Photos by Tyler Green, Stadium Journey & EKU Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Turkey Hughes Stadium 521 Lancaster Ave Richmond, KY 40475 Eastern Kentucky Colonels website Turkey Hughes Field website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 500 Turkey Hughes Field The Eastern Kentucky Colonels play their home baseball games at Turkey Hughes Field. The venue was named for Charles T. “Turkey” Hughes, who was quite a renaissance man in EKU athletics history. During his 43 years on the Richmond campus, he was the head coach of five sports, including baseball, and even helped form the Ohio Valley Conference in 1948. His name graces this 1960s venue due to these numerous contributions to Colonel athletics. The listed capacity of Turkey Hughes Field is 500 spectators. The stadium consists of three sections of bleachers, each with ten rows, meaning no fans are far from the action at home plate. If they choose, fans can also stand along the brick wall past the dugouts on either the first or third baseline. The playing surface has a unique character; it features a synthetic turf infield which allows EKU games to be played in a variety of weather scenarios. The outfield remains the traditional patterned grass and the pitcher’s mound is the expected dirt. This field and the brick wall backstop were the result of a $500,000 renovation in 2009 and more upgrades are planned for the future. Food & Beverage 3 A single food cart provides the food and beverage selections at Turkey Hughes Field. The limited selections are balanced out by the extremely reasonable prices. Hot items are guaranteed to be fresh, as a charcoal grill is used to prepare hamburgers and hot dogs right next to the cart. The hamburger, cheeseburger, and hot dog sell for $1.50, $2, and $1.50, respectively. As for drinks, water and soft drinks are $1, while Gatorade is $2. Other assorted selections are chips or candy for $1 and kettle corn for $3. For those fans still conscious of their burger toppings or previous meal, the food cart even sells 3 pieces of chewing gum for 25 cents. It may not be the biggest selection in sports, but it certainly is an affordable menu. Atmosphere 2 As with any baseball stadium, walk-up music accompanies each EKU batter on their trip up to the plate. The pre-game music and inter-inning sounds are almost entirely country music. Outside this music and sporadic cheering from the minimal crowd, there is not much in the way of atmosphere to be found at Turkey Hughes Stadium. Neighborhood 0 Turkey Hughes Field is situated in the middle of Eastern Kentucky University’s sports complex. It is flanked on one side by tennis courts and the basketball gym, McBrayer Arena, and on the other side by the football stadium, Roy Kidd Stadium. As found at most populous interstate exits, a variety of fast food is available on the 1.5-mile stretch between I-75 and Turkey Hughes Field. Choices include McDonald’s; Qdoba; Fazoli’s, a regional fast-food Italian chain; and Lee’s, a southern fried chicken joint. Visiting fans wanting to explore the Eastern Kentucky campus just have to take a short walk north of the venue to experience the central campus. Just north of campus on Main Street, or about a mile from Turkey Hughes Field, are several bars and grills. Jerzees, Madison Garden, and Paddy Wagon Irish Pub are all in this area and are known as gathering places. Fans 2 During my most recent visit in early 2013, a respectable number of EKU fans showed up for a Sunday afternoon conference game, mostly filling the bleachers behind the Colonel dugout near third base. The fan support is typical, with fans taking breaks from conversation to cheer and clap for the end of a defensive half-inning or base hits. Access 4 Turkey Hughes Field is located on the southern end of the Eastern Kentucky University campus. Visitors should take exit 87 off I-75 and travel east approximately 1.5 miles. Its proximity to the interstate as major as I-75 makes Hughes Field easily accessible from a variety of regional cities, especially Lexington, which is a brief 40 minutes to the north. Free parking is available immediately behind the venue in the EKU campus lots, which are off control during the times of baseball games, such as weekends and weekday evenings. Keep in mind that this is directly behind a baseball stadium; be sure to park as far from the stadium as you can, but in the same lot, as foul balls frequently land directly behind the venue. Since fans can congregate along the baseline walls, this area along the third base would be the best place for wheelchair seating. There are no restroom facilities at Turkey Hughes Field; fans needing this service should use the facilities in the adjacent McBrayer Arena . Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission to an EKU baseball game at Turkey Hughes Field. However, there is also not much atmosphere. For long-time Colonel fans or baseball lovers, an EKU game is an extremely affordable, accessible, and pleasant way to spend an afternoon or evening. For everyone else, Turkey Hughes Field may not be the most lively use of your time. An EKU baseball game here is simply what you make of it. If you love free baseball, catch a game at Turkey Hughes Field soon . Extras 1 One bonus point for the banner celebrating EKU’s 16 Ohio Valley Conference championships, which leads the OVC. The most recent of these was in 2012.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dorough Field House 4484 Peachtree Rd Brookhaven, GA 30319 Oglethorpe University Stormy Petrels Basketball website Dorough Field House website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 900 The Stormy Petrels Oglethorpe University is in Brookhaven, Georgia, just north of Atlanta’s Buckhead community. Named in honor of the founder of the Georgia colony, James Oglethorpe, the university was established at its current location in 1915 – after originally being founded in the central Georgia town of Milledgeville in 1835, the school moved to Atlanta in 1870 before finding its permanent home in Brookhaven. The school took on the moniker Stormy Petrels  in reference to the legend that on his trip from England to the colonies, Oglethorpe marveled at the oceanic sea bird, the Storm Petrel, as it darted in and out of the ocean’s waves. The Stormy Petrels have called Dorough Field House home since 1960, and along with being home of the men’s and women’s basketball programs, the venue has also hosted the school’s volleyball team. Oglethorpe University is a member of the NCAA Division III Southern Athletic Association, which is comprised of colleges and universities throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Food & Beverage   2 A small concessions stand is adjacent to the Oglethorpe Hall of Fame on the upper level of the visiting end of the court. There is not a lot that will get mouths watering on the menu – just the basics of hot dogs, popcorn, and snacks consisting of candy and chips round out the food choices. Beverages include Coca-Cola soft drinks, Powerade, and bottled water. What does impress though are the prices; of all the items on the menu, a $3 hot dog is the most expensive. While there is not much to choose from, low prices do entice fans to grab a quick snack during the game.   