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

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

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Heiges Field House 333 Lancaster Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257 Shippensburg Red Raiders website Heiges Field House website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,768 Up With The Ship Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship or SU) is a public university in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 50 master’s degree programs. Many of the original historic buildings of the campus, including Old Main, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous alumni of the school include Brent Grimes, former National Football League cornerback; Rob Davis, the Director of Player Development of the Green Bay Packers; and best-selling author Dean Koontz. The Lady Raiders are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and have been members of the PSAC since its foundation in 1951. The Dixon trophy is awarded to the top athletic program in the 18 universities Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Shippensburg has won the trophy seven times, the most by any PSAC member. The field hockey team at Ship has been the most successful team on campus winning the national championship in Division II twice in the last six years. Football has been a strong team as well. The mascot is “Big Red,” a red-tail hawk wearing a pirate hat. Heiges Field House was the second-largest wooden-domed structure in the world when it opened. The arena is the home to the school’s volleyball, wrestling, and basketball programs, as well as housing swimming in the attached pool. From 2004 to 2007, the Red Raiders posted a 37-3 record in home basketball games, which led the students of Shippensburg at the time to nickname Heiges Field House, “The Dungeon.” The arena has a wooden playing surface designed by the same floor designer as the University of North Carolina and the University of Kansas. The Lady Raiders volleyball team has thrived in “The Dungeon” in recent years. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand open for volleyball games. There may be stands open for certain, bigger games. Atmosphere 2 For volleyball matches, the team only uses one of the grandstands within the arena. The arena feels very open and has a typical atmosphere for a Division II level school. The field house roof is on perfect display at all times with its cool style and large fans coming from it. Neighborhood 3 Shippensburg is a nice little town located just to the north of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as well as the Maryland border. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. You can’t go wrong with CJ’s American Pub & Grill for dinner and then stopping by Goose Bros. Ice Cream for dessert. There are other options as it is a small college town with quite a few varieties of places to go. Nearby Chambersburg has many more local and chain options. Fans 3 Heiges Field House usually does not fill for volleyball games. Most of the crowd seems to be made up of friends or family of the players. Access 4 Shippensburg is located right off Interstate 81, a major route from the south through to the northeast. Accessing the campus is easy as you get off that main road as it is marked well. The university is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the field. Parking is usually free but if it is a weeknight when classes are in session, please make sure to check parking regulations. Return on Investment 5 Tickets and parking are free. Extras 2 There are many trophy cases in the small lobby that offer a glimpse of the successes of the various Red Raider teams. The roof is a great extra all in its own. Final Thoughts Shippensburg plays on a good level of volleyball and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Shentel Stadium 1122 Ralph Shockey Drive Winchester, VA 22601 Shenandoah Hornets website Shentel Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 3,000 Oh, Shenandoah! Shenandoah University is located in scenic Winchester, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley. The university has an enrollment of about 2,100 students, and its athletic programs, known as the Hornets, compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in the NCAA’s Division III. Shentel Stadium is home to the Hornets’ football team as well as its field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse programs. It opened in 2001 and has been renovated several times since then. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different food and beverage options located at tents and tables behind the home bleachers. The main tent features hot dogs ($5), bratwurst with peppers and onions ($6), and cheeseburgers ($4), all of which are grilled fresh right there. Snacks include nachos ($4), popcorn ($5), and candy ($2 for regular size or $1 for small size candy bars made right on campus). Soda is $1 for a small can, while Gatorade, sweet tea, and bottled water are available for $3 at this stand. On cold days, you can get hot chocolate for $3 and coffee for $2. Another table sells slices of pizza from a local pizzeria and a third sells freshly made kettle corn that you can watch them make. Oddly enough, the prices of drinks are different here than at the main stand – bottled water costs $1.50 at the pizza table and $1 at the kettle corn table, despite being the same size and brand as the $3 water at the main tent. The main tent accepts credit cards but the other two tables do not so bring cash if you want pizza or kettle corn. Atmosphere 4 Shentel Stadium is located in a beautiful setting, in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, and that alone can add value to the atmosphere. All seats are bleachers without backs except for a few sections of reserved chair backs at midfield on the home side. There is a scoreboard behind one end zone that can also show video, although it seldom does. Shenandoah also has a band, cheerleaders, and a dance team that keeps the crowd engaged and promotes a lively atmosphere. All in all, Shentel Stadium has an impressive atmosphere for Division III. Neighborhood 3 Winchester is a small city located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. There are several restaurants located near campus, ranging from sports bars to barbecue to homemade ice cream. Since Shentel Stadium is located right off the highway, pretty much everything in Winchester is right there. While Winchester certainly isn’t a bustling city, it does have that small-town charm. History buffs may also want to visit the many Civil War sites in and around Winchester, which played a major role in the conflict. The city changed hands 72 times during the war and was known as the Shuttlecock of the Confederacy. Fans 3 Shentel Stadium seats 3,000 fans, and on average the Hornets draw between 1,000 and 2,000 to each game. Although this is not a huge crowd, those who attend are passionate about the Hornets and knowledgeable of their team and the game. They’ll cheer loud for all four quarters and aren’t afraid to get on the case of the referees if calls aren’t going their way. This is Division III, the lowest level of the NCAA, and the crowds reflect that, but those who do show up are loyal to their team and contribute to the atmosphere here. Access 4 Shentel Stadium is located right off Interstate 81 – you can see the back of the scoreboard from the highway and cars driving past from inside the stadium. If coming from the east or west, you will likely need to take State Route 7 or U.S. Route 50 at least part of the way – although they’re not interstates, you can usually make good time on these roads. Once you get off the highway, you can park in the lot next to the Wilkins Athletic Center for $5 or lots or garages further away for free. Keep in mind the lots right next to the stadium are reserved for pass holders – you need to park on the other side of the Athletic Center, not the side closest to the stadium. Staff is on hand to direct you to the right place. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $5 for general admission bleacher seats, which is a great deal. If you want a reserved chair back at midfield, this will cost you $12 in advance or $15 the day of the game. Tickets cannot be ordered online, only by phone or in person, and general admission seats cannot be ordered in advance at all. However, games rarely if ever sell out so you should be fine waiting. There is not a bad seat in the stadium, so if comfort is not a concern, we suggest buying the bleacher seats. Extras 3 There is a giant hornet statue located between the stadium and the Wilkins Center representing the team’s mascot. Programs are for sale for just $1 and contain rosters, photos, and other information on the Hornets and their opponent. A third and final star for the staff at Shentel Stadium, who are extremely polite, friendly, and helpful throughout our visit. Final Thoughts Although a trip to Shentel Stadium is a far cry from Division I football, that is not necessarily a bad thing. This is a quaint but beautiful facility where you can watch college football at an affordable price. While the quality of play may not be what you see at Division I, the fans don’t seem to care, and a visit to a Shenandoah football game can be an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the Shenandoah Valley.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Seth Grove Stadium 1871 Old Main Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257 Shippensburg Red Raiders website Seth Grove Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 7,700 Up With The Ship Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship or SU) is a public university in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 50 master’s degree programs. Many of the original historic buildings of the campus, including Old Main, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous alumni of the school include Brent Grimes, former National Football League cornerback; Rob Davis, the Director of Player Development of the Green Bay Packers; and best selling author Dean Koontz. The Red Raiders are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and have been members of the PSAC since its foundation in 1951. The Dixon trophy is awarded to the top athletic program in the 18 university Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Shippensburg has won the trophy seven times, the most by any PSAC member. The field hockey team at Ship has been the most successful team on campus winning the national championship in Division II twice in the last six years. Football has been a strong team as well. The mascot is “Big Red,” a red-tail hawk wearing a pirates hat. The stadium is named for the late J. Seth Grove, former coach at Shippensburg. Food & Beverage 3 There is a simple food stand located on each end of the main grandstand. It is a simple affair with cheap prices and good quality. Both stands are cash only and there is not an ATM at the stadium. Across from each food stand is a temporary trailer selling french fries. Atmosphere 4 The stadium has one large main stand that holds most of the seats, while there is a small visiting stand on the far side of the field that has its own entrance. Most of the seats in the stands are bleacher type with no back. There is a decent scoreboard at the stadium. The football field does sit a bit away from the stands because of track surface. There are cheerleaders, the team mascot and a fairly large marching bad to enhance the atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Shippensburg is a nice little town located just to the north of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as well as the Maryland border. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. You can’t go wrong with CJ’s American Pub & Grill for dinner and then stopping by Goose Bros. Ice Cream for dessert. There are other options as it is a small college town with quite a few variety of places to go. Nearby Chambersburg has many more local and chain options. Fans 4 The fans seem to attend the games well and the stands filled up fairly quickly. They are loud and exuberant. The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock and Millersville. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance. Access 4 Shippensburg is located right off Interstate 81, a major route from the south through to the northeast. Accessing the campus is easy as you get off that main road as it is marked well. The university is located about a half an hour to the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore, and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the stadium. Parking is also free. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to the game are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and non-Shippensburg students. Shippensburg students, faculty and staff get in free. Parking is free. The value for your dollar is strong here. Extras 3 There is a large rock located next to the playing field with a large ship logo painted on it. I had a hard time finding out the significant of it, but I am sure it means something to the players and fans. There are free programs available at the games, while supplies last. A portable campus bookstore sets up shop at the main stadium entrance selling quite a bit of Ship gear. Final Thoughts Shippensburg plays a good level of football and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Pen Air Field Campus Dr Pensacola, FL 32514 West Florida Argonauts website Pen Air Field website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 6,500 Arete the Argonauts Located on the banks of the Escambia River in north Pensacola lies the University of West Florida. The medium-sized university of about 12,000 students opened in 1963 and is currently the largest four-year university in western Florida. Nicknamed the Argonauts, UWF has been a member of the D2 Gulf South Conference since 1994. The Argos football team is fairly young, entering its 5th season as of 2021. The Argos made it to the National Title game in just their second year of playing, a feat that is unheard of in college athletics. Since the NCAA was founded in 1906 no program has ever made it to the National Championship in their second year of playing. Though UWF would lose that game in 2017, just two years later the Argos wound up winning the title, also becoming the fastest program to take home a National Championship. In just five short years UWF has become a D2 powerhouse, and the program is only continuing to rise. Because the university does not currently have an on-campus stadium, the Argos play about 15 miles away in downtown Pensacola at the beautiful Blue Wahoos Stadium, home of the Double A’s Pensacola Blue Wahoos. However, with a baseball game being scheduled on the same day, UWF was forced to construct a makeshift stadium around Pen Air Field, the on-campus practice field that opened in 2016. This game is notable as being the first on-campus home football game in the program’s history. Food & Beverage 3 Because this is not a normal stadium there are no permanent concessions on-site, but that didn’t mean the university didn’t go above and beyond by bringing in outside food trucks and vendors to serve the fans. As soon as you enter the grounds there are four different food truck options to choose from – Sonny’s BBQ truck that sells items such as ribs and pork sandwiches; Joe’s Caribe that sells Caribbean, Latin, and Mexican flavored dishes; an ice cream truck that sells all different types of ice cream and sundaes; and the Greeks Food Truck that sells exotic Greek-flavored foods. The university also has a tent set up where they sell regular ballpark items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and popcorn. There is also a separate tent that sells alcohol of all kinds. Needless to say, the various food trucks made up for the lack of concessions, and the fact that you could try all these different types of foods is a plus and something you normally wouldn’t find at a D2 football game or some D1 games for that matter. Just make sure you have cash as none of the stands here accept cards – with no ATM on site this could pose a problem as there is a no re-entry policy. Also, one drawback of building a makeshift stadium is that there are no permanent water fountains on the property; as this was a warm and muggy Florida evening, being able to stay hydrated is a must, and the only way to get any water would be to pay $3 in cash. This is something the university could consider if they ever host a game at Pen Air Field again. Atmosphere 4 The $2 million Pen Air Field opened in Spring 2016 and serves as the official practice facility for the Argos. The field faces north and south with the south end zone housing the Darryl Gooden Center, which is where the coach’s offices, weight rooms, and lockers are located. When Pen Air Field was opened it was not built to host official football games, but the University did everything they could to make sure this was a top-notch experience for the first-ever home football game on campus. And though the waterfront stadium and downtown setting of Blue Wahoos Stadium make for a great experience, it just doesn’t beat a college football game being played on campus. It is a pretty cool setup here as this is just a basic practice field that was transformed into a temporary stadium. Scaffolds with areas where the announcers and tv crew sit were brought in and set up behind the west sideline, while on the east side of the field they brought in temporary metal bleachers that extended about 70 yards parallel to the field. One drawback to the seating is the fact that only season ticket holders could sit in the bleachers – the students had to either sit on blankets on the grass or stand on the west side under the scaffolds, which was the designated student section. In the north end zone is a permanent scoreboard that just shows the score, but right next to that is a large 20-foot videoboard they brought in just for the game. Directly behind the bleachers are the various food trucks and the bar area. UWF also did a good job promoting the brand and bringing in potential students; they had multiple tents set up from different clubs and organizations promoting their groups – it was like orientation day at UWF. The campus bookstore also has a large tent with a broad selection of t-shirts and gear for sale. Neighborhood 3 Pensacola is a cool city with plenty of things to do for people of all ages. Unfortunately, UWF is located on the north side of town away from the city’s main attractions, but across the street from the campus is a shopping center that features a Target, Kohl’s, and Chick-fil-A, but not much else. For food around campus, I recommend trying Foosackly’s, which is a cheap fast food restaurant that serves only chicken, or Dodge’s Store, which is located in a gas station that has excellent fried foods. For hotels in the area I recommend trying the Davis Highway exit off I-10 about 5 miles south of campus; there are plenty of hotels at this exit. Although the campus is not close to everything, you can still get to everything the city has to offer in 30 minutes or less. About 15 miles south of campus is Historic Downtown Pensacola – if interested in nightlife and going out you can find hundreds of bars and restaurants lined up along Palafox Street and in the Seville Quarter. The beaches of Pensacola Beach are about 20 minutes south of campus as well. The campus is also located in a rural swampy area of the city right on the Escambia River. There are plenty of woods and wetlands; nature lovers could spend all day walking or riding their bikes on the beautiful trails. The campus rec department rents out kayaks and bikes for those who want to get a glimpse of Florida’s protected wetlands, where you can encounter alligators, bears, deer, and all kinds of wildlife in the woods surrounding the campus. They also have a nice 21-hole disc golf course that goes throughout campus. Fans 3 Before 2016 this area of the panhandle didn’t have a college football team to call their own, with the closest in-state school (Florida State) located over 3 hours away. That all has changed and in just five short years the Argos has become Northwest Florida’s college football team. The school receives constant exposure in the city, more than most D2 programs do. Just shopping around the local Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart expect to find a section of Argos gear right there next to the Florida State stuff, so fan support in the city is growing. The school even receives constant press from the newspaper, and the local ESPN radio affiliate broadcasts the coaches’ shows every week. During UWF football’s first five seasons the Argos have averaged 5,660 fans at Blue Wahoos Stadium – the stadium only holds 5,085 people meaning UWF sells out almost every game. The fact that so many fans turn out for a game off-campus, I could only imagine how many fans would show up for a game on-campus – as I arrived on campus fans were scattered around drinking, grilling, and watching games on TVs under various tents throughout the parking lots near the stadium. It seemed like the students were tailgating right outside the UWF Field House next door, home of the Argos basketball team, while other fans were set up at different lots around campus. All in all, everyone seemed pumped up and excited, being that this was the first home game since winning the 2019 DII National Championship – at over 6,500 people this game did break the school attendance record for the largest crowd in program history. Access 3 UWF’s campus is located on the north side of town, about 15 miles north of downtown. I-10 is your best bet for getting to Pensacola, then taking the Davis Highway exit north to campus. Davis Highway is one of the busiest streets in the city and they are always doing construction on this road, so be careful as it can get confusing. Traffic also backs up substantially, especially right off the interstate, so take that into account if coming from out of town. About a mile north of the interstate Davis Highway splits off to the left and turns into University Blvd; you can take this road about 3 miles and drive right into campus. The whole campus is one big circle with the athletic facilities on the west side, with Pen Air Field directly behind UWF Field House. Return on Investment 2 General Admission tickets cost $23 and can only be purchased online. I considered the prices kind of high for this level of college football, but you are getting to see the defending D2 National Champions, who were ranked number 1 headed into the game I most recently attended. Because the bleachers are taken up by season ticket holders and alumni, the GA tickets are standing room only, so that is a drawback as well. The level of play on the field is quite good though as the Argos roster is filled with transfers from D1 programs. Just scanning the roster for UWF for the 2021 season expect to find players who have previous experience playing at power 5 programs all over the country. Parking is $10 and there are plenty of parking lots on campus, with the ones closest to the stadium charging for parking. But you should be able to find plenty of free parking – you just have to walk a little. Extras 3 One extra for just the fact that the Argos have been to two D2 National Championship Games in just the first five years of their existence. Some schools have played for a hundred years and never won a championship, so the fact that UWF did it so quickly is quite special. If you want to view the 2019 D2 National Championship Trophy, it’s on display in the lobby of the Darryl Gooden Center just south of the playing field. Another extra for the Argos regular home field Blue Wahoos Stadium, also home of the Double-A Blue Wahoos. With its gorgeous bayside setting, the stadium has been voted the best view in minor league baseball but is also in the running for the best view in all of D2 football. The football experience on campus is great, but everyone in the area needs to experience a UWF football game downtown. The game I last attended, was also a special day as the game took place on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. As Pensacola is a pretty big military town there was a cool pre-game ceremony they did – the UWF Band played the National Anthem and right towards the end of the song the Navy did a flyover. Because there was no American flag on display the Fire Department had a truck in the south endzone hanging a giant flag from the top of the ladder. I remember getting goosebumps looking up at the Flag as the Anthem was getting ready to commence, watching the planes approach and the fireworks getting ready to go off. Then as the Argos ran out of the tunnel onto the field, I just knew I was a part of something special, the first-ever football game on the University of West Florida’s campus. Final Thoughts The UWF 2021 home opener was nothing more than a test run. With the matchup on the field, there was little doubt as to who the better team on the field was, and the Argos completely dominated the action from start to finish. However, this game was more than just the action on the field – it was about if the campus can support an on-campus football stadium. After the turnout and atmosphere at a makeshift stadium, I can only imagine how it would be in a few years if the Argos can create their own on-campus home. Plus, with the 2022 Minor League Baseball schedule being announced already there is already a scheduling conflict for UWF and the Blue Wahoos next year, so look for Pen Air Field to host another game next season, and hopefully one day they will have permanent bleachers constructed around the field.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Fox Valley Ice Arena 1996 S Kirk Rd Geneva, IL 60134 Chicago Steel website Fox Valley Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 2,000 A Taste of the Juniors in Chicago The Chicago Steel, a member of the United States Hockey League (USHL) since 2000, moved to the Chicagoland area in 2000 from Fargo-Morehead where they were the Ice Sharks. The Steel is a junior league club that currently plays at the Fox Valley Ice Arena. They moved from the Edge in Bensenville (27 miles away in 2015) to the current Fox Valley Ice Arena. The owner upgraded to the facility including a new scoreboard in the main NHL rink, a new will-call area and made renovations to the back of the rink with office facilities. Even though the Steel is located approximately two blocks from the Kane County Cougars (American Association Baseball) neither team acknowledges each other which is strange. Owner Larry Robbins purchased the team in 2015 and since then the Steel have erased their dismal playoff record and have become a powerhouse in the USHL winning championships in the 2016-2017 and 2020-2021 seasons. The average attendance is about 1,100 per game so usually, there is no need to buy tickets in advance since capacity is 3,500 (unless you want to sit in a certain area). Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand is inside the rink and one is in the main lobby. There is an array of concession items for fans to snack on during the game that includes BBQ pulled pork ($9), Doritos walking taco ($9), hot dogs/brats ($6), pizza ($5), popcorn ($6), hot pretzel ($6), cotton candy ($5), nachos ($5), double fudge brownie / chocolate chip cookie ($4), various candy ($4) and kettle chips ($2) other snacks. Coca-Cola products are served by the bottle ($4). In addition, there is cold brew coffee ($5), coffee ($4), hot chocolate ($4), chocolate milk ($3) and bottled water is $3. Adult beverages including both domestic (Budweiser products) and local (Goose Island) beers are available in the building for $6 and $7 respectively. The local authorities include Goose Island 312 / IPA. In addition, there are some mixed drink cans (Vodka soda lime, Whiskey Mule, Rum & Mint Mojito) that sell for $10. Connected to the rink and with a good view of the arena (limited seats) is Rookies Bar & Grill that currently has a limited menu that includes main dishes such as a hamburger ($14), chicken sandwich ($14), gyro plate ($14), brisket melt ($16), Italian beef ($12), chicken wrap ($13), mac & cheese ($13). They do have a BBQ chicken salad ($14) and a Mediterranean salad ($13). Appetizers include chicken wings / fingers, machos, mini tacos, mozzarella sticks, mini corn dogs, and cheese curds ranging from $10 to $16. The limited menu is disappointing since the food at other “Rookies” locations is outstanding. There are plans to get to their full menu soon. Of course, being a bar / grill there is a wider selection of alcoholic beverages. The workers are friendly and provide a good service but can be very slow at times. I would suggest that you wait until the game starts before you get in line. Atmosphere 3 The Fox Valley Ice Arena consists of two hockey rinks (the Steel play in the main arena) separated by the main lobby that seems to be always full of lots of kids running around or playing some of the video / hockey games. The lobby has the USHL team logo banners hanging in the lobby, which is nice. However, I think the banners should be hanging in the rink. The “box office” has three windows but the lines are never long. There are bathrooms inside the arena and also in the lobby. The arena where the Steel play features a low-level ceiling, seats on both sides of the ice. There are no fixed seats behind the nets. However, on one side there is a group / party area in the corner that has a table and some chairs. There are 12 suites up above the regular seating bowl on one side that requires a separate entrance from the main lobby. The twelve suites provide a very nice view of the arena and also include food service and balcony seating. One side of the rink (opposite side of the benches) has approximately 10 rows of fixed seats and then about 15 rows of bench seating and the other side has about 10 rows of bench seating. A video board hangs over center ice and provides a lot of entertainment during stops in play and at intermission that includes fan interactions, out-of-town scores, player stats and pregame videos featuring members of the team in comical features. The video board is surprisingly big and clear for a USHL team. There are also two banners honoring the 2017-18 and 2020-21 Clark Cup Championship teams. Rusty, a dog, is the official mascot of the team who can be seen throughout the building and rink at certain times offering hugs to fans of all ages. There are a couple of concession tables (in the rink and the lobby) offering team gear that includes hats, t-shirts, and both home / away jerseys and, of course, the obligatory chuck-a-puck. Team merchandise shirts range from $20 for a t-shirt, $50 for a long-sleeved shirt to about $100 for replica jerseys. Hats are available for $23 and they have other swag such as mini hockey / goalie sticks ($8 or $9), hockey pucks / pennants ($7) and a Christmas ornament ($5). Neighborhood 2 The Fox Valley Ice Arena is just a few blocks south of Northwestern Medicine Field where the Kane County Cougars play. If you are in town for a game in early April, there is the possibility of making a doubleheader. Downtown Geneva, which is about three miles from the arena, offers many shops, restaurants and bars (to name a few really good ones: Livia Italian Eatery, Craft Urban, Fox’s Steaks, Firewater BBQ, Atwater’s, Graham’s Chocolates), and scenic views along the Fox River. A little closer to the arena is The Country House, about a block on Kirk Road. This restaurant received the “Best Burger in Chicago” award, according to the Chicago Tribune. It also serves giant muffuletta sandwiches, wraps, ribs, and steaks. It is a bit more expensive, but the food is outstanding. The Penrose Brewing, Stockholms Brewery, and Two Brothers Brewery are all about 15 minutes from the ballpark and are good places for drinks and a full food menu if you enjoy microbrews. Fans 3 The average crowds are around 1,100, except for Blackhawks Night that packs the place to full capacity. Many in the stands are curious onlookers, but many are invested in the game and a few others who travel quite a long distance to take in the game. The Steel definitely appeals to a family crowd as many of its promotions are designed to bring the kids out and with prices as low as they are, an ideal way to enjoy pretty good hockey not too far from home for many folks. Access 2 Access to the arena is easy however, it will take a bit of driving to get there, as Interstate I-88 is about 15 minutes south of the arena. Interstate 355 and Interstate 90 are about 30 minutes east and north, respectively. Note: The interstates are tolls rolls. There are no trains within walking distance of the arena. Once at the arena there is plenty of free parking. Return on Investment 3 There are three price points for tickets for Steel games. $10, $15, and $20. This is a bit surprising to me since you can go to an American Hockey League game for less than $20. Anyway, there is not a bad seat in the house. Parking is free, which is nice. Extras 3 A point goes to Rookies Bar & Grill that offers a great variety of food (once they go to the full menu) and a nice view of the rink inside its facility. A second point is for the Steel staff who create a professional experience at the facility. There are plenty of staff members who can be found to answer any questions that may be on your mind. The Steel really do a good job of offering varied promotional nights and provides a sense of welcoming to all the fans who attend games. The last point is for the suites that feature balcony seating overlooking the ice, a nice surprise and a good way to bring in extra revenue for the club. Final Thoughts The management of the Chicago Steel has done a great job of creating a professional experience at the small venue and with affordable pricing a great way to an alternative for a relatively cheap night out of the house in the Chicagoland area. I don’t understand that with the great job the Steel does with the game day experience that more people don’t show up. The Steel represented the USHL and the United States in the 2015 Junior Club World Cup in Yekaterinburg, Russia, capturing the bronze medal while defeating host Russia twice during the five-game, eight-day tournament. During this tournament, the Steel wore two really nice jerseys. Sadly, they don’t wear or sell replicas of those jerseys anymore but you will usually see some fans wearing them. Come out to see the stars of tomorrow. Many former Steel coaches and players have graduated to the AHL and NHL. Greg Moore, former head coach for the Steel is now the head coach for the AHL Toronto Marlies. In addition, the Steel has had about 20 players who have made it to the NHL. In recent years, they have had a few players drafted in the 1 st round of the NHL draft. In 2021, the Steel had 3 players drafted in the 1 st round of the NHL Draft.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bulldog Stadium Loop Road Bowie, MD 20715 Bowie State Bulldogs website Bulldog Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 2,964 Home Of The Bulldogs Bowie State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bowie State is Maryland’s oldest historically black university and one of the ten oldest in the country, opening in 1865. In 1963, Bowie State College was officially named and in 1988 became a university. It is now a member of the University System of Maryland. The school has 22 undergraduate majors, 19 master’s programs, two doctoral programs. A few members of the singing family, the Braxtons, have attended Bowie State. Christa McAuliffe, one of the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, got a Master’s degree at Bowie. Sports teams at Bowie are called the Bulldogs. They compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, at the NCAA Division II level. Bulldog Stadium has a seating capacity of 2,964. A new field house was opened in 2015 within the stadium. Food & Beverage 3 The new field house in the end zone has a pretty nice concession stand located next to it. It is strangely hidden, but the food options and prices are all quite good. There are simple food options for a stadium but I was fairly impressed. I had eaten before the game, but I would have had no problem grabbing a hot dog, nachos, or another snack at this well-stocked stand. There is a lot of space around the stadium interior for other food options that seem to happen depending on the game and the expected crowd. I got the feeling that at the annual homecoming game there are plenty of additional food options. Atmosphere 3 As with every HBCU football game I have ever experienced, the atmosphere is always quite special. From the entrance of the small but loud band to the cheerleaders and majorettes, the crowd should be fired up from the experience. Even so, Bulldog Stadium does suffer from feeling a bit like a high school-type atmosphere. The stadium is not very big and it feels like that kind of stadium experience. This is not necessarily negative, but you can tell that it is not a Division I football game. There is one main grandstand on the home side and a small visitors’ grandstand on the other side. The visitors’ stand is tall but not very wide and looks kind of funny. Overall the seating seems far from the field and that is even with no track as part of the stadium. That is a bit of a negative. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing too exciting about the residential Bowie neighborhood near the university. Not too far away is a major highway (US Route 301) and is near many shopping centers and fast-food restaurants. Baltimore is 30 miles away, DC 18 miles away, and Annapolis 15 miles away, so you should not be limited by the uninspiring suburban choices right near the school. Poncho n’ Pepe’s Cantina at 1651 Maryland Route 3 in Crofton doesn’t have the most exciting food selection, but is a colorful restaurant with many foods and drink specials for pre and post-game gatherings. Rip’s Country Inn (3809 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD) is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality good food, this is a great option. Comfort Inn is at 4500 Crain Highway across US Route 301 from the stadium and offers some game package deals. Fans 3 Bowie State has pretty decent fan support. Unfortunately, it does have quite a few commuters and professional-level students who likely do not make it to that many games. Quite a decent number of alumni attend the games. There did not appear to be as many students attending the games as I expected. Access 3 Access is good at Bowie State. Sitting near US Route 301, US Route 50, and State Route 3, one should have no problem getting to the game. Traffic can be a bear at times, as this intersection is right between the triangle of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC. Plan a little leeway in timing for early evening games. Parking is all around campus and there is a charge when you get to the campus entrance. You will have to walk a bit to get to the stadium if you park in one of the main university lots. There are some lots nearer to the stadium. Ask at the gate when paying the parking cost for the best lot. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are not too bad starting at around $20. The parking seems a bit more expensive at $10. Parking and ticket prices will go up at Homecoming so be prepared. You can also pay $100 for tailgating for that game only. The tailgating prices will also include 2 tickets to the game. Extras 2 The Symphony Of Soul Marching Band, majorettes, and cheerleaders are pretty awesome to watch. The band puts on a great show and you should make sure you are at the game early enough to watch their entrance. The stadium has a tree-lined setting that is a nice little extra when watching a game in the busy Baltimore-Washington corridor. Final Thoughts Bulldogs Stadium is not fancy. But the good level of Division II football put on display here at this nice stadium is worth the small price of admission.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Crocker Field at Bailey Memorial Stadium 503 S Broad St Clinton, SC 29325 Presbyterian Blue Hose website Crocker Field at Bailey Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,500 The Scotsmen in Clinton The Presbyterian College Blue Hose has been playing football for more than 100 years, and currently competes in the Pioneer Football League of the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Beginning in 2017 the team began the transition to non-scholarship football, making them somewhat unique in the college football landscape. The Blue Hose currently plays their home games at Bailey Memorial Stadium in Clinton, South Carolina, which holds 6,500 fans. Their new head coach Kevin Kelley began his stint at PC in 2021 and has brought a host of new traditions to Presbyterian. Food & Beverage 3 Bailey Memorial Stadium has two concessions stands on the home side, which offer a limited but adequate menu, including all the typical fare you would expect at a college football stadium – hot dogs, brats, pretzels, popcorn, nachos, peanuts, sunflower seeds, packaged candy, bottled water, and Pepsi products from the fountain, with nothing costing over $5. The prices are very reasonable, and the stands offer more than enough to keep you satisfied during the game. Atmosphere 4 The first thing you notice when you walk up to Bailey Memorial Stadium is the statues – for example, the football player in full stride at the edge of the parking lot, the track and field athletes in one end zone, and most notably, the PC Scotsman, with a sword in hand and fist raised menacingly, guarding the main entrance. That sword, a Scottish broadsword or Claymore noted for its double-edged blade, is a key theme at Presbyterian; you will see it painted on the elevator as you enter the facility, and it is also the keystone of a new tradition at Presbyterian. Before every game (just before the team runs onto the field) the bright silver sword is stuck into a large rock in front of the field house, heralding a victory for the team and striking fear into the hearts of PC’s opponent. The cannon roars simultaneously, and the cheerleaders (with bright blue flags spelling H-O-S-E) lead the team onto the field. The same cannon fires again every time the Hose score, and Scotty the Scotsman, a medical team warrior, is also on hand to help rev up the crowd. Another fun tradition to mention is that when the visiting team comes onto the field, a funeral dirge, played on Scottish bagpipes, of course, echoes from the loudspeakers, again signaling doom for PC’s opponent for the day. Neighborhood 3 Clinton, South Carolina is a typical Southern small town but offers plenty to occupy fans if they are in town for the day or weekend. There are plenty of restaurants within a short drive from the stadium (although there are none within walking distance), including Chinese, Mexican, and pizza places, as well as some local favorites such as Whiteford’s Drive-In, Patriot’s Kitchen, and Big Boys Country Cooking (think cafeteria-style sort of like K&W). As for hotels, these are a little further away from Bailey Memorial Stadium than the restaurants, but there are several options up along 1-26 such as a Days Inn and a Hampton Inn, while for attractions there are several options in the area, for example, Horseshoe Falls and the very unique Tiny Town, assortments of log cabins and other buildings built in miniature – note that Tiny Town is only open in the evenings. Fans 3 Unfortunately, Bailey Memorial Stadium is not very well attended for football games, probably due to their performance on the field (slightly below .500 all-time), with only a 2-10 record in the last full season. However, expectations are running high given the new head coach, so I expect attendance to get better soon. One very unique tradition at Presbyterian is their student section, which attends games in the form of BYOC – bring your couch and/or bring your cooler. Yes, you read that correctly; the students bring their couches to the games and set them up under tents behind the south end zone. The couches are trucked in before each game by the fraternities and sororities on campus, and you can see several students watching the game from there (in much more comfortable seating than the bleachers) – this is something I have never seen before at a football game and is a great tradition that I think other schools should adopt. Access 5 Getting to Bailey Memorial Stadium is pretty simple, as the stadium is just a few miles from I-26. There is parking for $5 right in front of the stadium, and the facility is very easy to move around with plenty of bathrooms and no lines to speak of at the concessions. You will also see fans watching from the fences, or seats on the hill, or standing in various places around the track, so feel free to move around and watch from wherever you like. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets are only $20 each, which is a great deal for college football, and as I mentioned previously the parking and concessions also come at a very low cost. Given the great setting and fun traditions here, you are getting your money’s worth at PC Blue Hose football. Extras 4 Another thing to mention at Bailey Memorial Stadium is the setting – the stadium is built in a slight depression with small hills on all sides, and trees all around the facility. This provides a beautiful setting and pleasant scenery as you enjoy the game. The blue and garnet color scheme is also rather striking and adds to the overall atmosphere. There is also great halftime entertainment in the form of rescue dogs that have been trained to catch frisbees – this is a great partnership between PC and some local organizations. Final Thoughts Presbyterian football offers some great traditions, such as the sword in the stone and the student sections bring your couch. The scenery is also great, and the 20-year-old facility still feels very modern, so I think you would very much enjoy a visit to Bailey Memorial Stadium for a PC football game. Go, Blue Hose!

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Dr Pasadena, CA 91103 UCLA Bruins website Rose Bowl website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 88,565 From the Hills of Westwood to The Arroyo Seco One of the most storied stadiums in all of college football, the Rose Bowl is an iconic structure to any college football fan. The Rose Bowl has been the site of many classic college football moments as well as the host to five Super Bowls. The Rose Bowl itself opened its doors on October 8, 1922, originally in a horseshoe design. By 1928 the south end was closed in to complete the iconic bowl design that it is known for today. The one event the Grand Lady is known for hosting of course is the annual Rose Bowl game, played every year on January 1 traditionally between the Big Ten champion and the Pac 12 champion. After previously calling the Los Angeles Coliseum home, the UCLA Bruins would move to The Rose Bowl in 1982. They would kick off their inaugural season at The Arroyo Seco with a Pac-10 crown and a triumphant Rose Bowl win over Michigan. Food & Beverage 4 Even before you enter the venue, Lot H has a pregame Fan Zone set up south of the Rose Bowl’s signature entrance. Inside the Fan Zone, fans can choose from various food options, including Fat Sal’s. This popular sandwich spot serves up huge sandwiches from $10-$14. A Fat Texas BBQ comes in a 12-inch toasted garlic hero with BBQ pastrami brisket, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, bacon, grilled onions, melted cheddar & mozzarella fries, mayo, and honey bbq. The concourse is ringed by concessions, making it easy to navigate through the wide variety of food to whatever menu item catches your eye. Concessions are marked by signs displaying whatever is available at that particular stand. Beyond the usual burgers and dogs are chicken bowls and skewers, Mexican fare, BBQ chicken or pork sandwiches, stuffed crepes, chicken wings, and personal-sized pizza. The usual game-day snacks, peanuts, regular popcorn, kettle corn, and flavored popcorn are also available. Flavored shaved ices and chocolate chip cookies are some of the sweet treats available. Coke product beverages and bottled water are available throughout all concession stand with the best value being the commemorative souvenir cup. At $9, the souvenir cup provides free refills not only for the game you’re attending but all UCLA home games that you attend for that season. Atmosphere 4 With the weather in Southern California being warm throughout much of the year, chances are whatever heavy clothing you bring will stay in your car. Evening games can get a bit chilly so bring at least a light sweater would be ideal. If you choose to arrive early and partake in the pregame tailgate scene, you will be surrounded by fall foliage with the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains as your backdrop. As you make your way inside the stadium, if it is your first time visiting The Rose Bowl, you will want to enter through its grand entrance on the south end. There you will see its classic neon sign that has welcomed visitors from all over the world for almost a century. Around the stadium, the stone fixtures and roses make you feel like you’ve gone back to an era in college football history while still enjoying all of the modern amenities of today’s stadiums. As you walk down the tunnels and glimpse the field, linger for a moment and soak in the view of one of the most classic venues in football. Neighborhood 4 The Rose Bowl is at the bottom of a valley at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, whose peaks rise above the stadium and are visible from anywhere inside or outside. Beautiful sunsets over the mountains looking north are common sights here and are more than impressive. The neighborhood immediately around the stadium is unique in its relation to the Rose Bowl. You won’t see the iconic stadium as you’re winding through traffic. Instead, you’ll be in quaint neighborhoods with streets lined with palm trees and beautiful homes. Suddenly the expanse of the Rose Bowl parking lot opens up in front of you on the valley floor with the celebrated Rose Bowl sign visible on the front of the bowl. It almost seems a hidden gem that is a part of the beautiful surrounding landscape. In terms of finding some good food options, Old Town Pasadena has plenty and is only a quick jump across the highway to the south. Buca di Beppo is one of the popular food options to try, although there will be no shortage around that Pasadena area. Slater’s 50/50 is a restaurant with a huge selection of local beers, but the specialty here is the bacon-themed burgers. Almost everything has bacon in it, and the 50% bacon burgers are a must. Fans 3 When things are going well for the gridiron from Westwood, fan support can reach a fevered pitch as was proven in 2014 when the Sons of Westwood were in a battle for the Pac-12 South. However, with UCLA’s struggles the last few seasons, the decline in attendance has been very noticeable, to say the least. Though fan support has improved steadily this season (2021), seat availability remains plentiful even after kickoff. To create a more intimate atmosphere, the upper reaches in the north end zone have been tarped off. Even through good seasons, UCLA football rarely sells out. The distance to Pasadena from its Westwood campus, a good 25 miles away, is a huge factor keeping students away from the Grand Old Lady. Access 3 Getting into the area of the 134 or 210 is fairly easy (as easy as it can be in general Los Angeles traffic), but the fact that the stadium lies in the heart of a residential area with no major roads cutting through means going can be slow. Expect to be confronted with the option of parking far away and hiking to the stadium or waiting in endless traffic to reach the tailgate area. Arrive early, and choose wisely, because the narrow roads and direction of traffic make it impossible to change your mind. I’d strongly recommend the hike if you can’t arrive early enough to beat the masses out. If you have no desire to drive to the bowl, parking in nearby Old Town Pasadena is also available, with prices ranging from $6 and up based on hours and length of stay. Parking in Old Town is a great alternative, especially if you plan on taking in some pre/post-game entertainment and dining options. Free game-day shuttle busses from the Parson’s parking lot on Fair Oaks Avenue are available for those of you parking in Old Town. Once inside the stadium moving around is easy. The concourse is easily walkable and there are more than enough restrooms and concessions to make it easy to get to and from your seat quickly. As classic and charming as The Rose Bowl is, once, inside the seating bowl, you will notice that this is no modern-day venue. The rows are relatively narrow, so you won’t have much legroom between you and the row in front of you. The incline is so gradual that should you find yourself sitting behind someone tall, you will be viewing the back of their head. Return on Investment 3 Even with the reconfigured seating capacity tickets are more than plentiful. Though prices can start from $35, tickets for most games can be purchased for below face value on various 3rd party sites. If you’re in the area and decide to catch a game on a whim, tickets are generally available even after kickoff. Extras 4 Before entering The Rose Bowl, there are a couple of recently added statues outside the Rose Bowl’s grand entrance that you should visit. One is of Brandi Chastain’s celebration of the 1999 Women’s World Cup. The statue depicts Chastain’s famous celebration from Team USA’s historic win over China. Another statue that is a must especially for first-time visitors is the statue of Jackie Robinson. Unveiled in 2017, this statue feature’s Jackie in gridiron form. Though Jackie will forever be associated with the number 42, it’s the number 55 that he wore when he played at nearby Pasadena Junior College, now Pasadena City College. This is one of four statues in the L.A. area paying tribute to the man who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, the others being across the street from Pasadena City Hall, Dodger Stadium, and Jackie Robinson Stadium. It was at UCLA where Jackie was a 4-sport star. Like MLB, the number 42 has been retired at UCLA and is never to be worn by any of its student-athletes ever again. By now you know that The Rose Bowl is home to more than just UCLA football. As you stroll the concourses you will see murals of the venue’s many memorable moments. At the Court of Champions under the famous Rose Bowl sign you will see a large plaque of old-time football players with the QB handing the ball off to the running back. This piece of art is simply known as The Hand Off. Along with The Hand Off, you will also see plaques depicting the score of each Rose Bowl game along with the names of Rose Bowl Hall of Famers. All this along with the famous Rose Bowl sign is itself rich in history and a must-stop before or after an event, especially for a great photo opportunity. Final Thoughts Because UCLA’s campus is located 25 miles from the Arroyo Seco, Bruins football games at The Rose Bowl will never have a true on-campus college game-day feel. Though the Bruins call The Rose Bowl their home for 6-7 Saturdays each Fall, it’s been 22 years since the Sons of Westwood have played a New Year’s Day game at The Arroyo Seco. The Rose Bowl, with all its history and grandeur, maintains a natural charm, lined with roses and other natural beauty. The Rose Bowl does not have some of the most up-to-date technological advances and amenities like many venues today. Despite its age, the Rose Bowl continues to be one of the legendary sports venues in any sport. Steeped with so much history, for that reason alone, you should plan a visit.

