Photo Courtesy of Football Federation of Amenia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium 65 Vardanants St Yerevan 0070, Armenia FC Pyunik website Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 14,403 As Beautiful as Mount Ararat Itself Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium was built between 1933 and 1935 under the auspices of architect Koryun Hakoyan. It was then known as the Dinamo Stadium but after major renovation in 1999, including a new roof, it became known as the Republican Stadium (Hanrapetakan Stadium). However in October of that year, the Armenian Prime Minister and a number of other politicians were assassinated in an attack on the parliament and the stadium was officially renamed as the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in his honour. It’s a very beautiful stadium with neoclassical colonnades curving seductively around the arena. The external fascia of the main stand is a real architectural treasure. The modern roof could have looked incongruous against the classical lines, but instead it has a beauty of its own which complements the older parts of the stadium. With the mighty Hrazdan Stadium out of commission, all of Armenia’s international matches are now played at the Republican Stadium. It was Armenia’s 2003 match against Spain which produced the stadium’s record gate of 16,000. In 2008, through the Israeli company Green Diversified Ltd, the Republican was brought up to UEFA standard with a new pitch, VIP section, and security systems. In my opinion it is one of the most architecturally important stadiums in Europe and a visit comes highly recommended. FC Gandzasar of the Armenian Premier League were only formed as recently as 2002. Their home stadium, the Kapan City Stadium was opened in 1963 and was also home to Lernagorts Kapan before their demise. In 2013 Gandzasar opened a new training facility on the edge of Kapan, however, lack of facilities at their home stadium means that for the 2017 season at least the club are forced to play their home games in the capital, Yerevan, a six hour drive away. FC Pyunik have achieved so much in a relatively short period of time having been formed as recently as 1992. Initially they were called Homenetmen Yerevan and in their first season they shared the first Armenian Premier League title with Shirak Gyumri. In 1995 Homenetmen rebranded as Pyunik which is the Armenian word for Phoenix. However, the club ran into problems and did not compete in the 1999 and 2000 seasons. The club were reborn in 2001 with a new owner, Ruben Hayrapetyan. Rather than rejoin the League in the second tier Pyunik absorbed First League champions FC Armenicum so they were restored to the Premier League. It was the start of huge success for Pyunik, they would win 10 straight league titles between 2001 and 2010. They have only won one championship since, in 2014/15, but to highlight their domestic dominance their 14 titles is ten more than the next nearest challenger, Shirak Gyumri. Pyunik have also won eight Armenian Cups and nine Super Cups. Food & Beverage 1 No kiosks of any sort are present in the stadium. The only food available is through vendors selling water, nuts and seeds. Atmosphere 1 Despite free admission there is a spartan crowd of around 300 at the Republican Stadium. In a stadium which holds almost 15,000 people there is little noise other than the odd barracking of officials over contentious decisions. The Republican Stadium is really beautiful, with sweeping neoclassical curves and columns. The 1999 roof really sets off the stadium and complements the overall design. There is a stadium scoreboard behind one of the goals. It is fairly modern, but just displays the score. The external fascia of the main stand is a real architectural treasure. Generally only the main stand is open for league games due to the low attendances. Neighborhood 4 Yerevan is a compact and interesting city with amazing views to the fabled Mount Ararat (which is actually in Turkey). The stadium is around two miles from central Yerevan so it makes sense to stay in the city and just travel out to the game. It feels like a safe city and I neither saw or heard of any problems whilst I was there. Around Republican Square there are many restaurants and bars which for a capital city offer good value for your money. There is a relatively new pedestrian area along North Avenue which is vibrant and packed with restaurants and shops. As you would expect from a capital city there are many interesting things to see. There is the Matenadaran, a museum housing ancient manuscripts and the moving Genocide museum and memorial commemorating the 1915 genocide by Turks on the people of Armenia. The Republic Square area is a vibrant and pleasant place to spend an evening. Away from the city to the north lies Lake Sevan and the stunning south Caucasus mountains. To travel through the mountains we used Hyur Service who were good value and punctual. Fans 1 All games in the Armenian Premier League are usually free to attend. With widespread corruption in the past all clubs struggle to attract a crowd and the average attendance in a league season is typically less than 500, among the lowest for any European league. There is no chanting at all, and the atmosphere is very quiet and expectant. During my most recent visit you could even hear the players calling to each other it was so quiet. This is certainly an interesting and unique aspect of this stadium compared to many others in Europe. Access 4 It is a one level stadium so you enter at pitch level and climb steps to your chosen row. You enter the stadium on the right hand side of the entrance and you can sit where you like as no admission is charged. The closest metro station is Zoravar Andranik, which is located less than a mile west of the Republican Stadium. It would take 15 minutes to walk from here. Numerous buses stop close to the stadium at a bus stop called Vardan Mamikonyan on Khanjyan Street. Perhaps the best option is to grab a taxi which will cost less than $5 from central Yerevan. Zvartnots Airport is around eight miles west of Yerevan, and you can catch bus number 108 into the city centre or hail a taxi, which are very cheap. Your hotel may also arrange a transfer. There is a car park outside the stadium which for league matches will not be busy. Entry is free, you just walk in. There are no concourses so all seats have a pitch view and if you need toilets they are found close to the entrance. Return on Investment 5 It’s free to get in so you cannot have any complaints. Yes more could be done to raise money from refreshments and souvenirs, but that does not appear to be the Armenian way. Extras 1 A team sheet is available from the press area, but it will be in the Armenian script known as Arasan. Final Thoughts It is quite a strange feeling going to a match where it costs you nothing and there is no attempt to sell you anything! Then again in terms of aesthetics, the Republican Stadium is up there in my top ten all time stadiums visited.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 PointsBet Stadium 2 Captain Cook Drive Woolooware, NSW 2230 Australia Cronulla Sharks website PointsBet Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 22,000 Shark Park Southern Cross Group Stadium (formerly known as Remondis Stadium) is located in the Sutherland Shire of Sydney, serving as home to the Cronulla Sharks of the National Rugby League (NRL). The stadium was built in 1960 and, in somewhat of an anomaly in Australian sport, is actually owned by the Sharks. Several renovations have lifted the capacity to the current mark of 22,000. The original name of the venue is Endeavour Field, but it is commonly called “Shark Park” by the Cronulla faithful. The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks joined the then NSW Rugby League in 1967, having previously played in the Sydney inter-district competition. The Sharks are based in the Sutherland Shire, representing the coastal areas south of Botany Bay and the Georges River. While enjoying several periods of success throughout their history, the Sharks have yet to win a first grade premiership, losing two grand finals in the 1970s to Manly (plus a GF replay in 1978 after the original match was drawn 11-11), and the 1997 Super League grand final to Brisbane. Financial instability has dogged the club over the years, although it’s hoped a large development project on land owned by the Sharks will secure their long term financial future. Note: The stadium name is now named PointsBet Park. Food & Beverage 3 Southern Cross Group Stadium embodies exactly what you expect from a trip to a suburban footy stadium; long lines, average mass produced food, and prices that make you wonder why you didn’t get an extra $50 out at the ATM. Your food offerings can broadly be separated into all the basic stadium food groups; meat pies, hot chips, hot dogs, burgers, fish and chips, and chicken. Add to that nachos and some basic wraps, and that’s pretty much it. A decent feed is likely to set you back a minimum of around $12 per person. Limit your expectations at the bar to another long wait in line, despite the “VB Only” lines. Soft drinks are Pepsi-Schweppes and beer is CUB. Probably best not to be too adventurous in the food department while at Southern Cross Group and stick with the tried and true pie, chips and a beer. Atmosphere 3 The Sharkies offer a traditional game day experience with the focus on the footy. Games against local rivals St George Illawarra draw good crowds, while most Sydney opponents will also attract reasonable numbers. There are two entrances to Shark Park; both on the southern side of the stadium. You enter through a large inflatable shark’s head, with the southwestern entrance also featuring the Sharks honour walk. The stadium has grandstands on three sides, with the northern end dominated by a hill area. The main stand is on the western side and is named after arguably the Sharks greatest ever player, Andrew Ettingshausen (ET Stand). The Peter Burns Stand is on the eastern side and is built onto the adjoining Sharkies Leagues Club. During an afternoon game this stand looks directly into the setting sun. The southern stand is the most recent addition to Southern Cross Group Stadium and was named after the first captain of the club, Monty Porter. There are video screens at either end. The ground announcer is passionately one-sided towards the home team, and adds to the atmosphere, despite his painfully constant referrals to the Sharks captain, Paul Gallen as, “G-Train.” The public address system is too loud, particularly the music leading up to the start of the game. Expect the standard cheerleaders, known as the Mermaids, and junior footy played at halftime. The ET Stand is the premiere place to sit and as a result tickets for this area tend to sell faster than any other area (and are priced accordingly). The hill is designated as family friendly and alcohol free, but if it’s a solid crowd it can be quite uncomfortable. There’s concourse seating around the ground which is a better priced option if you don’t mind sitting closer to ground level. Be aware that only a small amount of seats have good coverage from rain. Neighborhood 2 The immediate neighbourhood is largely playing fields and residences, save for the leagues club next door. If you’re after anything more than that then you’ll have to head down the road to Cronulla itself. The Leagues Club has a bistro, cafe, and Chinese restaurant as well as bars and entertainment. If you’re down in Cronulla, then the Nuns Pool Cafe (103 Ewos Pde) has a well-deserved good reputation. Northies Cronulla is also a well-known local watering hole (Cnr Kingsway & Elouera). The Cronulla area is dominated by its waterways. Local surf beaches are Cronulla, North Cronulla, Elouera, and Wanda. The nearest major shopping centre is Westfield Miranda, just to the west of Woolooware. The metropolitan area of Sydney and CBD are within a 30 minute drive, while Sydney’s Kingsford-Smith airport is 18km to the north. There’re several hotels in Cronulla including a Rydges and a Quest. Fans 3 The Sharks are well supported by their local community. However, the area the team represents is relatively small, and borders too closely with St George Illawarra. Sadly, Cronulla is often mentioned as a candidate for relocation, should it ever occur. Average attendance is around 12,000 which is at the lower end of NRL teams. Choose the game you attend carefully to make the most of your experience at Remondis. Look for matches against other Sydney teams to boost crowds and the resulting atmosphere. If a decent crowd does turn up, the atmosphere compares well with other venues. Sharks fans enjoy their footy and strongly cheer for their team. Access 2 Southern Cross Group Stadium is not well located in terms of transportation, with no close parking or public transport. The nearest train station at Woolooware is around a 15 minute walk from the stadium. Buses may be an option depending where you are travelling from. There are no parking lots available. While not having to pay for parking is always a pleasure, the resulting traffic and battle to find a parking spot on packed suburban streets is not. A walk of a kilometre or more is easily possible if you choose to drive. Interestingly, there are numerous security guards and police in the surrounding streets to help manage pedestrian safety and congestion. Entry is relatively smooth with electronic ticket scanners and a minimal security check for the standard bag check. Best to buy your ticket online before you turn up. A half decent crowd and the concourses will be quite busy as fans spill into walkways. Crowds for bathrooms are reasonable, even at half time. Ushers are minimal, overworked, and not particularly effective. Return on Investment 3 Not having to pay for parking is a huge bonus when comparing cost to other major venues, but let’s face it, the long walk and stress in finding a parking spot all but cancels that positive out. Cost of entry and food is about average. Cheapest Adult Ticket: $25.49 Parking: $0 Pie: $6 Drink: $3.50 TOTAL: $34.99 There are discounts for juniors and families. Extras 2 There are two inflatable attractions for older children on the hill, and it’s also worth mentioning the honour walk at the south western entrance. Final Thoughts The best thing about Southern Cross Group Stadium is that it completely represents the football team that plays there. It’s an older stadium with minimal amenities, but is worth a trip to the Shire all the same.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Alamodome 100 Montana St San Antonio, TX 78203 UTSA Roadrunners website Alamodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 64,000 UTSA Roadrunners – Alamodome The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) was founded in 1969. As the university has grown, so too has the athletics department. In 2011, the UTSA Roadrunners  took the gridiron for their inaugural season under the guidance of future Hall of Fame Head Coach Larry Coker . UTSA as a university and as a football program has grown by leaps and bounds in the ensuing decade – they would reach their first bowl game in 2016 under the guidance of former Head Coach Frank Wilson . Under his watch, the team would send multiple players to the NFL, including tight end David Morgan II and first round draft pick Marcus Davenport . A member of Wilson’s last signing class, Riq Woolen , would also find stardom in the NFL, and become UTSA’s first-ever Pro Bowler. Under Head Coach Jeff Traylor , the Roadrunners have reached unprecedented heights, earning back-to-back conference championships in 2021 and 2022, as well as four consecutive bowl game berths. The team moved to the American Athletic Conference in 2023. The team has played every home game at the venerable Alamodome in downtown San Antonio. Under Traylor’s tenure, the Dome has given a significant homefield advantage to UTSA. While it’s definitely showing its age, it is still one of the most unique venues in college football.   Food & Beverage   4 Over the years, the Alamodome has undergone significant renovations and changes in an effort to keep up with the times (more on that in the next section). One area where they have continually tried to improve is in concessions. Over the past few seasons, the Alamodome has made a concerted effort to bring a number of local vendors and restaurants to fill the stands and kiosks throughout the facility. The newest options range from Tex-Mex to fried chicken to barbecue options – with Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant , Earl Abel’s , and The Big Bib BBQ , respectively – as well as national options like Johnny Rockets for burgers and Urban Bricks and Papa Johns  for pizza. In addition, local beverage distributors such as SipIT  and Te Amo Micheladas  offer up frozen mixed drinks and Mexican-style beer cocktails for fans up until the fourth quarter. Another great innovation for this season has been the installation of grab-and-go stands on each side of the field on the main concourse. You can get your traditional stadium fare, your hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, bottled sodas, water, and beer, etc. at these stands, which has greatly improved the efficiency at the Dome. My one caveat that keeps this section from having a higher score – and I’ve heard this from numerous fans over the past few seasons – is the cost of some items. Prices are a little higher at the Alamodome than what you would expect to find at a program the size of UTSA. However, there are bargains to be had, so just keep on the lookout.   Atmosphere   4 Prefacing this now, I’ve been a UTSA Roadrunners season ticketholder since day one, and I’ve seen virtually every home game at the Alamodome in the last 14 years. The one area that I have seen the most improvement has been in the Atmosphere section. The parking lots surrounding the Dome have always been home to some of the best tailgating in the State of Texas, and this is said without an ounce of hyperbole. San Antonians love a party, and if you can throw a football game in – especially a winning one – they’re going to show up and show out hours and hours before gametime. If you’ve got time on your visit, spend some time in the lots before kickoff. In the nascent years of the program, you would be hard-pressed to find anything letting fans know that the Dome was UTSA’s home field. In the last few seasons, however, the stadium has put up a lot of signage in and around the outside of the facility, which is a good start. They will also light up the exterior of the Alamodome orange and blue for night games, and inside, the 2021 and 2022 Conference USA Championship banners proudly hang from the rafters all season. The lighting, scoreboards, and LED ribbons have all been upgraded in the last five seasons. The pre-game festivities at UTSA, with the band marching on the field while a hype video plays, followed by the football team’s entrance (which I will put up there with the best of any Group of 5 program in the country) is all top-notch. I freely admit to having a love/hate relationship with the in-stadium DJ, who performs throughout games. When you attend a Roadrunners game at the Alamodome, you might find them to be you’re your new favorite, so to each his own. The Alamodome provides a unique home field that no other program in the nation can offer; its acoustics make even small to medium-sized crowds sound like you’re standing next to a jet engine warming up for takeoff. Perhaps more important, as a football fan who has seen countless games across the state of Texas in my time, I can’t tell you how much the 72 degrees in the Dome in August, September, and October are appreciated. Aside from its age, the one thing that keeps this section’s score from being even higher is the lack of a true team store – merchandise tables are available during games, but that feels pretty bush league for a Division I program.   Neighborhood   5 In numerous past reviews I have extoled the virtues of my city and its downtown area, which is where the Alamodome is located. A walkway under State Highway 281 connects the Dome to the area of San Antonio that is home to the Alamo, Tower of the Americas, the River Walk, Hemisfair Park, the Shops at Rivercenter (which, in itself, is home to an IMAX Theater, a Legoland Discovery Center, and a SeaLife Aquarium), and an abundance of some of San Antonio’s best shopping, dining, and lodging options. For dining options, there are a few in the immediate, walkable area of the Alamodome. Nearby options include Tony G’s Soul Food (of which I’m a big fan), which serves up scratch-made Southern classics like fried chicken, meatloaf, and fried catfish, and The Cherrity Bar , which in addition to serving up award-winning cocktails also offers a legit menu of Japanese food including yakitori, soba noodles, and ramen. There are a few hotels within walking distance of the Alamodome, including a couple that you don’t need to cross the highway for – these are Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center  and City View Inn & Suites . Both are less than a 10-minute stroll from the Dome’s front door. Again, downtown SA has options aplenty for food and shelter, with your only limitation being your budget.   Fans   3 For the majority of the seasons in the Jeff Traylor era, the UTSA Roadrunners have managed to average a robust and healthy attendance of 28,000-29,000 fans per game. This was rarely if ever the case before his tenure. Their inaugural game in the Alamodome featured a record-breaking 56,000-plus fans for that magical night, and the team has been chasing that vibe ever since. When the team starts to dip and/or the competition is not a recognized brand to casual fans, turnout is pretty light. Such has been the case at the start of this current season, as a combination of a history-making and graduating senior class and a “when it rains, it pours” spate of injuries has seen attendance dip to 20,000-22,000 per game averages. The good thing is that the student section continues to be packed and has, in recent years, been expanded to allow room for the most vocal and passionate fans of the team. And as mentioned, the tailgating in the lots is an experience unto itself thanks to the fanbase here. Regardless, this is a loud group of fans, most of which come to games decked out on in UTSA orange and blue. Their vociferousness can be counted on to cause problems for opposing teams, which has been a boon to UTSA. Sustaining growth in attendance will bump this section’s score higher.   Access   4 As mentioned, the Alamodome is located off a major state highway, and is sandwiched between two major US highways in Interstates 10 and 35. The stadium is a short nine-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. San Antonio’s mass transit option, VIA Metropolitan Transit, has routes all over the city that end up at the Dome. There are even park and ride locations in other parts of the city, which is often a great option. On site, the Dome has two parking lots open to fans who pre-purchase a parking spot; you cannot purchase a pass in these lots on the day of. However, the Alamodome is situated adjacent to a residential neighborhood, and for blocks and blocks, industrious residents and business owners rent out spaces in driveways and parking lots on game days. Spots in these can be had for as little as $10, depending on how far you’re willing to walk. What keeps the Access score from being higher is the egress situation – there is only one main road out of the Alamodome, and this will bottleneck especially on dates with larger crowds.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for UTSA games can be found for as little as $6 on the secondary market. This is an incredible bargain for a team that has seen the success the Roadrunners have had. Typical seasons will feature one or two big name out-of-conference opponents at the Dome, and the American Athletic Conference also has some of the more recognizable Group of Five teams anyway. The low-ticket costs are what gives this section the score it has. Parking costs are on the average compared to programs the size of UTSA, but as mentioned in the Access section, bargains can be found if you’re willing to walk a bit. What brings this section’s score down is the aforementioned concession costs.   Extras   3 UTSA brings out pretty much all the traditional pageantry that can be found at most Division I football programs. The award-winning Spirit of San Antonio (SoSA) marching band performs throughout the game and at halftime, while the UTSA Pom Squad and Cheerleaders , as well as the beloved mascot Rowdy , can all be found on the sidelines interacting with fans both before and during games. The student section also raises a giant flag with UTSA’s “Let’s Go 210” (which is the area code for the Alamo City) at the start of the fourth quarter. It’s all fun, but beyond that, there isn’t much else in the way of Extras. The program has started and abandoned quite a few traditions over the years – I think getting the right one started in the coming years will only make this section’s score higher.   Final Thoughts I’ve been to more games at the Alamodome than any other venue – I’ve seen virtually every home game for the UTSA Roadrunners here since 2011, which is all to say I’m very familiar with this facility. I still find a great deal to enjoy about this stadium, however, even with its sometimes glaringly obvious wear and tear. There is no other venue like the Alamodome in college sports, and I do think it belongs on bucket lists. I’m pretty confident that if you come in for a UTSA game, you’ll see what I see and will come away with an appreciation for the program, the venue, and the city. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Es Con Field Hokkaido F Village Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido, Japan 061-1116 (+81) (0)11-857-3939 Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters website Es Con Field Hokkaido website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 35,000 Hamming It Up in Hokkaido In 2016, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters began considering a new stadium as they wanted to leave the Sapporo Dome, a multipurpose facility that they shared with Consodale Sapporo of the J.League. Japanese ballparks are generally functional rather than aesthetically pleasing, but Fighters management wanted to change that. They recognized the trend that combines sports venues with other forms of entertainment to increase attraction to those who are not necessarily sports fans. Most Japanese ballparks are functional rather than aesthetic, and they wanted to change that. They spent a lot of time looking at stadiums in the United States and employed HKS, an American architectural firm that designed Globe Life Field in Arlington. Rather than remain in Sapporo, the Fighters found a large open space in nearby Kitahiroshima, where their vision could be fully realized. The result is more than a ballpark, with a new neighborhood being constructed around it. Es-Con, a local developer, bought the naming rights, and the result is Es Con Field Hokkaido, simply the best ballpark in Japan. It opened in 2023, and Stadium Journey paid a visit in the summer, coming away more than a little awestruck. Food & Beverage 5 The most impressive aspect of Es Con Field is the variety of food and beverages. When you walk in, you will be handed a Gourmet Guide, which lists all of the options inside the stadium. Some boards show what is available in each section. Unlike in North America, food is not overpriced at sporting events, so you can try a few things here without breaking your budget, particularly given the weakness in the Japanese yen (approximately 150 yen to a dollar at the time of writing). It is impossible to list all of the options as there are 47 listed in the Gourmet Guide. If you have lived in Japan, you will recognize some of the vendors, such as Mos Burger and Mister Donut, but there are still dozens of concessions that are local to the area. Some less common foods are croquettes that start at 250 Yen, rice balls that start at 380 yen, and squid tempura for 480 yen. Giant yakitori sticks are just 490 yen, while five pieces of karaage (fried chicken) are 600 yen. That's about four bucks. Come hungry. In addition to these typical concessions, several full-service restaurants are open to the public. Fans wait in line to sit down at these places, which are exactly like eateries in a city. The aroma of food wafting through the concourses is exciting, and you would need to spend several games here to try a few of these establishments. One example is an okonomiyaki restaurant where customers sit at a counter that is right next to the concourse, while on the upper level, there is an izakaya that has a long line. Get there early if you want to try one of these unusual spots. In terms of drinks, draft beer (known as nama) is available everywhere, including from young ladies who patrol the seating bowl and serve it to you out of a keg on their back. At 750 yen, it is far cheaper than beer at ballparks in America, and no tipping is required. Behind the center field wall, there is a craft beer brewpub that had the biggest line of all, though some other concessions did have some craft offerings. You can also order sours (shochu mixed with a fruit drink such as lemon juice) and even whiskey and return highballs. Those not interested in alcohol have a typical choice of soft drinks such as oolong tea, ginger ale, and Calpis. The only potential problem I saw was that the venue is cashless, a rarity in Japan. I was able to use my credit card, but if you have trouble with yours, you can convert cash to a value card that can be used. Atmosphere 4 You will first see the stadium as you pass by on the train from Chitose Airport. It looks like a massive airplane hangar and resembles US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The signature feature is the 230-foot high glass window beneath a large, retractable roof that mimics certain types of houses in Hokkaido. The roof was closed for the game I attended and is likely closed for most games during Japan's hot, humid summer. It is open when no games are being played as the field is natural turf (a rarity in Japan), and they need some natural light when there isn't a game. The roof weighs 10,000 tons and takes 25 minutes to open. If you ride the shuttle bus from Kitahiroshima Station, you will be dropped off on the south side of the stadium, which is the first base gate. You can buy your ticket here, but before entering, walk around to see F Village , the neighborhood that is being built on the east side of the stadium. It features a running track, a playground, a dog park, some food shops, a miniature ball field, and even an adventure park that requires separate admission fees but looks to be quite a bit of fun. I recommend getting there at least 2 hours before the first pitch to see everything, or you can make a day of it. Rather than returning to the first base gate, continue around to the third base entrance, and you will pass by the team's enormous flagship store. I went in briefly, but it was too crowded to do much shopping before the game; afterward, it was a bit more reasonable. Again, with the weak yen, prices are reasonable, especially for smaller items such as caps. Once inside, you will quickly realize that this is not a typical Japanese ballpark. The asymmetric outfield is only the second in Japan, while there are four distinct levels of seating, with a capacity of 35,000. Seats are padded in some sections, and there are cup holders, essential for all the beers that you will be drinking. The seats behind the plate are inaccessible to those without a ticket, but they look to be very comfortable. Tickets for this section were not available at the box office, and the secondary market in Japan is not as liquid as elsewhere, so if you want to sit here, you will have to do some research. A large electronic scoreboard is above the seating bowl at each corner, a change from most parks in the country, which have just one centerfield scoreboard. In addition, bullpens are visible here. The only pro ballpark in Japan to have this feature. In the left field corner is Tower 11, so named because both Yu Darvish and Shohei Ohtani wore #11 when they played for the Fighters, and a mural of these two is nearby. There is a hotel here with rooms that overlook the stadium (much like Rogers Centre in Toronto), as well as a sauna that is open to the public and provides a view of the field. There is also a museum here that requires separate admission and is not related to baseball. Tower 11 is also open on non-game days. Japanese baseball generally lacks the between-inning promotions that you see in the major leagues, but some mascots and cheerleaders appear from time to time. The size of the stadium does limit the noise, and the oendan (cheering groups) are not in their typical outfield seats. The visiting oendan was below me; their cheering was somewhat muffled, while the Fighters supporters were high up on first base. It made things quieter than I am used to in Japanese ballparks. Neighborhood 4 The aforementioned F Village is the highlight; there is not much else in the area. There are a few restaurants, including a couple that serve yakitori and an izakaya at the Kitahiroshima Station. If you decide to walk to the stadium from here (about 20-25 minutes), you will pass a few more eateries and some convenience stores, where you can load up on snacks. Kitahiroshima is only about 20 minutes from Sapporo, so you are better off returning there for some post-game entertainment. You will most likely be staying in Sapporo, which has many attractions of its own. It hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, and the Clock Tower dates from that period. The Sapporo Beer Museum is free to tour and offers tastings at the end. The museum features beers that are not available outside of Hokkaido. There is also a sake museum, Japan’s signature liquor. Hotels are plentiful, and if you are staying for a while, you might find small apartments available on Booking.com that allow you to have a kitchen, a washing machine, and more space than a typical Japanese hotel room. In terms of restaurants, there are thousands to choose from, with the Nijo market area a seafood-lover's paradise. One change is that most restaurants in Japan are now non-smoking, which makes it much more pleasant when dining out. Fans 3 Japanese baseball fans are a different breed, and the Fighters fans are some of the most passionate I have seen. At the game I attended, a crowd of 23,500 was on hand, far fewer than I had anticipated. Even the oendan was not as loud as I recalled, though I think the size of the stadium hurt the acoustics. With the team struggling in last place in the Pacific League, maybe it wasn't surprised by the relatively poor turnout. Of course, those in attendance were polite and in good cheering form, as their team won easily, but I still have to dock a couple of points here. When the team returns to glory, I’ll revisit and update here. Access 4 As discussed, Es Con Field is in Kitahiroshima, just over 15 minutes from Sapporo on the Rapid Airport train (the slower Chitose Line is also an option). From the station, you can walk for 25 minutes or take a shuttle bus for 200 yen. Given how hot it is in Japan in the summer, the bus is a better option, and it drops you off in front of the first-base gate sponsored by Coca-Cola. It is where you will pick up the bus after the game, but if you attend a nighter, then walking back is more pleasant once the sun has set. Note that buses are plentiful, and I did not have to wait even though I arrived about two hours before the first pitch. Concourses are spacious, but some spots jam up as game time approaches. Some concessions have long lines, but others are quick. Restrooms and other facilities are as clean as you would expect in Japan. There are escalators to get you from level to level, as well as stairways. It is quite easy to get around, and you should not have any problem finding your seat as all sections are numbered clearly. Return on Investment 5 I picked up my ticket at the box office at the Coca-Cola gate, which is a hard stub with a picture of the stadium. It is much more preferable to getting one at a local convenience store. I paid 4,600 Yen (about $31) and was happy with my seat on the second level, near an aisle, which is essential for getting the beer girls' attention. With everything here so affordable and the overall experience one of the best in Japan, this is a great way to spend your money and get a lot in return. Extras 5 There are so many additional features here that you need to take your time to appreciate everything. Outside the first base gate is a Hokkaido sign that provides a good photo opportunity. The Fighters have been around for a while, and their history is displayed on several panels on the lower concourse. They have won a few pennants, and those are hanging above this area. In addition to the Tower 11 mural, other artworks can be found around the ballpark. The onsen and sauna are open to the public and are reasonably priced if you want to watch part of the game while soaking your muscles. Another point for the ingenuity of including F Village, which should make the Fighters attractive to those who may not follow baseball otherwise. There is still work to be done, but when complete, Es Con Field Hokkaido will be a destination in itself. Final Thoughts Overall, Es Con Field is the best baseball stadium in Japan. However, it is not the best stadium experience, which I believe you can find in Koshien, home of the Hanshin Tigers . Still, there is so much to see and do here that you should make a day of it, arriving a few hours before the first pitch to wander around F Village and maximizing your time inside the stadium. Research the food options to have an idea of what to eat when you get there. Then, sit back and enjoy the action.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Sahlen Field 1 James D. Griffin Plaza Buffalo, NY 14203 Buffalo Bisons website Sahlen Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 16,600 Have You Herd? The Buffalo Bisons franchise can be traced back to 1878. A team named the Buffalo Bisons originally played from 1912 to 1970 in the International League before relocating to Winnipeg mid-season due to concerns with the ballpark and its neighborhood.  This franchise would eventually settle in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and are the current RailRiders .  Buffalo Mayor James Griffin and a group of investors would buy a Double-A franchise and bring baseball back to Buffalo in 1979. Food processing magnate Robert Rich Jr. purchased the Bisons in 1983 and moved them to the Triple-A American Association.  When the AA folded in 1997, the Bisons name returned to the International League, eventually settling on their current affiliation with the Toronto Blue Jays  in 2013.  The Herd has been very popular in Buffalo during their latest tenure in part due to the opening of Pilot Field in 1988.  The first “retro classic” ballpark was designed by HOK Sport and was built to be expandable for Major League Baseball.  The stadium would inspire the design of Oriole Park  at Camden Yards, a stadium that heavily influenced the ballpark design and aesthetics at the Major League level.  Naming rights for the stadium passed through several companies, eventually settling on Sahlen Field, a meat packing company based in town, in 2019.  Major League Baseball would temporarily call Buffalo home with the Toronto Blue Jays taking residence beside Lake Erie for parts of two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Food & Beverage 4 Fans can find a good selection of concession items at Sahlen Field.  Of course, the hot dogs, both regular and gourmet, are Sahlen’s products.  Popcorn, nachos, burgers, and La Nova Pizza are also available, of course.  Some options with local flair include the Perry’s Ice Cream stand, fried bologna, Charlie The Butcher, provider of Beef on Weck, and Authentic Pizza Logs.  The craft beer scene at Sahlen Field is impressive.  The Craft Beer Corner and Buffalocal concessions have a huge selection of local brews.  Labatt’s Blue is also very popular in Western New York and can be found at many stands.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink provider at Sahlen Field. Atmosphere 4 Sahlen Field is the largest stadium in MiLB, even after a reduction in capacity.  The exterior of Sahlen Field is attractive enough for a concrete structure with marble inlets to give it some style.  Outside the third base side, there is a large square, which is perfect for meeting others before the game.  The gates are large, green, iron structures which give Sahlen Field a nod for detail not found in ballparks of that era.  Behind home plate, at the corner of Washington and Swan, a large bronze statue of Buffalo Mayor James D. Griffin can be found, throwing out the first pitch at Pilot Field. Inside Sahlen Field, it is clear that this is a venue from the eighties.  The concourses are not overly spacious and on the dark side.  Sahlen Field does not offer a 360-degree route around the ballpark that other stadiums do.  The seating bowl, which accommodates over 16,000 fans, combines a separated lower level, with an outdoor walkway and an upper level.  The original red (now faded to orange) seats are replaced with modern green plastic ballpark seats.  The vast majority of games will attract enough fans that sitting in the original seats is not a requirement.  Behind the left field corner is a large banner displaying the league championships titles the Bisons have earned, dating back to 1878.  There are 14 in total, which include titles won by the original Bisons, and the 1998 and 2004 titles in the International League.  Division titles are also on display in Championship Corner including the most recent, in 2021.  On the left field wall, the retired numbers of honored Bisons are on display, including Luke Easter, Ollie Carnegie, Jeff Manto, and Jackie Robinson.  The videoboard is crystal clear, state-of-the-art, and among the largest in all of Minor League Baseball.  There was formerly a small museum in Sahlen Field packed with Bisons artifacts, but unfortunately, it has been dismantled and is not available for fans to see.  The Bisons would benefit from more history on display throughout the concourse. The gameday production is what one would expect at a Minor League Baseball game.  There are plenty of promotions during the game as well as music and mascots.  Buster, Belle, and Chip are the Bisons’ mascots and can be found on the field and interacting with fans throughout the game.  The mascot race has gained some notoriety in Buffalo, featuring Buffalo staple foods.  Chicken Wing, Atomic Wing, Carrot, Blue Cheese, and Beef on Weck slug it out for each race.  For several years, Celery participated in the race and recently retired with only one win to its name.  Theme nights are prevalent throughout the season and it is here that the Bisons are a cut above.  The annual Star Wars Night is a sellout, and far superior to any other Star Wars Night in any other professional or amateur sports production.  The Independence Eve game which features the largest fireworks display of the season and a post-game concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is also among the best and routinely sells out.  There are plenty of other promotional theme nights throughout the season. Neighbourhood 5 Buffalo is an underrated place to visit.  Sahlen Field is located in Downtown Buffalo.  There are a few spots within walking distance of the ballpark that fans can hit up for a pre or post-game bite or drink.  Some of the best include Washington Square, Southern Tier Brewing Co., and Pearl Street Grill.  Fans can also take public transit or drive further north to the northern end of Downtown for a few more options including the famous Dinosaur BBQ. There are plenty of other sports options within walking distance of Sahlen Field.  KeyBank Center is a few blocks south of the ballpark and is home to the Buffalo Sabres  of the NHL and Buffalo Bandits  of the NLL.  Across the street from KeyBank is HarborCenter, home to the Canisius Golden Griffins  hockey team.  The basketball team plays not too far away at Koessler Athletic Center .  Other sporting options outside of Buffalo include the Buffalo Bills , who play at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, and the Buffalo Bulls, who field NCAA football and basketball teams at UB Stadium  and Alumni Arena  in Amherst, respectively.  Other tourist experiences fans may want to check out in the area include Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino or the Waterfront district. For fans who wish to stay near the ballpark, the Courtyard and Buffalo Marriott are good options within walking distance. Fans 4 The Buffalo Bisons traditionally have a strong following.  Being in a hybrid minor league city, having both major and minor league teams across different sports, the Bisons have a solid population to draw from.  The Bisons traditionally are in the top 15 in all of Minor League Baseball and the top 10 in the International League.  The Bisons average over 7,100 fans per game.  Fans in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate about their team. Access 4 Getting to Sahlen Field is pretty easy.  Sahlen Field is located south of Swan Street at the intersection of Washington Street in Downtown Buffalo.  It is located near major highways, north of I-190 and east of the Buffalo Skyway.  Parking for a Bisons game is not a challenge.  Surface lots around the ballpark are sufficient for most games.  Pre-purchasing parking is always a good plan.  The Metro Rail Seneca Station is just west of Sahlen Field.  Some buses travel the area.  Interested fans should check the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority  website for maps, fares, and schedules. The main ticketing gate is at the Swan Street. Getting around the ballpark is not normally a problem, however, for those large promotional nights that are sold out fans should expect long lines and difficulty getting through the concourses.  Washroom facilities are more than sufficient on most nights. Return on Investment 4 Buffalo Bisons tickets are usually $20 per game.  General Admission tickets in the left-field corner are available for $17.  Parking can be found for a reasonable price and concession prices are decent. The value of a Bisons game is excellent.  Fans will get an authentic Minor League Baseball experience in a great location.   Extras 3 An extra mark for Buffalo icon Conehead.  The beer vendor who wears a conehead hat has been a staple at Buffalo venues for decades.  He can frequently be found at Sahlen Field.  Fans be sure to watch for the Conehead Guarantee. An extra mark for the I-90 rivalry the Bisons enjoy with the Rochester Red Wings and Syracuse Mets. An extra mark for the MLB Dream finally coming true in Buffalo with the Toronto Blue Jays playing parts of the 2020 and 2021 season at Sahlen Field. Final Thoughts Fans know what to expect when heading to Buffalo to see the Bisons at Sahlen Field.  The Bisons offer a solid venue for baseball and have been consistently one of the best draws in Minor League Baseball.  The team has hit the mark on several promotions that draw massive crowds.  Taking in a Bisons game is a must for all baseball fans. ---- Follow Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 CCBC Catonsville Baseball Field 800 S. Rolling Road Baltimore, MD 21228 CCBC Catonsville Cardinals website CCBC Catonsville Baseball Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 250 Cardinals Baseball One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore County area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but previously operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Catonsville began in 1957, operating out of nearby Catonsville High School. The college is located on the site of the historic Knapp Estate. There is still the manor house of the estate, as well as ruins of various historic buildings scattered around the hilltop campus. The school mascot is the Cardinals and they play ten sports. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The baseball program runs out of the simply named "Baseball Field" which is next to the school's soccer and lacrosse field. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options at or near the baseball field. You are free to bring your own food. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. There are two simple metal bleachers around the main part of the field. They offer decent views of the game, although through chain link fencing. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Catonsville is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the high school and nearby University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Catonsville's main street, Frederick Road, is filled with many food and drink options. Nearby Arbutus will also be a good source of options. We like Sorrentos in the downtown section of Arbutus for a good sub or cheesesteak before the game. Fans 3 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 4 The CCBC Catonsville campus is easy to access, as it is located off Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the field. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. There are many banners and plaques scattered around inside the nearby Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center displaying the various personal and team accomplishments of Cardinals athletes. Final Thoughts The CCBC Catonsville Baseball Stadium is a basic pleasant baseball field located in nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

The earliest known sport to be played in Pensacola is baseball, and can trace its roots back to the days of the Civil War when Union and Confederate soldiers both passed the time by playing early incarnations of the game at Pensacola’s strategic forts, Fort Pickens and Fort Barrancas. The sport would continue to grow and evolve and at the turn of the 20th century, Pensacola was home to several semi-pro teams, and a Navy base that supported several intrasquad teams that played against each other. The popularity of baseball in the area during this time period led to the need to construct a larger stadium to suit the needs of all the teams in the area. Thus in 1911 Maxent Park (later renamed Legion Field in 1927) opened west of downtown on the corner of G Street and Gregory Street. Legion Field Sign, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey There were various ballparks scattered throughout the city but Legion Field remained the go-to place for baseball in Pensacola. In the early years the ballpark had 1,000 wooden seats and was home to various local teams. The 1913 Cleveland Naps (later the Indians) and 1913 Brooklyn Robins (later the Dodgers) held Spring Training here as well. The Pensacola Snappers of the Cotton States League would call the park home in 1913 as well. A fire in 1915 destroyed much of the stadium, but it was rebuilt to a capacity of 4,000 seats. During this time the park was segregated, with only 3,500 white spectators allowed in the grandstands, while the 500 black spectators were required to sit along the left field line bleachers. Legion Field Grandstand in the 20s, Photo Courtesy of Baseball in Pensacola Facebook Page In 1927, the ballpark became home to the Class B (equal to Double A today) Pensacola Fliers of the Southeastern League. The Fliers would fold after the 1930 season and a second Southeastern League team took over in 1937, the Pensacola Pilots, who would play until the outbreak of World War II. During the war many professional ballplayers would enlist, with some even being based in Pensacola. There were various Naval training fields starting to pop up in Pensacola during the war and baseball was very popular with the sailors who were stationed at the bases. Because of this Pensacola had their own little Navy baseball scene with each base having their own team, and Legion Field served as the neutral field for some of these teams. The 1944 Bronson Field Bombers was the most impressive team in the Navy baseball league, led by an outfielder named Ted Williams, who paused his baseball career to serve as a flight instructor and was stationed in Pensacola. Ted Williams Served as a Flight Instructor while Stationed in Pensacola, Photo Courtesy of Baseball in Pensacola Facebook Page Ted Williams’ Bronson Bombers team, Williams is Top Row Sixth from Left, Photo Courtesy of Kenneth Dumas Facebook Page Over the years Legion Field would see other big time baseball players play on the field; the 1924 and 1929 Yankees would play games here. The 1929 team, coming off back to back World Series, were doing their Florida Spring Training exhibition tour when they scheduled an exhibition with the Fliers. In front of a record crowd at Legion Field the Yankees beat the Flyers 12-2. T hat Yankees team would have eight future Hall of Famers on the team including Babe Ruth, who led off the game with a triple, and Lou Gehrig who was hit by a pitch in his first at-bat. Before the game a parade was held in the city with the Yankees team being led down historic Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola. Actual Photo of Babe Ruth at Bat at Legion Field, Photo Courtesy of Baseball in Pensacola Facebook Page Lou Gehrig at Bat during Spring Training in 1929, Photo Courtesy of Baseball in Pensacola Facebook Page Babe Ruth Signed Hundreds of Baseballs during the Two Games he Played in Pensacola, Photo Courtesy of Baseball in Pensacola The Gulf Coast also had a pretty strong Negro League scene with various teams being located all around, from Pensacola to as far away as Mobile and Biloxi. In 1945, the Pensacola Sea Gulls Negro League team would face off against the Kansas City Monarchs, led by a young player named Jackie Robinson. It is unknown if Branch Rickey, the Dodgers GM, was in attendance during this game, but he was in town at the time, as the Brooklyn Dodgers used the nearby Ellyson Fields Naval Base as their minor league Spring Training home during that season. Nonetheless, several years later Rickey would broker a deal to sign Jackie Robinson to the Dodgers, breaking the baseball color barrier and becoming one of the most legendary figures in all of sports. Jackie Robinson during his Stint with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945, Photo Courtesy of Baseball in Pensacola Facebook Page The stadium would see one more big league game on April 2, 1946 when Warren Spahn and the Boston Braves faced off against the Detroit Tigers in an exhibition game the Tigers won 13-6. Minor league baseball would return to Pensacola after the war, with the teams’ nickname being changed back to the Fliers. The Fliers would be affiliated with the Phillies and would call Legion Field home until the league folded after the 1950 season, which would be the end of Legion Field as a professional baseball stadium. Professional baseball would return in 1957 with the Pensacola Dons of the Alabama-Florida League, but the Dons would play at a better ballpark downtown. The Dons would fold after the 1962 season and it would be exactly 50 years before affiliated baseball would return to Pensacola in the form of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos . Color Photo of the Pensacola Fliers, Believed to be from the Early 1950s, Photo Courtesy of Baseball in Pensacola Facebook Page The grandstand was razed in the 1950s, but soon after the site would be purchased by the City of Pensacola and would see new life as part of the city’s parks and recreation facilities. The site now includes a library, rec center, an outdoor fitness center and jogging track, playground, and a football field which is used for youth football games. There is nothing left of the baseball field and you wouldn’t even know there was a former ballpark here at one time. But after doing some research I concluded that the ballpark faced southeast, with the outdoor fitness center occupying the site where home plate would have been, and the playground being where the pitcher’s mound was located. The outfield wall ran parallel to G Street, with the houses providing the backdrop. Random Couch where Left Field Used to be, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey In 1929 Babe Ruth Stepped up to Home Plate and Hit a Triple from where the Far Right Slide is Now, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Concessions Stand where the Third Base Grandstand used to be, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Many Home Runs were Hit onto G Street, also Some of the Houses Shown are still Standing Today, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey View of Legion Field from Right Field in the 1920s and 30s, Photo Courtesy of Baseball in Pensacola Facebook Page View of Legion Field as it looks Today, from what was Right Field, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Even though Legion Field is long gone, it still marked the beginning of a minor league sports scene in Pensacola that would evolve into countless teams and countless future big league ballplayers coming through Pensacola over the years. Blue Wahoos Stadium Opened in 2012 and is where Minor League Baseball in Pensacola is Played Today, Photo Courtesy of Baseball in Pensacola Special thanks to Scott Brown, author of Baseball in Pensacola, who assisted me with research for this article and whose book I used as a reference guide. Scott answered any questions I had and was a great help. If you are interested in more of Pensacola’s unique baseball history I highly recommend getting his book; the book goes into great detail about the history of baseball in the area and is a great read: Baseball in Pensacola: America’s Pastime & the City of Five Flags (Sports): Brown, Scott: 9781609497828