Atmosphere   3 Dorough Field House’s stone exterior perfectly blends in with the surrounding campus buildings and neighboring baseball field at Hermance Stadium. The impressiveness of the field house does not stop there – upon entering the gym area, fans are greeted with a series of high arching wooden supports and a wood-paneled roof. A row of long, rectangular windows run along the bottom of the roofline and in the ceiling above each basket support, allowing a bit of natural light during afternoon games. What stands out the most is Pinholster Court itself, which has been dubbed “The Blacktop”, as the playing area is painted completely black. Without a doubt it is a one-of-a-kind court; when installed in 2015 the goal was to have a unique playing surface, which is indeed the case with Pinholster Court. Despite newer facilities that strive to have the most state-of-the-art, technologically advanced basketball arena, Oglethorpe has taken the 70-year-old Dorough Field House and given it a modern, luxurious feel with its woodwork and distinct court.   Neighborhood   4 Oglethorpe University is in Brookhaven, just north of Atlanta’s Buckhead community on Peachtree Road, one of Metro Atlanta’s busiest thoroughfares. There is a wide variety of restaurants in the area with a large, planned community named Town Brookhaven immediately neighboring the Oglethorpe campus. Atlanta’s famed Buckhead district is less than 5 miles to the south. Though the area has undergone a major redevelopment from the days when late-night bars and clubs were the norm, there are still plenty of bar and restaurant options in the area, many of them some of Atlanta’s finer dining establishments. On campus, Dorough Field House is tucked behind the historic Hermance Stadium, which was built in 1920, and the school’s tennis courts and track. These facilities form a bit of an athletics neighborhood in the southwestern corner of campus.   Fan   3 A look at attendance numbers shows the Stormy Petrels typically draw between 200 and 300 fans per game. Occasionally attendance may double that, with fans more apt to stand along the top rail of the seating area than in the 900-capacity gym. This is pretty good attendance given the university’s enrollment is under 1,500. In all, the fans do not seem to create a definitive home court advantage, but they are definitely supportive of their Stormy Petrels.   Access   3 Roads leading to Oglethorpe University can often fall victim to the gridlock of Atlanta traffic. Weekday games commonly do not tip-off until 8 pm, though, which does give time for traffic to ease a bit in the area, so dealing with the streets and highways leading to the Brookhaven campus is a bit easier during those games. Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, runs directly past the Oglethorpe campus, but with the closest stop a mile to the south it is probably not the most efficient. A small parking lot is directly in front of the field house, with a larger lot adjacent to the neighboring tennis courts and track; both mean just a short walk to the field house. The main entry point to the gym is down a sidewalk that runs between Dorough Field House and the outfield wall of Hermance Stadium. Fans enter through a rather nondescript door labeled "Game Entrance” – this doorway leads to the upper level of the field house and a walkway that runs around the top of the seating area.   Return on Investment   5 It is hard to get better than free admission, free parking, and highly affordable concessions prices. A Stormy Petrels game is likely the most affordable basketball experience to be found.   Extras   3 The thought of an all-black court might seem a bit different to visitors of Dorough Field House, and with good reason. While basketball courts have generally started to take on a bit more of an individualized appearance from venue to venue, Pinholster Court at Dorough Field House is believed to be the only completely black court in college basketball. The south wall of Dorough Field House features an extensive Hall of Fame. One of the more notable names is that of National Baseball Hall of Famer, Luke Appling, who played for the Stormy Petrels in 1929 and 1930. Appling’s Chicago White Sox jersey is displayed among the other retired Oglethorpe jerseys. In addition to the recognition of Oglethorpe’s greats at the south end of the gym, the north wall pays tribute to conference championships and national achievements of the school’s athletic programs.   Final Thoughts Dorough Field House is a beautiful facility – from the stonework on the exterior that seamlessly blends in with the surrounding campus buildings, to the woodwork throughout the interior of the gym, the venue is remarkable. The game presentation is a bit straightforward, but the intimate setting gives fans the feeling of being part of the game. In addition, a gym this size puts fans right on top of the action on the court, where the calls from the bench, the communication between players, and the speed of the college game is on full display. The combination of these factors creates an entertaining basketball experience at Oglethorpe University’s Dorough Field House.