Photos by Gregory Koch , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Bridgeforth Stadium 250 Champions Dr Harrisonburg, VA 22801 James Madison Dukes website Bridgeforth Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 24,877 Wear Purple for Me The James Madison Dukes football program has consistently been among the top in FCS, winning two national championships and making the FCS Championship Game another two times. They have won eight Colonial Athletic Association titles. The Dukes call Bridgeforth Stadium home, as they have since 1975. Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Bridgeforth Stadium seats about 25,000 fans and is one of the top venues in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Dukes recently announced that they will be moving up to the FBS level and competing in the Sun Belt Conference beginning in 2022. This review was written in 2021 when the Dukes were still an FCS member, but the stadium seems more than capable of handling FBS football. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession stands scattered throughout the many concourses at Bridgeforth Stadium. Options include all the classics like cheeseburgers, fries, pretzels, and hot dogs, as well as soft drinks served in a souvenir cup and bottles of water, which come in aluminum rather than plastic cans to reduce waste. Beer is also available for sale to those of age through the end of the third quarter. There is a table on the lower level which sells kettle corn and cupcakes, the latter being a unique option for a football game more common at bake sales. Prices are reasonable, with nothing except beer costing more than $5 or so. Atmosphere 5 The fun gets started early at a JMU football game, as the band takes the field for a pregame performance. They will play songs familiar to any Dukes fan such as the school fight song and “Start Wearing Purple”, a song encouraging fans to wear the team color. They also play “America the Beautiful” and the national anthem while unfurling red, white, and blue streamers on the field in the design of the American flag. The band returns at halftime for another spectacular performance. During the game, there are contests on the field at almost every media timeout, ranging from punt, pass, and kick to a spouse-carrying competition. Dukes fans have a tradition of throwing streamers in JMU colors into the air after every Dukes touchdown, and sometimes you will see them fly after a big non-scoring play as well. As for the stadium itself, each side of the stadium is in a different layout. The lower bowl makes a sort of L-shape along the north and west sides, with the north side home to the band and student section and the west side home to some reserved seats and some premium ones closer to midfield. There is an upper deck above the lower deck on the west side. The east side is all bleachers without backs and only one level of them. There are no seats in the south end zone, as that is where the team’s training facilities are. There is a large videoboard behind the south end zone. The Dukes have a mascot, a dog named Duke Dog, as well as cheerleaders and a dance team who make appearances throughout the game. Neighborhood 4 Harrisonburg is a quaint town in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Although this doesn’t have the excitement of the big city, there is plenty to do here, including the Virginia Quilt Museum. For meals, there are plenty of options depending on your budget. The famous southern chain Cook Out has a location five minutes from campus, which serves up burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other options. Try one of their trays for a great value, as it comes with two sides and a drink for around $8. If you’re looking for something more upscale, or at least something with table service, the Magpie Diner on West Gay Street is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favorite. There are a number of hotels to stay at in Harrisonburg ranging from budget hotels to a Doubletree. Note that at the time of writing, many dining options in Harrisonburg are limited to takeout or unavailable entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this article is written to reflect the “normal” state of things. Fans 5 The Dukes routinely draw near-sellout crowds, with the fans in attendance being some of the most passionate in the country. Whether it’s tossing the streamers after touchdowns, banging the bleachers on third downs, or booing the refs after a perceived bad call goes against JMU, these fans are loud, they are proud of their Dukes, and they are not afraid to show it. When visiting Bridgeforth Stadium expect the crowd noise to be consistently loud and intimidating to opposing teams. Be warned that the fans, particularly the student section, are not always clean in their language. Access 4 Bridgeforth Stadium and the James Madison campus are located right off Interstate 81 via Exit 245. The lots closest to the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders and big donors, but ample free parking is available virtually anywhere else on campus. There are shuttles available to the stadium from some of the more distant lots, but other lots such as the Warsaw Avenue Parking Deck are within a ten-minute walk and do not offer shuttles. There are large digital signs outside most lots and garages showing the number of available spaces, which is a nice touch. It will generally designate the spaces as faculty/staff, commuter, or whatever they are normally used for during the week, but you can ignore this. Once inside the stadium, the concourse can get crowded at times. Concession and restroom lines can get long but move quickly. Still, it is best to get your food before the game if possible to avoid the wait. Just be sure to be back in your seat in time for the band. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $20 for general admission seating on the east side. Upper-level seats on the west side will go for $25, while 200-level level seats will go for $35 unless you are getting the premium seats near midfield which will cost significantly more. 100-level seats at field level go for a big premium as well. Ultimately, we recommend the 200-level seats as they are the best value. Concessions are also affordable and parking is free. Considering this is one of the top venues in FCS, this is a very good deal. Extras 5 One star for the unique tradition of the streamers that JMU fans throw after touchdowns. Look for murals on the concourse displaying information on the history of the Dukes’ football program. A third star for the tremendous energy and passion brought by the fans, who are among the best in the country. A fourth star for the band and the other ways the team contributes to the atmosphere here. Finally, look for the banners in the south-end zone honoring JMU postseason appearances. Final thoughts James Madison has one of the top venues in all of FCS, and it is definitely ready to make the move up to the next level next year. This has always been an FBS-quality stadium, and next year it will get the chance to show why. For now, this is an elite stadium for its level. The Dukes have one of the best atmospheres in the country and some of the best fans. It will likely get even better next year with the move up.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Gas South Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth, GA 30097 Atlanta Gladiators website Gas South Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 11,500 Atlanta’s Gladiators Return To Their Coliseum The Atlanta Gladiators have returned to their home ice at the Gas South Arena after going on hiatus during the 2020-2021 season during the pandemic. They are anxious to regain their status as one of the top teams in the ECHL’s South Division of the Eastern Conference. They have been successful, where their predecessors, the Flames and the Thrashers, failed…. at the box office. Gas South Arena seats 13,000 for hockey and the team often sells out its games. In addition to the lower bowl, the arena offers 30 corporate suites, two party suites, and a separate, more upscale set of concessionaires on the club level. Founded in 2003, the Gladiators have sent more than 20 players on to play in the NHL. Food & Beverage 5 The Gas South Arena offers a wide variety of food concessions at reasonable prices. The concessions stands are arranged in a food court format, allowing fans to eat at tables before returning to their seats. Una Fettina offers pizzas ($6 per slice), and subs ($6 for a meatball or Italian sausage) at its stand. Arena Dogs and Deli serves regular ($6) and specialty dogs ($8) at its stand, along with BBQ nachos ($6). The Georgian Grille serves everything grilled. This includes hamburgers ($15), chicken sandwiches ($9), and chicken tenders ($10). Sides and snacks include popcorn ($6), peanuts ($5), pretzels ($4), and candy ($4). The concession areas sell Coca-Cola brand products, including bottled water ($5), and Coca-Cola brand sodas ($5). Alcoholic drinks are sold at the Terrapin Tap Room and the Slow Pour stands. Terrapin carries the following IPA: Hopsecutioner, Los Bravos High, and Hazy for $11. Imports and drafts include Blue Moon, Dos Equis, Heineken, and Luau Krunckles for $9. Slow Pours features the following IPA: Nostalgia, Southernality, Queen Lotus Hazy Cocktail Royale and You Are My Density for $11. Atmosphere 4 Gladiator games are decidedly family-friendly affairs. Many of the games take place on Fridays or weekends, with several matinee games. A typical weeknight game starts at 7 pm to ensure it will not cut into the sleep time for children. This plan comes from a concerted effort by the Gladiators to reach families and youth. Youth hockey is extremely popular in the metro Atlanta area, and it is not unusual to see a large group sitting together in their respective team jerseys. The team also does a great deal of charity work and outreach in conjunction with the local school system, which is the largest in the state. Every game honors a school in the system and the parents, teachers, and students from that school turn out in force. They are thrilled when Maximus the Lion, the team’s mascot, comes into the stands to have his picture taken with the group. The team also attracts fans with its theme games with the Gladiators donning special jerseys. Examples of this are Star Wars Night, Halloween, Movie Nights, etc. Fans are encouraged to dress similarly. After the games, the player’s jerseys are auctioned off with proceeds going to charity. Neighborhood 4 The Gas South Arena is the anchor facility for the Gas South District, Gwinnett County’s primary convention/sports and theatre complex. The complex includes the Gas South Arena, a Performing Arts Center, a special events center, and an exhibition hall. The Gas South District is in Duluth, GA. The District has a wide range of restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls to choose from before or after a game. They are listed in our links section. Fans 4 The Gladiators fan base consists of fans who followed Atlanta’s two failed NHL franchises, the Flames, and the Thrashers. These fans are savvy about the intricacies of the game and are the most hardcore and loyal fans the team has. They make up a significant percentage of the season ticket base, as they never miss a game. Many of the fans are transplants from the North who either grew up playing hockey or watching the game. Access 3 Gas South Arena is located just a few short blocks off exit 108 from I-85 in Duluth, GA, a northeastern suburb of Atlanta. It is hard to miss the exit, as the Gas District has a massive electronic message board along the expressway advertising its upcoming events. Parking at the arena is spacious and plentiful, but there are only two main entrances and exits out of the lots, so after the games, the traffic can back up. If you arrive early, try to get a spot near the exits. There is no public transportation servicing the Gas South District. Return on Investment 4 The Gladiators provide a high-quality product on the ice that is very affordable for the family. Tickets range from $25 – $35, depending on seat location, with discounts given for season tickets or four-game packages. General Admission seating is available to groups at the ends of the rink for $11. Food and beverage items are priced to fit family budgets. Parking at the Gas South Arena is $5 per car. If you are coming in from out of town there are restaurants and lodging options at all price points within a three-mile radius of the Gas South District. Extras 3 Over time, the Gladiators have been affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Boston Bruins. They are currently an affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. The Gas South Arena also serves as the home of the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League The nearby Sugarloaf Mills Outlet Mall is the largest outlet center in Georgia. It includes a Bass Pro Shop, a Medieval Times Dinner Theatre, and outlet versions of Nieman-Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Eddie Bauer. Final Thoughts Hockey fans are happy to see the Gladiators return after their pandemic hiatus. The stands are starting to fill up again as we enter the busy holiday season. A night out with the Gladiators is great entertainment at a reasonable price.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium 45 Pucillo Drive Millersville, PA 17551 Millersville Marauders website Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 6,700 Marauding In PA Millersville University of Pennsylvania (commonly known as Millersville University or MU) was founded in 1855 as one of the normal/teaching schools of Pennsylvania. One of their biggest programs is meteorology. Malik B and Black Thought of The Roots are two of the most well known alumni of the university. The Roots may be known by many people as the house band of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Biemesderfer Stadium opened in 1958 and was named for Daniel Luke Biemesderfer, who was Millersville University’s ninth president from 1943 to 1965. The existing stadium structure was in turn built in 1969 and was ready for the 1970 football season. In 1985, lights were added. Millersville participates in 19 varsity sports as part of NCAA Division II. Their sports teams are known as the Marauders. The Marauders compete as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In lacrosse the school was the 1982 AIAW Division III national champion. Food & Beverage 3 Two small concession stands are located under the front side of the stadium grandstands. Only one of the food operations was open the game I attended. Prices are incredibly cheap. Hot dogs and sodas are both only $2. I don’t think I saw a single menu item over $5. You won’t want to make the limited options as your main meal, but at the same time your wallet will be happy. The walking taco looks quite good and would be my recommended option. Bricker French Fries is a famous local vendor that seems to have a temporary stand at pretty much every event in the York and Lancaster area. So, having them at a Millersville football game seems quite normal. Their boardwalk style fries are very good and are quite popular, especially at halftime. Quite a few people hit up the Sugar Bowl restaurant, literally located just past one of the end zones. I am not sure if you can exit and re-enter the stadium so make sure to ask an usher to see if that is okay. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere was not the best at the game I attended. The gloomy, dreary day seemed to put a spell on the fans. The Millersville Band also seemed to have seats set aside but did not play so that added to the lack of atmosphere. There was a Millersville cheerleaders squad, which did enhance the atmosphere. The main grandstand at Millersville really does scream 1970s. The blocky, concrete structure is pretty unique. There are large openings in the front, field face of the grandstands that lead down to the concession and restroom area. The locker rooms are also down in this area. The grandstands seem far away from the field. That is not helped out by the track that surrounds the playing surface. Oddly enough, the visitor’s grandstands across the field seem to feel closer to the action. I am sure it is because of the odd steps up and down in front of the main grandstands. They separate and elevate the fans further from the action. I enjoy standing and watching from the grass hillside near the visitor’s section. Neighborhood 3 Millersville is a nice little town located just to the west of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. Although it is not the most exciting place I tend to go to, the Sugar Bowl is just across the street. It almost feels like you are still a part of the stadium. They have simple pizza slices and sub sandwiches at a good value. Wayback Burger is another local option. Some great food options exist in the nearby Lancaster area such as Iron Hill Brewery, Fenz, The Brickyard, Molly’s Pub and Lancaster Brewing Company. A very nice hotel, the Lancaster Arts Hotel makes a nice place to stay and watch games. The hotel serves as an art gallery and lodging establishment while making use of former factory space. Fans 2 The fans are extremely quiet. I am giving them some benefit of doubt as the gloomy day, lack of band and a poor start to the season may all have affected the crowd. The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock and Shippensburg. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance. Access 4 Lancaster and Millersville are easy areas to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. The university is located about a half an hour to the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore, and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the stadium. Parking is also free. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Millersville game is about on the same price level as high school athletics. General admission tickets are $8 and senior citizens get in for $5. You can also buy reserved seats for $10. The reserved seats are of better quality and more central to the game action. Parking is free. Extras 1 There is something unique about the structure of the stadium. The open front face and the concession stands under the front seem unique. I am not sure it is the best design but I found it interesting. Final Thoughts Millersville University plays on a good level of football and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which make a game here a good value for the sports fan. I hope that the game I attended is not entirely indicative of the Millersville game environment.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Nottingham Field 2100 17th Ave Greeley, CO 80639 Northern Colorado Bears website Nottingham Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 8,533 A New Sheriff at Nottingham Since moving from a successful run in NCAA Division II up to NCAA Division I (FCS) before the 2006 season, the University of Northern Colorado Bears have struggled. UNC has just two winning seasons (6-5 marks in 2015 and 2016) in FCS play and the Bears compiled a 7-26 record between 2017-19, including two-win seasons in 2018 and 2019. To inject life into the program, after the 2019 season, UNC hired former Denver Broncos wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ed McCaffrey as head coach. The school opted out of playing the 2020 season because of COVID-19. But McCaffrey’s presence along the sidelines at UNC’s Nottingham Field has brought renewed interest in a program that won NCAA Division II titles in 1996 and 1997. The 8,533-seat, multi-purpose Nottingham Field has served as the Bears’ home field since 1995. Grandstands are placed along each sideline in sufficiently close proximity to the field that fans can sit very close to the action. Perhaps because the facility is not fully enclosed (and definitely because the facility is in northeastern Colorado), gusty winds present challenges to both players on the field and fans trying to stay warm in the stands. Nottingham has just one scoreboard, behind the southeast end zone. It has a small video board to show replays and promotions, with the score, down and distance, clock, and remaining timeouts are shown as well. The program is heading in a new direction under McCaffrey. Bringing in his son, Dylan, to quarterback the Bears as a graduate transfer from Michigan drew positive attention to UNC. And the McCaffreys were not the only new sights at Nottingham in 2021, as UNC replaced the field’s natural grass with a synthetic turf before the season. Crowds have been sparse, averaging around 4,000 fans for the past decade. But McCaffrey’s leadership has the UNC faithful optimistic for the program’s future. Food & Beverage 3 Dining and drinking options at Nottingham Field are exactly what fans would expect at a college football game, with concessions stands behind the grandstand on both sides of the stadium. Hot dogs ($3.75), pretzels ($4), nachos ($4), and popcorn ($2) are all available. The Grillin’ Bear serves hamburgers ($5), cheeseburgers ($5.50), and bratwurst ($4.75) in a free-standing location atop the stairs at the northwest end of the home-side bleachers. Pepsi products are sold at Nottingham for $4.75 from the fountain and $3 in bottles. Beer drinkers will find Bud Light, Coors Light, and Modelo on tap for $7 a piece. Cans of Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Corona Hard Seltzer are available, also for $7. Atmosphere 2 The Bears do not draw large crowds. The fans who do attend games are engaged and alert, responding to the action on the field. However, a 50 percent attendance rate does not create a loud or intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. And the student section does not fill, either. Should McCaffrey build positive momentum for the program, the empty seat issue should resolve itself. UNC has a surprisingly robust tailgating scene in the lot adjacent to Nottingham Field’s northwest end zone. Fans connect with each other in a small village of recreational vehicles, cornhole games, and grills before, during, and after games. UNC’s band, the Pride of the Rockies, marches through the tailgate lot en route to entering the stadium before kickoff, adding to the atmosphere. All of Nottingham’s seats offer unobstructed views of the field of play, with metal bleachers and seat backs throughout the grandstands. Fans can gain a unique perspective by standing at field level near the northwest end zone. This area positions fans just yards away from where one team is trying to score and the other team is trying to prevent that from happening. It offers a unique view of the speed and size of college football players. One caveat: the play on the field can and does continue beyond the field’s borders so stay alert for players, officials, and footballs finding their way beyond the sidelines and end zone. One other caveat: because the team benches are very close to the grandstands, fans can hear a lot of dialogue from the sidelines. In the heat of a game, players and coaches sometimes use language better suited for a Quentin Tarantino film. Those with kids or disdain for blue language might want to move to higher seats to avoid the impassioned pleas emanating from both sidelines. Neighborhood 3 Nottingham Field sits on UNC’s western edge, adjacent to residential neighborhoods. There are no bars or restaurants within walking distance of the stadium. A walk through UNC’s campus is easy and worthwhile, however. More than 3,700 trees provide shade and a well-marked path system guides visitors around the 250-acre campus. A sculpture titled “A Place in Time” is a circle of benches shaped like hinges (radius: 45 feet). A 10 foot-tall, bronze hinge pin stands in the middle; its shadow tells time as it moves across the face of this giant sundial. Students refer to this sculpture as “Stonehinge.” Additionally, the Michener Library stands across a parking lot from Nottingham. The library bears the name of Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener, who earned a Master of Arts degree in education from UNC (then called the Colorado State Teachers College) in 1937 and taught social science there from 1936-1941. The Michener Library now holds its namesake’s papers and special collections. Otherwise, several meeting places are less than a 10-minute drive from Nottingham Field. Downtown Greeley has several cafés, bars, and restaurants. Santeramo’s Pizza House is a Greeley institution, serving pizza, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Southwest of the stadium, the G.O.A.T. Sports Bar has 36 televisions and an extensive menu of food and drinks. Fans 2 The Bears do not draw large crowds but those who do attend are loud and engaged in the game action. UNC has smartly placed its student section, the “Bear Den,” behind the visitors’ sideline on the southeast side of the stadium. The students who come to Nottingham represent the Bears with noise and enthusiasm. UNC’s band also plays on the stadium’s southeast side, providing visiting teams with an unwanted soundtrack during huddles and timeouts. Access 3 Depending on traffic and time of day, Greeley is between 45 minutes and two hours north of Denver. There is no regional or mass transit service between Denver and Greeley. UNC has signs at parking lot entrances, but there are no signs to guide drivers to those lots on approach to the stadium. Ample parking surrounds Nottingham, so the walk from the car to the stadium entry gate is not a long one. Concourses inside Nottingham are generally wide, particularly on the stadium’s southeast side. However, the concourse above the stands on the northwest side of Nottingham has several narrow points near entrances where concession stand lines and fans entering the stadium congest a popular route of ingress and egress. Another potential impediment to reaching that concourse: the stairs up and down northwest grandstand might be too steep for some, a paved sidewalk offers a less precipitous ascent. Return on Investment 4 A game at Nottingham Field is a very good value. A general admission ticket sells for $17, with reserved seats available for $35 and up. Ticket prices are thus very reasonable, as is parking. Parking next to Nottingham Field costs $10; those willing to walk a bit longer distance can park for $5 in an outer lot. Members of UNC’s alumni association enjoy free valet parking at the corner of 17th Avenue and Reservoir Road. Food is also reasonably priced. UNC offers meal deals at all concession stands. For instance, a cheeseburger combo, which includes a bag of Lay’s chips and a bottle of soda, costs $8.50. The hot dog combo sells for $6.50. Fans can purchase two bottles of water for $5.50 – a great bargain – particularly during early season games when the weather is hot and sunny. This pricing does not exist at most college football games. Extras 1 Nottingham merits an extra point for its sound system. The PA announcer can be heard clearly throughout the stadium and the music sounds good. Final Thoughts The potential exists for Nottingham Field to be a strong home-field advantage. If McCaffrey can build the program into a regular winner, the fans will come. Until that happens, fans in Greeley can enjoy a nice football experience at a reasonable cost. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium Whitehead Ave NE Wilson, NC 27893 Barton Bulldogs website Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 3,500 Electric Blue at Barton After a 70-year hiatus, the Barton Bulldogs finally fielded a football team again starting in the spring of 2021, although without many fans in attendance – like many schools the planned 2020 season was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Starting in the fall of 2021, however, the Barton Bulldogs are finally able to fill their brand-new facility, Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium – the venue was mostly completed in 2019, but the new press box tower was added in 2021. The facility holds 3,500 fans with grandstands along both sidelines and features a bright blue border around the playing surface. Food & Beverage 5 When it comes to concessions Truist Stadium shines, with several different food trucks and an assortment of menu items which rivals that of much larger stadiums, although strangely the concessions are not near the main stands, but instead are located in one end zone and on the visitor’s side since that is where the venue has space for them. Starting off the list is Item 9 Pizza, which sells its 10” cheese or pepperoni pizzas from a white food truck for $11 or $12, followed by Sunset Slush (black food truck) which offers ice cream, gelato, or Italian ice starting at $4. You can also get wings or burgers from the Chiefs on the River food truck (also white), starting at $5 or $6 for the main dish only, or $12 for a combo meal with fries and a drink – I didn’t try the wings but heard they were to die for. There is also a fixed concessions stand that sells typical items such as popcorn, peanuts, candy, and chips, and all the stands sell bottled water, bottled soda, or energy drinks if you need a beverage. My personal favorite at Truist Stadium, however, is Krueger’s Candies (blue food truck), which sells Brightleaf hot dogs with chili for only $3, and Krueger’s even makes their hot dog buns! The buns have a very slightly sweet flavor, and the hot dogs are the rare red type, which incidentally is very popular in North Carolina (you can buy them at some of the MiLB stadiums in NC, for example at Carolina Mudcats games). Besides hot dogs, Krueger’s also sells nachos and caramels, but the hot dogs are the best – you can’t beat the $3 price anywhere for a chili dog, and they taste amazing to boot. Atmosphere 4 Truist Stadium is a great venue, and it still retains that new, modern look and feel – think new car smell. The bright blue border around the field pops, and the team has all the typical bells and whistles, such as the cheerleaders running back and forth waving flags after each score, and a bulldog mascot in costume. The only downside I would mention is that the scoreboard doesn’t have any video capability for replays. Neighborhood 5 Truist Stadium is located in Wilson, NC, which is not that big of a town, but there are plenty of restaurants and hotels nearby if you plan to be in town for the day or the weekend. The variety of restaurants near the venue is pretty impressive, ranging from Kountry Kitchen and Western Sizzlin to barbecue, Mexican, and fast food, to Daniel’s Casual Fine Dining and Varee Asian Café & Bakery. The hotels tend to be a little further from the stadium, closer to I-795, but you can choose from a variety of options ranging from America’s Best Value Inn on the cheaper side to Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn on the more expensive side. Where Wilson shines, however, is in terms of the attractions it offers – probably the most interesting and unique is Whirligig Park & Museum, featuring wind-powered mechanical sculptures which look kind of like Rube Goldberg machines (think the Mousetrap game you may have played as a kid, where you put together different pieces to make a complicated machine to trap the mouse). Whirligig Park is worth a look, and if you are a sports fan Wilson also offers the NC baseball museum, in addition to numerous historical sites, parks, and botanical gardens. Fans 2 The crowd at Truist Stadium is very small, unfortunately, and it may take some time for Barton to build up its fan base again after such a long football hiatus. This is a shame since the venue is so nice – you definitely would not expect to see such a small crowd here. Access 4 Truist Stadium and Barton College are very easy to get to; not far from I-95 and I-795, inside the loop made up of Highway 42 and Highway 301. If you don’t have a special pass (which will let you park right next to the field), you can park for free 2-3 blocks from the stadium in a small parking lot on Woodard Street. There is not very good signage, however, about where to park, so just ask for directions at one of the VIP lots you pass, and the parking attendants there will be happy to point you in the right direction. Once you get to the stadium there are plenty of entrances behind the north end zone – all tickets are technically mobile tickets, but if you didn’t buy one beforehand or don’t have a Smartphone with you, you can still buy a ticket (basically a QR code printed out on plain paper, not a regular ticket) at the door. The concourse is easy to move around, and there are more than enough restrooms to accommodate the crowd. One thing to mention is that the bathrooms are inside large trailers, but they are modern and better than you might expect – note that the differently-abled bathrooms offer a lot more room inside and have elongated seats, so those might be a better option for some fans. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets to football games at Truist Stadium are $17 including fees, which is very reasonable for this level of football; couple that with free parking, an outstanding and brand-new facility, and cheap concessions depending on which items you choose, and Barton Bulldogs football offers a great return on investment for your sports viewing dollar. Extras 3 Truist Stadium doesn’t have a lot of extras to offer during a Bulldogs football game, but they have the basics covered – the mascot, cheerleaders, great décor, fun music, and fabulous concessions all combine to make your visit to Wilson a great one. I recommend taking a journey to Barton College for a football game; you won’t regret it.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bloomfield Road Seasiders Way Blackpool, England FY1 6JJ Blackpool FC website Bloomfield Road website Year Opened: 1899 Capacity: 16,616 Welcome to the Seaside Blackpool FC is currently a member of the EFL Championship and plays at Bloomfield Road. The club first used the grounds in 1900 and has called it home every year since the 1901-1902 season. The team was founded in 1887 and previously played at Raikes Hall Garden and the Athletic Grounds. Bloomfield Road has changed dramatically since football was first played in 1899. Back then, it was nothing else but a grandstand with a playing field. However, fans came out in droves and had to be pushed back by linesmen and officials. All four of its stands have been rebuilt with the latest renovations taking place with the Jimmy Armfield South Stands in 2010, which resulted in a capacity of 16,616. Blackpool is England’s main beach resort, and the club is nicknamed “The Seasiders”, although they are also called the “The Tangerines” based on the orange colour of their kit stripe, first worn in 1923. The club won the 2020-21 Football League One Play-Off championship and was promoted to the Championship. They have spent time in the top four leagues in England, with one season in the Premier League in 2010-211. They are the first ever club to gain promotion from every division within the Football League via the play-off system. Food & Beverage 3 The usual assortment of concession items is available at Bloomfield Road once you walk through the gates. The typical fare includes pies (meat and potatoes, cheese and onion, and Cornish pasty), rollover hot dogs, and something new, a chicken biryani meal. The biryani has been inspired by other grounds in the league and adds a tasty option at the game. Snacks and confectionery include Walker Crisps varieties, chocolate, and sweets. The non-alcoholic drinks include Pepsi, Pepsi Max, 7Up Free, and Tango Free. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and Bovril are ideal for cold, wet, or foggy games during the season. The alcoholic beverages include Heineken at selected kiosks, John Smith’s, Strongbow, Fosters, and Strongbow Dark Fruits. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at match days is very impressive, with crowds of around 11,000 dissenting upon Bloomfield Road hours before the game. The streets are packed, fans decked out in tangerine color kits are mulling about, and local pubs are packed with home and away supporters. It is ideal to arrive early to soak in the atmosphere of this coastal town. There are four main grandstands at the grounds: Armfield South Stand, Matthews West Stand, East Stand, and Mortensen North Stand (The Kop). The Matthews Stands contains the players' tunnel, the East Stand houses away fans, and The Kop is home to the family section and club shop. The seating is steep but close to the action on the pitch. It is slightly uncomfortable, but many fans cheer on the home side doing battle down below. There are also five hospitality lounges at the stadium: Heineken Lounge, Moretti Lounge, Club 1953, and Club Matthews. The Club 1953 is for home fans only and is more relaxed than the others that are located on the halfway line. There are also executive boxes with padded seating, balcony views, and a full-course meal. The club does feature a mascot named Bloomfield Bear, who is available for photos and hugs with the smaller fans. The team’s official team shop offers a wide selection of merchandise before, during, and after the game. Programmes are available at the grounds and sell for £3 Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood surrounding the stadium is a mix of residential and commercial units. There are options to grab something to eat or drink before the match, which includes local and national brands. There is also a selection of tourist attractions that should make a visit worth your trip. The Old Bridge House is a 5-minute walk from the stadium. It is a nice gathering place with food, drink, and large-screen TVs. The Velvet Coaster is on the coast and close to the South Train Station. The Bridge is where you will find Blackpool fans decked out in tangerine. Away supporters will find solace at The Manchester, The Castle, Bloomfield Brewhouse, and The Bridge. Pleasure Beach is an amusement park with thrilling rides and one large roller coaster. The Blackpool Tower offers stunning views from its observation deck overlooking the city and the coastline. SeaLife Blackpool has 50 displays and 1,000 aquatic seals. Sandcastle Water park offers 18 slides in an 84-degree tropical climate for the family. There are also three giant piers located at the beaches. The Blackpool FC Stadium Hotel is located on the grounds and fluctuates in pricing on gameday, but an ideal lodging place for your football experience in town. Other lodging options near the stadium include The Rimini, Travelodge, and Bloomfield Brewhouse. Fans 3 The average attendance for home matches is well over 11,000. The fan experience is similar to other football clubs in the league, and the passion can be felt when “The Tangerines” are marching toward promotion. Away supporters sit in the South Stands, and there are plenty of chants, songs, and other forms of revelry at a game. Access 3 Mass transportation is the best option to attend the match. The Blackpool South station is one mile from the stadium and runs hourly. The Blackpool North Station runs more frequently and is a 25-minute walk from the stadium. Bus routes include services from numerous lines from the town center bus station and offer 10-15 minute walks to the grounds. Parking is limited at the stadium, but there are a few lots near the stadium. The Lonsdale Road Car Park and the Bloomfield Road Car Park are two options. They require a pre-payment of £13 and arrival should take place well before the start of the game. Bloomfield Road is a cashless stadium, except for the team shop. The venue accepts paper and tickets from your phone at all of the gates. Once inside the stadium, the concourse becomes crowded during half-time, but it's easy to move around since the stands are rarely filled for games. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket depends on what stand you want to watch the game. An adult ticket starts at £25 in the Southwest Family Stand and increases to £45 in the West Stand. If you are with the kids, the ticket prices in the family stand are £5-£10, with kids under 5 years of age admitted for free. Programmes are sold for £3, the car lots cost £13, and concession stand prices are reasonable. Extras 3 Blackpool earns a point for one of the better programmes in the league. The return of Bloomfield Bear is a bonus for the kids before the match. Stadium tours are available that last 1-2 hours and cost Programmes are sold for £10. Final Thoughts Attending a Blackpool match is a fun experience in a great location in England for Championship football. It is an ideal destination if you are with the family, but great if you are ground-hopping alone or with a few friends. Bloomfield Road has plenty to see, along with the rest of Blackpool.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium 2047 Two Notch Rd Columbia, SC 29204 Benedict Tigers website Charlie W. Johnson Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 11,000 Purple Pride in Carolina Home of the Benedict College Tigers football team, Charlie W. Johnson Stadium holds 11,000 fans and opened in 2006. The stadium is named after Dr. Charlie W. Johnson, who graduated with a Doctorate in Law from Benedict, as well as played professional football with both the Baltimore Colts and the San Francisco 49ers, helping win one Superbowl with each team. Dr. Johnson donated $1 million to Benedict toward the building of the Leroy T. Walker Health and Wellness Complex, which was the largest gift ever received by the college at that time, and he also donated $300K toward a scholarship to help Louisville youth attend Benedict College. Dr. Johnson also purchased 2 buses for Benedict College Athletics – the stadium was named after him in recognition of these gifts as well as his other lifetime achievements. Dr. Johnson was inducted into the Benedict College Hall of Fame in 2010. Food & Beverage 3 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium has concessions stands on both the east and west sides, all of which offer the same menu – hot dogs, fries, and nachos (all 3 are served either plain or with chili and/or cheese), chicken wings, chips, popcorn, candy, and bottled soda or bottled water. All items are $3 except for the bottled soda ($4) and chicken wings ($8), though add $1 each for the chili or cheese if you want your dog, nachos, or fries to have those. This makes for a decent selection and reasonable prices, but the major drawback is that the concessions lines are very long, and they also don’t open the concessions stands until after kickoff, which is kind of annoying. The stands on the west side also run out of drinks very quickly, so buy early if you want any. Atmosphere 5 As with many HBCUs, the highlight of the day at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is the band performance at halftime, and this is even more dramatic at Benedict than at other HBCU schools you may have seen games at. Benedict recently won the HBCU band championship, and it may have gone to their heads a little, but in a good way – the band is now known as the Benedict Tigers Band of Distinction, and the 4 drum majors are brought onto the field before the halftime show in a white SUV escorted by three Georgia police cars – yes you read that right; the police cars are driven into one of the end zones with lights and sirens going, so this is kind of a big deal. The drum majors each have nicknames like “The Funkmaster” or “The Quiet Man”, which they are announced by as they exit the SUV, and they pack a lot of rhythm and soul into their performance those 4 are more entertaining to watch than the rest of the band. The Benedict Tiger band has also been invited to perform in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, so check them out there if you can. Benedict Tigers Band of Distinction, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is located in a neighborhood that feels a little rough – there are bars over the windows at the ticket office in the admin building up the street from the facility, for example – but you should be perfectly safe around game time as there are plenty of police directing traffic in the area. There are plenty of places to eat within walking distance of the stadium itself, such as Two Notch Restaurant, Badd Boys Café, or Railroad BBQ, but the nice hotels are all closer to downtown along Gervais Street near the river, for example, the Graduate Columbia (formerly the Inn at USC) or Hilton Garden Inn. The University of South Carolina is not far from Benedict College, and there are several attractions near USC, such as the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden or the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum, if you plan to be in town for the day or the weekend. You also might be able to take in a second football game at South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium while in town, if the schedules between the two schools happen to align. Fans 2 The crowd at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is very small – even during homecoming when a lot of alums are in town and visiting bands from local high schools are invited to perform at halftime, the stands will be pretty empty. There is a great tailgating scene around the facility though; you can see tents set up as far as the eye can see as you look down from inside the stadium. Also, the fans do represent, with most of them showing up geared in their purple and gold attire – that is a big plus. Tailgating at Benedict Tigers Football, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 4 Columbia, South Carolina is the state capital and as such is pretty easy to get to – Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is along Highway 1 (aka Highway 378), a few miles south of I-20 or east of I-77. There is a giant parking lot set up right outside the venue (parking on the grass), with parking costing $15, so only a short walk from the stadium entrances. Note that there are no game tickets sold at the stadium itself, which is odd, but you can buy them (cash only) from the parking attendants at the same time you pay for parking – $40 for both a general admission game ticket and a parking pass. Charlie W. Johnson Stadium has a main grandstand on the west side and a smaller set of stands on the east (facing the sun) – you can walk between them via a gravel path on the hill behind the north end zone. Moving around is pretty easy given the small crowd size, even at homecoming, but remember the concessions lines are pretty long; you are better off walking across to the east side, which has shorter lines if you want something to eat – that will take you less time than waiting in line on the west side. Return on Investment 4 Watching a football game at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is well worth it – the stadium has some great décor and amenities, including purple bucket-style seats in the middle on the west side, a great tiger head-shaped tunnel – complete with lots of fangs – for the players to come onto the field through, purple and gold balloons decorating the concourse, tiger statues outside the main entrance, and shrubs spelling out “Benedict” behind the north end zone. Tickets are pretty reasonable at $25 each, and $15 parking is pretty solid compared to most college football venues. Extras 3 The Tigers do have a mascot (person in tiger costume) to help entertain fans, as well as cheerleaders and dancers to support the band. They also play a lot of great music during breaks in the action, mostly a mix of rap/pop, which the fans seem to enjoy dancing to. Final Thoughts Some of the D2 football stadiums I have been to don’t have a lot to offer, but that is not the case here at Benedict – Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is a great looking, modern venue, and offers better quality and production values than a lot of FCS schools (and even some FBS schools), so I think you will enjoy your visit if decide to take a stroll in Tiger country – go BC!