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs 6000 S High St Columbus, OH 43207 Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs website Year Opened: 2012 Harness Racing Ohio Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs is located a few miles south of Columbus, though technically still has a Columbus address. It boasts a horse racing track behind its casino, and unlike many horse racing facilities, Scioto Downs’ only live racing is harness racing (May to September), where the drivers ride in a small cart behind the horse, as opposed to riding the horse itself. Scioto Downs also offers year-round simulcast viewing of horse races happening at other tracks, and besides horse racing, the track also sometimes hosts high school cross country championships.   Food & Beverage   5 There is plenty of food on offer at Scioto Downs – the main draw is the full-service restaurant and bar inside the clubhouse, where you can get table service while you sit and watch the races. Tables must be reserved if you want to sit down in time for the first race, but any unclaimed tables become available on a first come, first served basis 40 minutes after the first post time, which is at 5:50 pm on most race days, so you can grab a table without a reservation starting at 6:30.  There should still be plenty of tables available then, but I would recommend making a reservation.  There is also a Brew Brothers pub inside the casino, but you must be 21 or older to enter any part of the casino. Besides the two restaurants there are a couple of food stands in the adjacent building, as well as next to the track – options include all the standards such as pizza, chicken sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, walking tacos, corn dogs, nachos, tater tots, pretzels, funnel cake, and packaged candy, as well as bottled water, bottled soda, and a full range of beer and cocktails.   Atmosphere   2 Scioto Downs doesn’t have much going on besides the racing itself – in past years they have had races where people dressed up in inflatable costume, like the T-Rex costumer popular at Halloween, but I didn’t see anything like that on my most recent visit. The big draw for most attendees is of course the gambling – I do recommend getting there early, maybe around 5 pm, as they sometimes start the races early without warning (technically your clubhouse table reservation doesn’t open until 5:30, since the first race is supposed to be at 5:50).   Neighborhood   3 Scioto Downs is about 11 miles south of downtown Columbus, but there are still several restaurants nearby, most of which are local diners and pizza places, but you can also find Asian cuisine and a Mexican restaurant, as well as the Ohio staple, Bob Evans. There are a couple of hotels near the track, Budget Inn and Hampton Inn being the closest, and there are also several nearby attractions if you plan to be in town for the day or weekend, especially if you head toward downtown. Columbus Zoo is popular, and if you go to the races in September, you may also be able to take in a Buckeyes  game during your visit.   Fans   3 Scioto Downs has pretty good attendance during most race days, especially up in the clubhouse, and you will see a few folks with children. There is pretty good crowd noise as well, most notably at the end of a close race as people cheer on their favorites, and a lot of hustle and bustle at the concession stands, as well as at the betting machines and betting windows.   Access   4 Getting to Scioto Downs is easy, as it is not far from I-70 and I-71, the two main arteries taking people to the bigger cities north, south, east, and west. Once you get on the property there is plenty of free parking right next to the facility; the track itself is hidden behind the casino; you just need to walk around back. Pro tip – when you get to the casino you should drive your car around back first to see if you can park closer to the racetrack, assuming there are spaces there; on my last two visits I made the mistake of parking way out in front, near the road, instead of checking for parking closer in first. In addition, when going racing don’t mind the signs saying 21 and older – you only have to be 21+ to enter the casino or to make a bet on the ponies; visitors of any age can enter the clubhouse and racetrack. Once you get to the track there is plenty of room trackside and in the clubhouse, and since you don’t have to buy a ticket or show an id to get it, there are no lines. You may have to wait in line at the concessions inside the adjacent building, as those stands tend to stack up, but the ones outside next to the track are very quick.  There are also plenty of different seating options next to the track if you don’t want to sit in the clubhouse.   Return on Investment   5 No cost for admission, and no cost for parking means to a great return on investment, and it was fun to see a different kind of racing.  I would definitely recommend a visit, especially if you have never seen horse racing, or harness racing, before. Also, it is worth a visit even if you are not a big gambler – technically the minimum bet is only 10 cents or 50 cents, worst case 2 dollars, so you can have a bet just for fun without taking much of a risk. Note that the 10 cent and 50 cent bets are for superfectas and trifectas, which aren’t offered on every single race, but are offered during most races.  Standard bets like picking the horse to simply win, or place, or show, start at $2. During my last visit I introduced some family members to the trifecta box wager – for $3 you can pick the first 3 horses to come in, in any order, and they had a blast with that. We didn’t come out ahead, to be sure, but we only lost a few dollars on each race, so it was totally worth it just for the fun.   Extras   3 The casino that is part of the facility is a nice feature if you are into that sort of thing, and being able to see harness racing is a unique feature, since you can’t see that type of racing at most horse racing tracks. They also sell track souvenirs, like t-shirts, in the building next to the clubhouse (walk out the left side of the clubhouse, then go down the stairs and up the other set). The staff also had a charity activity for the kids set up during my most recent visit in front of that adjacent building – it was nice to see them supporting the local community like that.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Carilion Clinic Field 1008 Texas St Salem, VA 24153 Salem Red Sox website Carilion Clinic Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 6,300 Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark – Salem Red Sox Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, the city of Salem has hosted minor league baseball since the 1930s. Though much of that minor league baseball was hosted just down the street at Kiwanis Park , the Salem Red Sox have been one of three affiliated minor league teams to call Carilion Clinic Field home since it opened in 1995. Food & Beverage 4 With several concession stands around the stadium, the Salem Red Sox serves up an extensive menu. Along with all the typical stadium food, several stands have their themes. The Bigs, located on the secondary concourse along the first baseline, serves specialty hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. This stand has the feel that each menu item is its food challenge – no other menu option displays this more than the “Fat Sandwich”, consisting of chicken tenders, mozzarella cheese sticks, fries, and marinara Sauce. Alternatively, Buckets on the third base side has many fried options, including chicken wings, cheese curds, mini corn dogs, and even a bucket of fried veggies for those looking for a…healthy…option. In addition, tucked away under the first base bleachers, The Cantina might have the most culinarily advanced choices with their street tacos and quesadillas. Carilion Clinic Field also serves a wide array of alcoholic beverages; local breweries Ole Salem Brewing Company and Big Lick Brewing are two of the featured local beers served. Seltzers, wine, and premixed drinks are also served. There are also a handful of non-alcoholic brews, along with a full variety of Pepsi beverages and sports drinks for non-beer drinkers. Atmosphere 3 As fans initially enter Carilion Clinic Field, they are greeted by a wide-opening view of the field-level seating bowl, as well as the mountainous backdrop. A large bar sits just steps from the front gates to greet fans and quench their thirst as they initially survey the stadium. The seating bowl is broken into two general areas, and there is no overhang or roof to the seating bowl providing shelter from the elements. The stadium has the feel of one large concrete edifice – it is somewhat reminiscent of PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders , before its renovations in 2013. When it comes to the in-game presentation, on-field contests, and scoreboard games are like those found at many stadiums around the county, although there does not appear to be much that is regionally unique or a new take on an old favorite. Fans seem to only have a passing interest in most of the contests or games; even the Red Sox’s tradition of Sweet Caroline played in the middle of the 8th inning garners minimal involvement. Coming out of the 2021 reorganization of minor league baseball, Salem saw their Red Sox affiliation move to Class-A from their previous High-A status. With a capacity of 6,300 fans, Carilion Clinic Field is the third largest in the Carolina League, though the size of the stadium for the classification just makes the stadium seem too large given the typical attendance. For those who enjoy the serenity of simply being at a ballpark with breathtaking views while taking in the game, Carilion Clinic Field will suffice, but a bit is missing when it comes to the overall entertainment value of the experience. Neighborhood 3 Salem sits just east of the Appalachian Mountains that run up the eastern shore board, and they are prominently visible behind the first base side of the stadium. Carilion Clinic Field itself is just about a mile from the cozy downtown of Salem, Virginia, and the campus of Roanoke College. The baseball stadium is part of the City of Salem’s athletic facilities, sandwiched between Salem Stadium, which has twice hosted the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl (NCAA’s Division III football national championship game), and the Salem Civic Center . Though there are not a lot of pre-game entertainment options at the stadium itself, downtown Salem does have several restaurants where fans can easily grab a bite to eat. Fans 2 Salem’s attendance ranks in the bottom third of teams in the Carolina League, but it will see spikes throughout the year for popular promotion nights. Of those who do turn out, their attention does seem to be on the game, but there is not much when it comes to the atmosphere created by the fans. Every stadium is going to have its diehards, but many of the fans here seem to be at the ballpark only for the social aspect of the evening. Access 3 Salem is located just off I-81 in the northern Virginia mountains. It is commonly used as an alternate route to avoid some of the traffic around the larger cities along I-95. With its proximity to the interstate, getting to the Carilion Clinic Field is rather direct. Once at the stadium, the parking lot does not have a lot of attendants, so where to go can get a bit confusing, but once parked the front gates are just a short walk away. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are a bit difficult to figure out given the team’s average attendance. Upper-level seating, which is general admission seats, runs $13 and seems to be a touch high given the smaller crowds. The best tickets for the money, though, are the $19 Strike Zone seats that make up the four field-level sections behind home plate and also have an in-seat concession service. You are paying more for the ticket, but the extra $6 for a seat this close to home plate is worth the extra charge. Given there is no charge for parking and concessions are fairly priced, fans are getting their money’s worth here. Extras 3 The external concourse is adorned with banners of many of the more high-profile players to have come through Salem, on their way to careers in the Majors. Behind the third base side bleachers is a wiffle ball field built to Fenway Park specifications, complete with a Green Monster, center field triangle, and right field bullpen – all that is missing is the Citgo sign. The views of the surrounding mountains and other nearby peaks are stunning and create some amazing sunsets. Final Thoughts Baseball stadiums are different than those of other sports, in that the natural surroundings play an important role in how memorable an experience a visit can be. The views at Carilion Clinic Field provided by the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide possibly the most impressive backdrop in all of the Carolina League. Though the overall fan involvement in games tends to be inconsistent and does impact the atmosphere of the game, there is enough serenity from the setting, and enough variety of food items, to visit Carilion Clinic Field an enjoyable experience.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field 5441 GA Hwy 20 Cartersville, GA 30121 Cartersville Cannons website Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2024 Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field – Cartersville Cannons Even before the college baseball regular season comes to an end, summer collegiate baseball leagues are already starting up. Established in 2005, the Sunbelt Baseball League (SBL) is a summer collegiate wood bat league that plays baseball at college and high school fields around the metro Atlanta area and into Alabama. A new addition to the Sunbelt Baseball League for the 2024 season is the Cartersville Cannons, who call the new Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field home. Like many teams in the SBL, their roster is comprised of a diverse collection of players from all NCAA levels, NAIA, and junior college programs. However, most players do tend to be from the area, or play on a nearby collegiate team.   Food & Beverage   4 The traditional concession stand at Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field is not in use for Sunbelt League Baseball games. Instead, food trucks provide a variety of food, drinks, and sweet treats. While the selection of trucks may vary from game to game, fans can expect to find the ballpark staples. During my most recent visit, The Sloppy Skillet truck was serving Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Nachos, and Sloppy Dogs, along with smash burgers and other fare.  A well-rounded selection of sides were also available. For those who might need to cool down from the Georgia summer heat, a second food truck offers flavored shaved ice and candy.   Atmosphere   2 Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field is new but relatively basic – the stadium is situated in a wide-open field with Georgia pines as a distant backdrop, and is neighbored by the school’s matching softball complex. A brick and concrete grandstand extends from dugout to dugout, featuring a mix of aluminum-backed benches and individual, fixed-back seats behind home plate. The upper row of seating is spacious enough to accommodate tailgating chairs, which several fans make use of. Mid-inning changes are typically uneventful, with only music playing as teams switch from batting to the field. There are no ad reads, on-field contests, nor other types of mid-inning fan engagements. Instead, baseball with the Cartersville Cannons offers a very straightforward experience, without the thrills that have become commonplace at many other baseball venues.   Neighborhood   2 Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field is located on the westernmost edge of campus in the northwestern Georgia town of Cartersville. The park is just under four miles from downtown Cartersville, which has a high concentration of independently owned restaurants and shops. Closer to the field on Highway 41, visitors can find a variety of regional and national chain eateries, one of the more popular being the uniquely southern Guthrie's and their chicken fingers. Cartersville is steeped in American history – south of the city, just off the banks of the Etowah River, are the Etowah Indian Mounds, while a bit further out is the Civil War site of the Allatoona Pass Battlefield, part of Sherman’s March to the Sea. In addition, closer to the Georgia Highlands campus, Savoy Automobile Museum is just an open field away from the ballpark.   Fans   2 The Cannons draw modest crowds, typically around 50 fans per game. The crowd mainly consists of family members along with a small contingent of friends and college teammates. There does not seem to be an overabundance of younger fans in attendance. Fans are generally more subdued than at regular season games, but still react to good plays on the field, and will also let umpires hear their displeasure over questionable calls, too.   Access   3 Just under two miles off I-75, which regionally runs between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field is a fairly straight shot once off the interstate. However, driving from Atlanta can be a bit of a challenge due to typically congested traffic through Cobb County to the south of Cartersville. Once at the baseball/softball complex, parking is just a short walk to the baseball stadium. Ramps provide access to the lower section of the grandstand on both sides, serving as the only walkways for fans to use. Wheelchair-accessible areas and seating for those who may have difficulty traversing stairs are also available. Overall, Georgia Highlands has done a good job of providing a hassle-free experience for all attendees.   Return on Investment   5 With an entrance fee of $7, the expense is reasonable for summer collegiate baseball, especially considering that some teams in the league charge more. The food trucks charge restaurant rates for their offerings, but the portions are generous and appropriate for the price.   Extras   1 As previously mentioned, the seating layout for those with mobility challenges greatly enhances the experience, making the facility accessible for all. Companion seating adjacent to wheelchair cutouts goes the extra yard.   Final Thoughts Cannons baseball may not be at the top of the list of must-see summer collegiate baseball destinations, but it offers a night of baseball where the game is the main attraction. As Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field matures, it should only further enhance the Cartersville Cannons baseball experience.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company Arena @ North Dumfries Community Complex 2958 Greenfield Road Ayr, ON N0B 1E0 Ayr Centennials website North Dumfries Community Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,475 Making Junior B Waves In 1982 the Ayr Centennials were part of the fourth tier Southern Junior D Hockey League.  A reorganization of the Ontario Hockey Association in 1991 saw the end of Junior D hockey and the Centennials moved to the Junior Development League.  In 2006 the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League and in 2012 the entire league moved up to the Junior C level.  After some success at the Junior C level, the Centennials made a huge move in 2020.  The Centennials purchased the Kitchener Dutchmen, who were part of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, playing at the Junior B level.  The Centennials would rebrand as the Dutchmen, who were originally founded in 1956 as the Kitchener Greenshirts, and begin the 2021-2022 season in Ayr as the new Junior B Centennials.  It wouldn’t be long until the newborn Centennials would experience tragedy.  On August 30, 2022, Centennials captain Eli Palfreyman collapsed in the dressing room during a preseason game intermission and died later in the hospital.  Home for the Centennials is the Ayr Mutual Farmers Insurance Company Arena @ North Dumfries Community Complex.  As part of a larger recreation facility, the Ayr Farmers Mutual Arena first welcomed the Centennials in 2011 and is a hub for the small community of Ayr found at the southwest tip of Waterloo Region in Ontario.  With a modest capacity of 1,475, including 900 seats, the Ayr Farmers Mutual Arena and Centennials have made the GOJHL take notice that they belong at the Junior B level.  The Centennials are community-owned and currently the Junior B affiliate of the Guelph Storm . Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand at the North Dumfries Community Complex.  The Breakaway Cafe is on the upper level near the arena entrance.  For a small-town arena snack bar, the selections are pretty varied.  Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, and just about anything that is deep fried is for sale.  This included onion rings, fries, chicken burgers, and fingers as well as pogos, deep-fried pickles, and mozza sticks.  Cake pops are also on the menu along with candy and chocolate for those who have a sweet tooth.  Beverages include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Pepsi products, and a variety of other energy drinks.  There did not appear to be any beer for sale at North Dumfries Community Complex. Atmosphere 2 The North Dumfries Community Complex is a hub for community activities of all sorts for Ayr.  It houses a variety of recreational facilities including meeting rooms, soccer fields, a splash pad, and a skate park. The exterior features an attractive grey brick with blue trim look.  Entering the complex, the eyeline is immediately brought to the stairs which ascend to the arena and descend to ice level.  Right beside the breezeway to the dressing rooms are several framed jerseys of Ayr residents who have gone on to play professional or Major Junior hockey.  These include Kyle Knechtel, Ben McFarlane, Henry Maracle, Kyle Clifford, and Jay Wells.  On the upper level, there are several Ayr Centennials markings letting fans know this is the home of the new Junior B team.  A temporary ticket table welcomes fans as well as a temporary table with team merchandise right in front of a large trophy case, which mainly houses youth hockey achievements. Entering the Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company Arena, fans are shocked with the cutting cold of the arena.  Gloves and a jacket are recommended.  The ice runs from south to north with the centre ice featuring double logos, making pictures perfect from either the east or west.  There are some banners of note that hang in the Ayr Farmers Mutual Arena.  Youth hockey banners hang at the north end and the 2021-2022 selection of Ayr as a host city for Rogers Hometown Hockey is commemorated on a banner at the south end.  Six Ayr Centennials championship banners hang on the west wall.  These include a SOJHL championship in 2013; MHL championships in 2015 and 2016 and a PJHL championship in 2017.  All championships were won at the Junior C level and culminated with a pair of Schmalz Cup Championships in 2016 and 2017.  A simple hockey scoreboard hangs above centre ice.  The seating bowl features four rows of plastic seats with a running track behind the seats.  Unfortunately, the sightlines from the seats are not great, and finding a good seat could be a challenge depending on what denotes a typical hockey experience.  The best seats are probably in the south and north ends.  Fans who wish to watch from either the east or west sides may consider the standing room behind the seating bowl for the best sight lines.  The Ayr Farmers Mutual Arena has clear netting around the entire ice as opposed to just the ends.  There did not seem to be permanent recognition of former captain Eli Palfreyman, who passed away before the 2022-2023 season.  However, with the event still fresh, there may be plans for a permanent recognition in the arena underway.  At the end of the game, the players skate over to the corner to greet Eli’s mom in a nice tradition happening in Ayr. The gameday production at an Ayr Centennials game is fairly simple.  The PA system is good and there are not many bells or whistles, which is a refreshing change from some of the overproduced hockey experiences at higher levels.  The PA announcer does a decent job, but at times is a little over the top with the calls. Neighbourhood 2 Ayr is located in the township of North Dumfries and the southwest corner of Waterloo Region in Ontario.  It is southwest of Kitchener and northwest of Brantford with a small population of 5,300.  The North Dumfries Community Complex is north of town and is fairly isolated.  For fans looking for some pre or post-game fare, heading into Ayr is the best idea, and checking out Abe Erb, Willibald Farm and Brewery, or Gus and Guido’s Backyard would be the choices.  For other sporting options, fans will be required to head to Brantford or Kitchener to get their fix.  The Rangers  or Bulldogs of the OHL will fit the bill.  Other tourist options to consider nearby include Snyder’s Family Farm.  For fans staying in the area, heading to Kitchener, Cambridge, or Brantford for accommodations would be the best option. Fans 3 The Ayr Centennials enjoy solid support in the Junior B GOJHL.  In the 2022-2023 season, the Centennials averaged 480 fans per game, above the league average of 399.  At the time of writing, in the 2023-2024 season, the Centennials averaged 516 fans per game, again ahead of the league average of 418.  The Centennials ranked 6th and 7th in the 23-team GOJHL in the two seasons respectively.  At the game reviewed, perpetual teenagers were running around the track, showing the Centennials was the place to be on a Thursday night in Ayr.  The fans in attendance are passionate and supportive of their team.   Access 4 North Dumfries Community Complex is located north of Ayr, south of Highway 401.  Fans coming from out of town should not have to traverse the town to get to the arena.  Traffic moves smoothly both during pre and post-game.  There is a large parking lot able to support enough traffic for the game and the parking is free.  There is no public transit that goes to the North Dumfries Community Complex. Getting around the North Dumfries Community Complex and Ayr Farmers Mutual Arena is very easy and there is plenty of room for all.  The washroom facilities are also decent in this modern facility. Return on Investment 4 In an era of rising costs for the sporting experience, the Ayr Centennials offer terrific value.  Tickets for adults are $12 and $10 for students or seniors.  Kids are only $5 unless they are under 5 years old, where they are free.  Tickets are only purchased at the door.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent.  The product on the ice is solid hockey and the gameday production, although simple, is decent.  Overall, the math shows that the investment is very small and the return is more than sufficient for the investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Ayr Centennials being selected as part of the 2021-2022 Rogers Hometown Hockey series, which was part of the Hockey Night in Canada production.  An explanation of the Centennials and Hometown Hockey can be found here . An extra mark for the highlighting of Ayr personalities who have gone on to play higher levels of hockey, including Jay Wells and Kyle Clifford. An extra mark for the Centennials making the move to Junior B and the GOJHL. Final Thoughts For fans who are looking for a pure hockey experience that is inexpensive and satisfying, considering some Junior B, Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League action and more specifically the Ayr Centennials is a great idea.  The experience and support in Ayr is solid and the Ayr Mutual Farmers Insurance Company Arena is a decent facility.  Hopefully, the Centennials will continue to have success as they make their way through the Junior B landscape, and prove that they belong in the GOJHL. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sports Backers Stadium 100 Avenue of Champions Richmond, VA 23230 VCU Rams website Sports Backers Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,250 The Ram’s Backers Although sports fans in Richmond, Virginia may not have heard of Sports Backers Stadium or been inside, many of them have seen it even if they do not realize it. This is because the stadium is located across the parking lot from The Diamond, home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team. Many fans have seen the exterior of the stadium while at a Squirrels game. However, Sports Backers Stadium is more than just that “other” stadium in the parking lot – it is home to the college soccer team of Virginia Commonwealth University, also known as VCU. The Rams men’s soccer program has enjoyed some success, making the tournament six times between 1997 and 2004, culminating with a quarterfinal appearance in the latter year. In the middle of this winning streak, the Rams moved into Sports Backers Stadium in 1999. Located about three miles from VCU’s campus, the stadium has been their home ever since. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at Sports Backers Stadium to the left of the main entrance, which serves a decent range of food. Hot dogs, candy, popcorn, kettle corn, hot pretzels, and more snacks are available, and, extremely unusually for college soccer, alcohol is as well. There will typically be a concession special which will vary by game and may include items not normally available – when Stadium Journey visited, fans could purchase taquitos and a margarita for $12. Outside food and beverage cannot be brought into the stadium. Bizarrely, there was a food truck parked in the parking lot when we visited, but food purchased there could not be brought in. Atmosphere 4 Sports Backers Stadium is a nicely built stadium compared to many used for college soccer. Walking through the main gates will put you on a concourse, and you then walk through a portal into the bleachers and your seat. Most of the seats are bleachers, but there are some chairbacks near midfield. Seating is all general admission, but you should have no problem getting a chairback for most games no matter when you arrive. The stands are separated from the field by a running track, which makes the sightlines worse than they would be at many places, but you can still see the action well. A scoreboard with video capabilities is located at one end, but the actual score graphic only takes up a small portion of the screen and can be hard to read. The Rams’ mascot, Rodney, hangs out with fans in the stands during games and tries to get the crowd involved. As at many soccer stadiums, the energy here is really created by the fans. Rams fans are rowdy, and when they get involved, the atmosphere here can be phenomenal. Neighborhood 3 There is not much to do in the immediate vicinity of The Diamond, but your best bet is to head to the Carytown neighborhood a couple of miles away. There is where one can find numerous businesses and restaurants. Carytown Burges & Fries is one local favorite, as is the Galaxy Diner. Those looking for other entertainment while in town can check out the Byrd Theatre, also in Carytown. History buffs might enjoy the numerous Civil War sites located in and around Richmond, which was of course the former capital of the Confederacy and played a major role in the war. Fans 4 VCU fans may not fill up the rather spacious stadium, but they are a rowdy bunch. From the start of the game when the Rams are introduced, they will be loudly cheering their teams. During big moments in the game and after VCU goals, the fans will stomp on the metal bleachers, clap, and shout, and it can get quite loud here. The large size means Sports Backers Stadium almost never fills up all the way, but the fans here can still make it quite an intimidating place for visiting teams to play. Access 4 Sports Backers Stadium is located conveniently just off I-95 via Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Parking is available in the lots of The Diamond and is normally free, but there may be a charge for early season games when the Flying Squirrels play the same day. Getting into and around the stadium is easy via the spacious concourses. Restrooms are under the bleachers and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds. Getting out of Sports Backers Stadium after the game is easy enough as well, as the traffic flow of the lot was designed for much larger crowds at Flying Squirrels games. Although the VCU campus is located three miles away, there is a free shuttle bus taking students to and from the game. However, this is not available to members of the public coming from Downtown Richmond. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $7 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. VCU students get in free. This is a bit on the high end for college soccer, where many venues are free, but the price isn’t outrageous and this is a pretty nice stadium. Ultimately, the $7 is still a good deal. Extras 2 There is a marketing table on the concourse which gives away programs, posters, and other items. A second star for all the promotional nights and giveaways VCU offers throughout the season, such as Ted Lasso Night and Trick or Treat. Final Thoughts Although most fans in Richmond just know Sports Backers Stadium as that soccer field next to The Diamond, it is a very nice stadium in its own right as well. Although college soccer will never be as big here as the Rams’ legendary basketball team, a VCU soccer game can still be a great experience on a fall evening.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Morton Field 153 Piggery Road Augusta, ME 04330 Augusta Surgin' Sturgeon website Morton Field website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 1,800 Surgin’ Sturgeon Time On farmland that was originally used to grow crops and raise pigs for the nearby hospital, Morton Field in Maine’s capital city of Augusta has often been used for Babe Ruth League games, as well as being the home field of the Cony High School Rams. Morton Field is part of the larger Capital Area Recreation Association complex, commonly referred to as “CARA”. Morton Field joins the mix as a host site in the Greater Northeast Collegiate Baseball League (GNCBL) as home to the Augusta Surgin’ Sturgeon, one of five teams in the newly reorganized league. In years past a handful of teams would play at rotating sites across southern Maine and into New Hampshire. However, the sale of the league in the spring of 2024 brought a new twist to the GNCBL, such that each of the five teams in the league now has their own designated home field, for the first time since the inception of the league.   Food & Beverage   3 Morton Field is one of a handful of facilities in the GNCBL which offers concessions. Items include hand-grilled hot dogs, burgers, fries, onion rings, ice cream novelties, and assorted candy. Bottled Coke products are also available. While the selection is typical for similar venues, the hand-grilled burgers and hot dogs add a bit to the overall enjoyment.   Atmosphere   2 Part of the CARA complex, Morton Field is just one of several facilities here which include other baseball fields for various levels, softball and soccer fields, and basketball hoops and horseshoe pits. Everything about Morton Field screams Maine, from the pinewood that protects the 12-foot well to the short 280’ right field porch. Beyond the wall also runs a patch of pine trees, giving the area another ever-so-subtle touch of Maine. Bleacher seating extends between the dugouts and eleven rows up, topped by a modest press box. This area provides little shade from the sun that sets just beyond the left field fence, so many fans choose to spread out along the grassy hillside on the third base side of the field, which does have some shade. The game presentation at Morton Field focuses solely on the game itself – there is no walk-up music for batters and no music or on-field games between innings, leaving the game as the sole source of entertainment, and it works just fine.   Neighborhood   3 Morton Field is located across Kennebec River from downtown Augusta, just over two miles from Water Street, which features a variety of locally owned shops and restaurants, popular eateries such as State Lunch and Cushnoc Brewing Company, and several other restaurants, all located just feet away from Kennebec River Rail Trail. On the opposite side of the river is the Augusta Greenway Trail and Old Fort Western, a historic site from the French and Indian War era that is open to visitors. This area is just a short walk from the Maine State Capitol grounds.   Fans   2 Attendees consist mostly of the families and friends of players. They are actively involved in cheering on their team, mostly calling out cues for players to be patient and wait for their pitch. There is little in the way of fan interaction initiated by anything other than the play on the field.   Access   2 Getting to Augusta is straightforward, with I-295 providing a quicker route with fewer tolls compared to the more inland I-95. Those coming from the north will likely use I-95 until reaching Augusta. Morton Field is located on the opposite side of the river from the Augusta business district and state buildings. Upon reaching the CARA complex, the facility is at the end of a long, narrow dirt and gravel road that has several speed bumps along the way. There is a large parking lot beyond the field, but most attendees park in the grassy area along the road, leaving just a short walk to the field.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets for Surgin’ Sturgeon games go for under $6. For those paying cash, a flat fee of $5 can be paid, while those paying by card are charged a convenience fee, the same as that for online purchasers. Concession prices are a touch higher than at typical concession stands, but the higher quality of the hand-grilled burgers and dogs seems to justify the prices.   Extras   1 Morton Field gives a handful of options to kids who might find sitting through a full game too much – from chasing foul balls to just having space to play catch on their own, there is plenty here to occupy their time.   Final Thoughts Morton Field is a basic high school baseball facility that does not come with a lot of extras to complement the game, but it does provide fans with a comfortable summer baseball experience. The facility also gives fans several seating options, along with above-average food options, while the nearby city center gives visitors to Augusta several places to visit before the first pitch.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 HTC Center 104 Founders Dr Conway, SC 29526 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers website HTC Center website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 3,600 The Real Teal Deal Coastal Carolina University is in Conway, SC. Conway is located ninety miles north of Charleston and 130 miles east of Columbia along the Atlantic Ocean coast. It is a suburb of Myrtle Beach, SC, one of the top beaches along the east coast. The school has an enrollment of 10,500 students and offers 95 Baccalaureate degree programs and 27 Master’s level programs. The basketball team at Coastal Carolina University plays in the HTC Student Recreation and Convocation Center (we will call it the HTC Center for brevity’s sake) on the CCU campus. The HTC Center opened in 2012 and hosts both the men’s and women’s basketball programs as well as both volleyball teams. The arena holds 3,600 fans in its basketball configuration. The facility is awash in the teal colors used by all the Coastal Carolina teams (the turf at the CCU football stadium is even teal). The arena features chairback seating, with a center-hung scoreboard and large video boards at each end of the court. HTC Center-Hung Scoreboard, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The HTC also serves as the student recreation center for the campus. It offers several on-campus dining options, as well as a full-service fitness center. It is centrally located on the campus of Coastal Carolina University. Coastal Carolina teams originally played in the Big South Conference but moved to the Sun Belt Conference in 2016. The basketball program has won four championships and played in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament twice. Food & Beverage 3 The HTC Center offers two sets of concession choices. The first selection is four basic concession stands located on each corner of the concourse. They offer the staples of any college concession stand. This includes hot dogs ($4), popcorn ($3), candy ($2), Pepsi brand sodas ($5), coffee ($3), beer ($6), and Aquafina brand water ($4). The second option is the Pie by Night pizza stand on the main concourse. It offers seven different 12-inch pizzas for $7.99, with garlic knots ($4.29) and breadsticks ($5.49) available as sides. Wings are also available for $8.99. Pie by Night also offers smoothies in five assorted flavors for $4. Pepsi brand sodas are $5, and bottled water is $3. Atmosphere 4 The HTC Center provides an excellent environment for a Chanticleer basketball game.  The seating area is one level, so fans are never more than twenty-four rows from the court. The seating is on all four sides of the court, which assists the Chanticleers by creating a high volume of cheers from the home crowd. Chauncey, the team’s rooster mascot, is always on hand to keep the energy level at a fever pitch. The court in the basketball arena features a striking graphics package of teal and black. The center court features a huge Chanticleer logo. Chauncey, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Coastal Carolina University is on the outskirts of Conway, SC. Conway is a small town of 17,000 and lies along the Waccamaw River. The town offers a wide variety of great experiences for visitors. It has a large historic district. There are also several wonderful seafood restaurants, art galleries and shops in a very walkable environment. Recommended places for a bite are the Rivertown Bistro or Crooked Oak Tavern (a farm-to-table restaurant). Conway has a mile-long riverwalk with signage provided to educate walkers about the natural habitat of the river area. The immediate area around the school is along Highway 501, and it offers a wide variety of choices for fine dining and lodging ( Comfort Suites or bed and breakfast Cypress Inn are good choices). Conway is just ten miles away from the tourist mecca of Myrtle Beach, SC. Myrtle Beach offers a great beach, a wide variety of attractions, beach activities, entertainment venues, and clubs along the Grand Strand. If your time is limited, we recommend the Broadway on the Beach complex. This one-stop destination features restaurants (Hard Rock Café, Wahlburger’s and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen), entertainment (Ripley’s Aquarium, Broadway Grand Prix, Hollywood Wax Museum) and a waterpark (Myrtle Waves Water Park). Fans 3 The nickname for Coastal Carolina teams is the Chanticleers. A chanticleer is a rooster based on Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The university’s chanticleer is a fierce competitor and a proud rooster. He uses his vast knowledge, his wits, and cunning to come out on top in any situation. The Chanticleer’s fans are easy to spot in their teal outfits. They even have developed their hand signals to show their support for the team. It is known as the Chants Up, and it consists of the thumb and pointer finger coming together to form a beak, with the remaining three fingers fanning out to resemble the feather comb atop the rooster’s head. All manner of Chanticleer gear is available at the school bookstore, which is also located in the HTC Center.  The student body is incredibly supportive of the team, and they fill the bleachers at the ends of the court. Season ticket holders, alumni, and locals are seated on the sides of the court, which feature chairback seating. Major donors have access to suites atop the seating bowl on both sides. Coastal Carolina has become the adopted school for the large retirement population who have relocated to the area. They take advantage of some of the senior enrichment courses that the university offers and are frequent visitors to the school’s athletic events. Access 3 Coastal Carolina University offers easy access via air or major roadways. Myrtle Beach International Airport is sixteen miles from the campus. It is also easy to reach via I-95.  You’ll definitely be driving to Conway for a game, as there aren’t many other transit options available. If you’re staying in Myrtle Beach, expect a 15-20 minute drive. Traffic in the area can be a problem during spring break and the summertime when the tourists flood the area. However, the basketball season ends before the tourist season begins, so you should not experience much of a problem during your visit. Free parking is available on campus in lots 21, YY and WW. Shuttles will then take you to the HTC Center. Return on Investment 3 A night or afternoon out at a Chanticleer game will not cost you an arm and a leg. Tickets cost $20 and parking is free. Concessions can vary in price. The typical sports menu of hot dogs, sodas, popcorn and hamburgers is very reasonably priced. Some of the premium items offered at the HTC Center are sold at higher prices. Extras 3 The HTC Center hosted four Big South Conference Tournaments while it was a member of the conference. The halls surrounding the arena at the HTC Center are lined with information on the various athletic achievements of the school, and the exploits of some of its top athletes of the past. Coastal Carolina’s proximity to Myrtle Beach is also a major extra as it offers a wide variety of pre-game or post-game options for dining and entertainment. CCU Banner Years, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The Chanticleers athletic department has a lot to crow about, as it has some of the nicest athletic facilities in the Sun Belt Conference. The HTC Center offers a modern facility with the latest technology and a striking graphics package that is heavy on the teal team colors for which the school is famous.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dignity Health Sports Park 18400 Avalon Boulevard Carson, CA 90746 LA Galaxy website Dignity Health Sports Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 27,000 A Galaxy of Fun It’s been often said that soccer is the world’s most popular sport. Unfortunately, its popularity has not always reached the same fevered pitch in the United States. Major League Soccer (MLS), formed in 1995, began to play in 1996 with 10 teams, growing to 12 teams in 1998. During its early years, MLS would experience some rough times, with two teams folding after the 2001 season. Also during its early years, MLS would experiment with the rules in order to reach out to an Americanized audience. The league would also market itself around the talents of U.S. players such as Landon Donovan. With the expansion of stadiums designed primarily for soccer, MLS has long rebounded and today currently has 20 teams. The L.A. Galaxy, one of the original 10 teams who began play in 1996, played initially in the storied Rose Bowl and would remain there until 2003. At the site of the 1994 World Cup, crowds at Galaxy games were often sparse. Only the Columbus Crew played in a soccer-specific stadium as other teams often found themselves using NFL stadiums, where oftentimes the venues were practically empty. Upon moving to the StubHub Center in 2003, then known as the Home Depot Center, the Galaxy would move into a much more intimate 27,000-seat stadium. Aside from soccer, the facility also houses a velodrome, a track, and field, and a tennis stadium, located right next to the soccer facility. In Jan 2019, the venue name changed from the StubHub Center to Dignity Health Sports Park. Food & Beverage 4 The StubHub Center offers a vast variety of food and drink options. Your standard stadium fare of hot dogs, sausages, pizza, nachos, and popcorn (ranging from $4.75-$9.50) is all here. The Backstage or Ultimate Burger is also available in the north concourse toward the tennis stadium for $14-$15. For those of you with hearty appetites, My Father's BBQ is also located in the north concourse offering up Angus Beef Brisket or Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches, as well as BBQ chicken plates. Each plate is $15 and comes with Texas Toast and two sides. Coca-Cola soda products range from $4.50 for a regular, $5.50 for a large, and $6.50 for a souvenir cup. A wide range of alcoholic beverages is available throughout the entire concourse as well as over at Rock N Brews, costing anywhere from $9 for your basic draft (Bud Light), $12 for your more premium drafts (Guinness), up to $15 for premium bottled beer (Stone IPA, and Redd’s Apple Ale). For those of you bringing your sweet tooth to the game, churros are available as well as those delicious cinnamon rolls from Cinnabon, with hot chocolate and Starbucks coffee to perhaps go with your cinnamon roll. These sweet treats are available at “The Kick.” Should that day’s event be a scorcher, Italian Ice, coming in lemon, blue raspberry, cherry, mango, and the flavor of the day are also available for $6. If you can’t decide, you are free to sample each flavor. Atmosphere 5 Whether you are a die-hard or new to the sport, you will be amazed at the passion displayed by the fans throughout the game. With a capacity of 27,000, there is absolutely no bad seat in the house, offering great sight lines where one is never far from the action. Also, the majority of the seats are covered by huge overhangs which no doubt help in keeping crowd noise amplified throughout the match. From the first minute, all the way to the ninetieth it is a never-ending party in the stands as the fans continuously show their support, maintaining their energy throughout the game. Neighborhood 3 Aside from a KFC on Avalon, the surrounding area around the StubHub Center does not really offer much in regards to pre/post-game dining and entertainment. However, the stadium is centrally located between Downtown L.A. and Long Beach, which are great options if you are staying anywhere near L.A.X. If heading toward Long Beach, The Pike offers up a good variety of bars and restaurants, among them the Beachwood BBQ and Brewing. Should you decide to head toward Downtown LA, there is always L.A. Live across the street from the Staples Center. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to take in a sporting event at both the Staples and StubHub Center. However, if you are going to a sporting event or just about anywhere in Los Angeles, chances are you will not be staying anywhere close to the venue you plan to visit, thus you will probably be driving, something that requires a lot of patience in Los Angeles. Lodging around the StubHub Center is all but non-existent, however, about a five-minute drive from the stadium is an Extended Stay America. Being that almost everything in Los Angeles is spread out, you may want to do some extensive planning of your route beforehand. Fans 5 There are several L.A. Galaxy Supporters Groups throughout the stands. The most popular groups are the Galaxians, Angel City Brigade, and L.A. Riot Squad. Throughout the entire game, they can be seen waving their flags, singing, and chanting. Their involvement in the game is evident and spreads throughout the rest of the stadium as well. Cozmo, the Galaxy mascot is actively involved throughout the stadium getting the other sections involved. With all the passion displayed in the stands, a Galaxy game is still a great family experience. Though Major League Soccer is a great distance behind the other major sports in regards to popularity, the L.A. Galaxy fans are some of the most vocal in sports, and they really add to the game experience with their high level of enthusiasm that is felt and spread throughout the entire venue. Access 4 Parking around the StubHub Center is plentiful, with certain gates opening up to seven hours before kickoff for those wanting to do some pre-game tailgating, with charcoal dispensers available on site. Parking prices range from $15 for general parking to $30 for preferred. As with any venue in Los Angeles, chances are you will be driving a good distance and with the Stubhub Center located in Carson, you will want to give yourself ample time. Though there are no direct freeway routes and the fact the drive may be a good distance from where you may be staying, the StubHub Center is accessible through various streets and freeways, particularly the 110, 91, and 405 freeways. The concourses inside the stadium are very wide, particularly those in the east section with plenty of concessions to navigate. The concourse circles the entire stadium, so you can walk throughout during a break in the action, or even during the game for those who want to move around. Also available throughout the concourses are plenty of TV screens so you won’t miss any of the on-field action. Picnic tables are plentiful in both the east and north concourses as well as charging stations. Return on Investment 3 Compared to the price of admission to view other sporting events in L.A., prices for an L.A. Galaxy game are somewhat reasonable though still a bit steep for an MLS game. The lowest price for a game is $19.50 on the upper sidelines, while General Admission will go for $25. Everything else will range from $27-$300. If you are looking for a good vantage point, then sit on either sideline, where ticket prices range from $35.50 to $59.50 for a midfield reserved seat. If you are looking to sit with some loud and passionate fans who will be cheering and chanting non-stop throughout the entire contest, you may want to purchase a general admission ticket and sit among the L.A. Galaxy supporter clubs. Extras 4 There are multiple cool extras here worth mentioning. The easy-access phone charging stations with big-screen TVs to watch the game is an awesome amenity that more stadiums should pick up. The use of TVs in general around the stadium is a great addition as well. The Wall of Legends on the north end of the stadium is a cool place to experience the history of the LA Galaxy franchise and will only get more interesting as time goes on for one of the more storied MLS clubs. Finally, the awesome supporter groups at both ends of the stadium add a European soccer supporter touch to the atmosphere at the StubHub Center. Final Thoughts Though not one of the more popular teams in Los Angeles, a trip to an L.A. Galaxy game should still be on one’s list. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by the fans throughout the game are one of the main highlights of attending a Galaxy game. Like many who are slowly grasping Major League Soccer, you will get a true feel of the soccer subculture that is steadily growing in Southern California.

Photos by Lance Sutehall Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Regions Field 1401 1st Ave S Birmingham, AL 35233 Birmingham Barons website Regions Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 8,500 Birmingham's At Bat Professional baseball has been a staple in Birmingham since 1885 when the Coal Barons took the field. The team reviewed several names and leagues before settling on the Barons in 1901. Throughout the years the various iterations of the Barons have won twelve league titles, last winning the Southern League in 2013. The Barons played at Rickwood Field from 1910 until 1987 (they still play a game there every year). In 1988 the Barons moved 18 miles south to the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. The Hoover Met was the home of the Barons until 2012 when the Barons opened Regions Field in downtown Birmingham. Regions Field has been the proud home of the Barons since 2013. Food & Beverage 4 The largest concession stands along the first and third baselines of the concourse offer the basics such as nachos ($5), peanuts ($5), brats ($6), burgers ($6), cheeseburgers ($7), hot dogs ($4.50), footlong corndogs ($5), popcorn ($4.50), Papa John’s pizza ($9), and candy ($3.50). Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider of the Barons with beverage options including souvenir cups ($6.50), Dasani bottled water ($4.50), and Powerade ($6). The large stands sell 16 oz domestic draft beers ($8.50). There are smaller push carts throughout the concourse of the stadium that sell sunflower seeds ($3.50), funnel cakes ($6), pretzels ($5.50), body armor beverages ($6), premium beers ($10), and wine ($6). In the right field corner of the stadium is the Magic City Food Court where Dreamland BBQ offers a BBQ Pork sandwich ($8.50), Magic City Dog ($8.50), Stadium Nachos ($10), and a half rack of BBQ ribs ($22). Regions Field offers areas throughout the concourse for fans to eat their food and drink and eating rails throughout the stadium. The ballpark has an open concourse that has unobstructed views of the field so you don’t have to miss any game action while getting concessions. Atmosphere 4 Outside the stadium along the right field baseline is a sign that reads “BIRMINGHAM” that lights up at night. Walking towards the main entrance there is a statue of Willie Mays. After entering the stadium the Barons Sports Depot is on the left and sells plants of Barons merch. In the outfield in left field is the scoreboard which provides entertainment throughout the game. Towards center field is a wiffleball field where kids can imitate the pros on the field while right field has batting cages where fans can see players warm up before the game starts. Specialty nights at Regions Field include “Taco Tuesdays” where tacos are $2, bring your pet dogs to “Wet Nose Wednesdays”, discounted beers are offered on “Thirsty Thursdays” and fireworks light up the sky on Friday nights. On select Sundays, kids are invited to run the bases after the Barons game. One note to make from the atmosphere in previous seasons compared to my experience is that the sound from the speakers does not reach the outfield. The only sounds those in the outfield get are the sounds of the action and those around them. Whether this is a good thing or not depends on the person’s preference. Neighborhood 4 Regions Field is located in the heart of Downtown Birmingham and next to Railroad Park, which offers walking paths, a lake, playgrounds, and plenty of green space. Next to the stadium is the Negro Southern League Museum which is free to visit 10 am-4 pm Tuesday-Saturday. You can’t go wrong with an afternoon at the museum, dinner at Wayback Burgers, Tortugas Pizza, or Ted’s Restaurant (all of those restaurants are within four blocks of Regions Field), grabbing a beer at Good People Brewing, and an evening at the ballpark. Lodging options within walking distance of Regions Park include Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard, and SpringHill Suites. If you want to spend a few days in Birmingham other attractions include the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Museum of Art, and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is located next to the BJCC Complex which includes Legacy Arena, home of the G-League’s Squadron and Protective Stadium, where the UAB Blazers football and Birmingham Legion soccer teams play. For families, kids will enjoy a visit to the McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Zoo. For those willing to travel three miles west you will see historic stadiums such as Legion Field and Rickwood Field, the latter of which was the longtime home of the Barons. Rickwood Field recently hosted an MLB game and as mentioned before hosts an annual Barons game. Fans 3 The Barons consistently lead the Southern League in attendance. Regions Park is easy to get to for those living and or working in downtown Birmingham, the Barons have been a staple in Birmingham for a while, and Birmingham is an easy trip for most fans of the other Southern League teams. Birmingham has in-state rivalries with the Montgomery Biscuits and the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Games between those opponents tend to have many fans representing both teams, resulting in intense yet friendly rivalries. During the 7th Inning stretch, fans turn on their phone lights and wave to Children’s of Alabama hospital patients. This began in 2019 borrowing the same tradition from Iowa Hawkeyes football games. Access 4 From I-20 merge onto I-65 South towards Montgomery and turn off exit 259B onto 4th Avenue South. Make a left on 12th Street before turning right on 1st Avenue and Regions Park will be on the right. From I-65 North turn off exit 259 and go right on University Boulevard before making a left on 13th Avenue. 13th Avenue gets you to 1st Avenue where you go right and the stadium should be in view. There is plenty of street parking within walking distance of Regions Park that is free after 6 pm and on weekends. If you want to purchase parking, the Clutch app offers options for $15 parking close to the ballpark. Once inside the stadium, the concourse is wide enough for the crowd and restrooms are spread throughout. There is not a long line at the concession stands and as mentioned before the concourse allows you to still see the game action. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $10 for weekday and Sunday general admission berm areas while reserved seats down the foul lines go for $13. A reserved seat behind the dugout costs $20 while seats behind home plate cost $16. Club seats on the second deck of Regions Field cost $45. There is a $2 surcharge for games on Friday and Saturday nights. $25 should get one person a ticket, a hot dog, and a beverage. With free parking not far from the ballpark, a night at Regions Field should not leave you penniless. Extras 4 The Barons won their last Southern League championship in the inaugural season of Regions Field in 2013. The championship-clenching game was played at Regions Field. Michael Jordan played for the Barons during his break from basketball. There is a banner in the concourse honoring Michael Jordan’s time as a Birmingham Baron. The UAB Blazers occasionally host baseball games at Regions Field, particularly if they are hosting Alabama or Auburn. Regions Park hosted the SWAC baseball tournament in 2022 and 2023. Final Thoughts Regions Field has become part of the core of downtown Birmingham. With housing and restaurants now surrounding the ballpark the once downtrodden downtown area has seen a resurgence. A Barons gameday is an excellent experience for a single person, date night, or a family outing.