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Knights Field 2100 Treece Terrace Louisville, KY 40205 Bellarmine Knights website Knights Field website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 500 A Ballpark with a Hilly View Knights Field has been the home to Bellarmine University baseball since 1954, and in 2021 the program moved to Division-I and joined the ASUN Conference. The ball field is located at the entrance of the campus and offers a picturesque view of the campus buildings and other athletic venues. The ball field offers covered dugouts, bullpens, a batting cage, and an elevated press box. There is a 20-foot high fence in the outfield, along with a simple scoreboard. The grass seed field is simple and features small bleacher seating in the back of home plate. As rudimentary as it is, the home of the Knights offers one unique perspective. The field is at the bottom of the natural rolling hillside; it offers fans to watch baseball on the graded upward slope. It created a tradition of fans enjoying the game on blankets on the hill. This method began to catch on with more and more fans each year and has since become a staple of enjoying a game at Knights Field. Food & Beverage 2 A small concession stand with restrooms behind the left-field corner of the ballpark. It also serves as the concession stand for the softball field. The stand was closed during our visit, and no menu was listed. Perhaps fans can enjoy soda, chips, candy, popcorn, or a hot dog or nachos during a Knights game. Atmosphere 2 Fans can expect a relaxing day at a Knights game; the ones who attend are friends and family of the players. However, a few more students will take in an inning or two on the hillside to take a break from their daily activities. The ballgame is for the ardent baseball fan. Our visit took place when the weather dipped a bit from the balmy 80 degrees that the Louisville area had been enjoying. It was a cool 55 degrees with gunpowder gray skies and cool enough to wear a sweater. Unfortunately, there were not too many in attendance. The banter on the field was familiar from other ballparks of its size in Division-I college baseball. The ping of the aluminum bat, the banter from both dugouts, the sounds of cleats against the concrete from players fetching foul balls, and light applause from fans in one of the few bleacher-style stand behind home plate. Neighborhood 3 The university is not too far away from The Highlands, aka “Restaurant Row”. It is a lively neighborhood known for its casual pubs, restaurants, artisan shops, bookstores, coffee shops, and independent stores along Bardstown Road. Against the Grain Public House has a small location on the main street that offers craft beer, burgers, salads, and cocktails. Noche Mexican BBQ is known for its smoked brisket fajitas and quesadillas. Mark’s Feed Store is a two-story restaurant specializing in barbecue. Havana Rumba features tapas and happy hour cocktail specials. A tad closer to campus and off Bardstown Road is Shennanigan’s Irish Pub. Guests can enjoy Irish and pub food, drinks, and live music at this typical Irish pub. Kaelin’s Restaurant is also nearby and features pub food, fried chicken, dinner entrees of short rib and shrimp and grits, and an all-around positive vibe. While in Louisville, check the schedule to see what other teams are playing. If you are craving more baseball, check out the Louisville Bats at Louisville Slugger Stadium or the Louisville Cardinals at Jim Patterson Stadium , Louisville City and Racing Louisville FC both play at Lynn Family Stadium . Fans 3 The Knights fans in attendance are friends and family of the players. However, a few more students will take in an inning or two on the hillside to take a break from their activities. Access 3 The university is located a few miles north of Interstate 264 (Henry Watterson Expressway) on State Road 1703 (Newburgh Road). The ball field is in front of the arched entrance to campus, with parking on top of the hill. It is ideal for fans who can climb the hill or walk the staircase, but not so much for fans who have limited walking access. Return on Investment 4 This ball field sits on top of a steep hill near the football and softball fields at the campus entrance. It creates a picturesque setting for baseball and on a warm spring day, a chance to watch the game from the hill on a blanket. Tickets are free and Parking is free on campus during athletic events but may be at a premium on dates/times when classes are in session. Extras 1 The vantage point of watching the game from the hill can be enjoyable on a warm spring day. It provides a view not common at other college ballparks. The campus buildings and other venues add to the aesthetics. Final Thoughts Knights Field does not feel like a ballpark but more like a city park. The place blends in nicely with the college environment and is a communal place. It is a place to view the game in simple terms and enjoy the sounds of the ping off the bat and the cheering from the home bench. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Xfinity Center 2001 Paint Branch Dr College Park, MD 20740 Maryland Terrapins website Xfinity Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 17,950 Fear The Turtle Xfinity Center is the home arena to the Maryland Terrapins men’s and women’s basketball teams. The 17,950-seat arena opened in fall of 2002, replacing the much smaller and outdated Cole Field House. It is located on UMD’s campus in College Park, just outside Washington, D.C. on a campus home to over 37,000 students. The Terps’ motto is “Fear the Turtle”, reflecting both the fear the team instills in opponents and the Terrapin mascot. However, this slogan is not as prominent as it has been in years past. Maryland was the defending national champion when their shining new arena opened, and for the first few seasons, almost every home game was a sellout or nearly so. Although the Terrapins are no longer the national powerhouse they were at the turn of the century, the Xfinity Center is still one of the top basketball venues in the country in terms of energy level, atmosphere, and quality. Food & Beverage 4 The Xfinity Center has pretty much the same classic offerings you’d find anywhere, with main courses including hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, boneless wings, hot dogs, and pizza, as well as side dishes such as fries. Local chain The Greene Turtle has a stand which sells boneless wings and crab cake sandwiches. Fans with a sweet tooth can buy boozy ice cream as well as regular ice cream (by which we mean non-alcoholic, not boring) from the UMD Creamery right on campus. For those who require kosher meals, there is a certified kosher stand available outside section 121 selling items such as deli sandwiches and falafel in addition to stadium classics such as hot dogs and popcorn. Note that due to Jewish religious laws, the stand is not open for Friday and Saturday home games, nor on certain Jewish holidays where food cannot be prepared and/or served. Atmosphere 5 The Xfinity Center is a large arena with two levels, plus some courtside seats for top donors. The student section occupies the lower rows on one sideline, plus a towering wall behind one basket that extends from floor to ceiling. All seats have a decent view of the action, even the ones far away. Before each game is a lengthy pregame program, featuring multiple hype videos to get the crowd hyped. When they introduce the Terrapins lineup, the lights go out and fans are encouraged to turn on the flashlights on their phones, creating an impressive display. During one media timeout in the second half, a giant Maryland flag is unfurled in the student wall, as the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey plays in the arena. Marylanders love their flag, and this is a unique tradition you will find nowhere else. The Terps have a mascot named Testudo, who unsurprisingly is a terrapin turtle. He tends to stay near the court during games rather than roaming the stands. Unless you are sitting close to the floor, you will likely not get to interact with him. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is nothing special. There is a bowling alley a couple of miles away, and a bunch of chain restaurants within walking distance. If you’re looking for some local color, College Park Diner  is a favorite with residents and students alike and serves up comfort food 24 hours a day. Looney’s Pub  on Route 1 is a sports bar with dozens of big-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. A couple of hotels are located nearby, including a Marriott  just off campus, and The Hotel  on campus. (Yes, the on-campus hotel is called The Hotel. Not a very creative name). That being said, if you’re looking to do more than eat and sleep, your best bet is to head down to the Metro station and take the Green Line into D.C. It’s about a 30-minute ride to downtown. Once you’re there, there’s so much to do and most of it is free. Whether it’s visiting one of the historic monuments and memorials, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply walking outside on the National Mall, there’s something for everyone. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to reserve that ahead of time. Fans 5 Although Maryland no longer sells out every home game, the fans still show up in large numbers and are loud and raucous. The floor-to-ceiling wall of students is imposing and brings the energy throughout the game. The other fans will get involved as well, making the Xfinity Center extremely loud at times. One student tradition of note takes place when the visiting team is being introduced before the game. The student will read newspapers which have been provided for them, shunning the visiting team. Once the Terrapins are introduced, they tear up the papers and get loud until the game is over. Access 3 Unless you are a season ticket holder or donor, any official option option for parking at the Xfinity Center is going to involve walking quite a ways. the Regents Drive Garage costs $20 for non-conference games or $23 for conference games and is about a ten minute walk away. The Stadium Drive Garage is free to park in but is a 15-20 minute walk. Parking passes closer to the arena are available on the secondary market but will likely cost much more than buying through the school. The concourses at the Xfinity Center are more than wide enough to accommodate the crowds, with lots of open space and plenty of signs directing you where to go. Restrooms are located throughout the concourse and the lines are not an issue. Unfortunately, getting out of the garages after the game can be quite a problem. There is little traffic control and cars can get extremely backed up. Getting out of surface lots is easier, but unless you're a season ticket holder or donor, you will need to turn to the secondary market to park there. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a Terps game will vary widely depending on the opponent. For a non-conference opponent from a low-major conference, tickets will be reasonably affordable through the team and you can probably get them for below face value on the secondary market. Tickets against fellow Big 10 schools will start at between $35 and $50 for upper level tickets. Of course, that is not the only cost of attending a game. Parking will cost at least $20 unless you are willing to walk a long distance, and concessions can get expensive as well. While a Terps basketball game is a great experience, it has a high price commensurate with that. Extras 5 Look for the trophy case in the lobby with trophies from the Terrapins' men's and women's national basketball championships. A second star for the banners in the rafters honoring Terrapins greats. The traditions with the unfurling of the giant Maryland flag and the pregame reading of the newspapers by the student section are each worthy of an extra star here. Look for the Terrapins Hall of Fame along the walls honoring Maryland greats of all sports. Final Thoughts Maryland basketball at the Xfinity Center is a great fan experience. From unique student traditions to raucous energy in a packed house, to chowing down on a crab cake from the Greene Turtle, fans will certainly have a good time taking in a Terps game here.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Arthur W. Perdue Stadium 6400 Hobbs Rd. Salisbury, MD 21804 Delmarva Shorebirds website Arthur W. Perdue Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 5,200 Eastern Shore Baseball At Its Finest Delmarva may not be a term that most people recognize. But essentially it designates the Eastern Shore of Maryland, along with the neighboring areas of Delaware and Virginia. This peninsula is known as the DelMarVa Peninsula. The Shorebirds stadium is right outside of Salisbury, MD, the county seat of Wicomico County and the largest city in Maryland’s Eastern Shore region. The stadium is named for the founder of Perdue Farms, Arthur Perdue. Perdue is headquartered in Salisbury. Arthur’s son Frank Perdue, and now his grandson Jim Perdue are known far and wide as the national spokespersons for the brand. The stadium opened in 1996 as a Single-A affiliate of the Montreal Expos. Eventually, the Shorebirds became the Single-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, playing in the South Atlantic League. The team also draws from the many visitors to the region during the summer months as nearby Ocean City swells to between 320,000 and 345,000 visitors, and up to 8 million vacationers annually. Food & Beverage 4 The food prices are very similar to most minor league baseball stadiums. They are very fair and offer many choices. Most entrees are $4 and up and won’t break your wallet. Be on the lookout for the