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Blue Hens website Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 1,400 Blue Hen Pride The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest in Delaware. It has 18,500 undergraduate students and has public funding, although it is not wholly a state-run institution. It was created as a Presbyterian free school back in 1743. U.S. News & World Report ranked UD’s undergraduate program 75th among “national universities” and tied for 29th among public universities in its 2016 rankings. The College of Engineering is highly ranked nationally, as is the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. The Fightin’ Blue Hens play in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). It won its first conference soccer championship in 2011 and played in the NCAA tournament for the first time in many years. Previously they had played in the 1968 and 1970 editions of the tournament. Before a recent remodel and re-dedication the stadium was known as the Delaware Mini-Stadium, likely because of its next-door neighbor, Delaware Stadium. At the University of Delaware Stadium, all of the main athletic facilities for the university are located in one central area on the south part of the Newark campus. Food & Beverage 1 There is no food or beverage for sale at Grant Stadium. In the past, concession stands selling a basic menu have been open in a shared space between Grant Stadium and Delaware Stadium, and it may be open for some games. If the concession stand is open, the menu is pretty simple but offers good quality. Burgers are $3.75 ($.50 extra for cheese), hot dogs are a value at $2.75, with pizza for $3 a seemingly fair value. Drinks are slightly pricey at $4.25, but make sure to add a bag of Utz chips for a dollar. You are free to bring outside food into the stadium, so that gives fans an additional option. Consider bringing your drink to save some money, and then grab a hot dog, and sit back and watch Blue Hens soccer. Atmosphere 3 The Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium is a pretty basic setup with a simple grandstand running down one side of the field. There is no seating elsewhere, although there are some spots for standing and watching the action. The grandstand has a simple press box at the top part of the seating. The press box does impede the view of the scoreboard if sitting on the south part of the seating area. There really should be an additional scoreboard at the south end of the field. The stadium is also used as a track and field stadium so the seating area is not as close to the pitch as you may see at other soccer fields. Neighborhood 3 Newark (pronounced here as New-Ark) is a great college town. Numerous food options on East Main Street will fill you up before or after a game. Popular options are Finn McCool’s Irish Pub and Grotto Pizza. Parking on East Main Street is always a bit of a problem. There are many public lots, but note that they may be behind buildings and hard to find. Many restaurants offer validation for the public lots. If you do not want to fight for parking, head the opposite way from downtown Newark and towards the gigantic Christiana Mall area. Right before getting there is Border Cafe, designated only with a large “EAT” sign. Their large and varied menu offers great Tex-Mex & Cajun options at a pretty cheap price. Try the catfish fajitas with a side of jambalaya. Numerous dining and lodging options are prevalent around the Christiana Mall area, although if in search of lodging, one should look at the Embassy Suites located across from the baseball stadium. Around the corner from the stadium, behind Rust Arena, is the campus-run UDairy Creamery. Stopping for a pre or post-game ice cream cone is a must. Fans 4 As with most college soccer stadiums in this part of the country, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. The fans are very knowledgeable and can be quite loud. Student attendance at games will always be an issue as the stadium is located far from the student housing options on campus. Access 5 Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium is easy to reach and is only a couple miles off of Interstate 95. You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible. Parking is conveniently available in a lot right next to the stadium, off Sincock Lane. If that fills up, fans can park on the street along Sincock or in lots on the other side of the Bob Carpenter Center. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend, and parking is free. The seats are close to the action, and the view of the field is nice, so a fan is well-rewarded for attending a game here. Extras 2 Although physical programs are temporarily unavailable to minimize touch surfaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, fans can access them on their smartphones by scanning a QR code at the entrance. The switch to virtual programs has been seen across college sports, and one wonders if it will become a permanent change to save on costs. The UDairy Creamery, located within walking distance of the athletic facilities, always deserves an extra mention. This student-focused operation is part of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and offers great, fresh ice cream choices. Final Thoughts Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium is a simple soccer stadium that offers a good level of soccer games at no cost. If you enjoy soccer, attending a match here is a no-brainer.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Retriever Soccer Park 1000 Hilltop Cir Catonsville, MD 21250 UMBC Retrievers website Retriever Soccer Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 3,000 Shining Stadium On A Hill Constructed in 1998, the Retriever Soccer Park is home to the soccer teams of the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, known as UMBC for short. Although UMBC athletics is best remembered for the basketball team’s upset over Virginia as a 16-seed, the soccer program has had its successes as well. The team made four tournaments in five years from 2010 to 2014, capping it off with a run to the College Cup, college soccer’s equivalent of the Final Four. Retriever Soccer Park has been renovated several times, most recently to expand and renovate the bleachers at field level further up the hill that the stadium is built into. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at field level at Retriever Soccer Park, selling only the most basic menu. Grilled chicken sandwiches are $5, hot dogs are $3, and that is it as far as things which could be considered a meal. You can make either of those a combo by adding $3 for chips and a drink. Chips are available separately for $1, popcorn for $3, and candy for $2. Bottled soda and water are available for $3. Atmosphere 5 The Retriever Soccer Park is built into a hill, making for one of the most unique settings in all of college soccer. There are a few small sets of bleachers at the top of the hill, where fans can sit or stand adjacent to the fence and watch the game. There is a much larger set of bleachers at the bottom of the hill which offers up close views of the game action. Some fans choose to bring blankets and sit on the hill itself but be warned it is very steep and many kids seem to have decided the best way down is to slide on their backside. There is a path along the back of the hill that enables fans to walk from the upper to lower level while reducing the incline a bit, but if you want to sit on the hill itself, you will need to walk up the hard way. There is also a scoreboard at one end of the field that shows the score, time, and basic statistics. Note that what purports to show shots on goal really shows all shots, including those not on target. UMBC has no football program, and soccer is their flagship sport during the fall, with the school putting in all the effort to promote it that many schools put into their football program. There is music to hype the crowd up and even fireworks on occasion. The fans themselves also contribute to the atmosphere here, with the student section functioning like a Supporters Section would at a professional soccer venue. Neighborhood 3 Retriever Soccer Park is located on the UMBC campus in the Baltimore suburbs, and there is not much going on in the immediate vicinity. Even elsewhere in town, there isn’t much other than a few chain restaurants. UMBC won a hard fight with the US Postal Service to get a Baltimore mailing address, but it isn’t actually located in the City of Baltimore. Your best bet is to make the short drive to the actual city, perhaps to the Inner Harbor neighborhood, where you will find many restaurants and other entertainment options. Fans 5 On a Saturday night in the fall, while fans of other schools might be checking out their football game, UMBC fans can be found at Retriever Soccer Park taking in some soccer. The club routinely draws over 2,000 fans a game, and while the hill isn’t as packed as it used to be, that’s only because they expanded the bleachers to create more seating there and not because fans are losing interest. Fans are loud, passionate, and some of the most knowledgeable college soccer fans in the country. They are not afraid to get on the referee’s case when they feel a bad call has gone against their team, but unlike some fan bases, have enough soccer knowledge to recognize when a clearly correct call has gone against the Retrievers and not protest, even nodding in agreement at times. The Retrievers have a student section known as Lot 17, which functions very similarly to a Supporters Group of a professional soccer team. They can be seen front and center in the bleachers cheering throughout the game, banging drums, waving flags, and cheering on the Retrievers. However, all the fans, not just the students, bring a tremendous amount of energy to the game. Access 4 The UMBC campus is easily accessed via I-195 and I-95. If coming via I-95, take Exit 47 to Maryland State Route 166 and the exit for the campus will be about a mile ahead, followed by a short drive through a series of roundabouts. If coming from I-195, just continue straight across 95, the highway will switch designations and become MD 166, then proceed as previously noted. Once on campus, parking is available in the Stadium Lot right next to Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena (formerly the UMBC Event Center.) From there, you will walk up a hill in the back of the lot to the ticket booth. To get to the lower bleachers, you will need to walk back down the other side of the hill to field level. The hills are small but fairly steep and the path from the parking lot is unlit at night, so be careful. There is a small lot at the top of the hill, but this is only available to media, game staff, and those who require handicapped parking. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMBC soccer games are $10, which is more expensive than most college soccer in the country, but the Retriever Soccer Park is a top-notch venue so ultimately you get what you pay for. Concessions are affordable if limited and parking is free. In the end, although this is far from the cheapest college soccer ticket in the country, it is still relatively inexpensive, and given the high quality of the stadium, it is still a great deal. Extras 3 Look for the banners honoring UMBC teams of the past, including the College Cup appearance in 2014. There is a table by the field level entrance which offers free UMBC gear such as posters. A third star for the excellent energy here that is brought to every game by the team and the fans. Final Thoughts While most soccer fans don’t pay nearly as much attention to college soccer as the professional game, UMBC fans really care about the sport. Even the homecoming game here is a soccer game. All in all, Retriever Soccer Park is one of the top college soccer venues in the country, and a trip here is a must for any soccer fan in the area, even those who wouldn’t otherwise be interested in taking in a game at this level.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jones AT&T Stadium 2526 Mac Davis Lane Lubbock, TX 79407 Texas Tech Red Raiders website Jones AT&T Stadium website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 60,454 Texas Tech Red Raiders – Jones AT&T Stadium Originally founded as the Texas Technological College in the bustling West Texas town of Lubbock, the now Red Raiders (then known as the “Matadors”) first took the field in 1925, and have since captivated the hearts and minds of Wreck ‘Em Nation. Throughout the team’s history, the Red Raiders have won 11 conference championships and have had scores of All-Americans, All-Conference players, and College Football Hall of Famers including Donny Anderson, Zach Thomas, Michael Crabtree, Gabe Rivera, Kliff Kingsbury, and Patrick Mahomes II. In 1947, the Red Raiders moved into their current home, the then Clifford B. and Audrey Jones (named for a former President of Texas Tech and his wife who had established a trust to fund the construction of the venue) Stadium. It was renamed after undergoing renovations and receiving a significant donation from the then SBC Communications, now AT&T. The facility would undergo another renovation in 2014 which has brought Jones A&T Stadium up to its current look and feel, and made it a true palace of football out on the West Texas Plains. Food & Beverage 4 One area where Jones A&T Stadium truly excels is in the sheer amount of available concessions stands that are available to attendees on game days. On the field level, there are dozens of options available to fans. As the Red Raiders tend to draw pretty large crowds, having a lot of open options is essential – most stands are dedicated to offering all of your traditional game day fares, including hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soft pretzels, sodas, bottled water, hamburgers, etc. Some items go beyond the norm, like deli sandwiches, turkey legs, and chopped barbecue nachos. Jones AT&T Stadium is also the first one that I have visited that has hopped on board the train/fad of selling alcoholic seltzers ($9). One innovation that I found particularly refreshing is that some stands offer “Fan Friendly Pricing” on select items, like hot dogs, small fountain drinks, small boxes of popcorn, bottled water, and select candies. These are all $3 each and, for those on a budget or those attending as a family, this can be helpful for your wallet. Also, one last spot to be on the lookout for is the HTea0 kiosk. Serving fresh-brewed “traditional” and flavored iced tea, this is a true Texas original and a fan favorite. Atmosphere 4 Make no mistake about it, a Texas Tech Red Raiders game at Jones AT&T Stadium is big-time college football at the highest of levels. Once you head into Lubbock and you get near the campus, there is a palpable energy in the air. As you head towards the stadium down University Avenue, your senses will be completely overwhelmed by the sea of red and black. This town lives and dies for the Red Raiders and on game days. Once you get to Jones A&T Stadium, the entire area surrounding it is abuzz with the sights, smells, and sounds of the greatest of all football/sports activities: tailgating. As you walk through the parking lots, you start to see all the elaborate setups that college football is known for: tricked-out RVs, giant smokers, tent cities, etc. It’s a carnival-like atmosphere and it’s great. Inside the stadium, it gets even better. From the Saddle Tramps ringing their cowbells and the Masked Rider to the fireworks after touchdowns and the tortilla toss after the opening kickoff (all of that and more will be covered in the Extras section), all add to one of the best college football atmospheres that I have personally experienced in my journeys. Neighborhood 4 Lubbock itself was founded on the high plains of West Texas in 1890. Currently the 11th largest city in the state, it has become a hub city for many of the communities out west. Above all though, Lubbock is a great college town. The neighborhoods surrounding the campus have the look feel, sights, and sounds of any typical college town, and that is a good thing. There are bars, trendy eating spots, and cool hangouts, which are all great places to stop in before and after Red Raiders games. When it comes to attractions, there are quite a few things for you to do before and after Tech games. If you’re looking for sports, your options are limited to Red Raider athletics, so plan accordingly for that. Otherwise, some spots to look for including the Museum of Texas Tech University, a diverse museum housing over eight million objects ranging in subjects from anthropology, art, clothing, and textiles to history, paleontology, and natural history. It is also home to the Moody Planetarium. You can also take in exhibits on one of Lubbock’s favorite sons at the Buddy Holly Center. The Center “collects, preserves and interprets artifacts relevant to Lubbock’s most famous native son, Buddy Holly, as well as to other performing artists and musicians of West Texas”. Featuring the West Texas Walk of Fame and statue of the Lubbock Flash himself, Buddy Holly, the center offers exhibits on music and art and is open year-round. Let’s talk about eating spots first and foremost. The previously mentioned University Avenue fronts the stadium and has a ton of options. Two spots that aren’t of the chain variety to be on the lookout for are One Guy from Italy and Spanky’s. One Guy from Italy, as its name might imply, sells pizza (which you can also get by the slice, which I always appreciate), subs, and legendary calzones. Spanky’s has been serving up some of Lubbock’s old-style hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and onion rings since 1982 and is a primo spot before and after games. When looking for places to stay when attending Red Raiders games, Lubbock has lots of options available to you. If you want to stay near campus, however, a vacation rental site may be your best bet as the stadium is right on campus and there aren’t many options within walking distance. However, close by there are some manageable ones within driving distance – these include Overton Hotel & Conference Center and Hyatt Place Lubbock. Fans 4 As they are pretty much the proverbial only game in town, the Red Raiders consistently fill Jones AT&T Stadium and are also consistently near the top of the conference in average attendance – the parking lots surrounding the stadium are filled with revelers in red and black hours before games. Inside the stadium, the fans are engaged from the opening tortilla-toss kickoff and chanting and cheering to the very end (this, of course, is always contingent on the team being competitive). College football tends to lend itself to breeding this type of fanaticism, and it does not seem out of place in Lubbock. The fans love the Red Raiders and it shows every Saturday in the fall at Jones AT&T Stadium. Access 2 If there is one area where Jones AT&T Stadium is lacking it is in this area. Lubbock itself is over five hours by car from both San Antonio and Dallas. By air, it is a lot shorter, at three hours from the Alamo City and a hair over an hour from DFW to Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport. Once you get to Hub City, as Lubbock is affectionately known, the stadium is located between state highways 84 and 82, off of University Avenue and Mac Davis Lane. While it is easy to find, it is not easy to get to, if that makes sense. The access is pretty much limited to two main entry points if you’re going to try and park near the stadium. Parking for those that don’t have passes ranges anywhere from $15 to $55 depending on how close you want to get or how far you want to walk, so, bear that in mind. Another option is taking public transportation; Lubbock’s Citibus does make frequent stops in and around the Texas Tech campus, even on game days. Again, one final caveat. Since there are just the two main entry points, these tend to get severely backed up the closer you get toward game-time – especially the one on University Avenue – so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Individual tickets for Texas Tech games at Jones AT&T Stadium range from $35 to $150 per person. This does tend to fluctuate depending upon the opponent that comes into Lubbock, but it is pretty much the average. For a Big 12 school that faces some top out of conference foes, this could be a pretty good bargain for some top-level competition. As mentioned, concessions have reasonable prices and even better ones with their Fan Friendly Pricing options. This is great for the budget of families and large groups attending Red Raiders games at Jones AT&T Stadium. The one area where you will have to spend a penny or two is parking if you’re planning to drive. Still, when you factor it all together and couple it with the atmosphere of the stadium, it all makes for a great time in Hub City. Extras 5 Another area where college football truly sets itself apart from other sports is in the extras you get on game day. The pageantry, the revelry, the pomp, and the circumstance all add to the excitement and energy of the on-field action to make college football games unique across the sports landscape. Texas Tech games have traditions unlike any other in college football; sure they have their cheerleaders and dance team; they also have a costumed mascot patrolling the sidelines in Raider Red, and they also have one of the best marching bands in college football in the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. The Red Raiders also shoot off fireworks every time the offense scores a touchdown, and the fans sing the school song “Matador” before and after every game. All of these trappings are great, but they can be found in some form or another across most college football stadiums in the country. But in Lubbock, they also have traditions all their own – this starts with the Saddle Tramps, a student organization that paints the campus red with crepe paper the night before games and constantly rings cowbells during the game. They are also sponsors of Bangin’ Bertha, a large railroad bell that rings loudly throughout the game. Tech games also start with fans flinging tortillas out onto the field with the opening kickoff; you can read about how this bizarre tradition started here. Lastly, perhaps no tradition is more important to Texas Tech than their mascot, the Masked Rider. Looking like Zorro come to life, the Masked Rider sits atop a beautiful black steed and not only leads the team out onto the field before each game but rides after each Tech touchdown. It is truly something to see. Final Thoughts I have been to quite a few college football stadiums in Texas in my years; again, while it is nowhere near the biggest, I can honestly say that this was one of the most fun experiences that I have had. The atmosphere and fans are incredible; I would recommend any college football fan out there add Jones AT&T Stadium onto their bucket list of stadiums to visit. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Stokes Soccerplex 140 Lakeview Dr. Loretto, PA 15940 St. Francis (PA) Red Flash website Stokes Soccerplex website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 500 Flashy Football (The Other One) In between Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, you will find the small town of Loretto, home to St. Francis University. St. Francis’s athletic teams are known as the Red Flash, and their soccer team plays on campus at the 500-seat Stokes Soccerplex. The Plex is located directly behind the Maurice Stokes Athletic Center, home of DeGol Arena and the basketball program. Both the Athletic Center and the Soccerplex are named after St. Francis basketball legend Maurice Stokes. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food and beverage for sale at the Stokes Soccerplex but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 2 Walking through the front gate at the Stokes Soccerplex will put you in the corner of the field, within feet of the corner flag. From there, you can walk around the sideline to three sets of bleachers near midfield, the middle one larger than the other two. Many fans also choose to bring lawn chairs or stand along the grass. Wherever you sit or stand, you will have a great view of the action, as everywhere in the stadium is extremely close to the field. There is one scoreboard as well which just shows the time and score. The team really does not do much of anything to engage fans aside from playing music pregame and at halftime over the PA system. Frankie the Friar does make at least one appearance a year as the team’s mascot, as he does at all SFU team sports, but he was not there when we went. Neighborhood 2 Loretto is a small town with not much going on. There was a pizza place directly across from the stadium, and signage is still there, but it has closed. Downtown Loretto, if you can even call it that, is a short walk or drive off-campus, but there are only a few options. Spanky’s Tavern and Loretto Pub and Grill are right across the street from each other at the intersection of St. Mary Street and St. Peters Street, and there are a couple of small hotels in town, but if you want anything more, you will have to drive 25 minutes to Altoona or 35 minutes to Johnstown, both of which have significantly more options. Fans 3 Although the Red Flash only draws 50-100 fans a game, in such a small venue it can seem like a lot more. A typical game will see a smattering of fans in the bleachers plus more fans decked in red standing and sitting along the sideline of the field. Most of the fans are either friends and family of the team or SFU students. One of the more conspicuous fans at games is the University’s President, Malachi Van Tassell, a Franciscan friar who routinely attends Red Flash athletic events in his priestly robes to cheer on the school. Access 3 The St. Francis campus is about 25 minutes from Altoona or 35 minutes from Johnstown via U.S. Route 22. From there, you will drive a few miles along rural back roads to get to campus. Once you are on campus, parking is available in the Stokes Athletic Center lot – head as far back as you can to get close to the Soccerplex. Note that most of the streets in town are named for Catholic saints in connection to the university, which amusingly confuses some GPS apps which can’t handle “St.” standing for two different things in the same name. Some apps will attempt to refer to the streets as, for instance, “Street Catherine Street” or “Saint Catherine Saint.” There are no restrooms on-site at the Soccerplex. There are some restrooms next door in the Stokes Athletic Center, but you will need to walk all the way around the building to access them, which is quite inconvenient. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Red Flash soccer games is free, parking is free, and you won’t pay anything for concessions because there aren’t any. However, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 2 There are free gameday programs available by the entrance. There are also championship banners along the stadium fence honoring Red Flash conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Final Thoughts St. Francis is a small college in a small conference in Division I, so it should come as no surprise that the soccer program isn’t all that big. Much of the focus is on the football and basketball programs, while the soccer team gets no marketing at all except for the annual mascot visit. While disappointing, it is not unexpected given the limited resources here. A trip to the Stokes Soccerplex is a very basic experience. Those who live near Loretto may want to check out the Soccerplex to take in a free soccer game up close and personal, but if coming from outside the immediate area, it may not be worth the long trip for anyone but the most diehard college soccer fans or stadium chasers. That being said, if you’re on campus for a Red Flash football game and are looking to make a long weekend out of it, a soccer game here is worth checking out while you’re in town.