Photos by Dave Cottenie and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Arvest Ballpark 3000 Gene George Blvd Springdale, AR 72762 Northwest Arkansas Naturals website Arvest Ballpark website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 7,305 It's Only Natural Although they are not a Minor League Baseball team with a vast history, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals have already won two league titles. Making their debut in 2008 after relocating from Wichita, Kansas, the Naturals have spent their existence as the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and earned the 2010 Texas League Championship and the 2021 (and only) Double-A Central Championship. The Naturals are named after the moniker of Arkansas, known as the Natural State, and the famous baseball movie, The Natural . The Naturals are also owned by Rich Products Corporation, who also own the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons . Located in Springdale, Arkansas, a stone’s throw from college town, Fayetteville, the home of the Naturals is Arvest Ballpark. Also opening in 2008, Arvest Ballpark is city owned and the central hub of a rapidly developing area in the southwest corner of Springdale. Arvest is a unique park that has strayed from the retro classic, red-brick/green-seat ballpark to provide baseball fans with a refreshing change. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Arvest Ballpark are about what one would expect for a Minor League Baseball park. Spring Creek Treats is the main concession stand and offers typical ballpark food including hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and fries. The variety is upped with a variety of fry and nacho options including Chili Cheese Fries, BBQ Cheese fries and Garlic Fries. Other concession stands offer familiar favorites including lemonade, sno-cones and Dippin’ Dots. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at Arvest Ballpark and there is a fairly pedestrian selection of beer including Corona, Heinekin, Miller and Yuengling. Atmosphere 4 Arvest Ballpark provides a refreshing change in its design. The exterior is not overbearing and feels quaint. The light brick with varied sizes gives it a unique look. The Natural theme can be felt as the exterior is beautifully manicured with grass flowers and trees. Outside of the main, home plate entrance, there is a large Naturals water feature, which matches the exterior brick and design. A portable display outside of the wrought iron gates trumpets the history and accomplishments of the Naturals. Inside the ballpark, fans are immediately greeted with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Hall of Fame which has an impressive list of members considering the short lifespan of the team. Clint Robinson, Brian Poldberg, Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, Salvadore Perez, Kila Ka’athue, Whit Merrifield and Wil Myers are all members as well as the Season 10 Team. Plaques for the 2010 and 2021 Championship teams as well as a plaque for the 2015 Kansas City Royals World Series Championship are also right there with the Hall of Fame. The concourses are wide open in Arvest Ballpark and views of the field are all over the park. The 360 degree walk takes fans right around the park, past the varied seating areas including berm, picnic and traditional areas. Past the batter's eye in centerfield there is a permanent playground and a large grassy area perfect for large gatherings. There are inflatables and kids games beyond left field as well as a mini ball field. Left field also features the Home Run Porch picnic area. The majority of seating is single level with the concourse behind, and luxury boxes above the concourse. There are large, light sunshades which offer shade for the fans in the stands. Beyond rightfield is a large videoboard, which the Naturals use very well. Kids and families may be interested in taking a trip on the train which drive around the concourse. Unfortunately, the game that was reviewed saw field conditions in the outfield to be noticeably not up to appropriate levels for professional baseball. The gameday production at a Naturals game is what fans would expect in Minor League Baseball. It is fairly simple and does not offer anything overly unique or over the top. The Naturals do have mascots in Strike and Sinker, however the temperature on the date of this review was very high and probably prohibitive for employees working in mascot suits. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood around Arvest Ballpark continues to be developed. In the previous Stadium Journey review, it was mentioned that the ballpark was surrounded by farmland, however, much has changed since that review. Visible from the ballpark is the Children’s Hospital and although there is not much in the way of options within walking distance, there are a few options within a five minute drive. North of the ballpark at Sunset Ave. will provide fans with a plethora of chain restaurant options. A couple of more local options include Jose’s Bar & Grille and Las Palmas. There are not any other sporting options within Springdale, however a very short drive will bring fans to the University of Arkansas in Fayatteville. The Razorbacks offer football, basketball and baseball options as well as other varsity sports. The Razorbacks are definitely the top tickets in the area. Another tourist option in Springdale would be the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. For fans that want to stay in the area, there are a number of hotels near Sunset Ave including the Wyndham. Fans 3 The Northwest Arkansas Naturals enjoy decent fan support. In the 2022 season, the Naturals averaged over 3,500 fans per game, which was good for 64th in Minor League Baseball and 8th in the Texas League. The 2023 season saw a more than 500 fan increase per game. The fans in attendance offer decent support. Access 3 Getting to Arvest Ballpark is not difficult. The park is located just west of I-49 and very easy to get to. There is plenty of on-site parking available. Unfortunately, there is not much in the way of public transit in the area. The nearest bus stop is a 25 minute walk from the ballpark. With continued development in the area, hopefully the public transit situation improves in the future. Moving around the ballpark is very easy as the concourses are amongst the widest in Minor League Baseball. The washroom facilities are good for the number of fans in attendance. With security protocols constantly changing in professional sports, Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Northwest Arkansas Naturals website for the most up to date security protocols, bag policies and prohibited items. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals is excellent. Great seats can be had at Arvest Ballpark for $15 and parking is only $5. Concession prices are good as well. The product on the field is solid and fans get to enjoy baseball from an excellently designed ballpark. In the end, the return is excellent for an investment that is not too high. Extras 2 An extra mark for the unique and clean look that Arvest Ballpark offers, straying from the overdone retro classic ballpark design. An extra mark for the unique Naturals moniker that fits the area in Arkansas and the Ozarks region. Final Thoughts Taking in a baseball game at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale is a great idea for the whole family and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals provide a great experience. It’s only natural for fans to want to make return trips! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Centennial Field 98 University Road Burlington, VT 05401 Vermont Lake Monsters website Centennial Field website Year Opened: 1906 Capacity: 4,415 Vermonster Mash The first baseball game ever played at Centennial Field took place on April 17, 1906. During this game, the University of Vermont defeated the University of Maine 10-4. Named in honor of the 100th anniversary of UVM’s first graduating class, Centennial Field is one of the oldest ballparks still in use today. While the university last sponsored a baseball team in 2009, the field remains in use as the home of the Vermont Lake Monsters, the short-season, single-A, New York Penn League affiliate of the Oakland A’s. The site where Centennial Field stands was for decades the school’s original sports complex, hosting baseball, football, soccer, track, lacrosse and even hockey games over the years. In fact, the football grandstands can still be seen beyond the left-center field fence, and the locker rooms are still used by the visiting teams. The original wooden Centennial Field bleachers burned down in 1913. They were replaced in 1922 by the current concrete and steel grandstand still used today. Over the years the ballpark has been host to several minor league and semi-pro teams, including the Burlington Athletics, Vermont Reds, Vermont Mariners and Vermont Expos. During their history, the University of Vermont had 11 players make it all the way to the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Centennial Field don’t stray too far from your basic ballpark fare, but there are several items worth mentioning. Lake Monster fans seeking out something different should look for the food truck featuring chicken and waffle cones, served with powdered sugar and Vermont maple syrup. Ballpark tacos are offered in the right field party area, and since we’re in Vermont, the maple flavored ice cream is a must. If you want some Cracker Jacks, you won’t feel cheated, as Centennial Field sells large bags of the traditional ballpark treat for just three dollars. McKenzie’s Country Classics serves up nachos in their recommended serving size, a batting helmet. Other choices here include Irish nachos, mac and cheese, or for those fans looking for something at the opposite end of the nutrition spectrum, assorted salads. Coca-Cola products are featured at Centennial Field. Burlington is known for its many fine craft breweries, and several are featured here. Fans can choose beverages from Harpoon, Zero Gravity, 14th Star, Citizen Cider, Long Trail, Queen City and Fiddlehead. Alcohol can be purchased at the beer stand on the main concourse, or the new beer deck out in right field. Be aware that many of the concession stands at Centennial Field take cash only, so come prepared. Atmosphere 4 The Lake Monsters serve up a fairly typical minor league presentation in this decidedly atypical setting. The new video scoreboard in left-center field is put to good use with game stats, player profiles, videos and more. The team’s mascot, Champ, participates in promotions and roams the stands meeting with fans. There are giveaways and promotions happening between innings. Champ’s play area, located behind the right-center field fence, is a popular area for younger fans. The Lake Monsters have upgraded the options for adult fans hanging out in the area as well, adding a beer deck and food options in the area. New seating options have put fans closer to the action than ever before, with several field-level sections scattered throughout the ballpark. 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 Centennial Field, it’s one of the more popular destinations in the northeast. The only thing keeping this neighborhood from a perfect score is that the downtown area is not easily accessible from the ballpark. On the plus side, it’s a short drive there from Centennial Field before or after the game, and there is ample parking for visiting fans wishing to explore the area. 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. Burlington has a thriving microbrewery scene, with notable breweries including Zero Gravity, Queen City, Switchback and Magic Hat all operating pubs downtown. In the summer months there are many options for fans looking for outdoor activities in the area. Lake Champlain offers a plethora of beach and boating options, while Greater Burlington’s parks and woodlands attract outdoor enthusiasts. The many ski resorts offer outdoor activities throughout the summer. Fans 3 Attendance for the Lake Monsters has held firm for the greater part of the decade. The team averages between 2,200-2,500 fans per game, which places them right in the middle of the New York-Penn League annual attendance rankings. The crowd at a Lake Monster game is typical of most minor league ballparks. With a game day presentation aimed towards families, you’ll be sure to find many kids running around Centennial Field, mixed in with the casual and hardcore baseball fan. Access 3 Centennial Field is located on the eastern edge of the University of Vermont campus, just off of Interstate 89. Signs in the area guide visiting fans to the ballpark easily. This is where the ease of access ends. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the ballpark. This lot fills quickly, so if you want to park right next to Centennial Field, get there early. Very early. When this lot fills, fans can park either in the garage near Gutterson Fieldhouse on the University of Vermont campus (there are shuttles to and from the ballpark), or at the Trinity campus parking lot (it’s a short half mile walk to Centennial Field). A batch of renovations that took place in 2013 turned Centennial Field from a ballpark that looked, well, 100 years old to a comfortable place to watch a game. Gone are the old concrete grandstand seating areas and uncomfortable wooden chairs in the reserved sections, replaced with modern plastic stadium seats. Much of the old grandstand remains, with its large roof providing shade on summer afternoons and shelter from the chilly Vermont evenings. The seating bowl stretches from shallow left field around to shallow right field. While the old grandstand does feature some obstructed views, there aren’t too many bad seats in the house. The Diamond Deck features seats on field level right behind home plate, and the Dugout Deck seating area has field level seats beyond the dugouts on either side of the field. Further down both foul lines are BBQ/party decks that are popular places for fans to hang out and catch the action. Concessions are located underneath the grandstand, which winds around the ballpark in between the many buildings on site. Nestled amongst the many concession stands and food trucks is a newly expanded team store. Getting around Centennial Field is easier than you would expect for such an old facility. Restrooms are clean and large enough to handle a typical Lake Monsters crowd. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Lake Monsters game is a most affordable entertainment option. Tickets cost nine dollars for reserved seating (in the main grandstand under the roof) and eight dollars for grandstand seating (sections down either baseline). Senior citizens receive a two dollar discount and children under 12 get a three dollar discount. Seats in the two premium seating areas are sold for $16 dollars. Parking in the small lot next to Centennial Field costs four dollars. This lot is very small, so get here early if you want to park here. Very early. Parking in the satellite lots is free of charge. Concessions are very reasonably priced, making a Lake Monsters game a most affordable entertainment option for Vermont baseball fans. Extras 3 There is a historic marker near the entrance of the ballpark. The marker makes mention of some of the famous names to play here, including Tris Speaker, Robin Roberts and Ken Griffey Jr. An extra point is awarded to the renovations which increased fan comfort and amenities while keeping the historic flavor of the venue. A final extra point is awarded for the old grandstand at Centennial Field. Facilities like this are quickly disappearing from the minor league landscape. It’s great to have a throwback to visit every once in a while. Final Thoughts Centennial Field, while an older facility, offers many modern amenities and enough comforts to keep today’s fan happy. With a decidedly small-town feel, this ballpark belongs on any baseball fan’s must-see list. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Shifflett Field 1100 20th Street Grottoes, VA 24441 Grottoes Cardinals website Small Town Baseball in Grottoes Nestled in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the Rockingham County Baseball League is one of the oldest amateur baseball leagues in the country. Virginia's version of town ball was founded in 1924 and is currently celebrating its centennial season. The league's eight teams consist of a mix of current and former college players with ties to the area. Some of the latter have been playing in the league for years. The Grottoes Cardinals are a longtime member of the RCBL, having won nine league championships. They play their home games at Shifflett Field in the town of Grottoes, in southeast Rockingham County near the border with Augusta County. The stadium is part of John E. Painter Park, which also includes a few little league fields. Food & Beverage 5 Concessions at Shifflett Field are served out of a food truck called Battarbee's Catering Buggy. There are many options to choose from here, including burgers, hot dogs (chili and cheese optional), barbecue pork (in sandwich or nacho form), regular nachos, chicken sandwiches, and even chicken parm. Popcorn, peanuts, french fries (chili and cheese optional), onion rings, cheese sticks, and mac and cheese are all available as sides. To drink, fans can buy water, soda, or lemonade, with the lemonade coming in a small size or a very large size. A kids' meal is available for $6 and includes a hamburger or chicken nuggets, fries, and a jug of juice. For those with a sweet tooth, vanilla cheesecake is available. So is ice cream, with your choice of vanilla or spumoni (a mix of chocolate, cherry, and mint ice cream, although traditional spumoni usually includes pistachio instead of mint.) Prizes are reasonable - the most expensive option is a bacon double cheeseburger for $9, but most things are much less. Atmosphere 3 There are several sets of bleachers on either side of home plate at Shifflett Field. There is also an area under a tent behind home plate for fans to set up folding chairs and sit there. Wherever you sit, you will be looking through a chain link fence, although it isn't as thick as in some places. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore and other basic information. This is the typical small-town baseball experience of the Rockingham County Baseball League, no bells and whistles, few gimmicks, just a baseball game that brings out the whole community. Even the PA announcer sits at a table out in the open rather than in the press box. Like in the rest of the league, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls hit out of play. However, unlike in many other venues, they do not get a prize for returning it. This lack of ransom means kids will not chase after the foul balls, and someone else will eventually have to walk over and grab them. Neighborhood 1 The one problem with small-town baseball is that the small towns often don't have much going on, and Grottoes is a typical small town. With only about 2,600 people and mostly farmland surrounding the stadium, this may be a lovely community to live in, but there aren't many places to visit. Lil Guss' Restaurant on Dogwood Avenue is a popular eating establishment, but this is a small farming town and you won't find much to do here as a visitor. Residents will say it's lovely, but those visiting from out of town won't find much. Fans 4 The Grottoes Cardinals may draw a couple hundred fans to a typical game, which doesn't seem like much until you consider the entire population of Grottoes is only 2,600. The entire town may not come out to each game, but a significant portion of it does. This being small-town baseball, most of the spectators know some of the players or coaches or even the umpires. This does tend to make them take it easy after missed calls when the person who missed the call could be their neighbor, and there's a good chance their family is sitting only a few feet away. While it may seem like everybody knows everybody at a Grottoes game, if coming to your first game, you shouldn't run into any issues. Access 2 Shifflett Field is located a few miles off US 33, the main east-west road through Rockingham County, via a series of increasingly rural roads. By the end, you will be driving through farmland, crops on both sides of you, as you approach John E. Painter Park and Shifflett Field. You will park in an unpaved gravel lot next to the stadium. Be warned - some of the spaces are in foul ball territory, so don't park too close unless you want to risk a smashed windshield. Restrooms are located across the footpath from Shifflett Field, in between the Little League fields. They are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 5 Admission to most Cardinals games is free thanks to local sponsors. Occasionally there may be a small charge, but this is rare. Check social media before the game to be sure. Concessions from the food truck are reasonably affordable as well. Overall, a Grottoes Cardinals game is an excellent value. . Extras 3 Look for the statue of the cardinal holding a baseball bat behind the third base dugout. Free roster cards are available in a bin on the side of the concession stand. There is a 50-50 raffle for the chance to win a cash prize while supporting the team, a non-profit that depends on fan support. Final Thoughts Grottoes Cardinals baseball is a fine example of what small-town baseball is like in the Rockingham County Baseball League. It seems like the whole town comes out to enjoy the game, and while that's an exaggeration, it isn't exaggerating by much. Most baseball fans outside Rockingham County don't know the league exists, even if they're from nearby locations in Virginia. But fans in Grottoes love the Cardinals, and the community baseball here is a great fan experience that is worth checking out.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Melaleuca Field 568 West Elva Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Idaho Falls Chukars website Melaleuca Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 3,600 Me Like Melaleuca In the world of travel, Idaho Falls is known as one of the gateways to Yellowstone National Park, attracting families throughout the summer who use the town as a base for exploring all of the incredible natural scenery in the area. For those more interested in sports travel however, the destination is the city itself, more specifically Melaleuca Field, home of the Idaho Falls Chukars of the Pioneer League. Located in a residential area about a mile north of downtown, the naming rights were bought by a wellness company owned by local billionaire Frank L. VanderSloot. According to some residents I spoke to, there was controversy over the name, but as VanderSloot and Melaleuca provided $600,000 to help with the construction of the facility, the name stands. The stadium opened in 2007 to replace McDermott Field, which was demolished just a few days after the final game was played there. Food & Beverage 4 For a ballpark at this level, the food options are extremely varied and offer a few things beyond the usual. There are two permanent concession stands, which offer an excellent variety and include some healthy options like carrots and celery ($3), or my personal favourite, apples and caramel ($3 for sliced Granny Smiths served with melted caramel, as good as it sounds but messy). The signature item is the Chukar Clukar, a chicken breast sandwich topped with bacon, french fries, and cole slaw, a bargain at $9, but one too heavy for me. I chickened out and avoided the Clukar, choosing a simple hot dog ($3). Other items worth noting include a Po:Boy chicken sandwich for $8, walking tacos for $7.50, and a double cheeseburger (2/3 lb.) for $10. There are many other choices at these stands, so check the menu in the photo gallery for the full list. There is also a sno-cone stand, which is likely the best of its kind in baseball. A small cup is only $2.50 and the young men staffing the stand are extremely generous in doling out the syrup; it took me about 3 days to come down from the sugar high. Beer is reasonably priced as well, with small domestics going for $4.75 and large $6.75 (add a dollar for craft beers). A 16-ounce domestic can is $5; again another buck gets you the good stuff. Pepsi products are your soda choices, with a small fountain drink going for $3.75 and a large for just 50 cents more, while bottled water is $2.50. All in all, you should be more than satisfied with the options here, which are possibly the most diverse for a Rookie League ballpark. Atmosphere 3 The main entrance is next to the ticket window, atop which stands an inflatable batter to ensure that you are in the right place. Once inside the main entrance, you will be on a concourse behind the stadium structure, where you will find all the concession stands and historical displays. You’ll find the starting lineups and standings along the concourse as well. The seating bowl is typical – 7 sections of Kelly green seats, and then some general admission benches further down both lines. The sections directly behind the plate is C, then L1, L2, and so on along third base and R1, R2, etc. along first base. There is also a walkway at the top of the seating bowl and you can stand here, particularly behind home plate, though it does get slightly bothersome with fans walking by all the time. Three suites are on each side of home plate, and picnic areas down the lines, as it now customary at minor league venues. A bouncy castle is also available behind the stadium proper along first base. The sun sets behind third base, so those GA seats fill up quick. If you end up at first base, you will have the sun in your eyes for a few innings, though netting should protect you from any foul balls lined at your head. The scoreboard is basic, with just an electronic linescore and no video board. For those wondering, a chukar is a type of partridge found in the area and Charlie is the friendly feathered mascot here. The Chukar moniker was the result of a name-the-team contest in 2004, after the team changed affiliations from the Padres to the Royals, who are still the parent club. Neighborhood 3 Idaho Falls is actually a Mormon town, with over 60% of residents belonging to that faith, but there are still a few bars in the downtown core, with the different types each offering something for everyone. Many of the bars allow smoking, but one that doesn’t is BlackRock, which also has good craft beer offerings and friendly staff. Other choices that are open after the game are The Celt Pub & Grill that catered to a younger crowd, and Samoa Club, which seems to be more of a dive bar. Most of these places closed early on the Monday I visited, but there is an Applebee’s on the other side of the Snake River that was open a bit later. Snow Eagle Brewing and Grill is also close by, though you will have to visit before the game as it will be closed by the time the final pitch is thrown. West Yellowstone is just over 100 miles away to the northeast, while Craters of the Moon National Monument is a couple of hours west should you be spending a few days in the area. As Idaho Falls is a base, hotels are surprisingly expensive for the quality, particularly early in the season, when many families make their pilgrimages, so book well in advance if you are on a budget. Fans 5 I was amazed at the turnout at the game I attended, with nearly every seat filled, very surprising for a Monday night. There was a promotion involving a local insurance firm that might have had something to do with that, but whatever the case, empty seats were few and far between. Fans were polite, knowledgeable, and had a good time. Charlie was busy with all the kids as well. It was a quintessential minor league crowd and really added to the experience. Access 3 There is a free but tiny parking lot next to the stadium which was nearly filled by the time I arrived an hour before first pitch. Given the proximity to the ballpark, you might want to park on the street a block away to minimize the risk of a cracked windshield. Inside, the venue is quite small, and with the large crowd, there were lineups at concessions for much of the evening. Getting around the concourse and stadium itself is easy enough, though the lines do occasionally force you to the outside. I did not notice any issue with restrooms, and getting out after the game seemed to be easy enough. Return on Investment 4 Prices here for the reserved box seats are $12, while GA is $8. Normally I would suggest the latter, but in this case, the GA sections ended up full and several patrons had to stand. Capacity is 3,400 and there were over 3,200 seats sold, but average attendance is about 2,400 so for most games, you will not have trouble finding a good spot to sit. With decent food prices and free parking, this is a great little evening out for those who might be stopping by on their way to one of the natural sights in the area. Extras 3 There is a board describing the history of baseball in Idaho Falls, which is worth a read despite it being behind the Sno-Cone stand. There are some retired numbers (and a retired microphone for Jim Garchow, who passed away in 2009) beneath the press box windows. Don Werner managed here between 1996-2000 as well as 2002 but is better known as the catcher of Tom Seaver’s only no-hitter in 1978. Billy Butler played here in 2004. As well, banners for those in the Idaho Falls Hall of Fame can be seen, including ex-Jay Devon White. Final Thoughts Overall, I found Melaleuca Field to be an enjoyable evening, helped by the overflow crowd and excellent concession offerings. If you are thinking about a tour of Yellowstone or the northwest in general, try to stop in to Idaho Falls for an evening with the Chukars.