shut down as the university constructed new buildings, relocated the trucks, and ultimately declined to renew their permits. R U Hungry, which was the original fat sandwich vendor, now serves them out of a more traditional storefront location. Fat sandwiches consist of sub rolls topped with seemingly random combinations of toppings. The original Fat Cat has a double cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, French fries, mayo, and ketchup, and the combinations just get weirder from there. For example, the Fat Elvis comes with gyro meat, mozzarella sticks, lettuce, tomato, French fries, and white sauce, certainly a bizarre combination. There are many others with fun names such as the Fat Darrell, the Fat Koko, and at least one whose name violates the editorial standards of this website. As you can probably guess by the name, these sandwiches are loaded with calories and are not for the faint of heart (figuratively or literally.) Knights Express and Giovanelli's also sell fat sandwiches with similar menus., Fans 5 Rutgers draws quite well for field hockey, averaging about 500 fans a game and sometimes getting close to a thousand, which is very good for college field hockey. These fans are passionate and loud, cheer on big plays, and are not afraid to yell at the referees when they feel they have made an incorrect call. Many of those in attendance are friends and family of the players, but there will also be Rutgers students and some locals looking to cheer on the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers ranked fourth in the nation in attendance in 2023, so this is truly a great fan base that you don't often see in field hockey. There will often be a sizeable contingent of visiting fans as well, especially if Rutgers is playing a nearby school. Access 3 Just getting to the Rutgers campus can be confusing. For starters, “the” Rutgers campus is misleading as Rutgers University has five separate campuses in Piscataway and New Brunswick – College Avenue, Busch, Livingston, Cook, and Douglass. (These should not be confused with the two regional campuses in Camden and Newark, which are completely separate institutions.) The Bauer Track & Field Complex is located on the Livingston campus, across Hospital Road from Jersey Mike's Arena and right next door to Bainton Field , home of Rutgers baseball. Free parking is available in the Yellow or Green lots next to Jersey Mike's arena, although you will need to register your car and license plate through the Rutgers athletic website to avoid receiving a ticket. You only need to do this once per season, and if you forget to do it before you leave, there is a QR code you can scan to do so on your phone at the entrance to the stadium. Note that registration is sport-specific and does not carry over from season to season. There are no real restrooms at the complex, but there are a large number of Port-a-potties by the entrance which should be sufficient for the crowds. Keep in mind these are on the opposite side of the field from the bleachers, so it may take a few minutes to walk over there. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Rutgers field hockey games is free, with the exception of Big 10 and NCAA Tournament games, which have a separate pricing model determined by those respective entities. Parking is also free, and you won't spend anything on concessions because there aren't any. Given the quality of the facility, a Rutgers field hockey game is a great value. Extras 2 Look below the scoreboard for signage honoring Rutgers' NCAA Tournament appearances as well as its two retired numbers - number 4 for Liz McGuire and number 5 for Regina Alonzo. Each of those are worthy of an extra star here. Final Thoughts Rutgers field hockey plays at a high-quality facility and has a strong fan base that comes out and supports the team. Fans of the sport will definitely want to head to the Bauer Track & Field Complex to check out a Scarlet Knights game.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hanson Field Stadium Dr Macomb, IL 61455 Western Illinois Leathernecks website Hanson Field website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 17,168 Go Necks! In 1903, Western Illinois fielded their first ever football team. The team’s mascot is a bulldog, but the team is nicknamed the Fighting Leathernecks. Western Illinois is the only public school in the United States to be granted permission to use Fighting Leathernecks, which is commonly associated with the United States Marine Corps. The home of the Fighting Leathernecks has been Hanson Field since 1950. The venue currently has a capacity of 17,168. The stadium is named for former football head coach and athletic director, Rock Hanson, who was a member of the Marines. The Western Illinois Bulldog also takes its name from Hanson, and is usually referred to as Colonel Rock. The field is surrounded by a track and a sidewalk surrounds the track, providing an opportunity to stand along the fence for a good view, but also having the effect of making the action on the field seem far away from the stands. The school competes in the Missouri Valley Conference, joining in 1985. Western Illinois has won five conference championships (1988, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002). Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t many options on the concessions menu, but there is some meat. The ribeye sandwich ($5) is very good, and well worth the price. Other options include the butterfly pork chop sandwich ($4), grilled brat ($3), and grilled hot dog ($2). Pizza is available with pepperoni, sausage or plain cheese ($3 a slice). Popcorn and candy is also available ($2). Coca-Cola is the soda provider. Bottled water and Powerade are also on hand ($2 per bottle). Hot chocolate is also available and very good on a cold night or autumn afternoon. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere for Western Illinois football begins as you park your car and make your way through the tailgating. This is one destination where you definitely want to pack up the car and be ready to spend some quality time with purple and gold clad fans. You’ll find enough tailgaters to make you think you may be at an FBS-level football game. Be sure to arrive at least an hour early to the stadium if you would like to see the marching band perform in front of the student union building on the southwest side of the stadium. This may also be a good meeting point if you’re not tailgating. Once inside the stadium, consider taking a lap once around the track. In the northwest corner you’ll find the statue dedicated to former track & field coach, and two-time Olympic gold medalist Lee Calhoun. Calhoun won the 110m hurdles at the 1956 (Melbourne) and 1960 (Rome) Summer Olympics. The marching band plays a short show before the game and also at halftime. They also have some of the best seats for any marching band in the country, situated at the 50 yard line on the east stands, behind the visiting team’s bench. The student section is just one section over, helping to provide a loud and intimidating environment for the opponents. Seating is almost entirely metal bleachers (and some wood bleachers), with the exception of one section beneath the press box on the west side stand (Section D). Here you’ll find purple chairbacks, although the leg room is less than average. If you have a bad back you may shoot for these seats, but long-legged fans should stick with the bleachers. The school does offer chair rentals if you want something sit on in the bleachers for just $5. The stadium is dedicated to soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II, with the names of those from Western Illinois who died listed on a plaque on the southwest side of the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Macomb, Illinois is located just 41 miles from the Iowa border, about an hour and a half southwest of Peoria, Illinois. Hanson Field is located on the Western Illinois Campus, near the basketball arena, Waste Management Court at Western Hall. If it’s a nice day, consider taking the walk south of the stadium and taking a stroll through the Main Building, erected in 1899. There is a small, but inviting downtown area, about a mile away where you can find some bars and restaurants. Aurelio’s serves good pizza and Italian food. I really liked Pag’s Pizza. It is a modest place, serving only pizza, pasta, and soda, but the thin crust pizza is very well done. Chicks on the Square has four television screens if you want to stay up on what’s happening elsewhere in the sports world. They are famous for their “chicken lips,” which are essentially large chicken tenders served in a Buffalo-style sauce. They were pretty busy on my most recent visit, so be prepared for a possible wait here on gameday. Fans 3 The student section is known as the Purple Haze and is located next to the marching band on the east side of the stadium. There are a few hard core fans among them, but overall it is an underwhelming congregation with many of the crew leaving at halftime during my most recent visit. The alumni tend to sit on the west side of the stadium, behind the WIU bench. You will likely hear a few cowbells being rung in this section, and they tend to be very friendly, including to visiting fans. This group cares about their team, but also will not overwhelm you with the noise they are able to produce. The best fans in the house definitely are the band members, who cheer loudly and also contribute their musical interludes. Access 5 There is plenty of parking on the north side of the stadium, and it is free. There are attendants present to ask if you want a tailgate spot or regular spot. There is no charge regardless, it just depends on whether you plan to lay out a spread. Inside the stadium, the concourse that encircles the track is roomy. In most cases, you will have to climb some stairs to reach your seat. If you need assistance, then the southwest gate would be your best entrance point. Restrooms are large and clean, and can be found in the northeast and southeast corners of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets will cost you just $10, and reserved chairbacks will cost you $15. There is a $5 increase for homecoming and family weekend. Parking is plentiful and free. Concessions are reasonably priced. A program will cost you $2. Overall, there is good value if you are attending a game at Western Illinois, and well worth the overall cost. Extras 2 One extra point for the unique and deserved statue of track & field star Lee Calhoun. Statues always provide a unique experience when visiting a new stadium, and this one certainly adds something of interest. One additional extra point for the unique Leatherneck nickname, combined with both a live bulldog mascot, and the more traditional bulldog mascot suit. Final Thoughts If you find yourself in the western part of central Illinois, or southeast Iowa or northeast Missouri, then consider making the trip to Macomb to seeing the Fighting Leathernecks on a Saturday. It may be an unspectacular gameday experience, but there is good value in a visit to this FCS stadium.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Shrine on Airline 6000 Airline Dr Metairie, LA 70003 Nola Gold website Shrine on Airline Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 10,000 L’or de la Nouvelle-Orléans (The Gold of New Orleans) In 2018, Major League Rugby began its first season as the United States premiere professional rugby league with players from all over the world – the league was formed with the mission of driving North American rugby to the highest levels. Seven teams began that inaugural year, with the Nola Gold beginning play as one of the seven original franchises. As of 2024, the league is made up of 12 teams throughout the country, played under the more traditional rugby union rules of 15 players on the pitch for each team. Rugby is no stranger to the most diverse city in the country, with the amateur New Orleans Rugby Club developing youth players and playing semi-pro matches dating back to 1973. For the first two years the Gold played at a local high school football stadium, but when the New Orleans Baby Cakes/Zephyrs packed their bags and moved to Wichita  after the 2019 minor league baseball season, it meant that the 10,000-seat stadium dubbed the ‘Shrine on Airline’ would be without a tenant for the first time since opening in 1997. Seeing the need to move to a bigger facility, the Gold moved their operations to the Shrine on Airline beginning in 2020. Now nicknamed the ‘Gold Mine on Airline’ the results have been met with rave reviews – a passionate group of supporters combined with a unique setting. Factored in with the spirit and culture of New Orleans attending a Nola Gold match a must a must-visit during the summer months while in the Crescent City.   