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 DeGol Field 172 St. Catherine St. Loretto, PA 15940 St. Francis (PA) Red Flash website DeGol Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,450 Flashy Football In between Altoona and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, you will find the small town of Loretto, home to the campus of St. Francis University. Hidden among the pines on the SFU campus, you will find DeGol Field, which is home to the Red Flash football team as well as several other teams. Although sports have been played on this site for quite some time, the current incarnation of DeGol Field opened in 2005 and was named after donors Bruno and Lena DeGol. The stadium is located in a scenic setting known as the Pine Bowl for the surrounding trees. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand set up at a table by the entrance selling basic options such as cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and walking tacos, as well as snacks such as chips and candy. Bottled water and soda are available, but alcohol is not. The prices are all very affordable with nothing more than $5 or so, and the selection is decent but not as extensive as at larger venues. Keep in mind the stand only takes cash, so come prepared. Atmosphere 3 As noted, DeGol Field is located in a scenic setting among pine trees, but that does not mean it is a calm atmosphere here. A marching band plays before the game and at halftime as well as sometimes in between plays during the game. There is a mascot named Frankie the Friar who has a rather creepy-looking grin on his face but always keeps the crowd engaged. St. Francis has cheerleaders as well. Frankie the Friar Mascot, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey As for the stadium itself, there are two sets of bleachers, one on each side. Most fans sit in the larger set of bleachers on the home side, but some sit on the visiting side, mostly fans of whoever the Red Flash are playing that day. There is a small scoreboard on one end which shows only the most basic information, while the other end just has a play clock. This means that if one team is driving down the field late in the half, you may need to keep switching your attention from the action to the clock as it winds down. Neighborhood 2 Loretto is a small town with not much going on. There was a pizza place directly across from the stadium, and signage is still there, but it has closed. Downtown Loretto, if you can even call it that, is a short walk or drive off-campus, but there are only a few options. Spanky’s Tavern and Loretto Pub and Grill are right across the street from each other at the intersection of St. Mary Street and St. Peters Street, and there are a couple of small hotels in town, but if you want anything more, you will have to drive 25 minutes to Altoona or 35 minutes to Johnstown, both of which have significantly more options. Fans 4 St. Francis fans pack the home side of the bleachers every game and cheer on the Red Flash. They are active and loud and seem to really enjoy the game. Many of them arrive hours early to tailgate and make it a full-day experience. The away bleachers are rarely close to full, but the fans on the home side of the stadium are active and engaged and the stadium is a sea of red on game day. Access 2 St. Francis is located 25 minutes from Altoona and 35 minutes from Johnstown via U.S. Route 22. Once you get off Route 22, you still have to drive a few miles to get to campus along rural back roads. Most of the streets in town are named for Catholic saints in connection to the university, which amusingly confuses some GPS apps which can’t handle “St.” standing for two different things in the same name. Some apps will attempt to refer to the streets as, for instance, “Street Catherine Street” or “Saint Catherine Saint.” Once you are on campus, parking is available in two lots by the JFK student center for $5, cash only. From there, it is a short walk down a hill to the stadium. There is a very limited amount of parking available right next to the stadium for $25, which must be reserved well in advance by calling the ticket office. However, it is not worth the expense as the $5 parking is very close as well and the lots shouldn’t fill up. There are real restrooms available in one corner of the stadium, plus random port-a-potties scattered throughout for some reason. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are only $10, or $5 for children, and concessions are very affordable. That is a great value for Division I football, even if it is at the FCS level. The $5 for parking is disappointing but not outrageous, and when you consider the overall value, it is still a great deal to go to a Red Flash football game. Note that the ticket window, concession stand, and parking are all cash only, so be prepared. Extras 2 There are free programs available at the entrance to the stadium. A second and final star for the extremely affordable prices here, it is truly a great deal. Final Thoughts DeGol Field is a great chance to see affordable Division I football in a bucolic setting. Although the stadium is small, it is still a great experience here. Loretto isn’t really close to anything, so you will have to drive a bit to get here, but it is well worth it.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jeffrey Field University Dr and E Park Ave State College, PA 16801 Penn State Nittany Lions website Jeffrey Field website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,000 Nittany Lions Women’s Soccer Sitting in the shadow of Beaver Stadium, Jeffrey Field is home to the Penn State Nittany Lions men’s and women’s soccer teams. The stadium opened in 1972 and is named after Bill Jeffrey, who coached the Nittany Lions’ soccer team from 1926 to 1952. Jeffrey Field has undergone several renovations over the years, first expanding to 3,500 fans and then to its current capacity of 5,000. Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams play in Jeffrey Field; this review will focus on the experience at a women’s soccer game. The experience at a men’s soccer game is likely similar in many ways. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at Jeffrey Field that serves only the most basic food. The only real option is a hot dog for $5. To drink, bottled water is $4 while soda and Gatorade are $5. Hot chocolate is available for $4 on cold days. Snacks include soft pretzels ($4), chips ($1), candy ($4), and nachos ($5, with an extra cheese cup available for $2). Credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 5 Jeffrey Field is one of the most impressive college soccer stadiums in the country. There are bleacher seats on both sides of the field, and anywhere you sit will have a great view of the action. The team does a tremendous job building energy here, playing music at times to pump up the crowd. However, much of the energy comes from a small but mighty student section, which functions similarly to Supporters’ Sections at professional soccer stadiums throughout the country. They will sing, chant, bang drums, and wave flags throughout the game. They are a big reason for the atmosphere here. Nittany Lions Student Section, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey There is a small scoreboard in the corner of the field which shows the basic information as well as shots, saves, and corner kicks for each team. The stadium offers sweeping views of nearby Beaver Stadium, home of Penn State football, and the Bryce Jordan Center, home of Penn State basketball. Neighborhood 3 Penn State is located in State College, which as the name would imply is a classic college town. If looking for a place to eat or hang out, your best bet is to head downtown to College Avenue where you will find several restaurants and bars. However, fans with a sweet tooth may want to check out the Berkey Creamery on the Penn State Campus, a short walk from the stadium. Fans 5 Penn State draws quite well for women’s soccer, regularly drawing over a thousand fans a game. The fans in attendance are boisterous and loud, particularly in the student section. They cheer on the Nittany Lions throughout the game. Often, the student section and the rest of the stadium will engage in call-and-response chants, most notably the classic “We Are Penn State” chant where the student section will chant “We Are” and the rest of the stadium will respond “Penn State.” The energy brought by the fans for the full 90 minutes is a tremendous part of the experience. Access 2 If driving to the game, your best bet is to park in the Stadium West lot in between Beaver Stadium and Jeffrey Field. Parking is $5.50 if reserved in advance through the Parkmobile app or $10 the day of the game. Note however that if you plan on attending another Penn State game in the vicinity the same day, such as field hockey at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex or ice hockey at Pegula Ice Arena, if you are buying an event-specific parking pass in advance you will need to pay separately per event. But if you pay the $10 the day of, you will be good for the entire day and will come out ahead in the end. Once you are in the stadium, it is fairly easy to get around. Fans looking to get to and from their seats can either walk behind the bleachers or on a concourse within the bleachers in between the lower and upper sections. Although there are no permanent restrooms at Jeffrey Field, port-a-potties are available. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Penn State soccer is free, which is impressive for the Big Ten level. Although college soccer is typically inexpensive throughout the country, to see one of the top programs in the nation for free at one of the top venues is impressive. Unfortunately, the high cost of parking brings this down a notch. Extras 5 There are banners in the stadium honoring Penn State men’s and women’s soccer’s national championships. A table is on the bleachers in between the upper and lower sections selling Penn State soccer merchandise at affordable prices. The third star for all the tremendous energy brought by the fans, especially the student section. For college soccer, this is impressive. Another soccer field is behind Jeffrey Field called Little Jeffrey which has fun activities for kids before and during the game. A fifth and final star for having so many venues close to each other. On the right day during the fall season, fans can easily take in at least part of a soccer, field hockey, and ice hockey match all in the same day a short walk from each other. Final Thoughts Jeffrey Field is one of the nicest college soccer stadiums in the country. Combine that with the great fan base and the opportunity to see multiple nearby events, and a visit to a Nittany Lions women’s soccer game is well worth it.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hancock Whitney Stadium 500 Stadium Dr Mobile, AL 36608 South Alabama Jaguars website Hancock Whitney Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 25,450 USA! – USA! – USA! The University of South Alabama is a medium-sized school of 15,000 students located in Mobile that opened in 1963. The Jaguars football team was officially born in December 2007 when the school voted to allow football to be played beginning in 2009. After 12 years the final touches of a program that was literally started from the ground up are on display with the opening of Hancock Whitney Stadium, which opened in 2020. Named after a Mississippi-based bank, the state-of-the-art, $80 million, 25,450-seat stadium replaced the aging Ladd-Peebles Stadium, which is located about 8 miles off-campus. The outdated facility, which opened in 1950, hosted the Jags during the first 11 years of their existence. Despite having a few successful first seasons, since joining the Sun Belt Conference in 2012 the Jags have not had a lot of winning seasons, never winning more than six games. However, they have had two bowl appearances and one NFL draft pick who played in a Super Bowl, Rams Tight End Gerald Everett. Because the stadium opened during the 2020 season, capacity was limited to only 25%. As that seating was taken up mostly by students, boosters, and season ticket holders, not a lot of people could get the full experience during its first season. Now, Hancock Whitney Stadium is operating at full capacity, and the atmosphere is way more exciting during its second season. Jags fans haven't had a lot to cheer for since joining the FBS, but maybe the opening of their first on-campus home stadium will change that. Food and Beverage 4 There is no shortage of concessions stands with ten permanent stands throughout the facility. The usual fare of hamburgers ($5), corn dogs ($4), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), pretzels ($3), and popcorn ($2) can be found, but they also sell chicken sandwiches ($7), Conecuh Sausage ($6), and pork nachos ($6). They also have a chicken tenders and fries combo ($7) and a Philly cheesesteak combo ($8). Coke is the soft drink provider with 32 oz. drinks in a souvenir cup ($4), or you can get a 20 oz. Dasani bottled water ($3). There is also a large Sonny’s BBQ built into a permanent stand in the south end zone that sells its own menu items as well. There are several beer stands located throughout the stadium which sell 16 oz. Michelob Ultra and White Claw ($7), or Bud Light, Miller, and Coors ($6). The concessions here sell mixed drinks as well, and you can also get beer from the permanent concessions stands. One thing that is new for the 2021 season is the huge outdoor bar located on the south concourse in the end zone, near the Michelob Ultra Terrace, and in front of the team store. The large center bar is open on all sides with actual seating, and all the beers listed above and more with great views of the playing field. This is definitely a popular feature added on for the season. This bar is one area of the stadium where the lines back up though, while for the most part traffic ran smoothly for all the concessions. If you’re lucky enough to have a club-level ticket to the Hargrove Club, there is a full-service buffet style platter up there, as well as a bar that sells a more extensive collection of alcoholic drinks and an executive chef who cooks all the food. The Hargrove Club is located on the west side of the stadium under the press box. Atmosphere 4 The Jaguars finally have an on-campus stadium to call their own, so this automatically makes the atmosphere much better than at their previous home. The biggest problem with Ladd-Peebles Stadium is that it is old and beginning to show its age. The whole experience was kind of bland with no signs anywhere signifying that South Alabama even played there, as it was basically an oversized high school stadium. All that has changed now and with the stadium decked out in red, white, and blue, there’s no denying that you are in Jags Country. From the outside the stadium is much smaller than what fans would be used to. The field faces north and south, with a design shaped like an octagon, almost reminiscent of a soccer stadium. There are three entrances into the stadium, with the main entrance and ticket office being behind the south end zone, but once inside the stadium you can see it’s not so small after all. The first level along with the field are built below the ground, meaning you walk in and look down at the field from the concourse. The playing field is named after Abraham Mitchell, a donor who donated $5 million for the construction of the stadium. The Mitchell Family also gives their name to the school’s Business School, and to the Jags’ basketball arena Mitchell Center. The new feel is quite evident here walking the beautiful and spacious concourse. There is plenty of room walking around, and that's because the concourse is open in such a way that allows the stadium to expand when they increase the seating capacity. The stadium will increase the capacity from 25,000 to 32,000 in a few years and then eventually to 40,000. In the south end zone make sure you take time to walk around the Jaguar Team Store, the Locker Room, which is quite large and makes up most of the area in the south end zone. There is a decent selection of USA gear in here, and prices are reasonable; there was even a 50% off sale on certain items. Much like how minor league baseball team stores are built into their stadiums, you literally walk out the doors and you are in the concourse with a perfect view of the field. In addition, outside the team store is a giant South Alabama logo that makes for a perfect photo; I saw many fans getting their pictures taken with the field in the background. Above the team store is the giant beautiful state-of-the-art videoboard, which is one of the largest video boards in the state. I couldn’t find an official list of scoreboards by size in Alabama, so I looked up pictures of other stadiums in Alabama, and the one here looks like the second-largest in the state next to Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. Also in the south end zone is the Michelob Ultra Terrace, which extends from the concourse to the field; this is the stadium’s party deck area and features several rows with drink rails that offer field-level views of the field. The party deck also has the ability to turn into a stage for concerts and other events. As mentioned there is a nice open bar right in front of the entrance to Michelob Ultra Terrace, so you can grab your food and drinks and go sit down at a table, or stand up and rest your drink on the rails. In 2020 because of the pandemic the Terrace was closed off and only the band had access to the area, but now this area is fully packed with fans and is definitely the party atmosphere of the stadium. The four-story Mobile County Commission for Student Athlete Success building overlooks the north side of the stadium; this building houses classrooms, the athletic department offices, and the locker rooms. Neighborhood 3 As Alabama’s third largest city, Mobile has plenty to offer and remains a great town known for its southern charm and hospitality. Mobile remains a very underrated city with plenty to do, and you can find plenty of attractions around the city without dealing with large crowds of tourists. The college is mostly located in a residential area away from all the attractions, but there are a few restaurants in the area. Within walking distance of campus you will find numerous places to eat such as Fuzzy Tacos, Mellow Mushroom, Ollie’s Mediterranean Grill, and Heroes Sports Bar. Foosackly’s is a chicken joint a few blocks from the stadium and has cheap food, while right next door Cookout has cheap hamburgers and hot dogs for sale. Or if you want BBQ, Dreamland (an Alabama staple) has several locations in Mobile and I highly recommend a visit. To experience Mobile at its best I recommend taking the 15-minute drive east to downtown where all the attractions and nightlife are located. If you take Government Street or Dauphin Street into downtown pay attention to the many historic buildings located on this stretch. Mobile is a very historic city, and this is shown by its many beautiful antebellum houses and buildings that date back to the 1800s. Dauphin Street looks just like Bourbon Street except with fewer tourists; in fact the whole downtown area retains that French Quarter feel as well. Some of the bars and restaurants I recommend include Alchemy Tavern, Hayley’s Bar, FIVE Mobile, Loda Biergarten, Haberdashier, and Dumbwaiter, which are all good bars located on Dauphin Street. Or if you are looking for seafood, Wintzell’s Oyster House and Chuck’s Fish have you covered. If you are looking for a nice sit-down restaurant try Dauphin’s, located on the 34th floor of Mobile’s tallest building. For attractions in Mobile, the main tourist attraction is the USS Alabama battleship – the ship is a World War II-era ship that fought in the war. It is located under the I-10 causeway when coming out from the tunnel. The ship is available for touring and I highly recommend visiting. Other things to do in Mobile include Fort Conde, a replica of an old 1700s era fort, which is a cool place to visit if you are interested in history. For kids and families the Exploreum and IMAX Theatre are nearby as well. Also, if you want to make a beach trip, the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange are about an hour away. If staying in the area you will find numerous hotels along Airport Rd and Old Shell Road, as well as several high-rise hotels located in downtown Mobile to stay in as well. Fans 4 A few problems South Alabama dealt with in the past is that Ladd-Peebles Stadium was about a 15 to 20-minute drive away from the school, so not a lot of students would make the trek over for games. Also, as the program has been exceptionally bad in recent years support for the football program was not very good, and with a capacity of 40,000 Ladd-Peebles Stadium was also too big a stadium for a school the size of USA. Now that the Jags are playing on campus, fan support is at an all-time high. Unfortunately Hancock Whitney Stadium opened in 2020 and fan capacity was limited to 25%, but fortunately the year was also used as a test run for the Jags operations department to fix the kinks and work on things to do better when the stadium operated at full capacity. Now that the stadium is operating at 100%, many fans took advantage to get the full experience they could not get last year. The University of South Alabama is located in the south where tailgating is almost a religion – that is no exception here as throughout the campus are thousands of tents with people tailgating. All over campus you'll find tents set up full of families, alumni, students, and others enjoying a cold beverage, watching football on the big screen, and playing various games, something that was not evident in 2020. Once inside the stadium the whole place is a sea of red, white, and blue – the complete opposite of how it used to be. Many of the fans seemed into the game and stayed through the end. Because the Jags compete in the Sun Belt Conference many of the schools are within a few hours driving distance of Mobile, so expect a lot of visiting fans in attendance as well; that was the case here at the most recent game I attended, as I would say it was 60% South Alabama fans and 40% visiting fans. Access 2 When the Jags played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium it was very easy to get to as the stadium was located right off the interstate. Because no fans would attend games back then, getting in and out wasn't a problem. Unfortunately with the opening of Hancock Whitney Stadium there is no easy way to get to campus; USA’s campus is located in northwest Mobile on the corner of Old Shell Road and University Blvd. No matter which direction you are coming from you will encounter numerous red lights en route to campus. Mobile can also have horrendous traffic, so it is best to plan for traffic delays when attending a game. Fortunately, with games being on Saturdays you don’t have to worry about rush hour traffic. The main drawback is just how far the interstate is from campus – Interstate 10 travels east and west and is about 10 miles south, while I-65 runs about 5 miles to the east of campus; these are the main roads you would come in on if coming to campus. There are several different ways to get here if coming from out of town; I-10 runs right into I-65 and from there you can take the Spring Hill Road exit, then go about 5 miles until you get to campus. Or, if you want to go the back way you could take the Schillinger Road exit off I-10 and go about 8 miles to campus. Mobile Regional Airport is located about 10 minutes west of campus and is the main airport in the area with flights to anywhere in the southeast. Once on campus the stadium and facilities are toward the back side. The stadium is kind of hard to find if you are not familiar with the campus, but it’s on the northwest side. The campus is huge but there are plenty of lots on campus to park in, with most lots costing $20 to park but some of the back lots costing $10. There are also some lots on the back side that did not charge for parking, but you would be making a hike to get to the stadium. The campus also offers a free shuttle that runs continuously from the north side of campus to the stadium. Once in the stadium though, everything is perfect – there is plenty of room to walk around and no lines at the concession stands. In the seating bowl everything is designed in such a way that there are perfect field views from all vantage points in the stadium. There’s ample room to move around the stadium and that newness feel is evident here, as everything from the restrooms to the concourse is spotless. Return on Investment 3 Many of the tickets are already taken up by season ticket holders and students; the entire first level of the east and west sides were already sold prior to the season, so the only single game tickets available are along the upper decks and the first level in the end zones. The upper deck prices remain $25 and the lower deck prices in the end zones remain $36. Some fans may not be used to the high prices compared to how they were in the past, however, you are getting to see one of the premiere mid-major venues in the country. Counting the cost of parking and concessions, one could attend a game at Hancock Whitney Stadium for $50 to $70. Extras 3 Beginning in 2021 Hancock Whitney Stadium became the new home of the Senior Bowl. The annual postseason college football had been played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium since 1951. The Senior Bowl has become a tradition in Mobile and is definitely the city's biggest sporting event of the year. One extra for the overall history of the game itself as old school players like Joe Namath, Terry Bradshaw, Walter Payton, Mean Joe Greene, Brett Favre, Bo Jackson, and Michael Strahan who have all played in the game over the years, while the newer generation of football players like Dak Prescott, Tim Tebow, Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Justin Herbert have all made a stop in Mobile on their way to the NFL. Now the next crop of future NFL stars will get to come through Hancock Whitney Stadium on their way to the NFL. With the opening of Hancock Whitney Stadium there was much uncertainty and controversy regarding the future of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, with some groups preferring the game stay put. Ultimately the game ended up being moved – though Hancock Whitney Stadium has a smaller seating capacity, it provides a much more intimate setting. Another extra for the facilities that surround the stadium – on the west side is the 49,000-square foot football field house, which opened in 2009 and houses the weight rooms and film rooms. The field house has a nice metal statue of a football player diving in the endzone while being tackled. To the side of the field house lie the football practice fields, which include the beautiful Jaguar Training Center, which opened in 2018. This facility is a football field that is open on all sides but has a roof over the playing field so the Jags can practice during the frequent Mobile thunderstorms. At 96,000-square feet and 60-foot high, the center is the largest indoor practice facility in the State of Alabama. In years past only one day of the Senior Bowl practices has been moved into this facility, but now all the Senior Bowl practices take place at the Training Center. Another extra just for the beauty of Hancock Whitney Stadium. Not a lot of college football stadiums open every year, so being able to attend a game during its first or second season is obviously a plus. I don't really count the game I attended in 2020 as obviously there were certain factors that inhibited me from giving it a good review, but after attending a game here in 2021 I can say Hancock Whitney Stadium and the facilities surrounding it are some of the most underrated in the country, and easily the best in the Sun Belt Conference. The Jags program is definitely on the rise thanks in part to the great addition that is Hancock Whitney Stadium. Final Thoughts Before the opening of Hancock Whitney Stadium the South Alabama Football program did not offer much in terms of history, tradition, or fan support. It literally changed overnight, and now thanks in part to their first on-campus home fan support is at an all-time high, and it'll be interesting watching this program only get better in the coming years. I highly recommend a visit to Hancock Whitney Stadium for a South Alabama football game or for the Senior Bowl.