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ernest W. Spangler Stadium 150 Stadium Drive Boiling Springs, NC 28152 Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs website Ernest W. Spangler Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 8,500 Ernest W. Spangler Stadium - Gardner-Webb University Runnin’ Bulldogs Originally built in 1966, Earnest W. Spangler Stadium serves as the home of both the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs football and women's lacrosse teams. The playing surface at Spangler Stadium is named in honor of Coach Norman Harris who is considered one of the founding fathers of Gardner-Webb athletics. The stadium was upgraded in 2014 with the installation of sport turf and again in 2020, when a video board was installed to enhance the overall fan experience. Members of the newly created Big South – Ohio Valley Conference football partnership, Gardner-Webb has started to turn the corner as a program; the Runnin’ Bulldogs won the 2022 Big South Conference football championship in their final season playing exclusively as an independent conference. Food and Beverage 4 Food and drink options are pretty much in line with what would be found at most stadiums. At traditional concessions stands fans can get hot dogs or nachos as primary choices. Snacks include a full selection of candy, peanuts, pretzels, chips, and popcorn. Beverage choices include Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water. Beer and other alcohol options are not sold at Spangler Stadium. Combo meals are possibly the best option, where fans can get hot dogs or nachos with chips and a beverage for $9 or less. This gives fans the most bang for their buck, as separately these would cost $11. If looking for something more than the concessions stand basics, the “‘Sup Dawg” food truck located at the south end of the stadium serves a bit higher quality menu featuring quarter-pound hot dogs, burgers, and cheesesteaks, all of which can be made a combo for between $10 to $13. The extra cost is definitely worth it. Atmosphere 3 Spangler Stadium is situated toward the back of Gardner-Webb's campus with much of the school’s other athletic facilities. Except for the home side of the stadium where the press box and premium areas are, there is not much of a stadium structure to speak of. The stadium perimeter is mostly iron fencing with a couple of smaller brick structures, one being the Henderson Family Gate, a relatively small brick structure with ticket windows on both sides. This gate serves as the primary and most convenient entry point for fans. Seating is made up of two separate sections on each side of the field. The visiting stands are solely bleacher seating and run between the 15-yard lines, whereas the home bleachers are divided into upper and lower sections by a spacious walkway. The lower-level seating mostly consists of the Marching Bulldogs section, along with student seating at midfield, while the upper-level seats have three different options: bleacher benches without backs at both ends, abutted by a section of bleacher seats with backs, and a midfield section of stadium chairback seats. Shade is tough to come by, so the trees along the grassy hill in the southeastern corner of the stadium are a popular location on sunny days. The Marching Bulldogs play a significant role in creating a classic college football atmosphere that goes a long way in setting the tone for the experience. Neighborhood 3 Boiling Springs is a small, rural town in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains. Main Street in Boiling Springs runs directly through the middle of town with a combination of recognizable chain restaurants and a handful of locally owned establishments. Campus Pizzaria, Snack Shop Family Restaurant, and Italian Garden are closely located just off the northeast corner of campus. There are not a lot of entertainment options for visitors to Boiling Springs, but those who might enjoy getting out into nature and looking to make a day of a trip to the area might enjoy exploring the nearby Broad River Greenway, especially during the fall when the foliage is particularly impressive. Fans looking for more options for restaurants, lodging, and entertainment might want to check out neighboring Shelby which is less than 10 miles away. Fans 4 Runnin’ Bulldog fans are relatively active throughout the game. Typical attendance numbers run from 4,000 to 5,000. One of the drawbacks of the overall fan experience here, though, is how spread out the conference is across the country; it impacts the number of visiting fans in attendance. The Gardner-Webb fans do their part in filling the bleachers, but the visiting side of the stadium does tend to be a bit sparse. The general Gardner-Webb fan base is actively engaged in the game, but typically is more reactive to the action on the field. The student section and marching band do an excellent job at staying involved throughout the game and get loud without much encouragement to do so. The student section remains on their feet practically the entire game – their enthusiasm goes a long way in adding to the overall experience. Access 4 Boiling Springs is in the rural foothills of the southwestern mountains of North Carolina, an hour west of Charlotte. Despite Boiling Springs being off the beaten path, it is only about 20 minutes off Interstate-85. Stadium Drive is the primary entry point to the Gardner-Webb athletic facilities. Most of the parking is in the lots just east of the stadium, all within a short walk. There are multiple entrances along the visiting side of the field, with the most popular being the previously mentioned Henderson Family gate that opens to a walkway that stretches to the stands on both sides of the field. While the walkway does not completely pass around the field, it does allow fans to move between the two sides of the stadium. A concourse runs under the main bleachers – while it is not drastically narrow, concessions lines can back up there, making traversing the area somewhat of a challenge. Return on Investment 3 Gardner-Webb football tickets have a price point for just about everyone. Tickets start at $25 for general admission, which is one of the higher price points in the conference. Fans are going to pay $10 for parking, so that is another expense to account for. Fans are looking at a minimum $35 investment for a Runnin’ Bulldogs game. It is not that this is overpriced for college football, it is just a touch high when comparing it to the rest of the conference. Extras 3 The walkway leading to the home stands honors four legendary members of Gardner-Webb football; Coach Norman Harris, Richard Grissom, Chip Stuart, and Darrell Middleton are recognized for their accomplishments with individual brick monuments, honoring four of the most impactful players in Gardner-Webb football history. Gardner-Webb’s live mascot, Bo the bulldog, appears during the pre-game festivities and is available for fans to get photos with. The concourse below the home stands houses an apparel shop offering fans several t-shirts, hats, and other Gardner-Webb gear. Final Thoughts Spangler Stadium offers a solid overall fan experience for those looking to enjoy a small college football atmosphere. The stadium itself is fairly basic, but the fans are enthusiastic and the Marching Bulldogs provide a great soundtrack for the game. The food and beverage options are decent, and the area is charming. The Runnin’ Bulldogs have struggled on the gridiron in recent years, but a coaching change following the 2019 season has helped turn the program around to the point where Gardner-Webb is now one of the top football programs in the Big South – Ohio Valley Conference. This change in leadership has helped in improving the on-field product, in turn improving the overall football experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Vandermeer Gym 2717 S Morgantown Rd Greenwood, IN 46143 Center Grove HS Trojans website Vandermeer Gym website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 4,000 Everything is Dandy at the Vandy Gym The Vandermeer Gym is the home of the Center Grove High School Trojans basketball program. It's located in Greenwood, Indiana, 20 minutes south of Indianapolis. The school dedicated its new basketball arena in January 1996 after Melvin Vandermeer. He coached the Trojans from 1955 to 1958 and later served as principal from 1960 to 1978. When it opened, the gym sat 4,800 but scaled down to 4,000 by 2019. The massive venue has seating on all three sides and includes an upper seating bowl, four concession stands, and easy access from the immense parking lot. It also features two playing courts behind the collapsible bleachers and a walking track on the upper level. The high school has been on the same site since opening in 1884. The original structure burned down on November 1, 1952. The fire also destroyed the basketball gym, and there was a thought to cancel the rest of the season. The team would win later that day on the road in nearby Whiteland in overtime. The only items that survived were the Trojans white home uniforms. A new school and gym were designed by Evansville architect Ralph Legeman and dedicated on December 14, 1954. The high school has expanded since that day almost 70 years ago. The West Gym now serves as an auxiliary gym and will host boys' and girls' JV and freshman games and events during the Johnson County basketball tournament. Food & Beverage 3 There are multiple concession stands, but not all are open, depending on the size of the crowd. The upper concession stand is off in the corner from the main grandstand. The area houses the usual treats found at high school games across the state: hot dogs, nachos, pizza slices, popcorn, soda pop, candy, and other sweets. The gym does offer an impressive ice cream cup with an assortment of toppings. Atmosphere 3 The Vandy Gym is an impressive-looking facility that looks like it was built more recently than in 1995. The lights are bright, the school colors appear freshly painted, and the center scoreboard appears up-to-date. Visitors walk through a massive hallway lobby into the lower bowl on all four sides. Visitors sit on the west side of the court, and the cheer block takes residence underneath the basket on the north side near the cheerleaders. The cheer block makes its presence with multiple cheers and synchronized chants throughout the game. Home fans make a lot of noise from their section of the gym. Center Grove did not have a band during our visit, but it was a back-and-forth contest that was settled in overtime and had a heartbreaking final play that saw the Trojans call by one point. The game featured dunks, blocked shots, three-pointers, and layups that saw players fall to the floor.  Neighborhood 3 Center Grove High School is in Greenwood, about 20 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis. It is in a residential neighborhood, close to the Greenwood Mall, 15 minutes east of the high school. This area offers an array of regional and national chain restaurants, shops, and other points of interest. Fans 4 The crowd is lively during Trojans games that feature a student cheer block that offers synchronized cheers and chants, home fans that rally their section during points of the game, and, for this game, a fervent visiting section. Access 4 The high school and gym are a few miles east of SR-37/Future I-69. The school has a large parking lot and main lobby, leading visitors inside the gym. Bathrooms and concessions are on both levels of the gym, and crowds are too crowded to cause congestion inside the seating bowl or concourse.  Return on Investment 3 The ticket price is $6, concessions are between $3-$5 for most items, and the hometown fans add to the excitement. Center Grove High School is a short drive from downtown Indianapolis, making it an easy way to enjoy Indiana high school basketball. Extras 3 The gym earns a point for naming the gym after former principal Melvin Vanermeer. The venue earns a second point for having the old West Gym open and used for games. There is a chance that fans can peek inside the former home of the Trojans from 1954 to 1995 during a visit. The last point is for the cheer block, an impressive group of students cheering on their team from the stands. Final Thoughts The Vandermere gym is an impressive facility for high school basketball in Indiana. Its proximity to Indianapolis and its energetic fan base make it an easy choice during the basketball season.  ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Turf Moor Harry Potts Way Burnley, England BB10 4BX Burnley FC website Turf Moor website Year Opened: 1883 Capacity: 22,546 Grounds for the Ages in Burnley Burnley has occupied its ground since 1883 and holds the record for the longest period in one place in England. When it first opened it was home to an 800-capacity grandstand and served as the home venue for Burnley Rovers FC. The plot of land was first occupied by Burnley’s cricket club in 1833. It would not be until after World War II that the ground began to develop in its classic look featuring four distinctive stands. The Longside was constructed by members of Burnley’s Youth team in 1954 and housed both home and away supporters. It was during this time that the venue developed its classic British look. Burnley demolished its terrace sections after the Taylor Report came out in 1990 and within six years converted the ground into an all-seater that includes the T is comprised of four sections: The James Hargeaves Stand (North), The Jimmy Mcilroy Stand (East), The Bob Lord Stand (South) and the David Fishwick Stand (West). Food & Beverage 3 As normal in the North of England, the pies are highly recommended when served hot. The concourse features an array of snacks and drinks that are below the average price in English Football but it should be noted that there are no cash points at any of the concourse or kiosks. Sausage rolls, pies (£3), hot dogs (£2.70), and confectionery are affordable. Drinks include lagers, hot drinks, and soft drinks from Coca-Cola and 7up. Value meals include a beer and pie for £5.70. Or a beer and a snack for £4. There is also a meal deal which includes a soft drink, a party or hotdogs, and a snack for £5–£9 when you double that for two people. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is half a mixture of old and new and further redevelopment is expected shortly. Currently, the stadium has an all-seated capacity of 22,546, and views from both of the newer stands are excellent. Depending on where you sit in the older stands your view may be slightly obstructed by stanchions that support the stand roof. This is a common problem with older British stadiums. Like most British soccer stadiums the move from terracing to all-seated stadiums has slightly affected the atmosphere and Turf Moor is not the hostile place that it once was in the ’60s and ’70s. Away fans who make the trip to Turf Moor are housed within the David Fishwick Stand However when full, which it mostly was when Burnley was in the Premier League last season, the home support quickly becomes the 12th man, and a visit to Turf Moor was feared by the bigger clubs. The Clarets store has been newly refurbished and provides a retail outlet to both home and visitor supporters that stays open for an hour after the final whistle. The store features a wide selection of merchandise and paraphernalia and its look has been upgraded to make it stand out on the exterior of the grounds. Neighborhood 3 Burnley is a typical Lancashire Mill Town set in the heart of the Pennines and although not high on the tourist hit list this area of England is well worth a visit if you have time. The town is surrounded by rolling hills ideal for hill walkers. It is nice in the summer, but subject to cold weather and snow during the winter months. The Town Centre has a small shopping complex that will occupy you for a couple of hours maximum. The avid shoppers in this area tend to head to Manchester or Preston for the larger shopping malls. Oswaldtwistle Mills located in Accrington a couple of miles away offers mill stores and shopping outlets which are a welcome change to the normal high street. If you prefer to digest your pre-match food and drink before you enter a stadium then there is not much choice directly outside of the stadium. Burnley Town Centre offers the normal choice of English fish & chip shops, coffee bars, fast food outlets, and low-key restaurants. Home and away supporters tend to drink at Burnley Cricket Club located next to the stadium where the local beer can be sampled both inside and outside of the club in a relaxed atmosphere. Fans 3 Burnley supporters are an honest bunch and the locals are always happy to assist if you require directions. The club has always kept a hardcore support of twelve to fifteen thousand for each home game even when they were struggling in the lower reaches of the Football League some fifteen years ago and at one point were within minutes of being relegated to non-league football. Fortunately, the club has climbed back up the divisions cumulating with a return to the top level of the English game in 2010. Their stay, however, was brief and at the time of writing, Burnley has an outside chance of reaching the Championship Playoffs. Local rivals are Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End, and Bolton Wanderers. The famous Accrington Stanley from the lower reaches of English League football is located a mere few miles away. Access 3 The stadium is reached by accessing the M65 Motorway at Junction 10 and following signs to Towney Hall, which will take you directly past the stadium. Town Centre car parks are within a ten-minute walk however parking at Burnley Cricket Club priced at £5 is value for the money. Both Burnley Central and Manchester Road Railway Stations are a twenty and fifteen minutes walk away respectively. Manchester Airport is approximately forty-five minutes drive from Burnley with good connections for public transport. Most of the surrounding streets have parking restrictions on matchday but various car lots range in price from £3-£5. It is advised to arrive early to make sure got a spot is secure before the match. The nearest station is Burnley Manchester Road which is a short walk to the stadium. The bus station is relatively close but does require a short walk to the grounds. Return on Investment 3 General admission prices begin at £30 for adults with concessions for those under 16’s and O.A.P’s are the norm for the English Championship and provide good value compared to the Premier League. For the older soccer supporter, a visit to Burnley is always most welcome. Extras 3 Burnley like all clubs have a supporters club shop selling replica shirts and other memorabilia. A match day program is widely available for the price of £3. Turf Moor is also the first football ground to be visited by a member of the British Royal Family when Prince Albert made a stop in 1886.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Nissan Stadium 1 Titans Way Nashville, TN 37213 Tennessee Titans website Nissan Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 69,143 The Titan's Home Turf The Tennessee Titans are one of the most successful teams in the AFC of the NFL, as they have gone to the playoffs 10 times since moving to Nashville from Houston in 1997. In recent years, their success has been made possible by a very strong defensive line and an offense led by QB Ryan Tannehill and RB Derrick Henry. Since 2015 Nissan Stadium has been the home turf for the Titans. It has a capacity of 68,798. The team has managed to sell out every game since the stadium opened. The team has a large season ticket base, with many of these ticketholders enjoying the games from either the 12,000 club-level seats or one of the 175 private suites. The stadium is located on the east bank of the Cumberland River, just across the water from downtown Nashville. Special Note: Shortly before this review was done the Tennessee Titans announced their plans to build a new enclosed stadium to replace Nissan Stadium. It would be built just east of the present Nissan Stadium. The stadium would open between the 2026-2027 football seasons. To learn more about this plan go to www.tennesseetitans.com/new-stadium . Food & Beverage 3 Nissan Stadium offers a wide variety of food and beverage items with something to suit anybody’s taste. There are more than 60 concession areas spread throughout the stadium. Fans can choose from chicken (Nashgrille, The Coop, Party Fowl, Tri Star Chicken), BBQ (Bent Buckle BBQ, Martin’s BBQ, Southern Smoke BBQ), pizza (Slim and Husky’s), and hot dogs/hamburgers (Daddy’s Dogs, Classic Hits). Alcoholic drinks are also widely available at several booths (Jack Daniels Experience, Yee Haw Brewing, Leinenkugel’s Leinie Lodge, Shock Top, Old Smokey Distillery. and the Spirited Hive). We found the prices for food and beverage stands at Nissan Stadium to be among the highest we’ve experienced at an NFL venue. On average chicken tenders and sandwiches cost $12.00, hot dogs were $6.50, and BBQ pork sandwiches were $9.50. Chips, popcorn, pretzels, and candy each retailed for $6.50. Drinks available at Nissan concession stands include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($5.50), water ($5.50), Gatorade ($5.50), domestic beers ($10.50), and premium beers ($11.50). Atmosphere 5 Nissan Stadium is known as one of the best stadiums in the NFL from a design perspective. It offers one of the best settings in the NFL, with a dramatic view of both the Cumberland River and downtown Nashville. It is reminiscent of both sports stadiums in Pittsburgh. The stadium also benefits by leaving the ends of the stadium open as far as the stands, as this keeps it from feeling too confining. This also allows the stadium to have some of the largest videoboards in the league, without blocking anyone’s view of the action on the field. The seating pitch on both sides of the field is steep enough that fans can see the field without having their view obstructed by the person sitting in front of them. The plazas behind each end zone provide an excellent place for fans to mingle before and after the game or at the half. Obviously, this allows the stadium to maximize the income generated from the concession stands located on the plaza, but it also checks off fans’ desire for a place to socialize inside the stadium. The openings at the end of the stadium also allow air to circulate through the venue and catch some cool breezes. This is especially important during the early months of the season, as the heat in the South can still be oppressive. The area under the stands is also well thought out. The concourses are wide and easy to navigate at any time during the game. The concession areas are well laid out, with multiple outlets for each brand, so that fans do not have to go halfway around the stadium to get to their favorite foods and drinks. Neighborhood 4 Nissan Stadium offers the best of both worlds in terms of where it is geographically located. It is within walking distance of downtown Nashville, one of the most vibrant tourist towns in America. The honky tonks, clubs, and music halls of Broadway are just across a pedestrian bridge from the stadium. There is no need to pay for parking at the stadium if you are coming from out of town, as almost every hotel chain has a location near the river. Nashville is always open, even on a sleepy Sunday morning. There are also shrines to the top performers in country music as well as singers searching for that big break. Even if you stay on the east side of the Cumberland River, there is plenty to do. Lots of clubs, breweries, and restaurants are opening along the east bank, as the cost of doing business is much cheaper. Traffic is much less congested than the streets filled with tourist buses on the west side of the river. Fans 5 Football is a religion in the South, and Nissan Stadium is the church for avid Tennessee Titans fans. They arrive early for services and fill the parking lots surrounding the stadium. They set up elaborate tailgating spreads with plenty of food and drinks to share with family and friends. The team offers activities for kids (the Titan Playground) that includes several Titan-themed inflatables or the adults (The Titanup Tailgate), which includes a live band, food, and a wide variety of photo ops and autograph sessions with former players or members of the Titans Cheerleading squad. Once inside Nissan Stadium, the stands become a sea of Titan blue as the faithful fill every seat in the stadium. They have a variety of cheers depending on the situation, which can reach a deafening level when the Titans are shutting down the visitors on third-down opportunities, or when the offense is on the move. Despite their intense loyalty to the home team, Titan fans extend southern hospitality to visiting fans. Access 5 There are a variety of ways to get to a Titans game at Nissan Stadium. These include driving, walking, sailing, or even riding a train to the game. This is a necessity, as the lots immediately surrounding the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders. For those fans who do not have stadium parking passes, there are designated areas for Uber and Lyft pick-up and drop-off within easy walking distance of the stadium. Several outlying communities charter busses to get to and from the games. A unique way to arrive at Nissan Stadium is via the General Jackson paddle wheeler that sails up the Cumberland River and then docks just outside of the stadium on the east bank. The regional transportation authority (RTA) offers a lucky 650 fans an opportunity to arrive at the game via rail. The roundtrip cost is $15.00 per person for this excursion train. By far the most popular way to get to Titans games for fans without season parking passes is by foot from downtown Nashville. Many out-of-town fans like to stay in hotels in downtown Nashville due to their proximity to the major tourist attractions, Fans can walk across the Cumberland River via the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to the east bank and Nissan Stadium. Gates open two hours prior to kickoff, which leaves fans plenty of time to get to their seats. Tickets provide a gate number that is closest to the seat location, which spreads out the crowds so that they do not bunch up at any individual gate. Once inside, the concourses and the rampways leading to the upper seating levels are wide and easy to negotiate. Nissan Stadium is one of the few NFL stadiums that have elevator service to its upper deck seating locations. You do not have to be disabled or a suite/club member to utilize this service. Return on Investment 3 The face value of tickets ranges from $77-$122 for 300-level tickets to $237- $253 for 200-level seats. 