Food and Beverage   3 There are three permanent concession stands on the concourse, two on the west side of the pitch and one behind the south end zone. The basics can be found at the stands here, and prices are fairly reasonable – hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, onion rings, pulled pork sandwiches, pulled pork fries and tacos (chicken and steak) round out the menu, with prices ranging from $7-$11. A wide selection of alcohol and drinks can also be found; a 16 oz bottled beer will go for $7.29, while a large canned beer costs $11.29. Ready-to-drink cocktails and New Orleans-style daiquiris can be found for $8.29, and there are also two indoor bars with small seating areas set up on the concourse as well. The party shack also features a pop-up bar.   Atmosphere   4 From the moment you arrive and see the crowd of tents and people tailgating in the parking lot, you know you are going to be in for an interesting experience. Much like a college football game, you'll find people set up with tents grilling out and drinking during pregame. In a city as culturally rich as New Orleans, you'll also see people flying various flags from their respective countries – I saw some people from Ireland, as well as a group from Australia tailgating on the south side of the parking lot. The Gold Mine has two main entrances; one at the former home plate entrance and the other located where the right field entrance used to be. At the home plate entrance is the team store, where they have a ton of different merchandise on sale, while where the right field entrance used to be is the party shack, a covered area with picnic tables, and a few pop-up bars. A children's playground is also located near the party shack entrance as well. The Gold Mine has an interesting design and a unique setup due to its former baseball configuration – the pitch faces north and south, from left field to first baseline. The stadium is a two-deck facility, with a covered concourse underneath extending from behind the south end zone to the west side of the pitch, which was the former third baseline. Above that is the press box and several suites, while in the north end zone is a rather small video board showing replays of the game. Beyond that, there isn't much of a view except a busy Airline Drive and a Harley-Davidson shop. The rugby field is much larger than a traditional soccer field, so the field extends to where the outfield used to be. The party shack also has field entrances where fans can go down on the field and get rugby lessons from a few of the players and coaches showing the rules of the game. There also used to be a pool located where the party shack is, but the pool is now drained – it would be nice if they could bring this back in the future, as this was a big hit back in the days of the Zephyrs. It's kind of a festive atmosphere here before and during the match. A local band was set up on the concourse playing pre-match music while playing homage to the New Orleans jazz scene a brass band playing in the party shack area. Also, right before the match starts fans are free to line up behind a second-line jazz parade that marches into the stadium and around the field, after which fans can go up to their seats. Trombones, tubas, and saxophones round out the brass band, complete with a man dancing with an umbrella, a familiar sight on the New Orleans jazz scene. The mascot King Creole, a giant dressed in a king outfit, can be found walking the concourse and dancing with the brass band as well. The gameplay is pretty quick with two 40-minute halves, and the action on the field is non-stop as well. Music plays during the match and pyrotechnics go off whenever the Gold score. The staff also does plenty of promotions in between time outs such as t-shirt tosses, Mardi Gras bead throws, and games for the kids on the field – there was even a wedding proposal during the most recent match.   Neighborhood   3 The Shrine on Airline is about a 20-minute drive west from the tourist sites of New Orleans in the large suburb of Metairie – the facility is located on Airline Drive out near Louis Armstrong International Airport. Immediately next to the facility is Ochsner Sports Performance Center , which is the official practice facility for the New Orleans Saints  and Pelicans , the only facility in the country that houses the practice facility of both an NFL and NBA team. Metairie is a town of about 150,000, typical of large suburbs with plenty of shopping and chain restaurants. A few miles closer to Lake Pontchartrain to the north is Lakeside Shopping Mall, the largest shopping center in Metro New Orleans. The Rivertown neighborhood of Kenner, about 5 miles away, is also a popular place to visit, known for its local shops and restaurants right on the Mississippi River. For outdoor lovers, Metairie has plenty of outdoor options as well, with plenty of parks in the city including the largest and oldest, LaFreniere Park. Also, across the street from the Shrine on Airline is La Salle Park, which features a pretty cool bike trail that runs from the park through the woods and around the Saints  and Pelicans practice facility. Most of the restaurants in Metairie are chain and fast food, however, there is a cool local spot nearby called Dennis' Seafood – inside you can find all the famous Cajun food Louisiana is known for. You can also feed ‘Neuty’ here, the giant pet Nutria rat the owner rescued a few years ago. Neuty has become a local favorite and mascot of the establishment; Nutria rats have a bad reputation as swamp rats and invasive species, but they are more aligned and look more like beavers than rats. And of course, when you come to a rugby match here you are only about 15-20 minutes from one of the most famous cities in the world New Orleans – there is too much to do in the city for me to name here. However, the summer months are not a very busy time for the city, as it is extremely hot with not as many tourists. If you come to New Orleans during this time you will experience shorter lines at restaurants and cheaper hotel rooms should you stay in the city. I highly recommend a visit to New Orleans if you have never visited before; there is no other city in the country like the Crescent City.   