numerous Family Pack options for both hot dogs and chicken tenders. Another great choice is the Jumbo Crab Pretzel. Sodas are $4 and $5.75, depending upon the size. You are on the “Eastern Shore” so choosing chicken and/or crab is always a good idea. Atmosphere 4 Delmarva prides itself on offering a family atmosphere and a place where the entire family can enjoy baseball. The true fan can enjoy the quality play, while the kids can enjoy the carousel, bounce houses, and face painting offered. In-game promotions are also offered to keep the atmosphere fresh and fun. The team tries to keep it happening in between innings to not distract from the game. There are orange bleachers for general admission sections and green seats for assigned seating. The cheap seats get great views, as well as the fans paying for the more expensive ones. The stadium will seem very similar to Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick and Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, both also Orioles team affiliates. Neighborhood 3 Perdue Stadium is not located in the heart of the city but at the busy junction of US Highway 50 and Route 13. There is nothing in walking distance to the stadium so you will have to drive to enjoy pre and post-game festivities. A good local choice is the Evolution Brewing Company and their quite nice tasting room. They also offer a full restaurant option next door to that. Another option is the Market Street Inn in downtown Salisbury. I would also recommend stopping over to Ocean City and trying the dizzying array of food options located in this tourist town. OC Wasabi is a personal favorite that offers an amazing sushi roll that contains fried soft-shell crab. Or try the numerous crab options in the area. Fans 4 The fans are pretty traditional minor league fans for this area. Some are very knowledgeable about the game, while others are there as part of a family or a group and may be less interested in the actual game. This is a Baltimore Orioles fan base, so expect to hear the loud “Ohhhhhhh” chant during the appropriate place in the National Anthem. Locals feel that the song is to do with as they please while showing support to the home team. It is good-natured, so who could disagree? Access 3 Since the stadium is located at the convergence of US Highway 50 and Route 13, traffic can usually be pretty easy to handle. But be aware that on summer weekends there is a large amount of traffic heading east towards Ocean City, as well as traffic heading west at the end of said weekends. Plan carefully as traffic has been known to back up to Washington, DC, and Baltimore, many hours away. It really can be that bad. There is plenty of parking, but the team does charge to park. I don’t see why they need to do this, but the price is less than $5. Return on Investment 4 Prices are not the cheapest minor league games around but still offer decent value. The best values are the general admission tickets that cost $8. These seats are close to the action, and give you flexibility to move around and/or get more food. Other options run from $11 to $13, which is pretty good value. Be on the lookout for ticket promotions and other events that can make your game experience better. The team is active in the community, and there are many ways to attend the game. Extras 4 The Eastern Shore Baseball Hall Of Fame is also located at the stadium. Make sure to stop in and see the numerous players and teams that have played on the DelMarVa Peninsula. It is worth a couple of points right there. Kids will love the fully stocked kids' area with a carousel that has a great view of the field. The team runs some great promotions, so check the calendar to see what is happening when you attend a game. Final Thoughts Arthur W. Perdue Stadium is a great stadium and the Delmarva Shorebirds go out of their way to make the stadium a place where both casual and hardcore baseball fans can be entertained and enjoy a quality game experience.

Photos by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Valley Children's Stadium Bulldog Ln Fresno, CA 93740 Fresno State Bulldogs website Valley Children's Stadium website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 41,031 The Biggest Show in Town Editor's Note: The stadium name changed from Bulldog Stadium to Valley Children's Stadium in July, 2022. They were the underdog BCS Buster before being the underdog BCS Buster was cool. Before Boise State , before Northern Illinois , before TCU and before UCF there was Fresno State. Boasting the motto “Anybody, anytime, anywhere,” Fresno State challenged the likes of Southern Cal , UCLA , Georgia Tech , Kansas State , and Virginia , and often won. Bulldog Stadium in Fresno gets its fair share of big name opponents with a bigger-than-average-mid-major program. Bulldog Stadium opened in 1980 as Fresno State football’s home stadium, as well as the host of the now defunct California Bowl. Current capacity is 41,031, which easily makes it the biggest show in town in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. Fresno is the 5th largest city in California at over 500,000 people, so there are plenty of fans in the area to draw from. The sunken bowl stadium is known to be one of the louder mid-major stadiums in the country, and with good reason. Food & Beverage 4 Bulldog Stadium is packed with different food options, mostly located at either end zone. All of your normal food options can be found around the concourse, but the north end zone is where the unique variety can be found. There you’ll find soft serve ice cream, foot long corn dogs, funnel cake, chili dogs, polish sausage, garlic fries, monster taquitos, deep-pit barbeque and absolutely delicious nachos. Most of the food falls in the $5 to $7 range, so it’s all reasonably priced. Bottled water or soda cost $3-$4 with refillable souvenir cups costing $6 ($3 per refill). Alcohol is not sold in Bulldog Stadium. Atmosphere 4 Bulldog Stadium isn’t exactly a premier college football stadium in the country, but for a mid-major it’s got a lot of positives. Upon first approach it appears to be a much smaller venue, but this is because it’s sunken into the ground with lighting that extends horizontally over the field as opposed to straight up. This gives Bulldog Stadium its unique character. It also means you enter the stadium from the top and descend into the bowl as you approach your seats. The tailgating scene is impressive and the fans are much louder than their numbers. It’s not going to rival the elite programs in the nation so a fifth star