100-level seats are sold out for the season. Parking is $30 in lots near the stadium but not adjacent to it, but many Titans fans take $15 shuttles from satellite locations around Nashville or walk across the Cumberland River via the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to the stadium. We give our midrange score of 3 for ROI, as you can enjoy the creature comforts of an NFL stadium, such as individual seats vs metal bleachers, a much more impressive scoreboard, a great sound system, and a better-than-average team on the field. The cost of food and beverages at Nissan Stadium brings down the ROI score due to their outrageous prices. Most fans who travel from out of town to see a Titans game see it as a vacation rather than just attending a game, and budget accordingly. They typically will stay in town for several days and will take in some concerts in addition to attending the game. Extras 5 The most famous play to ever occur at Nissan Stadium was the “Music City Miracle.” This was a flea flicker play on a kickoff return that enabled the Titans to beat the Buffalo Bills in the last few seconds of a playoff game. This eventually allowed the Titans to reach their one and only trip to the Super Bowl. Football is a passion for many members of the country music industry who live in Nashville. It is not unusual to have a top star from this industry sing the National Anthem. In addition to Tennessee Titan football games, Nissan Stadium serves as the home of the Tennessee State University Tigers college football team, the Music City Bowl, and the CMA Fest each summer. It has also hosted the NHL Winter Classic and the WWE SummerSlam event. Nissan Stadium utilizes the state-of-the-art Envolv security system at each entry gate. Fans no longer need to remove objects from their pockets when entering the stadium. This allows the entry process to go much faster. The requirements for clear bags and restrictions on bag size are still in force. Final Thoughts Nissan Stadium’s location on the east bank of the Cumberland River provides stunning views of downtown Nashville, with easy access to some of the top tourism sites in the Music City. The stadium provides an electronics package that is hard to beat, with its huge scoreboards at each end of the stadium. Accessibility is another strong point for the venue, as it offers multiple ways to get to the stadium, with the option of fans walking to the games via the Seigenthaler pedestrian bridge from downtown Nashville. Finally, the stadium provides fans with an exciting team to watch every Sunday.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Red Wilson Field 210 Station Ave. South Yarmouth, MA 02664 Y-D Red Sox Website Red Wilson Field website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 5,500 The Cape’s Red Sox The Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox play their home games at Merrill “Red” Wilson Field, located on the campus of Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. Mr. Wilson is a Cape Cod Hall of Famer and a long-time educator at D-Y High School. The field has played host to the Cape League All-Star game three times. In addition, Wilson Field was featured in the movie “Summer Catch”. Baseball in the towns of Yarmouth and Dennis date all the way back to the early days of the Cape League, when the Yarmouth Indians won championships in 1958 and 1960. The Red Sox have won eight Cape League Championships in the modern era of the league, which began in 1963. Notable alumni include baseball Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, Buster Posey, Chris Sale and Kirk McCaskill. 2023 is the 100th season for the Cape Cod Baseball League. Over its century of play, over 1500 Cape alumni have played in the Major Leagues, including several Hall of Famers. Food & Beverage 5 There is a small building on the right field side of Red Wilson Field that contains the concessions at a Y-D Red Sox game. This small stand puts out a surprising variety and quantity of food night after night. All your ballpark standards can be found at a Y-D Red Sox game, including hot dogs, burgers, sausage sandwiches and pizza slices. Chili can be added to the above items, or selected as a side on its own. Since we’re on Cape Cod, local favorite Captain Parker’s legendary clam chowder can be found here too. If you’re looking for a snack, the concession stand has you covered. Nachos, pretzels, peanuts, chips (Cape Cod brand chips, naturally) and even hummus are all on the menu, along with assorted novelty ice cream treats. Should there be a long line at the concession stand, there’s a secondary stand that sells only treats. Bottles of Coca-Cola products are featured at Red Wilson Field. No alcoholic beverages are allowed at this high school field. The big concession news in Y-D for the 2023 season is the return of the legendary donut burger, which was such a popular item you can now find imitations throughout the minor leagues. It all began here at Red Wilson Field. You can choose your burger with a donut in place of a traditional bun. For $10 you can choose between the Triple Play Burger (glazed donut), the Hurler (jelly donut) or the screamer (boston cream). All burgers come with chips on the side. If you plan to order one, do so early. They are in high demand. Atmosphere 3 Even by the laid-back, old-timey standards of the Cape League, the Y-D Red Sox set the bar for traditional game day presentation. There is no piped-in, pre-recorded music during a Red Sox game. No walk-up songs, no between-inning shenanigans, just a PA announcer making lineup and sponsor announcements at the appropriate times. Any noise generated at a Red Sox game comes from the crowd, not that you’ll hear a great deal of noise, anyway. This just isn’t the place for a rowdy atmosphere. The Cape League ballparks have a definite neighborhood feel to them, and Red Wilson Field is no different. There’s a simple scoreboard in left field that displays the line score and basic game information. This is definitely baseball presented as it used to be. Much of the entertainment at Red Wilson Field comes from watching the many children in attendance chase down foul balls. There is lots of room around the field for younger fans to play catch or otherwise expend some energy when not taking in the action. If a foul ball lands near you, get ready for the oncoming horde! Neighborhood 4 Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School is located in a residential area, and there is little to see or do within walking distance of the ballpark. However, just a short drive away is Route 28, where out of town visitors will find much more of interest. Many restaurants, hotels, ice cream parlors, shops and mini-golf courses line this stretch of road through Yarmouth and Dennis. A couple of notable restaurants near Red Wilson Field are Captain Parker's Pub and The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House. Of course, the Cape is best known as a tourist destination, and there is plenty around to satisfy any visitor to the area. Top notch golf courses, fantastic beaches, and world-class resorts are all nearby. If you travel to the area during the summer, be sure to give yourself extra time to get around, as it gets crowded on the Cape in July and August. There are only so many roads to go around in these small towns. Fans 3 The Y-D Red Sox generally rank in the lower half of the Cape League in terms of attendance, averaging in the neighborhood of 1,000 fans per game. As is the case with all teams in this league, crowds start small in June and pick up as the tourist season progresses through July and August. If you are a fan who prefers to avoid traffic and crowds, get out to the Cape early in the season. Fans at Red Wilson Field are similar to those at parks throughout the league. It’s a great mix of locals, families and tourists enjoying a ballgame on a summer evening. As mentioned earlier, this is not the place to get rowdy and make a spectacle of yourself. Fans on the Cape are here to watch future Major League stars. Great plays from both teams are applauded and sportsmanship rules the day. Access 4 Red Wilson Field is very easy to get to. Simply take exit 75 (Station Ave.) off of Route 6 and follow Station Ave southbound for just over a mile. D-Y High School will appear on your left, with the ball field located behind the school. Driving is the primary method to arrive at Wilson Field, as no bus routes directly serve the area around the high school. Seating at Red Wilson Field is in the form of several sets of small metal bleachers which surround the field. There is a building which houses the concessions and rest rooms down the first base line. The first floor of the press box behind home plate doubles as a team store, with a great deal of team and league merchandise available for purchase. Stadium Journey recommends that you bring your own lawn chair or blanket and take advantage of the great deal of open space at Red Wilson Field. There are spots to set up shop behind home plate and down both foul lines, where you can pull your chair right up to the edge of the field. A popular spot from which to take in the action is from atop a small hill in shallow left field right next to the Red Sox bullpen. Get to Red Wilson Field early, as the prime spots fill up quickly. The grounds at Wilson field are nicely manicured, with shade trees and areas for the kids to roam. However, there are no paved paths around the ballpark, so fans with an unsteady gait should tread carefully. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Red Sox games is free of charge. The team will happily accept any donation you can give, and in return they will give you a lineup sheet and a nice program. Parking is free in the high school lot adjacent to the field. There are more than enough spots here to accommodate any size crowd, just don’t park too close to the field, or you may find your windshield busted by a stray foul ball. Add in affordable concessions, and it is hard to top the value of a night at the Y-D Red Sox. Extras 2 With Cape Cod located about an hour from Boston, it’s fitting that one of the teams would take up the Red Sox nickname. The team has traditionally worn identical uniforms as the Boston Red Sox, with a nod to the Chicago White Sox logo on the team’s hat. For the 2023 season the team is wearing a more modern look. Adding to the neighborhood feel of Red Wilson Field is the strong community support enjoyed in Y-D. The team runs a nightly 50/50 raffle, where not just half the pot is given out, but over a dozen other prizes as well, including ferry passes to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Canal Cruises and gift certificates from local vendors. Final Thoughts The Cape League is considered by many to be the premier summer wood-bat league in the country. In 2022, 377 Cape League alumni played in the major leagues. That accounts for close to one out of every six major leaguers. When taking in a game on the Cape, it’s guaranteed that you will be watching several future major leaguers-for free! If you are a baseball purist, the Cape Cod League is certainly a bucket list destination. The quality of play on the diamond is high, the price is low, the fans are friendly and the atmosphere harkens back to a different time. The close proximity of the teams makes it possible to visit several, if not all, of the teams in about a week. Bring your lawn chair and watch several future major leaguers up close – it doesn’t get any better than this! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

It's indisputable. Slap Shot , the hilarious '70s flick about minor league hockey, is one of the best sports movies ever. Author Jonathon Jackson loved the movie and spent years getting the skinny on it and how it all came together. Eventually, he published a comprehensive book, The Making of Slap Shot: Behind the Scenes of the Greatest Hockey Movie Ever Made , which was recently revised and updated. Watch the movie and then read the book, which you can buy here . Jackson took some time to answer a few questions. STADIUM JOURNEY: When and where did you first watch Slap Shot? Was it in a theater? VHS? DVD? Cable? Did you view it alone?  JONATHON JACKSON: I was 12 years old the first time I saw it, and it was an edited-for-television version. This was disappointing, because I had already read the very profane novelization. I don't remember if I saw it with anyone or not. I think my parents were there too, but I can't be certain. I was probably 13 or 14 the first time I saw the unedited version on VHS, but I don't remember those circumstances either. I've lost track of how many times I've seen it since, but it's easily in the hundreds. STADIUM JOURNEY: What about the film resonated so much with you? Was there a specific character? Did you have a favorite character? JONATHON JACKSON: I just loved hockey as a kid, so just the fact that there was a hockey movie was special. I didn't have any real awareness of who exactly Paul Newman was at the time, but as Reggie Dunlop was the main character, I was drawn to him more than anyone else. Maybe it was Newman's star quality! As I've gotten older, I can appreciate even more the sense of desperation in that character, underneath the humour. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your favorite quote from the movie? JONATHON JACKSON: I think my favourite quote is from Dickie Dunn, the sportswriter: "I was trying to capture the spirit of the thing." As a former sports writer myself, I can certainly relate to it because it's something I've always tried to do, whether consciously or otherwise. You always want to try to paint an accurate picture of whatever it is you're writing about. STADIUM JOURNEY: What prompted you to write the book? What made you finally take the plunge? JONATHON JACKSON: I was frustrated in my job as a sportswriter - the perils of being the  number two guy in a two-man department with no hope of moving up to number one - and I longed to do something that was more important and meaningful than I was doing. I had tried to write a book previously, because I always liked working on longform pieces, but it didn't work out. The Making of Slap Shot actually started out as an idea for a magazine article I thought I could pitch; it just snowballed from there. STADIUM JOURNEY: How long was the entire process? What's the first step that you take of this herculean endeavor? How do you begin? Who do you call? JONATHON JACKSON: It took four years, from start to finish. I didn't work on it consistently through that period as I was a single dad simply trying to raise my three sons and keep us all alive, so the book came together in spurts. It started with a charity golf tournament/cast reunion near Toronto in the summer of 2006. I just showed up, unannounced, and started talking to people with my tape recorder that I used every day on the job. After that, it meant a lot of time on the internet and especially on the phone. STADIUM JOURNEY: Who were the first subjects to step up and say 'I'll participate' and perhaps give you some momentum? JONATHON JACKSON: The first people who stepped up were the cast members I met at the golf tournament. I spoke with Yvon Barrette (Denis Lemieux), Paul D'Amato (Tim "Dr. Hook" McCracken), Chris Murney (Tommy Hanrahan), Ross Smith (Barclay Donaldson), and a couple of other people, including Ken Blake, who did the early work to track people down and organize the first few events, and who became a good friend. It was Paul D'Amato who actually encouraged me to consider taking the article I had in mind and expanding it into a book. After that weekend, though, I don't really remember how or where I started trying to track down other people. I think Ken may have put me in touch with Jerry Houser (Dave "Killer" Carlson) in California. I do remember that when I would reach someone on the phone, they would ask me who I had already talked to, and then usually they would suggest others that I should reach out to. It was very organic in that way, and I really appreciated it because it told me that if these people were interested enough to help me, others might be interested in it too - like people who could help me get the book published! But I really had no idea what I was doing; I had a publisher before I had an agent, which I found out later is the opposite of how it was supposed to work. STADIUM JOURNEY: How difficult was it to get Paul Newman to participate? How many hoops did you have to jump through? JONATHON JACKSON: That was a fun endeavour. I first tried his publicist, who was notorious for not letting people get to Newman, and he shot me down. Somehow, I got the idea to write a letter to Newman's Own, his food company. One morning I was woken up by a woman in his office who said Newman would agree to answer some questions if I typed them out and faxed them to his office. I did that, and his answers came to me by email a short time later. I felt pretty smug about having pulled a successful end-around on the publicist. I didn't get to talk with Newman on the phone, but I did interview his brother that way, and they sounded very much alike. So it felt sort of similar. STADIUM JOURNEY: Actor Michael Ontkean contributed the book's forward. Did he ever explain how got his long underwear over his skates in that unforgettable, final scene? JONATHON JACKSON: Ha! No, he did not reveal that secret to me. He's such an interesting, complex guy. I was familiar with Michael as an actor, but when I started this process, I had no idea that he had some serious hockey credentials and could easily have played professionally if he had stuck it out a few more years until the WHA and NHL expansion really took off starting in 1972. By then, though, he'd established himself on television. I've never gotten the sense that he regretted his decision to try his luck in Hollywood. STADIUM JOURNEY: Slap Shot , of course, is very male, but it's also very female with a lot of strong, wonderful female characters. It was written by a woman, Nancy Dowd. How did she feel about the book? Her brother, Ned, who worked on the film talked to you, but she didn't. What's Nancy's relationship with the movie?  JONATHON JACKSON: You are correct - Nancy would not talk to me. I don't know what she thought or thinks about the book, or if she thinks about it at all. At the time I talked with Ned, I thought perhaps he might be able to help me get to her, but he was very candid in saying they did not have a relationship. They may have since reconciled, but I have no way of knowing. I sense, and not just from my own experience but also from speaking with others, that she can be a difficult person to get along with. To be fair, I have friends who have met her, and they think she's great. About 15 years ago she was threatening to sue the Hanson Brothers for doing their schtick, claiming that she invented the characters and consequently they had no right to be doing what they were doing. They blew her off, and the threat went nowhere. It seems that Nancy was not treated very kindly by the film industry during the 1970s and 1980s, and I can't help but think that that has played a role in the way she has interacted with others. All I really know for sure is that she had no interest in meeting or talking with me. I'm thankful that I had access to archives that still allowed me to include her voice in the story, because of course the story wouldn't have been complete without her.  STADIUM JOURNEY: So let's say someone wants to go on a Slap Shot  arena tour. Which arenas would we have to go? Are they all still around? JONATHON JACKSON: Every arena shown in Slap Shot is still in existence and in most cases are still hosting high-level hockey. The main one, of course, is the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown, PA. It has been remodelled a few times over the years, but it's the same building. Johnstown's primary hockey team is the Tomahawks, who play in the North American Hockey League, a Tier II junior league. Scenes were also filmed at the arenas in Syracuse, the game against Hyannisport where the Chiefs invaded the stands, and Utica, the site of the pregame brawl against Peterborough, and at the Starr Rink on the campus of Colgate University, the Chiefs' first road game against Lancaster, where they find out the team is going to fold. Utica and Syracuse both have AHL teams at their arenas, and I believe the Starr Rink is now a practice site for Colgate's basketball teams. These three buildings are all fairly close together in upstate New York; it's about 30 miles from Utica to Colgate, and then another 40 miles from Colgate to Syracuse, so you could easily see all three in the same day. Johnstown is probably about 400 miles SW of Syracuse. STADIUM JOURNEY: Does the Slap Shot universe still exist? JONATHON JACKSON: Yes, it absolutely does. Any time cast members get together for an event, it's always well-attended by the public. Three and four generations of fans have grown up with this movie and its characters, and it's still relevant even though it's a total period piece. Hockey players and arenas no longer look like they did in 1976-77, and bench-clearing brawls are things of the past, but the dearth of good hockey movies means it continues to resonate. Thankfully, the people who made the movie and are still with us recognize this, and they are happy and willing to celebrate its legacy and their roles in it. You can purchase Jonathon Jackson's great book here . Jon Hart is  @manversusball All Photos from Paul Baker's personal collection

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Rhoads Stadium 321 Peter Bryce Blvd Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Rhoads Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 3,940 “Don’t Give A ’Care’ Bout’ Nothin’ but the Tide!” Not long after the final strands of confetti settle from the College Football National Championship game, and basketball gears up for a final push toward conference tournaments, the action at Rhoads Stadium, home of Alabama Crimson Tide softball, begins to heat up. Opened in 2000, Rhoads Stadium has seen the Crimson Tide claim six Southeastern Conference regular season titles and has also seen them clinch college softball’s ultimate prize in 2019. Alongside the success Alabama softball has achieved on the field, there has also been a correspondingly high level of support in the stands.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Rhoads Stadium offer a wide selection of entrees, including the ever-popular stadium hot dog, fried chicken sandwich, or chicken tenders, all served with French fries. Additionally, loaded fries topped with chili or brisket are available, along with the popular "Roll Tide Rolls”, a type of stuffed bread. For snacks, options include a large German pretzel with beer cheese, churro donut bites, popcorn, and the baseball classic, peanuts, and Cracker Jack. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are also available at Rhoads Stadium, ranging from domestic and craft-style beers to seltzers and canned cocktails. The only thing missing are local vendors; it would be nice to have a touch of local tastes to complement the already strong stadium menu. Atmosphere   5 From the outside, Rhoads Stadium presents a series of brick buildings, primarily housing concessions and restrooms, with iron gates spanning the space between each brick structure. Upon an initial view of the field, it is impossible to miss the massive Alabama “A” emblazoned on the grass of the center field. A large video scoreboard also sits just beyond the left-center field fence, displaying inning-by-inning line scores, individual player statistics, lineups, and batters due up the next half inning. The scoreboard is likewise used for video of mid-inning contests. In addition, smaller scoreboards with inning, score, and ball/strike count are visible for those in the outfield, who are seated behind the main scoreboard. Throughout the game, an in-game host engages fans with a variety of games, mostly geared toward younger fans, but which seem to be engaging to all. The grandstand extends from third base to first base. Seating directly behind home plate, as well as the first four rows of the grandstand, consists of individual fold-down seats. The concourse then continues around to the outfield seating area known as “The Brickyard” – this area is comprised of multiple levels of grassy tiers, filled with fans in camping chairs and serving as the student section. Other fans who prefer not to sit in traditional seats may find the drink rail along the first base side of the field appealing.   Neighborhood   5 Rhoads Stadium is situated in the northeast athletics neighborhood of Alabama’s campus next to  Baumgardner Tennis Facility and Alabama Soccer Stadium.  At just under 2 miles away, this area of campus is the furthest from Tuscaloosa’s main entertainment district, “The Strip”.  But i f the college nightlife of The Strip seems too overwhelming, downtown Tuscaloosa offers a more relaxed atmosphere featuring restaurants, shops, and hotels. In the immediate area, Alabama restaurant chain Baumhower’s Victory Grille is just across McFarland Boulevard from the softball stadium, situated next to Hampton Inn; most of the other buildings near the facility are parts of the University of Alabama’s medical park. Approximately a mile and a half south on McFarland Boulevard there is a cluster of mixed-use shopping developments, lodging, and restaurants. While this area is convenient, it lacks the unique charm that defines a college town like Tuscaloosa. The Strip, near Bryant-Denny Stadium , and the downtown area offer much more character and atmosphere.   Fans   5 A banner hanging from the fence around the perimeter of Rhoads Stadium boldly proclaims Alabama softball fans as "The Best Softball Fans in the Country”. While the claim might be hard to quantify,  a strong case could be made by the Crimson Tide – w ith an average attendance of over 3,800 fans per game, the only other fan base in the country that can rival this attendance figure is the Oklahoma Sooners. Certainly, crowds of this size at Rhoads Stadium create significant noise in response to the ebbs and flows of the game. However, there's also a sense that Alabama softball fans are not just supporters because of the name on the front of the jersey; rather, they show passionate dedication to the softball program itself.   Access   4 Interstate 20 and two US highways provide easy access to Tuscaloosa, making Rhoads Stadium conveniently reachable for fans coming from any direction. Access to the area is most direct from McFarland Boulevard, which runs just east of campus. Free parking is available in the lots to the north of Rhoads Stadium, with overflow parking at the student recreation center. Both locations are just a short walk away. Rhoads Stadium offers two main points of entry: a main gate located just to the first base side of home plate, and a secondary entrance up the right field line, specifically designated for ticket holders in the Brickyard. The concourse provides ample space for fans to stand and watch the game from behind the grandstand seating without obstructing the flow of foot traffic around the venue.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for seating in the Brickyard start at $10 for non-conference games and $15 for conference series. While this may initially seem high, it's important to consider that softball in the SEC is one of the top conferences in the nation, making $15 a reasonable admission price. Grandstand seating tickets typically belong to season ticket holders and thus are often difficult to find, unless purchased on the secondary market – tickets on the secondary market can be found starting at just $6 after fees. With tickets available for under $10 and free parking, it balances out the slightly higher concession prices here, making for a more affordable overall experience.   Extras   3 The Brickyard seating area offers fans a unique perspective to enjoy the game while providing kids with the freedom to throw a softball or football around. Numerous graphics around the stadium pay tribute to the team and individual accomplishments of Alabama softball players. The outfield wall showcases the legends of Alabama softball, while the concourse features displays honoring Alabama’s All-Americans and the 2012 National Championship team. Flying proudly over the right center field wall, a crimson flag commemorates the Crimson Tide’s 2012 National Championship.   Final Thoughts It is no secret that Alabama football  is what drives much of the fandom of Crimson Tide athletics, but the passion for athletics does not simply end on the gridiron. Alabama softball enjoys one of the most supportive fan bases in all of college softball. From the highly supportive fan base to the first-class facility and engaging game presentation, Alabama is one of the top college softball experiences in the country.