Photos by James Hilchen and Kaytlyn Drummond, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Durham Bulls Athletic Park 409 Blackwell St Durham, NC 27701 Durham Bulls website Durham Bulls Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 10,000 The Bull City Opened on April 6, 1995, Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) is home to the Durham Bulls of the Triple-A East – Southeast Division. The current ballpark replaced the iconic Durham Athletic Park, which was the primary setting for the movie “Bull Durham.” The designers of the stadium also designed Camden Yards in Baltimore, Jacobs Field in Cleveland, and Coors Field in Denver. The Bulls moved from Single-A to Triple-A in 1998, which made it necessary for the ballpark to add more seating. This seat expansion set the current capacity, which is 10,000. Numerous other renovations have occurred since the opening. For fans, the most important change was the addition of concession stands to the upper-level concourse, which helped alleviate long lines for food/drink. Additionally, the ballpark became a 360-degree ballpark, allowing fans the ability to walk all the way around the field. DBAP has hosted the 2012 Triple-A Championship, the 2014 Triple-A All-Star Game, multiple ACC tournaments, and some Duke Blue Devils baseball games. Food & Beverage 5 In 2021 the ballpark went cashless, so be sure and bring a card to pay. Among the areas that DBAP stands out, this is one of them. No matter what your taste, you can find something you will like to eat here. Whether you are gluten free, vegan, or allergic to tree nuts, there are still numerous offerings available. A bit unique to minor league concessions, Bull City Hospitality, a local company affiliated with the team, is the food and beverage provider at DBAP. All the typical ballpark fare is covered and the list is too numerous to mention, but you have your options of numerous types of burgers (including veggie and a gluten-free bun), hot dogs, pizza, wings, and much more. I had my first BBQ Carolina Que Dog and it wont be my last. It’s a footlong hot dog topped with pulled pork, slaw, and vinegar-based sauce. Folks with dietary restriction concerns will have to go to certain food stands, but the guest services booth was very helpful. Pepsi products are the soda of choice at DBAP and water, Gatorade, etc are also available. Additionally, there are plenty of craft beers (along with domestic) to be had. A neat feature of the ballpark is that it has its own brewery. Bull Durham Beer is brewed on the property and is highly recommended. Atmosphere 5 If I could go higher than 5 stars here, I would. DBAP is an absolutely fantastic spot to take in a ballgame and very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. There is a two-level seating area. All seats are extra-wide with more leg room than your typical stadium, which is great for fans that need the extra space. The ability to walk around the entire field is an opportunity well worth taking and it is apparent that there are no bad views in this ballpark. A roof covers about a quarter of the seats. On the day I attended, it was hot and humid. The roof has industrial sized ceiling fans attached to the bottom and it makes a world of difference. Even with the weather, there was a constant breeze in the seating bowl which made it so much more comfortable. Much like the iconic Green Monster and Fenway Park in Boston, DBAP has its own Blue Monster. The ballpark’s left field wall measures 32-feet high. It has both a manual scoreboard as well as the main video board for the stadium embedded in it. There is seating above the blue monster and many people take advantage of the opportunity of the unique view. Above the blue monster is the iconic snorting bull from “Bull Durham.” This is a copy as the original one was damaged, but you wouldn’t know it by just looking at it. Beyond the center field wall is homerun hill. This is a grass berm area where you can watch the ballgame while relaxing on the grass or blanket. On particularly hot/sunny days or if rain is expected, your best bet is to sit in sections 200-208, as those are covered from the elements, but there isn’t a bad seat in the house wherever you choose to sit. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is part of the American Tobacco Campus and is located in the middle of downtown Durham. This area has been part of a renovation effort and, as such, is home to many restaurants and bars within walking distance. One spot definitely worth checking out is the Tobacco Road Sports Café. The café overlooks DPAB and serves up plenty of different food options for every taste. From the country frizzled & drizzled chicken (chicken breasts w/ drizzled honey and country gravy along with red potatoes and roasted veggies), or the bison burger to the specialty southern sides of fried green tomatoes or collard greens, you cant go wrong here. Another option that was recommended was Pizzeria Toro if you are a fan of wood-fired pizza. Head a few blocks up to Main St and you will find a litany of restaurants and bard to choose from. If you want to stay in the area, there is a SpringHill Suites right across the Durham Freeway. There are some other hotels on Main St. You can also stay a bit farther away for a little less money on I-85 where there is a slew of options. The Durham Performing Arts Center is near the main parking garage, so if you are in the area for a game, check out the schedule here as you may be able to catch a performance in addition to a game. Fans 4 Obviously, the Bulls are one of the most famous minor league teams because of the movie. Attendance was down a bit in 2021 (and this isn’t specific just to Durham), but that can be attributed to the fact that not everyone is ready to be back in crowded stadiums with Covid still being a factor. The Bulls have quite a local following as well. Far more fans here seemed invested in the game, rather than being there for a social event. The reaction after a home-team home run is especially fun to see. The fans all look towards the bull sign to see the eyes light up and smoke come out of its nose. Access 4 The ballpark is located just off Durham Freeway and is very easy to get to. Public transportation is a good option if you don’t want to deal with some of the traffic congestion that comes with any ballpark. There are numerous parking decks around the stadium, some of which are used for businesses, so it can be somewhat confusing to know where to park. The good news is there are plenty of parking attendants that are around, and they are happy to point you in the right direction. The main gate sits at the corner of Blackwell Street and Jackie Robinson Drive. This can also get a bit congested on game days with big crowds but the traffic into the ballpark seems to flow pretty well and the waits are minimal. Once inside, the concourses generally flow well and there are plenty of restrooms and concessions areas. DBAP has a clear bag only policy, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 5 For the experience you get at DBAP, they could charge more for tickets and it would still be worth the cost. Parking is $7 in a parking deck, and you can even find some free parking if you are willing to walk a little bit. Game tickets generally run about $10-$16, depending on where you want to sit. Concession costs are very typical to what you would pay in other minor league ballparks, so all things considered, you will get a tremendous return on your investment. Extras 5 Again, if I could go higher than 5 here, I would. I’ll start with a point for the ceiling fans underneath the roof. I can’t stress enough how much difference this makes, and I’ve never seen it in any other stadium. Another point goes to the snorting bull. Seeing it in person is a great experience. Add a point for The Blue Monster, which is another unique feature of this great ballpark. The fourth point is added for the team’s connection to the movie, Bull Durham. There are plenty of reminders of the movie around DBAP, but it isn’t overstated either, which makes it nice. A final point goes to the Bulls Team Store. They have a lot of great items, some of them very unique. Final Thoughts The Bulls have a long and storied history in North Carolina. As someone who has seen my share of minor league ballparks over the years, Durham Bulls Athletic Park just might be my favorite. Great scenery, food for every taste, and fun reminders of an iconic movie makes this a ballpark that should be on every baseball fan’s bucket list. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram: @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Patchin Field 309 Letcher Ave Lexington, VA 24550 VMI Keydets website Patchin Field website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 1,000 Key(det)s Soccer The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is located in Lexington, Virginia, and is one of six Senior Military Academies in the United States. The SMAs represent a sort of middle ground between the service academies and civilian universities. Of the six academies, VMI is the only one that does not also admit civilian students, but all of them share some common traits. All SMAs have a Corps of Cadets with military standards and training comparable to the service academies, but unlike service academies, students are not required to enlist in the military upon graduation. Nonetheless, many choose to do so and have served the United States in wars around the world. Unlike the service academies, senior military academies are not tied to any one branch, and VMI graduates have gone on to serve in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Many VMI cadets and graduates also fought in the Confederate military during the American Civil War, and it was referred to as the “West Point of the Confederacy” at the time. VMI’s athletic teams are known as the Keydets, and the soccer team plays at Patchin Field. Located right next to Gray-Minor Stadium, home of the Keydets baseball team, Patchin Field is named after longtime VMI athletic trainer Herb Patchin. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food and beverage for sale at Patchin Field. Fans are permitted to bring their own. In the event there is a game going on at Gray-Minor Stadium, fans may be able to buy something from the concession stand there, but as the seasons do not overlap except for a few offseason exhibitions in the spring for soccer and fall for baseball, this is unlikely to work out. Atmosphere 3 Patchin Field is a quaint soccer field nestled at the bottom of a hill. There are a few small sets of bleachers at field level, and many fans choose to bring their lawn chairs and put them down on the grass. Fans can also stand on the concourse of Gray-Minor Stadium or place their lawn chairs on the hill behind the goal in the shade. Wherever you sit, you will have a great view of the action. There is a scoreboard in one corner which shows only the most basic information, and many aspects of it, such as displaying the half, were not working when we went. College soccer is not very big at VMI, so the team seldom has any promotions going on. There wasn’t even a fan marketing table. However, for fans of soccer, this is a chance to watch the game in its purest form, two teams of amateurs going at it, most of whom will never play professionally and are playing for the love of the game. Neighborhood 1 Lexington, Virginia has been given the rather cynical and ironic nickname Lex Vegas. Unlike its Nevada counterpart, Lexington is a small, quaint, conservative college town in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. Even more unlike the real Vegas, the entertainment scene here is almost non-existent. There are many ways to take in the natural beauty of the Valley in and around Lexington, plus some historic sites on and around the Institute, but that’s about it. Fans 3 VMI averages between 50 and 100 fans a game, though sometimes they will get slightly more than that. However, the compact nature of the seating can make it seem fuller than it is. Most of the crowd is friends and family of the players or those with some connection to VMI. They cheer on the Keydets throughout the game, regardless of the score. Although there are fundraising efforts underway to expand Patchin Field, a crowd of about 100 people looks better in small compact bleachers and lawn seating than it would in a larger seating area. The bleachers can get pretty full here with the crowds, though not to the point of discomfort. Access 3 To get to VMI, you will need to take Interstate 64 to Exit 55. Fans coming from the north or south will need to first take Interstate 81 to Exit 191 for I-64 – Exit 55 is the next once you get on. From there, it is a short drive to the Institute. Once on campus, you will need to park in the lot outside Paulette Hall, then walk under the Gray-Minor Stadium bleachers to reach Patchin Field. The lot at Paulette is small, and if it is full then you have other options such as the Parade Grounds, but that is your best bet. Keep in mind that parking will be drastically more difficult if there is a home football game the same day, so check in advance to be sure. There are no restrooms at Patchin Field itself, but you can walk up a flight of steps to the concourse of Gray-Minor and use the ones there. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, and you won’t spend anything on concessions. However, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 One star for the immense military history at the Virginia Military Institute. While the treatment of such history has been controversial recently due to it being seen as celebrating the Confederacy, efforts are underway to present it in what is considered a more appropriate fashion. That debate is beyond the scope of this review, so we will just say that regardless of what you think of the history here, it is still history. Final Thoughts Patchin Field is a nice little soccer field in the shadow of a bigger baseball stadium. Although college soccer isn’t very big here, a trip to Patchin is a nice opportunity to watch the game for free in a historic military setting.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium 1401 Murchison Rd Fayetteville, NC 28301 Fayetteville State Broncos website Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 5,520 Wild Rides in Fayetteville Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium is located in Fayetteville, NC, and is home to the Fayetteville State Broncos football team. Fayetteville State opened in 1867 and is an HBCU that is part of North Carolina’s university system. FSU’s football program began in 1924, but the old stadium was completely renovated in 2003 at a cost of over $2.5MM, and now seats 5,520 fans after the removal of seating in the end zones. The most recent renovation occurred in 2021 with the installation of new artificial turf, namely AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 blend system. The facility is named after the late Luther R. Jeralds – Jeralds played football at NCCU and in the NFL, and later served in the North Carolina House of Representatives and in the North Carolina General Assembly; there is also a middle school in Fayetteville named after him. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium; one under the main stands and another next to the visiting stands. These stands offer the basics, i.e. Chick-fil-A sandwiches, nachos with chili and/or cheese sauce, hot dogs, peanuts, packaged candy, chips, bottled sodas, and bottled water. The prices are pretty reasonable, with nothing over $3 except the Chick-fil-A sandwiches ($5) and the nachos ($5 plus $1 for cheese sauce plus another $1 for chili if you want both). The nachos seem slightly overpriced at $5 for chips alone, but all the other prices are a pretty good deal as sports venues go. Atmosphere 3 Fayetteville State football games are a lot of fun – the student section is inspired by a mascot wearing a blue bodysuit; the mascot spends most of the game in front of the student section dancing and moving around, and the student section is pretty loud and into the game. The team also comes onto the field through a tunnel and waving the team flag, and like most HBCUs Fayetteville State has a great marching band, who swagger onto the field in full costume. The stadium itself is surrounded by a low brick wall and has two grandstands, one on each side – the main stands under the press box have bleachers with chairbacks in the center, and bleachers without chairbacks on both ends. The visiting stands only have bleachers without chairbacks, but the stadium should be empty enough that you can sit wherever you want, even if you don’t have tickets on the correct side or in the correct section. There is also a team gear stand in one end zone if you want to get your Broncos swag on. Unlike many stadiums, during COVID times the staff does require you to show proof of vaccination before you enter Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium. Neighborhood 4 Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium is located on Fayetteville State’s campus in Fayetteville, NC, which is a military town (home of Fort Bragg). As such the city is large enough that there are plenty of things to do if you are in town for the day or for the weekend. The stadium sits on the northwest corner of Fayetteville State’s campus, while the closest restaurants are to the south and southeast of campus – I recommend either the Fried Turkey Sandwich Shop or New York Restaurant, but there are other options as well, such as Saigon Bistro or Fowler’s Southern Gourmet – technically some of these are within 1 mile of the stadium, but I recommend driving as that is a pretty good walk on foot. The closest hotels to Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium are WoodSpring Suites and American Eagle Inn, but there are plenty of other options along 401 closer to the town center, or along with Highway 210 closer to Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg itself also has a visitor’s center you can visit to learn more about the base, or you can go to the Zipquest Waterfall & Treetop recreation center for some ziplining fun. Fans 3 The student section is the highlight of the fan base at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium – you can hear the student section chanting and cheering, and see them dancing and moving around for most of the game, led by the team mascot. The fans in the other sections are less intense, although things can get pretty heated on the visiting side, depending on which opponent the Broncos are hosting that day. Faithful Fans, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 3 The biggest drawback in terms of access to Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium is the lack of signs directing traffic – the stadium is easily visible as you drive by campus via Langdon Street or Murchison Road. However, finding parking is a lot more difficult – the best thing to do is enter campus via W. T. Brown Drive (turn left or right from Murchison Road), and park in the lot of the corner of W. T. Brown and Mary T. Eldridge; there is no cost to park here. This means a bit of a walk to the stadium, but unless you have a special parking pass you can’t really get any closer, and you can waste a lot of time driving around campus trying to find anything better. Also note that when you leave campus a lot of the roads are blocked off, so you can also spend a lot of time trying to find a way out if you are not careful to go back the exact same way you came in. Once you get to the stadium itself, however, access at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium is pretty smooth sailing – there is plenty of room to move around, plenty of restrooms, and concessions lines move very quickly. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Fayetteville State games are $20, and can be purchased at the gate or online (but there will be a few dollars added in fees if you go the online route) – there is a QR code posted at the gate which you can use to purchase tickets if you don’t want to wait in line, but the line to purchase tickets is shorter than the one used to scan tickets since after you purchase your ticket you can use a different entrance which has no line. Extras 3 Fayetteville State has a great dark blue color scheme, and some great décor in the form of bronco statues set up outside the stadium – for example, a brownish-red one facing the street outside the facility, and a white and blue outside the main entrance to the stadium. The mascot is also very unique – this is the first time I have seen a body-suited character as opposed to someone wearing an anthropomorphic animal costume. The brickwork around the stadium also gives a good aesthetic, and the trees around the venue bring a cozy feel. Final Thoughts While smaller than some of the venues you may have visited in the past, Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium offers a fine atmosphere for a relaxing night of college football. The band does a great job, the stadium is modern with some great recent updates, and you can get really close to the action on the field here.