would be unattainable, but the scene more than holds its own against any mid-major program in the country. The party outside the stadium is very organized with large tents and plenty of food…and of course plenty of beverages. There are plenty of activities going on during the game that involve a lot of fan participation. The band and the student section are also very involved, so the atmosphere overall is very festive. I can only imagine how much better the atmosphere is when the stadium is completely full. On the occasion of my visit, the Bulldogs were off to a rocky start for the year, so although the crowd was loud, Bulldog Stadium was only at about 75% capacity. Neighborhood 3 Three stars seem about right for an area that gets mixed reviews across the board. Fresno itself is somewhere I wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time, but the area immediately around campus is on the fringe of Clovis. Clovis is a quiet community northeast of Fresno that has plenty of hotel and dining options. Because of the distance from the ocean, things are more reasonably priced in the Fresno/Clovis area than they are in the coastal California cities. For dining options, the clear favorite is the Dog House Grill just south of campus. The tri-tip sandwich there is a California delicacy. There are also several excellent Thai and Mexican options in the immediate area. Further north in Clovis is the Sequoia Brewing Company where you can find craft beer and good food on tap. Of course, it’s college football, so you probably could also just partake in the excellent tailgating in the area. Fans 3 The “Red Wave” may not be able to compare with the Michigans or Alabamas of the world, but for the size of the program they are more than strong enough to warrant a solid rating. The tailgate extends for blocks around the stadium, where locals are cooking up chimichangas and sausages. Once they arrive at the game they may not fill the stands, but they are loud regardless. There is a bit of an issue with fans arriving late, but despite that they clearly rank in the upper echelon of non-power conferences. I teetered between 3 and 4 stars on this one and settled on a high 3 stars, mostly because of the inability to sell out for a big Friday night game. But those that come are passionate and loyal, so the stars earned are well deserved. Access 3 Again, this falls just about average. Fresno State is located between the Yosemite and Sierra Freeways in northeastern Fresno. There are no major interstates in the immediate area, but Route 99 cuts through the San Joaquin Valley several miles to the west and is the only real way into and out of Fresno. There is some congestion around the stadium due to the tailgating scene and some closed roads, but nothing that will take particularly long to navigate. Parking around the stadium ranges from $5 to $20 depending on distance, but if you’re willing to hike you can find off-campus street parking about a mile from the stadium either south of Shaw Avenue or to the north in the residential neighborhoods. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to a Fresno State game can vary considerably in price depending on the opponent. Low range is around $20 with the upper range reaching between $50 and $70. Food prices are mid-range with a wide variety, but parking is a bit on the pricey side if you aren’t willing to walk. So overall, it’s right in line with what you should expect to pay for a solid college football experience. Extra 2 While the experience overall is strong, there’s not a whole lot of frills to award extra points. The unique stadium lighting? The extra food options? Overall, I’ll add points for the Red Wave and general hard-nosed attitude of the Fresno State fans. Final Thoughts Bulldog Stadium is a pretty solid venue from top to bottom. So next time you’re in Fresno throw on a red shirt and head to campus to join the Red Wave for some football.

Photo Courtesy Kansas State Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tointon Family Stadium 1800 College Ave Manhattan, KS 66502 Kansas State Wildcats website Tointon Family Stadium website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 2,331 Not All Diamonds in Manhattan are from Tiffany's Kansas State University is the oldest state university in Kansas, opening in 1863, six years before its neighboring rival, the University of Kansas. K-State is located in Manhattan Kansas, a city of more than 50,000 in the northeastern portion of the state. The university has an enrollment of nearly 25,000 students. Its top majors include Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Human Ecology, and Education. K-State’s athletic teams are known as the Wildcats, and they compete in the Big 12 Conference. Baseball has been played at KSU since 1897 and they have won four NCAA regionals and three Big 12 Conference championships over that period of time. The baseball Cats call Frank Myers Field at Tointon Family Stadium their home field. Built in 1961, the stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years, with a near re-build of the facility in 2001-2002. The stadium holds more than 2,000 fans, and features AstroTurf GameDay Grass on the field itself. Chairback seating was added during the 2002 renovations, as were five club suites. A Daktronics scoreboard was also installed to keep fans updated on the game and scores from other Big 12 games. The exterior of the stadium is constructed of limestone in keeping with the architecture found throughout the KSU campus. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand at Tointon Family Stadium is located on the concourse and offers a wide variety of typically baseball fare The options include sodas ($4), water ($2), popcorn ($3), candy ($2), hot dogs ($3), chips ($2), and hamburgers ($5).Unfortunately being on the concourse, there is no view from the concession stand of the action on the field.On the good side, a picnic area is available adjacent to the stand so you do not have to balance the food on your lap.In addition to food and beverage, programs and K-State merchandise are also available in the same area. Atmosphere 3 Tointon Family Stadium really feels like a part of the K-State campus due to its exterior mimicking the architecture and limestone building materials found throughout the K-State campus.Being in a college town also adds to the enjoyment of the games.The crowds typically are about 50% students and 50% townspeople, and they are equally supportive of their Wildcats.They tend to come early and are very knowledgeable