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 McKeon Park 120 High School Road Hyannis, MA 02601 Hyannis Harbor Hawks website McKeon Park website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,500 Harbor Hawks of Hyannis McKeon Park, named for longtime Barnstable School Committee member and athletic booster John McKeon, is located behind Saint John Paul II High School, within walking distance of both downtown Hyannis and Hyannis Harbor. In 2016 the field at McKeon Park was renamed “Judy Walden Scarafile Field” in honor of the longtime Cape Cod Baseball League president. The Harbor Hawks, originally named the Mets, decided in 2009 along with several other league teams to cease sharing names with Major League teams. The team chose the new moniker “Harbor Hawks” in honor of the Ospreys who nest atop the light towers at the ballpark. The Harbor Hawks/Mets have been a member of the Cape Cod League since 1976, and have won three championships, most recently in 1991. Notable alumni to have played in Hyannis include Jason Varitek, Buck Showalter, Albert Belle, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Robin Ventura. Food & Beverage 2 The Harbor Hawks operate a concession stand out of the rear of the press box building. It offers basic refreshments for hungry Hyannis fans. Quarter Pound Hot Dogs, pizza slices and nachos are the highlights of the menu. Of course, since we’re on Cape Cod, New England clam chowder is available as well. Fans looking for a quick snack will have many options. In addition to the typical pretzels, potato chips (Cape Cod brand chips, naturally), popcorn and sunflower seeds, an assortment of ice cream novelties are available. Coca-Cola products are featured at McKeon Park. No alcohol is sold here. Atmosphere 3 Fans who long for a game day experience like it used to be will certainly enjoy a Harbor Hawks game. Like all the Cape League parks, the game is the focus here. Absent are the shenanigans that have become routine throughout minor league baseball today. Distractions are kept to a minimum at McKeon Park. Although music is played between innings, it is kept at a reasonable volume. Batters come to the plate without musical accompaniment, greeted only by a subdued PA announcer. The Harbor Hawks do engage fans with a few promotions, including a t-shirt toss, 50/50 raffle with multiple prizes from local sponsors and occasional appearances by Ossie the Osprey, Hyannis’ mascot. Neighborhood 4 Even though downtown Hyannis and Hyannis Harbor are located just a couple of blocks from McKeon Field, they are not easily accessible from the ballpark. It is likely that if you are spending the day in Hyannis, you’ll have to bounce from area to area. Parking in the downtown area can be tough during peak tourist times. Hyannis is the commercial hub of Cape Cod. The area is filled with restaurants, lodging options and shops. If spending a day on the water is more your speed, head a block beyond the outfield wall, where Hyannis Harbor offers even more dining and entertainment options, including cruises of the coastline and ferries to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Less than two miles from the ballpark are some of Cape Cod’s legendary beaches. History buffs will enjoy the nearby JFK Hyannis Museum, located about a half mile from McKeon Park, which commemorates the Camelot days of the Kennedy family, who spent their summers in Hyannisport. In addition, John Kennedy’s house is located just two miles from the ballpark. Also located in the JFK museum is the Cape Cod League Hall of Fame, a must-see attraction for any baseball fan visiting the area. Since one in six current major league players today played in the Cape League, it’s a distinct possibility that one of your favorite players may be enshrined here. Fans 5 Hyannis annually comes in near the top of the Cape League attendance rankings, averaging somewhere around 1,500 fans per game. For the 2021 season, the Harbor Hawks are attracting over 2,000 fans per game, ranking them second in the circuit behind Chatham. As is the case in all the Cape League ballparks, the crowds at McKeon Park start off slowly during June and pick up steam as the tourist season progresses over the course of the summer. A typical Hyannis crowd is a mix of families, locals and traveling baseball fans taking in some quality action in a most scenic area. Don’t come to a Harbor Hawks game expecting a rowdy crowd or to make a spectacle out of yourself, that type of behavior just doesn’t fly on the Cape. Fans here are baseball fans first and foremost. Outstanding plays by both teams are applauded and sportsmanship rules the day. It’s not unusual for a visiting fan to find themselves in the midst of an entire neighborhood of fans who have known each other for decades. By the end of the night, you’ll feel like a part of the neighborhood, too. Access 2 Downtown Hyannis can be a very difficult area to navigate, particularly during the height of tourist season. McKeon Park is located at the end of a dead-end street just two blocks from Main Street and a block from Hyannis Harbor. Parking is available in the St. John Paul High School lot, but space is limited. If you find a spot in the area, best to take it and walk. Driving is the preferred method to arrive at McKeon Park, as the Hyannis Transportation Center is almost a mile away and local busses do not access the ballpark. The biggest drawback to the game day experience at McKeon Park is the lack of restroom facilities. There are a couple of port-a-johns near the upper entrance to the park. Plans to build new accessible, permanent rest rooms have been in the works for several years now. Recent renovations totaling $700,000 have already provided a new scoreboard, drainage system and playing surface. Other scheduled improvements include new terraced seating, bleachers and landscaping. McKeon Park offers several different seating options in the form of bleachers scattered throughout the grounds. Some bleachers are metal, some are wooden. The largest set of bleachers are on the third base side of the field behind the Hyannis dugout, with a smaller set of bleachers on the first base side of the field. The “Osprey’s Nest,” a set of bleachers set up on top of the hill on the third base side, provides a unique vantagepoint. There is a small patio on the same hill for those fans requiring handicapped access. Beware to those with an unsteady gait: it can be difficult to get around McKeon Park, as there are no paved walkways anywhere on the facility, and some steep hills to navigate. Tread carefully. Stadium Journey recommends bringing your own lawn chair or blanket to Hyannis and taking advantage of the many spaces to spread out and take in the action from your own preferred spot. The large hill on the third base side can accommodate hundreds of fans. Be sure to get here early, as prime spots fill up quickly. Return on Investment 5 As is the case at all Cape League games, there is no charge for admission at McKeon Park. The team will accept a “suggested donation” of five dollars from fans, and in return you will receive a roster sheet. Parking is also free in the adjacent high school parking lot. Be warned that the small lot behind the left field stands is a private lot, and they practice an aggressive towing policy. Those great spots are, in fact, too good to be true. Regular attendees at Harbor Hawks games will bring their own cooler with drinks and snacks (just don’t bring in any alcohol). It is entirely possible to see a game being played by several future major leaguers without paying a cent. If you are purchasing food at a Harbor Hawks game, they are most reasonably priced. Extras 2 The location of the Cape League Museum and Hall of Fame just a couple of blocks from McKeon Field is worth an extra point. With so many graduates of the Cape League dotting Major League rosters, it’s a certainty that you will come across some of your favorite players during your visit. The renovations in progress at McKeon Park also merit an extra point. These long overdue changes, which have already resulted in a new scoreboard and playing surface, aim to improve the fan experience greatly, with improved seating options, easier access and most importantly, a permanent rest room. Final Thoughts The Cape League is considered by many to be the premier summer wood-bat league in the country. In 2020, over 300 Cape League alumni played in the Major Leagues. That accounts for more than one out of every six major leaguers. When taking in a game on the Cape, it’s guaranteed that you will be watching several future major leaguers-for free! If you are a baseball purist, the Cape Cod League is certainly a bucket list item. The quality of play on the diamond is high, the price is low, the fans are friendly and the atmosphere harkens back to a different time. The close proximity of the teams makes it possible to visit several, if not all, of the teams in about a week. McKeon Park has never been mentioned as one of the best ballparks on the Cape. That could change as renovations progress over the next few summers. With its location close to downtown Hyannis and Hyannis Harbor, not many ballparks can match this location. The family of ospreys that inhabit one of the light towers here may be on to something… Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Kyle Field 756 Houston Street College Station, TX 77843 Texas A&M Aggies website Kyle Field website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 102,733 College Station - Home to Texas A&M football and The Spirit of Aggieland There are plenty of college campuses across the country that are in great towns and cities. All those schools have plenty of great traditions, players, and fan bases. However, in College Station it is different; there is a spirit that Texas A&M University and the surrounding communities share – that spirit is known as The Spirit of Aggieland. As you arrive on the Texas A&M campus a water tower reads: Welcome to Aggieland. Kyle Field is nestled on the campus of Texas A&M University, and has been the heart of Aggieland since September 24, 1927, and has become one of the largest sporting venues in the country. For a contest in 2014 against the visiting University of Mississippi Rebels , Kyle Field was host to a capacity crowd of 110,631, the largest in SEC and Texas history. This record will be in danger when a 13-year absent rivalry vs. the University of Texas is renewed in 2024 at Kyle Field. Food & Beverage 3 Kyle Field provides standard yet affordable fare at its concessions stands. On every level, fans can find Aggie dogs, Slovacek Garlic Pepperjack Sausage, Frito Pie, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, sodas, bottled water, and candy. The price for most items is between $5 and $10, but the concession stands also offer combos of food plus a beverage for $15 – while this doesn’t save you money, it is just an easier way to understand your total cost. Popular chain restaurants such as Walk-On’s, Freebirds World Burrito, and Chick-fil-A are available, yet the most popular stand is Wrecking Crew BBQ, serving brisket, chicken, and sausages. The concessions at Kyle Field serve Pepsi products, with the best value being the $9 regular because a souvenir soda is $20. The positive is Kyle Field has a Pepsi refill station, so refills are plenty, after that first plunge out of your wallet. My favorite food item is the recent addition of Gig 'Em Sticks – local favorite Slovacek’ s brings a Crawford Bock sausage dipped in cheese and topped with bacon, crumbled hot Cheetos, cilantro lime crema, and chipotle ranch. Sounds good? It is in Sections 134 and 213 of Kyle Field. The beer selection at Kyle Field has a World of Beer difference, which just happens to be the name of the concession stand that has the best selection – Dos Equis, Saint Arnold, Lagunitas, and Dogfish Head are a few breweries that have a beer at the concession stands. The prices range between $13 and $14 for a 19.2 oz. The food and beverages are perfect for watching a game at Kyle Field; there are enough choices for the fan that enjoys partaking in concessions during a sporting event, or you can tailgate or visit one of College Station’s fine restaurants. Atmosphere 5 There are not many college football atmospheres, if any, that can match the history and tradition that embodies Texas A&M University – Kyle Field has earned the reputation of being one of the most intimidating stadiums in all of college football. The 12th Man is more than just the 100,000 fans in attendance but also represents the spirit of all past, present, and future Aggies. Aggie fans stand for the entirety of the game, are loud, and are engaged in the game. This is in honor of their recognition of the original 12th Man, a tradition which dates to 1922, and E. King Gill, a former football player who gave it up to play basketball, but who was called out of the stands to be ready to take the field for the Aggies. The white Twelfth Man towel-waving crowd brings incredible energy to Kyle Field. It seems that everyone at Kyle Field has a Twelfth Man Towel on them, which is waved about throughout the game, adding a similar feel to the Pittsburgh Steelers Terrible Towels . The Texas A&M Aggies don’t incorporate cheerleaders or dance teams at Kyle Field; instead, the Aggies have Yell Leaders. Three senior and two junior students (historically all male) use hand signals, or “pass backs” to direct the crowd during yells. Texas A&M students practice these yells before each game during Midnight Yell Practice on the night before the game, and each yell is designed to suit that week’s opponent. The hand gestures, which are passed back by each row of fans to the row behind them, are a truly remarkable sight to witness, along with the actual yell that 100,000 Aggies shout out in unison. Texas A&M University is one of six U.S. colleges that is classified as a senior military college. The Aggie Corps of Cadets is another great tradition seen on game day at Kyle Field – the Corps is comprised of ROTC students at Texas A&M, who fire off “The Spirit of ‘02’” cannon after every A&M touchdown (“The Spirit of ‘02’” is a World War I-era artillery piece). Kyle Field is also home to the legendary Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. The band, like every other aspect of Texas A&M life, is steeped in tradition, and since it was founded the military-style marching band has become a fixture at Kyle Field. The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band isn’t the normal college band on Saturday – this military band marches in lockstep formation and is known for performing complex maneuvers while playing the Aggie War Hymn and the Spirit of Aggieland, which is the school’s alma mater. Another popular tradition at Texas A&M is Reveille, the Aggie mascot. This rough collie has been the mascot of the Aggies since the 1930s; currently, Reveille IX can be seen prowling the sidelines on game day. How special is Reveille to Aggies? Outside Kyle Field at the Richardson Zone Plaza there is a small cemetery – this cemetery is home to the graves of all past Reveilles. The former mascots are all buried facing the north tunnel of the field, so they can watch the Aggies score. The recent renovations blocked the view, however, so a small scoreboard was added to the gravesite for the faithful mascots. The current mascot, Reveille IX, maintains a Twitter following where she tweets about her Aggies. Neighborhood 4 Kyle Field is located on Texas A&M University’s campus in College Station, Texas. College Station is located 90 miles northwest of Houston, and 87 miles northeast of Austin, in the heart of the Brazos Valley. Texas A&M University is the area’s largest employer, which classifies the city of 120,000 as a college town. The Northgate District is the local area for the university’s student life; the Dixie Chicken has been a staple in College Station since 1974, and claims to serve the most beer per square foot of any bar in the United States. In addition, there are also many other food and beverage establishments to visit – these places begin with the numerous Texas BBQ joints around the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area. One of the most publicized, and listed in the Texas Top 50 BBQ places, is Fargo’s Pit BBQ in nearby Bryan. However, be prepared to have a backup plan, as Fargo’s only makes a certain amount of food, then closes when they run out. The better plan, if you just want a good BBQ without the overhype, is C & J Barbeque, which has three locations in Bryan and College Station. Alternatively, the Good Bull BBQ is the closest to Kyle Field and is within walking distance of the stadium. Or if BBQ isn’t your thing, then try Koppe Bridge Bar and Grill – this is a great place for a burger, fries, and a drink before the game. For those looking to do a little more than just eat in the College Station area, the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on the Texas A&M campus. This library and museum are one of 13 such facilities operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Inside the building are many of the 41st President’s papers, artifacts, and records. Or, another interesting museum in the area is the Museum of the American G.I., a military history museum that is home to one of the country’s largest collections of armored vehicles. While College Station is great for the US history buff, to truly grasp the Texas A&M game day atmosphere you must visit the Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial – this memorial truly celebrates the tradition, history, and spirit of Texas A&M University. There is plenty of lodging in the College-Bryan area, but gameday weekends could be hard to find vacancies. You may want to plan or check the Texas A&M website, as the website promotes The George, a luxury hotel near Kyle Field in the heart of Century Square, where you will find dining, shopping, and live music. Fans 5 Texas A&M’s fan base makes the game day experience something memorable. The trademark “12th Man” is owned by Texas A&M University; you’ll see it all around Aggieland on banners, concessions, and more importantly on merchandise. The Seattle Seahawks even paid Texas A&M $140,000 for limited rights to the “12th Man” trademark. Kyle Field’s 100,000-plus faithful are littered with maroon and white and are the most engaged fans of any college sport. The chants of Beat the Hell Out of (insert opponent’s name here) or “Whoop!” (one of A&M’s signature yells) can be heard all game long. There will also be plenty of hissing; Aggie fans are taught to hiss instead of booing the refs and the other team. There are a lot of traditions at Texas A&M University – one tradition is Midnight Yell Practice, which is held at Kyle Field the night before each game. Tradition is a huge part of the makeup of Texas A&M University; Aggie fans not only truly respect the traditions, but they also actively take part in Midnight Yell. Texas A&M fans are truly some of the best in all of college football, and create an incredible atmosphere – they are one of the main highlights of attending a game at Kyle Field. Access 3 College Station is located 90 miles northwest of Houston International Airport (IAH), and 87 miles northeast of Austin’s airport (AUS) – neither of these major airports serves College Station. The area’s population of 120,000 along with another 100,000-plus fans in attendance for every game can lead to some serious congestion and traffic issues. There is a rideshare and taxi service available with pick up and drop off locations by Reed Arena on Olsen Blvd; the location changes during and after the game to Lot 30E and three other locations. If you are driving, most university-sanctioned parking lots will cost $25, but Texas A&M has a wonderful shuttle service in place that will make getting to and leaving Kyle Field much easier. The shuttles are free and run for several hours before and after the game, and are a great way to navigate around game traffic. The best option for parking is to arrive early and park in the neighborhood near Kyle Field. This plan is low cost, but it does require walking approximately half a mile or three-quarters of a mile each way. There is an entry tower at each corner of Kyle Field, with ramps leading to the different levels. The stadium also has good signage for directions, and the concourse is large enough to accommodate a crowd of 100,000-plus fans. Return on Investment 4 Kyle Field’s seating capacity has increased to 102,733, yet this didn’t lower the ticket prices. The best option for lower ticket prices would be to settle for a game against a non-conference opponent, such as New Mexico , Louisiana-Monroe , or Abilene-Christian . Tickets for these games sell for about $50, while premier game tickets (usually conference opponents) cost between $80 and $125 to get a seat inside Kyle Field. This is especially true for SEC play versus Alabama or LSU ; those tickets can start at $125 for seating in the 300 and 400-level areas. Of course, Kyle Field’s experience is unique in the college football landscape. The stadium has better sightlines and views since the recent renovations, and the parking can be free if you don’t mind the walk to the stadium. However, the cliché of you get what you pay for is true at Kyle Field, because the game day atmosphere is among the best in college football. Extras 5 Texas A&M is the heartland of a football-crazed state, and Kyle Field’s capacity is the largest in Texas, and the fourth largest in the country. The Aggies’ tradition and history are also unparalleled in sports – the 12th Man continues to represent all past, present, and future Aggies. A visit to Kyle Field should be on any sports fan’s bucket list. Final Thoughts Kyle Field is a must-visit for any sports fan – the pageantry and traditions will amaze any newcomer to Kyle Field. The unique spirit that presents itself during the game day atmosphere here at Texas A&M is best stated in the first verse of Texas A&M’s alma mater, The Spirit of Aggieland – “Some may boast of prowess bold, Of the school they think so grand, but there’s a spirit can ne’er be told, It’s the Spirit of Aggieland.”

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Xcel Energy Center 175 West Kellogg Boulevard St Paul, MN 55102 Minnesota Wild website Xcel Energy Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 18,064 The Wild State Of Hockey The Minnesota Wild continue to play before hockey-crazed, sellout crowds at Xcel Energy Center. The building, while 23 years old, continues to shine as fans rock out to Shout after every Wild goal. The team was born in 2000 following the departure of the original Minnesota North Stars who fled their home in Bloomington just outside the Twin Cities to relocate to Dallas in 1993. Minnesota has never had the privilege of seeing a Stanley Cup champion. The North Stars did reach the finals twice in 1991 and 81. The arena is situated in downtown St. Paul unlike the Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves who all play in Minneapolis. St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota, is home to Minnesota United FC of the MLS and the St. Paul Saints of the International League (Minnesota Twins AAA team). Food & Beverage 4 There is a wide array of food and beverage choices. The sit-down dining options include Flynt & Kyndie, The Reserve, and The Michelob Golden Light Tap House. Wild Greens, The Deli, Wrecktangle Pizza, and City Burger are some of the other choices. Unfortunately, all are located on the Club Level with the exception of the Tap House and Wild Greens. Some of the other options include local craft beer at MN Craft, local sausage at Market House Meats, Philly cheese steaks and pub chips, taphouse wings, Nordy’s Knots (traditional German pretzels), and Cookie Dough (JR’s Dough Shop). Just for an idea of beverage prices, a bottle of water is $6, Domestic Beer is $12, Craft Beer is $13 and a large craft is $16. The Xcel also offers fans convenient grab-and-go choices which are quickly coming to many stadiums. There is the Wild Market near Section 113 which features Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology so fans do not have to wait. Guests either insert their credit card to enter or hover their palm over an Amazon One device. The items selected are automatically linked to their credit card. Atmosphere 4 The State of Hockey theme is reinforced throughout the stadium.​​ The concourse takes on a Minnesota vibe with an angled roof and wood beams. On the West Side, the arena recognizes every boys and girls high school program in the state with a display containing each jersey.​​​​ There is also a tribute to the 1980 Miracle on Ice team. The concourse fills up well before game time and can get heavily congested. The Xcel Center offers four levels of seating with 74 suites.​​ There is a standing room section at the top of the lower and upper bowls with numbered countertops. The crowd is passionate and unlike some arenas, most fans are seated before the teams take the ice. There is a suite level and then two additional levels. The corners are broken up by a crow’s nest. The organist sits in one location and the other is a Lighthouse with a Fog Horn that lights up when the Wild scores. Fog billows out of the Lake Superior style Lighthouse and envelopes the arena leading up to the opening faceoff. The arena unfortunately favors loud rock music to organ music during stoppages. On this visit, the organ was only played once per period. The mascot Nordy is either in his perch or roams the lower bowl and bangs his drum to encourage the “Let’s Go Wild!” chant. Nordy at Xcel Energy Center, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey The current LED Video Board was installed in 2014. It is a typical center-hung scoreboard seen at most NHL venues. The only negative is it does not inform fans of the players who are on ice during the game. Neighborhood 4 The area around Xcel is probably the most vibrant part of the city especially at night with bars, restaurants, and hotels in the nearby vicinity. There is also the RiverCentre, Roy Williams Auditorium, and the Science Museum of Minnesota within walking distance. There are three hotels (Courtyard Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Hampton Inn) just across the street. The historic, luxury St. Paul Hotel completed in 1910 is also nearby. Two attractions worth visiting are the Cathedral of Saint Paul (the third-largest Catholic cathedral and sixth-largest church in the United States) and the Capitol Building. The Capitol offers free, 45-minute guided tours Monday through Saturday. The Minnesota State Capitol dome is the second largest self-supported marble dome in the world, behind Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Fans 4 The Wild averaged 18,454 last year which translates into a sellout every night. The crowd is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and engaged. Fans turn on their cellphone flashlights at the end of the pregame ceremonies to illuminate the arena prior to the Wild taking the ice. Prior to the game and in between periods, fans flock to the Hockey Lodge to purchase souvenirs and merchandise of their favorite team and players. The stores even stock some of the past Minnesota North Stars colors as the team has a Stars alternate jersey that they wore on this visit. Each year in March, fans flood Xcel Energy Center for the state boys' high school hockey tournament. The overall attendance last year was a record-setting number of over 135,000 fans for 8 sessions. Access 4 Xcel Energy Center is nestled between two major freeways (Interstate 94 and 35E) making it easily accessible. The arena is serviced by two ramps: RiverCentre Parking Ramp and Kellogg Parking Ramp, both of which are directly connected to the complex. The building can also be accessed from several Metro Transit bus lines and the light rail Green Line. The light rail is about a 10-minute walk. Bags, purses, and backpacks are not allowed. Clutches, wristlets, and wallets sized 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller are permitted. The facility is cashless. There are 5 entry gates. Gate 1 is the largest and allows access to the main lobby. Gate 5 is reserved for the Bremer Bank Suite Level and RBC Wealth Management Club Level. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are in the middle of the pack for NHL teams. Tickets could be as low as $50 for early season games on weeknights for the upper level, but the lower bowl will run $100 or more before fees. Food prices are in line with the going rate for NHL stadiums these days. There is a $6 happy hour deal where food and beer are discounted (16 oz beers, fountain soda, hot dogs, and pretzels with cheese) up to 30 minutes before faceoff. Parking can be found for about $15-$35 depending upon how close the lot is. Park Wiz is always a good option to find less pricey parking thru advanced purchase. Extras 3 Xcel Energy also hosts the Minnesota State Hockey Championships and is home to the NCAA Frozen Four for the fourth time in 2024. A number of big performers have dates at Xcel. The Eagles, Jonas Brothers, and Madonna are some of the headliners in 2023-24. The crow’s nest is a nice feature. The third platform features a special guest yelling “Let’s Play Hockey” to culminate the game. The other highlight is the Peanuts Character statues clad in Wild jerseys as a tribute to Peanuts creator and avid hockey fan the late Charles Schultz (a St. Paul native). Snoopy at Xcel Energy Center, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Despite being over 20 years old, the arena seems relatively modern and up-to-date. With enthusiastic fan support in a rabid hockey market, Xcel Energy Center is clearly worthy of a Stadium Journey.