Fans   4 The sport of rugby is the world's fastest growing sport with over 10 million participants playing the brutal game, a mix between football and soccer. Unfortunately, rugby has had trouble finding its footing in the US, due in part to youth development issues and not having a lot of support at the high school level, but that hasn't affected the New Orleans area, thanks in part to the melting pot of all the different cultures and residents from other countries who make the city home. Much like the rest of New Orleans, the fan base at Nola Gold games can be considered vibrant and energetic – New Orleanians love their sports franchises and have fully supported the rugby club since day 1, when they played at a local high school, and the fan support has only picked up since the team moved to Metairie. Even if you know nothing about rugby you can still have a great time here, with the tailgating in the parking lot and the bands playing during the game, not to mention the second-line jazz parade into the stadium. Coupled with the fast-paced, brutal nature of the sport itself, there is enough here to keep the average fan invested in what’s going on. In 2024 the Gold hosted their first ever playoff game in franchise history, and fan support was at an all-time high, with over 5,000 fans packed into the Gold Mine and setting the attendance record for the club. The more raucous fans will be sitting in sections 113 to 115, where you'll encounter people dressed up with gold capes and different costumes, and people will be standing at all times waving towels during the match. The concourse on that side can get very congested, so for a less raucous atmosphere I recommend sitting behind the south end zone goalposts – not a lot of people sit over there, and it's possible to move around the stadium. You may even get a whole row to yourself if you sit behind the south goalpost.   Access   3 Getting to the Shrine on Airline is fairly simple; the stadium is located on Airline Drive, the main highway from the CBD of New Orleans to the airport. If coming from the French Quarter or uptown you may run into traffic that makes it take 20-30 minutes to get here, so for a faster drive I recommend taking I-10 to Clearview Parkway at Exit 226. Travel south for about two miles after that and you'll reach Airline Drive; the stadium is right there, and you'll find plenty of parking on site. Many of the people tailgating are on the southeast side of the parking lot, while the northern side is a lot quieter with fewer people parking. Once inside the stadium, the concourse is wide enough to allow 10,000 people to properly flow through. However, most of the fans sit down on the former third baseline on the west side of the field, so the concourse on that side can get congested with people. Leaving the stadium you should have no issue, however, as traffic won't back up on Airline Drive. In addition, Metairie also has much nicer roads than New Orleans.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets are priced fairly cheap, with tickets in the upper deck selling for $20 and tickets in Sections 116-110 selling for $30. Section 112 is known as the Rugger's Club, a private seating area reserved for season ticket holders. Coming to a Nola Gold match is a great experience, even if you know nothing about rugby. Some believed that rugby in a region dominated by football would not draw many fans, but the Nola Gold has proved to be a success after 7 seasons. A festive New Orleans atmosphere, combined with a passionate fan base and non-stop action on the field, makes this a must-visit if you are in the Crescent City and a fan of sports.   Extras   4 The Nola Gold was a part of the very first Major League Rugby match – on April 21, 2018, the Nola Gold took on the Houston Sabercats to kick off the inaugural season of MLR. Though the match was played in Houston, the Nola Gold was still a part of the first-ever match in the history of the league. The team store on-site is also the only place in the city to get exclusive Nola Gold merchandise, as it is hard to find this merchandise anywhere else in the city. During the last match, I was at the store had a 50% off sale going on, and the head coach was even in the store meeting with fans before the match, which I thought was interesting. One extra for the Shrine on Airline is located right next to the Saints  and Pelicans  training complex, the Oschner Sports Performance Center. During July matches you may be able to park at the Gold Mine's parking lot, then take a shuttle over to a Saints training camp practice, and then go back to the stadium for a Nola Gold match – you may even catch a few Saints or Pelicans players in attendance at the Gold match. One extra for the facility's baseball history – the New Orleans Zephyrs Triple A team of the Pacific Coast League played here from 1997 until 2016, after which they changed their name to the New Orleans Baby Cakes, and stayed three more seasons until 2019. The minor league team was also been affiliated with the Astros , Nationals , Mets , and Marlins  over the years; Lance Berkman, Freddy Garcia, Morgan Ensberg, Roy Oswalt, and Marcell Ozuna are just some of the big names who came through New Orleans on their way to The Show.

Photos by Dave Cottenie and Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33607 Tampa Bay Buccaneers website Raymond James Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 69,218 Raise the Flag The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the most tumultuous histories in the National Football League.  Founded in 1976 by notoriously cheap lawyer Hugh Culverhouse, the Bucs quickly earned the moniker “The Yucks” due to their significant ineptitude on the field.  The Bucs famously began their first two seasons at 0-26.  Through the 80s, Tampa would put together fourteen consecutive losing seasons.  The fortunes would begin to change when the team was sold to the Glazer Family in 1994 after Culverhouse’s death.  A soft rebrand away from the “creamsicle” uniforms and Bucco Bruce and moving to a new stadium along with the hiring of future Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy put the Bucs on the winning ways.  They won their first of two Super Bowls in 2002.  The second golden era of the Bucs dovetailed with the arrival of Tom Brady, arguably the greatest football player ever, and culminated with the 2020 Super Bowl. The current home of the Buccaneers is Raymond James Stadium.  Built in 1998, Raymond James Stadium replaced Tampa Stadium, affectionately known as “The Big Sombrero.”  Not one of the best stadiums in the league based on current standards, Raymond James Stadium is a cautionary tale for the future of the NFL.  It is a perfectly adequate stadium that is comfortable and functional, but did not cost billions and is not a marvel and therefore passed over as in need of replacement. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Raymond James Stadium are solid with plenty of variety for fans.  All of the typical stadium options can be found at the stadium.  Burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels can be found at many stands.  The Little Caesars stands offer pizza options and the PDQ Chicken stands offer excellent chicken fingers and waffle fries.  