about the players and the opposition.Even though K-State is a large university you still get a small town, friendly atmosphere when you visit Manhattan. Neighborhood 4 Tointon Family Stadium is located on campus in the athletic complex for K-State. Neighboring facilities include Bramlage Coliseum (basketball), Bill Snyder Family Stadium (football), and the Christian Track and Field Complex. Manhattan is definitely a college town, as the university is a major part of its population and the major employer in the area. The Aggieville district has been the town’s entertainment hotspot since 1899 and is still going strong. Restaurants you might want to sample include the Rock-A-Belly Deli, the PowerCat Sports Grill, or Cox Brothers Barbeque. If you’re looking for a drink, the Aggie Lounge (called the “Lou” by locals) is your classic college dive bar. Two hotels within walking distance of the stadium are the Holiday Inn at the Campus and the Bluemont Hotel. Those looking for K-State merchandise need look no further than Varney’s, which carries everything purple or wildcat. KSU’s McCain Auditorium also hosts major concerts and touring shows throughout the year. A majority of the accommodations are located in downtown Manhattan or along Hwy 24. Fans 4 I hope you like the color purple, as you will be surrounded by Wildcat fans covered head to toe in purple, while seated in purple stadium seating.Around Manhattan this is known as “Purple Pride” and there is no doubting the allegiance of these fans.They are boisterous and they fill the stadium for almost every game.However you are sitting in Tointon Family Stadium, and being Midwesterners, it is a very friendly bunch.The one game that is an exception to this rule is when the Jayhawks come to town, and these two bitter rivals face off.The two campuses are only 90 miles apart, so the visiting team typically brings a large contingent of their supporters with them. Access 2 K-State and Manhattan are accessed eight miles north of Interstate 70.Manhattan Regional Airport has daily service to both Dallas/Ft.Worth and Chicago.There is no public transportation system within the city of Manhattan, but the university does maintain its own on-campus bus system.Manhattan is somewhat isolated on the tall grass prairie lands of central Kansas.It is about 35 miles west of Topeka, the state capital, and about 140 miles west of Kansas City. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to K-State games are staggered by reserved seats ($12) versus general admission ($8), with further discounts in price for seniors, military and children ($5).K-State students are able to attend free of charge as it is factored into their student activity fee.All reserved seats are permanent seat backs, while even the general admission seating areas feature seat cushion/chair backs.General admission seating includes bleachers along the first base side of the field, while berm seating is available along the third base line.Parking is free and plentiful in the Snyder football stadium parking lot adjacent to the baseball field.Lodging and food in Manhattan itself are very reasonably priced, making a visit to the area very family friendly budget wise. . Extras 4 Manhattan, Kansas likes to refer to itself as the “Little Apple.” While it does not offer the traffic, crowds or major league sports of its bigger “sister city,” it does offer some nice extras for visitors to enjoy. As you enter the town from I-70 you can’t help but see the Flint Hills Discovery Center. This natural history museum is one of the biggest museums of any kind in Kansas. The downtown area of Manhattan is built following the town center concept and is very walkable to shops restaurants and businesses. Closer to campus, Aggieville offers restaurants, bars, theatres and shopping just across the street from the university. Each June, Manhattan hosts the Country Stampede, a three-day music festival featuring some of country music’s greatest stars. Finally, we are in Kansas, so a visit to Dorothy and Toto, too is in order. Just twenty miles east of Manhattan is the small town of Wamego, Kansas, which has developed a major tourist attraction with its Oz Museum and Oz Winery. You will see lots of wonderful memorabilia from the movie and it is a pleasant break during a long drive with the kids.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Mastodon Field 2101 E Coliseum Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 IPFW Mastodons website Mastodon Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 200 Mastodon Field Mastodon Field is the very humble home of the baseball team for IPFW (Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne). The Mastodons are members of the Summit League, where they have struggled to find success in the conference since joining in 2008. In a town that has become known for its idyllic minor league ballpark with Parkview Field, IPFW provides a very basic ballpark experience that is well-suited for baseball fans looking to get to a game on a warm spring day. Food & Beverage 1 There’s a very basic menu of concession available for IPFW baseball games, served from a small window in the building between the baseball and softball fields. The prices are very reasonable, but the quality is somewhat lacking, most notably the gray hot dogs ($2). You’ll also find popcorn ($2), candy ($1), and chips ($1). When it comes to drinks, you can get a hot beverage like coffee and hot chocolate ($1). Bottles of Pepsi products are also available ($2). There’s not much here, and it’s easy to bring in your own snacks if you would like. Atmosphere 2 This is truly just a ball field. It’s a simple facility with a small red brick wall connecting the two dugouts. Netting extends between each dugout with chain link fences moving from the dugout to the outfield wall. The green grass glimmers in the afternoon sun, and there are dirt base paths only between first and third. The base paths from home to first, and third to home are all grass, an interesting quirk, and one that would suggest that this would be a good ballpark for adept bunters. The outfield has symmetrical dimensions with 335 feet down each line, 380 feet in the power alleys, and 405 feet to straight away center field. The outfield wall is about seven feet tall, and is green painted wood, with no padding. A few small sets of bleachers with 36 blue bucket seats mixed in, make up the seating capacity of 200. There is some room down each line to set up a folding chair to watch the game, but the view isn’t great due to the chain link