Photos by Matt Finnigan and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Gesa Stadium 6200 Burden Blvd Pasco, WA 99301 Tri-City Dust Devils website Gesa Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 3,654 Three is the Magic Number The Tri-Cities region of Washington has, predictably, three cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland) situated along three rivers (the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia) and one professional baseball team, the Tri-City Dust Devils (High A – LAA). In 2021, the Dust Devils played their first season as an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, after previously serving as a Class A affiliate of the San Diego Padres (2015-2020) and the Colorado Rockies (2001-2014). The Dust Devils call the 3,654-seat Gesa Stadium home. Opened in 1995, Gesa Stadium does not boast any of the features (like the Frisco RoughRiders’ lazy river) that some newer stadiums have. What makes Gesa Stadium different is not obvious until entering the stadium. First, the stadium’s unusual geographic orientation gives fans beautiful views. Gesa Stadium’s home plate faces due south to provide views of Horse Heaven Hills, craggy remnants of the Ice Age along the Columbia River. A south-facing home plate is a rarity, however. Rule 2.01 of the Major League Baseball rule book recommends that stadiums orient home plate such that batters face east-northeast. Second, the stadium’s orientation meant that the sun would turn Gesa Stadium into a convection oven, blinding and baking spectators seated in the stands along the third baseline. In 2007, therefore, the team built a 137-foot-tall sunshade behind the stands along the first baseline to block the setting sun and enable fans in all parts of the stadium to enjoy the game by lowering temperatures in the stadium by up to 20 degrees. This sunshade, which blunts the sun’s glare and heat, is unique to Gesa Stadium and a creative solution to enable fans to enjoy baseball in southeastern Washington. Food & Beverage 3 Gesa Stadium’s primary concession stand, 1st Base Concessions, features food and drink concessions that fans expect to see at a ballpark, but not much else: hot dogs ($5.50), nachos ($4.50), pretzels ($4.50), peanuts ($4.50), and popcorn ($4.50). Coca-Cola products sell for $4.50 for a 32-ounce soda and $3.50 for a 21-ounce soda, while bottles of Powerade ($4.50) and water ($4.50) are also available. The Fry Shack, along the third baseline, has a larger menu. There, fans can dine on chicken strips with fries ($8), a crispy chicken sandwich with fries ($8), corn dog ($4.50), garlic fries ($4.50), and tater tots ($4). The quality of Gesa Stadium’s food may need improvement. On the night of this review, an order of loaded tater tots ($5) was topped with cold nacho cheese. Beer drinkers will not be disappointed in Gesa Stadium’s options. At the Home Plate Beer stand, a 20-ounce beer costs $8 (domestic) and $9 (premium). The Short Stop beer stand, located near the first baseline, offers similar pricing, along with 12-ounce canned wine for $10. Many of the familiar domestic beers (Budweiser, Coors, and Miller products) are on tap, as are several craft and import beers, including a Citrus Mistress IPA from Oregon’s Hop Valley Brewing Company. The panoply of beer at Gesa Stadium should have something for any taste. Atmosphere 3 Gesa Stadium has a familiar, minor league seating arrangement in which fans sit behind home plate and along each baseline, with no seats beyond the outfield fences. Both chair backs and metal bleachers are available in reserved and general admission seating areas, respectively. There is no covered seating in the ballpark. A simple scoreboard (hitter’s count/outs/linescore) stands behind the left field wall with a small display screen across the top. The public address system, while audible and clear, has an intermittent buzz that distracts from the game action. In-game promotions are standard for minor league baseball. The stadium’s beauty lies in its environs. Horse Heaven Hills provides a beautiful backdrop beyond the outfield, particularly with the sun setting behind the perfectly placed sunshade along the first baseline. A general admission seat along the third baseline provides great views of both, along with the action on the field. Neighborhood 2 A “neighborhood” in the true sense does not exist around Gesa Stadium. The stadium is part of the Pasco Sporting Complex, adjacent to the Hapo Convention Center and hemmed in by Interstate 182 to the south. The ballpark has abundant space around it, which makes parking easy. Fans wanting a short walk from a nearby pub or restaurant will be disappointed, however, as such options do not exist. Those fans can find pre and post-game sustenance a short drive away. Numerous restaurants sit in shopping centers along North Road 68, northwest of Gesa Stadium. These restaurants include Hacienda Del Sol (Mexican), Love Curry (Indian), Sawadee (Thai), and Bruchi’s (American). The Dugout, located at Burden Road and North Road 68, provides a nice watering hole that’s a quick drive away. Because of the ballpark’s proximity to the convention center, several hotels are likewise available within a short drive. Visitors will find both a Hampton Inn and a Holiday Inn Express on the convention center’s grounds. Fans 3 The Dust Devils enjoy strong support from fans in and around the Tri-Cities, setting new single-season attendance records in 2016 and 2019. The global COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 season and limited attendance capacity for part of the 2021 campaign. The team typically averages 2,200-2,300 fans. Those in attendance are attentive and responsive, some using Gesa Stadium’s metal bleachers to amplify foot-stomping enthusiasm. Access 3 Gesa Stadium’s access is ideal, with easy entry to the stadium’s parking lot from Burden Road. Fans can reach the ballpark by taking Interstate 182 (from which the stadium is visible) and exiting onto northbound Road 68. The stadium has plenty of parking and inbound surface roads do not experience significant congestion from baseball-loving drivers. Alternately, the Tri-Cities’ Ben Franklin Transit’s No. 225 bus has a stop on Burden Road, less than a half-mile from Gesa Stadium. The stadium itself has ample room for fans to buy tickets, find food, and reach their seats. The ticket office is well-staffed and fans do not wait for tickets or entry inside. Wide concourses run throughout Gesa Stadium, with reserved seats below and general admission seats above the main concourse. All seats have unobstructed views of the field. To appreciate the view of the Horse Heaven Hills and the sunset (modified by the sunshade), sit in the stands along the third baseline. Return on Investment 4 A Dust Devils’ game at Gesa Stadium is a good bargain. Parking is $3, with spaces sufficiently close to the ballpark to feel like a VIP parking section. The team has a creative ticket structure, with differing prices for Sunday-Wednesday home games on the one hand, and Thursday-Saturday home games on the other. A reserved, lower box seat has walk-up prices of $12 (Sunday-Wednesday) and $14 (Thursday-Saturday), while upper box seats are priced at $11 and $13, respectively, for those days of the week; general admission seats are $9 (Sunday-Wednesday) and $11 (Thursday-Sunday). Fans can save $1 per seat by purchasing tickets before game day, and discounts for general admission seats are available to kids, seniors, and members of the military. Food and beer pricing aligns with other High-Class A stadiums. Extras 3 Gesa Stadium collects a point for celebrating peanut vendor-turned-in-game-entertainer Erik Mertens, better known as “Erik the Peanut Guy.” Mertens began working at Gesa Stadium when he was 18 years old and has spent the past two decades entertaining Dust Devils fans, including his present role as the stadium’s emcee between innings. Fans have embraced his “Peanut Guy” persona to the point that the team has created his own seating area along the third baseline and, in 2020, recognized him with his own, giant bobblehead. Erik was on assignment the night of this review, but his legend precedes him and he exemplifies why minor league baseball can be so fun. The Dust Devils have two life-sized bobbleheads that greet visitors: Erik the Peanut Guy and former Dust Devil and current Seattle Seahawk quarterback Russell Wilson, who played in Pasco in 2010 as an infield prospect of the Colorado Rockies. The Dust Devils’ popular mascot, Dusty, is available throughout games to fans wanting to snap photos or get autographs. Final Thoughts With great views and reasonable costs, a game at Gesa Stadium enables fans to enjoy baseball in a unique setting that does not break anyone’s bank. The ballpark is clean, well-maintained, and well worth a visit. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium Campus Dr Xenia, OH 45385 Central State Marauders website McPherson Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 7,000 Invincible Band in Wilberforce William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium is the home field of Central State football, as well as the stomping grounds of Central State’s Invincible Marching Marauders band. Located in Wilberforce, OH, the facility opened in 1949 – the team had a great deal of success on the field during the 1980s and 1990s, winning 3 NAIA championships between 1990 and 1995. However, due to financial difficulties and lack of enrollment, football was shuttered at the school in 1997 but was brought back in 2005. McPherson Memorial Stadium is named after a Central State graduate who was killed in World War II. The facility is currently beginning some pretty hefty renovations, thanks in part to a $917,000 donation from a former player, so the facilities should see a little bit of a facelift in the next couple of years. Food & Beverage 1 There is only one concessions option at McPherson Memorial Stadium, which is a temporary tent/smoker setup from Mack Daddy’s, a local area barbecue joint. For $15 you can get a combo with BBQ pork or brisket (either a sandwich or just the meat with your choice of sauce) plus two sides (collard greens, mac, and cheese, or baked potato salad). The lines are long and they sometimes run out of certain items, and the price is probably a little on the high side, but the baked potato salad is pretty good (think potato salad with bacon pieces and chives mixed in). Mack Daddy’s also sells bottled water and canned sodas for $1 each. Atmosphere 2 You can tell there isn’t a lot of money for football at Central State – there is no mascot, and the players don’t have any tent or any fanfare at all when they come onto the field at the start of the game; they just run on without much warning. There are cheerleaders, however, and like almost all HBCUs there is a pretty solid marching band that performs during the game and at halftime – the Central State band is named the Invincible Marching Marauders. On my most recent visit, the band left after halftime, but I am not sure if this is normal or only b/c it started raining at halftime on this particular day. Marauders Cheerleaders, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey There is a lot of construction going on right now at McPherson Memorial Stadium, which is obvious from the temporary fencing/police tape in certain areas, as well as the construction debris littering the ground near the grandstand. The facilities are also a little dated, which I will touch more on in the Access section. Neighborhood 2 Central State University is in a very rural area – not quite in the middle of nowhere but close – with lots of farmland and empty fields in the vicinity. There is a post office and a gas station right across the street from the general parking lot, but nothing in the way of restaurants unless you drive about 5 miles west toward Xenia proper. The campus itself has several attractions, such as the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center and the botanical gardens, while the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument is not far away. There is also another college, Wilberforce University, right across the street from CSU. There are also several hotels in nearby Xenia, about 5-10 minutes from the stadium if you plan to be here overnight, but they are all of the low-price local variety, instead of the more upscale national chains you may be used to. Fans 2 The fans at McPherson Memorial Stadium are 100% friendly, and I had a blast chatting and laughing with them during the game in what turned out to be a losing effort for a team with a losing record so far this season. Unfortunately, even on my most recent visit, which was Homecoming, the home stands were only half full, and the much larger visiting stands were practically deserted. Access 3 There is VIP parking right next to the stadium, but for the rest of us, there is free parking on the other side of the (small) campus, on the other side of the roundabout at the campus’ main entrance. Most of the entrances/streets are blocked off on the game day, so there is only one way in, which is from Brush Row Road turning onto Galloway Drive, and into the parking lot from there. The main entrance on US 42 West (intersecting with Wilberforce Switch Road) is technically open, but unless you have a VIP parking pass they will turn you around and send you back out again when you get to the stadium. All of that said it is about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the free parking lot on Galloway Drive to McPherson Memorial Stadium. Once you get to the stadium there is plenty of room to move around, but if you are sitting on the visiting side (metal bleachers with no backs) you will have to go out onto the track to walk around. The main stands have chairback seats in the middle with backless bleachers on the ends – the stadium should not be very crowded, however, so even if you have general admission seats you can usually sit wherever you want – note that the main stands are better from a sun perspective, as there is more shade on that side. I did notice, however, that many fans just stood behind the fence around the field and watched from there, instead of watching from their seats in the stands. The major downside is the pretty dated bathrooms – the men’s bathroom is labeled with a cardboard sign, for example – and there is only one bathroom for each gender; the men’s bathroom is on the far side of the main stands and the women’s bathroom is on the near side. There are no bathrooms on the visiting side. Return on Investment 2 Tickets to Central State games are $21 general admission including fees, and tickets can only be purchased online – there is no ticket booth at the stadium. You can park for free if you are willing to walk a little (or can’t get VIP access), and the concessions seem a tad overpriced, although drinks are a bargain at $1 each. Extras 1 There is a table set up where you can buy Central State team gear, but the only options are t-shirts for $15 and face masks for $10. They did have a promotional tent there on the day I last visited, although it may have only been for Homecoming, where Walmart gave away free bottles of water, lens wipes, fidget spinners, plastic cups, stress balls, and other tchotchkes. Merchandise Table, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts I love football, but McPherson Memorial Stadium is, unfortunately, a tough venue for me to recommend, with its lack of concessions options, dated facilities, limited fanfare, and unsightly debris from the imminent construction. I believe it will get better with time, as the updates are put in, but for now, I would only recommend a visit if your favorite team is playing here, or if you happen to be a diehard CSU fan.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Kenneth R. Gill Stadium 99 Stadium Dr Westminster, MD 21157 Green Terror website Kenneth R. Gill Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 1,434 Home of the Green Terror McDaniel College is a private four-year liberal arts college in Westminster, Maryland. It was established in 1867 and until 2002 was known as Western Maryland College. The name of the college did not reflect the geographic placement of the school as it is not located in the western part of the state. Instead, it was named for the Western Maryland Railroad, which shared some common board members. The new name of the college honored alumnus William Roberts McDaniel and his 65-year association with the school. Westminster is located 30 miles northwest of Baltimore and is a far suburb of that city. Over 160,000 people live in the area and the surrounding area of Carroll County, Maryland. The football team at the college has had a long history. It was back in 1891 when the first game was played against rival Gettysburg College. The Green Terror was a powerhouse in college football from 1925 to 1934. During this decade the Terror Squad had three undefeated seasons. The Green Terror was nationally ranked and beat schools such as Boston College, Bucknell University, University of Maryland College Park, Georgetown University, and Temple University. Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium was a second home for many of the school’s games. Another historic moment for the school’s program was in 1992 when McDaniel became the first college football team to play in Russia. Against an all-Europe team, The Green Terror won 47 to 4. The unique Green Terror’s name stems from how teams would describe the Western Maryland players as “Terrors” on the field. The name stuck and since 1923 they have been known as the Green Terror. McDaniel College plays as a member of the Division III Centennial Conference against schools such as Johns Hopkins University, Ursinus College, and Franklin & Marshall College. The current stadium grounds have been the home to the Green Terror for most of the program’s history, much of that as Hoffa Field. In 2012 McDaniel opened the new Kenneth R. Gill Stadium during halftime ceremonies of that year’s Homecoming football game. The new stadium includes new seating, concessions, press box, coaches’ rooms, observation boxes, plus the Sydney Albrittain Hospitality Suite. The fields of McDaniel College/Western Maryland College were also the summer training camp of the Baltimore Ravens until the 2011 season when the team chose to relocate spring training to their main Owings Mills, Maryland facility. The old Baltimore Colts had also used the college as a training ground for many years. Food & Beverage 3 There is one single concession stand located behind the new grandstand. It is a simple affair, but it is a great place for cheap hot dogs, hamburgers, and the general basics. Nothing costs more than $5. It is basic, but a place for a quick bite and nothing more. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is very good at the game, but it is a bit divided. Tailgating is such a big deal here at McDaniel, so most of the fans gather in that area east of the football field. They can watch the game all while enjoying their party. This has been a longstanding tradition here. But it does mean that the fans in the main grandstand, oddly enough, seem to be away from the main part of the action. Tailgating at Gill Stadium, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The new stands are very nice. There are some seats with seatbacks, but the rest are simple bench-type seating, although there is a large amount of legroom, which is nice. There is a small concourse under the grandstands which houses the small concession stand and some history of the school and its athletic programs. The only other issue is that the track that surrounds the football field does keep the fans a bit away from the game action. There is a nice scoreboard on the south end of the field. The school also has the requisite cheerleader squad to help in the game atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Westminster, being a far suburb of Baltimore, is in a pretty traditional suburban setting. Baugher’s Restaurant and Farm Market is located nearby to campus and is one of the best family-type restaurants around and offers no better place to buy fresh produce. Downtown Westminster is also not far away. Here you can find some good choices such as O’Lordan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant and Maggie’s. Fans 4 The tailgate setting here at this small college is one of the strongest around. In 2011, McDaniel was ranked 6th in the country for best tailgating by The Weather Channel, due to the ability for fans to park their cars practically on the field and actually grill & drink, a tradition that dates to the 1920s. McDaniel College was also ranked in Southern Living Magazine for the top 20 of the “South’s Best Tailgates.” These are great football fans. McDaniel can have an average attendance of over 5,000 and highs as much as 7,200, although the actual stadium itself holds dramatically less than those figures. The stadium grandstands themselves seem to offer a great deal less in the terms of fan atmosphere. The fans over on this side tend to be a bit quieter than the tailgating ones. Access 4 The parking can be a bit tight as it is a small college and there are only so many places to park. Parking is free, although you can choose to pay $10 for close parking, as well as pay for tailgate spots. Westminster is a small town so large crowds can easily overwhelm the streets around the school. Plan and it won’t be a large issue. Route 140 is the main route from the Baltimore area towards Westminster and it stems from the end of Baltimore’s I-795. Access to Baltimore, Washington D.C., and central Pennsylvania is fairly easy. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Green Terror game is free. That is incredible that for absolutely nothing you can attend a game with such a good atmosphere. Even if you do end up paying for parking the value here is strong. Extras 3 The tailgate scene alone deserves some attention. Being able to watch the football game while still attending your tailgate event is a nice twist. Stop by some of the parties and make some new friends. The Western Maryland Railroad caboose is located next to the playing field and in the heart of the tailgate zone. The iconic piece of memorabilia just looks cool and can be a great meeting place for friends. The school also uses it as a home to game-time merchandise sales. Also, make sure to take some time to view the plaques about the school’s athletic history located in the stadium concourse. Final Thoughts McDaniel College is a great place to watch a game, tailgate with some friends, and soak in some local athletic history all in the same great location.