Some more unique options include pulled pork sandwiches, burnt end sandwiches, burnt end mac and cheese, BBQ Bacon dogs, and citrus chicken nachos.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice.  There are several spots all over to purchase a variety of alcoholic beverages including the north and south ends. Atmosphere 4 Raymond James Stadium is a stadium of a nineties vintage that is more simplistic in its design than its more modern counterparts.  However, Raymond James Stadium is a more than adequate facility. The exterior of the stadium is fairly simple but not unattractive.  There is plenty of concrete on the exterior, but plenty of markings for the Buccaneers also.  Massive player portraits are featured on the exterior touting their tenure with the team.  Although there is no main entrance, one would consider the south entrance as the one for new fans to enter.  At the south fans will find Bucs Beach, a large gathering area complete with beach complements such as sandy areas, decorative surfboards, Adirondack chairs, and a lifeguard tower for the DJ.  This area also plays a part in the pre-game festivities.  There are plenty of photo ops in this area including a large helmet, a Go Bucs sign, and a cutout board where fans can put their face on the Bucs flag.  Upon entering the gates, fans will need to ascend to the main concourse which is behind the lower bowl seating.  The concourses are wide and fairly simple with plenty of concession stands and some Bucs markings.  Large gathering areas at the north and south are out of the concourses and open to the field.  The north end has a large picnic area with umbrellas and tables for fans to meet at.  The south end offers a bit more and is the signature area of the stadium.  A large pirate ship plays a large part in the gameday production and is central to the Bucs leaning into their identity.  The concession stands at the south end also have facades to make them look like an old port town that seems to be right out of Pirates of the Caribbean.  Massive videoboards are at both the north and south ends with secondary boards in the four corners of the stadium that offer more in the way of ads and stats during the game.  The upper decks are separated into east and west sides and give the stadium an open feel.  There are no coverings over the upper seating areas.  The Bucs share their history with several spots crowing their 2002 and 2020 Super Bowl Championships including the west side facia and the flags above the east upper deck.  The Bucs Ring of Honor is found on the east facia and includes Hall of Famers Tony Dungy, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, Leroy Selmon, Warren Sapp, and Ronde Barber along with Monte Kiffin, Paul Gruber, Bruce Arians, Mike Alstott, Jimmie Giles, John McKay, Doug Williams and Malcolm Glazer. The gameday production at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game is as good as any in the NFL.  The pregame party at Bucs Beach is the place to be before the game.  There is plenty to do at Bucs Beach and the atmosphere is good.  The Bucs mascot, Captain Fear, enters the stadium through Bucs Beach much like a college marching band, coming from a small parade with the Bucs Cheerleaders, off of a float-like ship, complete with police escort.  Before entering the stadium, the cheer team and mascot rile up the crowd and toss out some giveaway items while being joined by the Bucs Drumline.  Inside, the entrance of the players is similar to many other teams, where the announced player enters through fog machines to plenty of hype.  During the game, the use of the ship and cannons is frequent.  A highlight of the production is the Captain of the Krewe where a celebrity captain yells out to “Raise The Flags” and the sails on the ship are unfurled and massive banners cover the north and south end stands much like a soccer tifo.   The cannons are shot off on a Buccaneers score followed by the Bucs fight song.  The crowd also gets involved at every first down when the PA announcer yells that it is “First Down Tampa” and the crowd responds with “BAY!”  Overall, it is a great atmosphere for NFL football despite it not being the most modern stadium. Neighborhood 3 Raymond James Stadium is located in the Drew Park neighborhood of Tampa.  The stadium is a bit isolated and surrounded with parking options, making it a good spot for tailgating.  There are a few options for pre or post game fare that are not too far away, including Kona Grill, Miller’s Ale House, La Teresita and Armature Works.  There are some other sporting options in the area.  The annual ReliaQuest Bowl  is held at Raymond James Stadium right around New Years Day.  The Gasparilla Bowl is also held at the stadium and it is also the home of the South Florida Bulls  until their new on campus stadium is built.  Across the parking lot from Raymond James Stadium is George Steinbrenner Field, home of the Tampa Tarpons  and the New York Yankees Spring Training .  For at least the 2025 season, it will also be home to the Tampa Bay Rays .  Other sports options include the Tampa Bay Lightning  and USF Bulls  basketball.  There are a ton of other Tampa tourist options including Busch Gardens, Zoo Tampa, Florida Aquarium and Tampa Riverwalk.  Hotels near the stadium include the Country Inn and Suites and Holiday Inn. Fans 4 Attendance at Bucs games is a bit more elastic than most other NFL stadiums.  For the 2024 season, at the time of writing, the Bucs averaged over 63,000 fans per game, which put them in the bottom third of the NFL.  The previous season they averaged nearly 64,000 per game.  There is some room for improvement here.  The fans get a bit of a bump as they are fairly smart, keeping quiet during offensive series without scoreboard prompting, and being loud during defensive series.  They are by no means the loudest fans in the league, but do their team proud, nonetheless   Access 3 Raymond James Stadium is located in the Drew Park neighborhood of Tampa, northwest of downtown, east of the airport.  It is surrounded by North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa Bay Blvd., and North Hines Ave.  It is 3 km north of I-275 and south of US Highway 92 and not terribly difficult to get to.  There are plenty of parking lots surrounding the stadium, perfect for fans who make tailgating a part of their football experience.  The negative side of the tailgating parking lot coin is that getting out of those parking lots can be difficult and take a significant amount of time.  The city does a good job of controlling the flow of traffic once out of the stadium, however, getting to the street could take the most time.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are HART buses that travel Himes Ave.  Fans should consult the Hillsborough Transit Authority  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Inside Raymond James Stadium, it is not terribly difficult to get around, however, fans with seats in the upper decks need to be aware that the decks are completely separate and it is impossible to get from one side to the other without going down to the main concourse.  Raymond James Stadium is also a cashless facility so bringing some plastic is a necessity.  The washroom facilities are decent for the stadium and closed captioned announcements are printed on the corner videobaords.  The security protocols to get into Raymond James Stadium are significant and should be reviewed before heading to the game.  Stadium Journey encourages fans to consult the Raymond James Stadium  and Tampa Bay Buccaneers  websites before heading out for the latest security protocols including bag policies and prohibited items list. Return on Investment 3 All NFL experiences are expensive and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the higher side of the cost equation.  According to the Fan Cost Index in 2023 the Bucs were in the top third of the NFL in cost at over $670.  Dynamic pricing makes figuring out the cost of tickets a bit challenging, but it seems upper deck seats at Raymond James Stadium start at $100 and get over $215 for the lower bowl.  Parking is definitely expensive as well.  Prepaid parking will run at least $40 or $50.  Cheaper parking can be found at some of the local businesses along Mabry Highway.  Concession items are also expensive.  As for the return, fans will definitely have a good time at the game and the Bucs do all they can to put on a good show, but as with all NFL experiences it seems “once-in-a-lifetime” pricing is the order of the day. Extras 3 An extra mark for the team leaning into their identity and making the most of their pirate motif. An extra mark for the Bucs making the most of the facility that they have and putting together a strong product. An extra mark for a team that has pulled itself from being a laughing stock to a two-time champion. Final Thoughts The NFL experience is one that will definitely excite fans, however, the cost issues surrounding NFL games are becoming prohibitive and it is clear that the stadium arms race is, once again, on.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers provide a great experience in a solid, yet unspectacular, venue, but fans will definitely pay for the privilege.  It will be interesting to see if, like many other current owners, the Bucs make noise about requiring a new home. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hi Corbett Field 3400 E. Camino Campestre Tucson, AZ 85716 Arizona Wildcats website Hi Corbett Field website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 9,500 Arizona Baseball Hi Corbett Field was built in 1927 and originally named Randolph Municipal Baseball Park. For the past decade Hi Corbett Field, with a seating capacity of 9,500, has been home to the University of Arizona Wildcats baseball team. The team moved 3 miles southeast of campus before their 2012 National Championship season. Originally it was planned as a short-term deal, but with some renovations the team has settled in as the main tenant. The Ballpark’s current moniker came from Arizona’s State Senator Hiram Stevens Corbett in 1951 – Senator Corbett was the key player in bringing the Cleveland Indians spring training facilities from Florida to the Tucson area. The ballpark served the MLB for over seven decades, hosting spring training for the Cleveland Indians (1947-1992) and the Colorado Rockies (1993-2010). Outside of the MLB, Hi Corbett Field has played host to several professional baseball teams, including the Tucson Toros, Lizards, Javelinas, and Cowboys. It was also the headquarters for USA baseball from 1997-2003. Hi Corbett Field is in central Tucson, located within the Gene C. Reid Park area; the Reid Park Zoo is located just beyond the left field fence, while behind the third base line there are two golf holes, each one belonging to a different 18-hole golf course, one being the Randolph North Golf Course and the other being the Dell Urich Golf Course. The stadium was also was used in the Hollywood movie Major League, since the Indians were the spring training occupant at the time and had the signage – the extras used in the movie were current (at the time) University of Arizona baseball players. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions are all along the concourse behind the seating area, with larger concessions stands on each side of the baselines, another one behind home plate, and a couple of small stands. One stand to be on the lookout for is Sir Veza’s Kitchen & Kantina serving Mexican food, namely burritos and nachos – all dishes here are around $10. My suggestion at this stand would be the local flavor of Tucson, the Sirnoran Dog, consisting of an Applewood bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with charro beans, musar, mayo, jalapeno salsa, and tomatoes, served with chips and si charroi salsa for $10. Another great option is the small pizza stand called The Pie Spot. The other two concession stands offer hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, candy, and pretzels. Prices are typical ballpark fares, as 2 souvenir-cup drinks, peanuts, and a hot dog cost me $30. There are combos available which include fries that save a couple dollars on pricing, but the best thing is to eat before the game, or look for special deals that may occur throughout the season. The soda beverages served at Hi Corbett Field are Coca-Cola products; these range from $5 to $9 depending on the size of the cup. There is also a decent selection of alcohol products ranging from $12 to $15, depending on size and if it is considered a premium beer. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at Hi Corbett Field is a wonderful experience for PAC-12 baseball, inside a top-level ballpark. The University of Arizona, being the main sports attraction in Tucson, has become a program that the whole area can get behind and support. Hi Corbett Field has transformed over the years, but everything about it says, ‘Home to the Arizona Wildcats’. Which side of the ballpark you chose to sit on will change your experience of the ballpark – the seats on the 3rd base side allow fans to see the beautiful Tucson sunsets. Tucson’s sunsets are Sonoran Desert sunsets, which are different from other sunsets; the colors are just surreal. The ballpark also has palm trees providing a vacation type feel. Note that for shade during day games, look to sit under the covering behind home plate below the press box. The field has artificial turf right behind home plate, which is only right behind the plate – the rest of the field is natural grass. The outfield wall is doubled and has a red line across the middle, to indicate if the ball would have gone over for a home run. All the seats are regular seats except for the metal bleacher seats farther down each baseline, but unless it is a very crowded day, general admission will get you a regular seat along the infield baselines. The Wildcats’ dugout and bullpen are on the first base side, with visitors on the third base side. Arizona fans are loyal, loud, and proud. The 3K Wildcats fans that usually attend enjoy their baseball and are active in voicing their likes and dislikes throughout the game. The game itself is typical of other college, minor league, or MLB games, with music and entertainment; the University of Arizona and their baseball fans have truly found a wonderful game day atmosphere for anyone attending a game at Hi Corbett Field. Neighborhood 3 In the immediate area of Hi Corbett are two 18-hole golf courses, Reid Park, and Reid Park Zoo. This gives visitors from out of town a lot of options if they are there with family, or looking to get out of the chilly weather and play a little golf before taking in a baseball game. Across the street from the park on East Broadway is El Con Mall, which has several food options including In-N-Out Burger, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, and one of my favorites, Portillo’s Tucson. Portillo’s is originally a Chicago establishment that specializes in Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian Beef sandwiches. For those who like sushi, Sushi Garden Restaurant is nearby at the corner of Broadway and Country Club, and besides these there are plenty of other restaurants around Tucson to satisfy your food cravings. The closest lodging to Hi Corbett Field is on Alvernon Way, just east of the stadium opposite the golf courses, is DoubleTree by Hilton. Just like restaurants, however, there is plenty of other lodging around Tucson, especially if are looking for resort-type lodging. Fans 5 Arizona averages over 3,000 people per game, which is in the top portion of the PAC-12. The Friday and Saturday games are the most popular, as the attendance is over 3,000 fans each, including several games of 5,000+, depending on the opponent. Fans are very into the games and are a great home crowd for the Wildcats. They are loud, yet respectful, even though they heckle the other team constantly during the game. They also give praise when the opponents make a good play. Overall, they are a good, fun baseball crowd making the experience enjoyable. Access 4 Hi Corbett Field is about 8 miles from Tucson International Airport. The ballpark, a few miles from downtown Tucson, is situated in Reid Park by the Reid Park Zoo. The traffic can be a little slow going through the park, but otherwise it is easy to drive. Friday and Tuesday games may take a little longer as those games start at 6 pm, and the Tucson evening commute can be slow in the area around the park. Free Parking is plentiful at Hi Corbett Field, available in the parking lots the stadium itself, Reid Park Zoo, and Lakeshore Lane; parallel parking is also available along the south side of Camino Campestre. There is handicap seating near each dugout, with large concourses, so the handicap area is very accessible for fans. Overall, the ballpark’s wide-open concourses, easy entrance, and free parking make getting to Hi Corbett Field a painless experience. Return on Investment 4 Tickets cost anywhere from $5 to $12 depending on which seating area you choose, whether you are Senior, Youth, or Military, as well as on the time of purchase. There are two types of seating, Reserved and General Admission – general admission tickets are $8 for adults. I would suggest buying a GA ticket, as most of the ballpark seating is GA; the GA seats around the infield have backs, while the GA bench seating is along the outfield lines. Ticket prices are two more dollars on the day of, compared to buying in advance. The food prices are the typical stadium prices that you would expect, which is disappointing for a college baseball game. However, parking is free and plentiful here, which adds to the investment value. Extras 4 Hi Corbett Field has stood the test of time, opening in 1927 and after five renovations, is one of the premiere ballparks in the PAC-12 Conference. The history of Hi Corbett Field, shown behind home plate, links the past to the present, from MLB Hall of Famers that played here to the University of Arizona baseball teams that have brought home the hardware to Tucson. The program’s rich history is shown in right-center with the number of tournament appearances (41), CWS appearances (18), and National Championships (4). The free parking in a scenic park area is a plus, as are the wide concourses that easily move fans to their seats, to the concessions, and to the restrooms. 3K fans per game continue to support the Arizona baseball program, keeping Hi Corbett Field in operation even without the MLB using it as a spring training facility anymore. Of course, the weather and scenic sunsets of Tucson, Arizona all give extra reasons to attend a game at Hi Corbett Field. Final Thoughts Hi Corbett Field is a college baseball gem – the University of Arizona made a wonderful choice in moving their baseball program just a few miles from campus. This ballpark is top tier and in a comfortable setting, with easy access to games. Arizona Wildcats’ baseball game is a great way to spend a night while visiting Tucson.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Maryland SoccerPlex 18031 Central Park Circle Boyds, MD 20841 Maryland Bobcats FC website Maryland SoccerPlex website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 4,000 Bobcats Are At The Plex Although top-division soccer in the United States has enjoyed great stability since the start of Major League Soccer in 1996, the lower divisions have been somewhat more chaotic. For a while, the United Soccer League, or USL, was the second division, but then that split into two leagues – the USL Championship, which was second division, and USL League One, which was the third division. In 2019, a second league decided to join the third division, the National Independent Soccer Association, or NISA for short. NISA has been plagued by significant instability, in just three years, one of which was wiped out due to COVID-19, six NISA teams have folded or moved to other leagues. One team that is still there, and joined NISA in 2021, is Maryland Bobcats FC. The Bobcats began as an amateur team in even lower divisions before moving up to NISA and playing their home games at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, a suburb of Washington, D.C., although it has a Boyds address. The SoccerPlex used to be home to the Washington Spirit of NWSL as well as occasional early-round D.C. United matches in the U.S. Open Cup prior to the construction of Audi Field. Most notably, it hosted one MLS match in March of 2018 as Audi Field would not be ready until July and the league required D.C. United to play two home matches prior to that point. What is called the SoccerPlex for the purposes of this review is formally known as Maureen Hendricks Field at the Maryland SoccerPlex and is just the main stadium nestled among many soccer fields used for youth and recreational soccer. Food & Beverage 1 When Stadium Journey visited a Bobcats game, the only thing for sale was beer, from a local brewery. The Bobcats have their own IPA, known as Halftime, and prices were somewhat reasonable at around $6-$7 a cup depending on what you were drinking. However, this was literally all that was for sale – if you wanted something to eat or something to drink that wasn’t alcoholic, you were out of luck. We were told a food truck comes sometimes, but it was not there when we went. Atmosphere 3 The SoccerPlex is an intimate 4,000-seat arena with seats on both sides of the field, although only one side is typically open for Bobcats games due to the small crowds. The side that is open consists of plastic bench seats, and only the top row located right at the top of the concourse has backs. All seats provide an up-close view of the action, and there is a scoreboard located to your left as you sit in these seats, although many of its features do not work. The team doesn’t seem to put much effort into home games here, but what brings this up a notch is the atmosphere brought by the Supporters Section. The Old Bae Brigade (that is not a typo) sits behind the visitor’s bench, although “sits” is not the right word here as they will be standing, waving flags, and banging drums for the whole game. Although they are much smaller in number than you would see in MLS or even a USL stadium, they still bring some much-needed energy to the Plex. Neighborhood 2 The SoccerPlex is located in Gaithersburg, about half an hour outside Washington, D.C. It is located in a sprawling complex in a residential area, and there is absolutely nothing within walking distance. Fans will have to drive several miles back towards I-270 before they will find anything useful. There are a number of shopping centers located on Maryland Route 118 once you get close to the interstate that contains mostly chain restaurants, but these are several miles away. If you’re looking for a more natural setting, Hoyles Mill Conservation Park is located just north of the Plex and offers scenic hiking trails and beautiful green space. Fans 2 In contrast to the previous tenants of the SoccerPlex, the Maryland Bobcats average only a few hundred fans a game. The Old Bae Brigade is the official Supporters Group and brings some energy to the stadium, and the other fans can get into it too. Some of them are young families with children who play youth soccer at some of the other fields at the SoccerPlex, which seems to make them a lot more into the game here than they otherwise would be. Others are locals just wanting to check out a game. Despite this being a pretty new team, the fans do seem to know a lot about them. The only problem is that there aren’t that many fans. Access 3 Getting to the stadium is relatively easy – take exit 15B off of I-270 and proceed for several miles to the stadium. That’s where the good news ends. Although there are a large number of lots throughout the SoccerPlex, only a couple are right next to the stadium. Although the stadium crowd alone isn’t nearly enough to fill them up, there are often other sporting events going on in the complex on the same day. If that is the case, the lots may already be full when you arrive even if you get there sometime before gates open. Seeing as you don’t really want to arrive at 9 in the morning for a night game just to be able to park close by, you may have to walk a bit to get to the stadium. The good news is that since the Bobcats don’t draw that many fans, traffic getting out of the lots after should not be a problem unless a large youth sports event lets out at the same time. This had been an issue for the Spirit and D.C. United as the roads were not built to accommodate that much traffic, but this is the one silver lining in not having that many fans. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $10 for the Supporters Section or $17 for general admission seating anywhere else in the stadium. However, since nobody is checking what kind of ticket you have, you can probably get away with buying the cheaper one. If you buy the more expensive ticket and spontaneously decide to join the Old Bae Brigade, nobody will stop you from doing that either – just keep in mind you will be standing the entire game. Discounted youth tickets are available for $8. Although this isn’t too pricey, the lack of experience here still makes that price just par for the course, nothing more. You’ll have an opportunity to see a soccer game for a relatively low price, but won’t be getting much more out of it. Extras 2 There are flags behind one of the goals representing all the nations that Bobcats players hail from. As soccer is an international sport, many countries are represented. Just outside the stadium, there is an exhibit from the United States Department of Agriculture on the history of turfgrass. There’s probably some fan out there who would be interested in that. Final Thoughts When NISA was founded, it promised to be a new kind of soccer league, free from the burdens imposed by MLS and USL, to create the best fan experience. Sadly, it has not delivered on those promises. The Maryland Bobcats, like most of NISA, play in a mostly empty stadium and are plagued by experience issues like missing food trucks, malfunctioning scoreboards, and ticket scanners that lose their internet connection and can’t scan tickets properly. However, it is worth remembering that USL and even MLS had their growing pains initially as well. Hopefully, NISA can get past them.