fence. Your best bet is to grab one of the bucket seats, or bring a stadium cushion and sit in the bleachers. Neighborhood 3 Mastodon Field is located on the IPFW campus. It is immediately next to the softball stadium and the modest tennis courts, and is across the street from the Gates Sports Center. There isn’t much in the way of interesting bars or restaurants within walking distance, but you’re just a few miles away from several chain restaurants along Coliseum Blvd. If you are staying overnight, then the Holiday Inn is your nearest option with rooms starting at $113. Downtown Fort Wayne is about 4-5 miles away from Mastodon Field where you can find some more interesting and unique dining options, including Mad Anthony’s Brewing Company for beer enthusiasts. Fans 2 With a capacity of just 200, it would be difficult for Mastodon fans to make much of an impact. You’ll find the usual mix of friends and family that you see in many college baseball venues in this part of the country. They have a vested interest in the game as they cheer on their loved ones. Access 4 The official address of Mastodon Field (and the other nearby athletic venues) is 2101 E Coliseum Blvd, which is a bit inaccurate and may trip up your GPS. In actuality, you’ll be turning off of Coliseum on to Crescent Ave, and then take the turn to the IPFW campus. The baseball field should be noticeable once you get close. Parking can be found for free in the lot across the street for Gates Sports Center. Just be sure to park in spaces with white lines rather than green lines, which are designated for those with the requisite parking pass. There are restrooms located in the lone building at the baseball field, opposite the concession window. If you would like better facilities, then you can also enter the Gates Sports Center, although that’s a bit of a walk. There are no handicap facilities evident at Mastodon Field, although none are needed as there are no steps to navigate. Return on Investment 4 There is no admission charge to see an IPFW baseball game at Mastodon Field, and parking is free as well. While the concession offering is a bit lacking, the prices are quite reasonable with nothing on the menu costing more than $2. While this may not be a destination experience, everything is priced right to go and enjoy a ballgame. . Extras 1 It’s hard to find many extras at an IPFW baseball game as this is as about as barebones as it gets. The field does look lush and green, which probably says something about the work that the players on the team are putting in. Final Thoughts If you’re a baseball fan in the Midwest in spring, and the weather is nice and you’re near Ft Wayne, Indiana, then this is a good way to spend a few hours. There is nothing that is particularly memorable about Mastodon Field, but it can still get your baseball fix at IPFW.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Goodman Stadium 124 Goodman Dr Bethlehem, PA 18015 Lehigh Mountain Hawks website Goodman Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 16,000 Football Stars in Bethlehem Nestled in the town of Bethlehem in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, Goodman Stadium is home to the Lehigh Mountain Hawks football team. The Mountain Hawks compete in the Patriot League in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly known as Division I-AA. Lehigh's biggest rival is Lafayette, who plays 17 miles away in Easton. The game, known simply as The Rivalry, has been played 158 times going back to 1884 and has been played every season since 1897. It is both the most played and longest uninterrupted rivalry in college football. Food & Beverage 5 While there are a couple of concession windows at Goodman Stadium that sell the basics - hot dogs, beverages, and little else, the real attraction here is the food trucks and tents set up on the concourse by local vendors. You will find numerous options here, including quesadillas, cheesesteaks, barbecue, pizza, and much more. Prices are a bit on the high end but you get what you pay for, as the food is quite good. Soft drinks and bottled water are also available at pretty much any stand. Keep in mind that although gates will open 90 minutes before the game, most concession stands do not start selling until an hour before. Plan accordingly. Atmosphere 3 There is seating along both sidelines at Goodman Stadium, as well as a hill behind the south end zone that some fans like to sit on. The inner concourse runs down the middle of the seating area, and fans can walk up or down depending on where they are sitting. There are a few chairbacks on the west side, but most seats are standard bleachers. Given how small the stadium is, anywhere you sit will have a decent view of the action. Lehigh has a marching band called the Marching '97, about the number of members. They perform before the game and at halftime, concluding the latter show with the playing of the Lehigh alma mater, which fans are invited to sing along with. They also play sometimes during breaks in the action, although often recorded music will be played instead, or the team will honor alumni and members of the community during extended breaks in the action. Neighborhood 3 Bethlehem is not the largest town, but there is still plenty to do here. If you head north from campus, you will find many restaurants and other attractions along both sides of the Lehigh River. Seven Sirens and Bonn Place are two popular breweries on the south side of the river, and there are other options to choose from as well, ranging from Peruvian to Italian to typical American food. Bethlehem has the feel of a small college town, so while there is plenty to do here, it's far from the excitement of a major city. Fans 2 Although Goodman Stadium seats 16,000, they will not come close to selling out most games, typically drawing only a few thousand fans. Even those who show up rarely get loud, to the point where you can hear the players shouting on the field from many rows back. Not only that, they take their time at their tailgates before heading in, so the stadium does not reach its eventual capacity until near the end of the first quarter. The one exception to this is The Rivalry against Lafayette, where boisterous, sellout crowds are a given. Lehigh fans are passionate about the game against Lafayette, but less so about the other games on the calendar. Access 3 Getting to the Lehigh campus will require some driving on back roads no matter where you are coming from, but at least you can enjoy the scenery as you drive through the country. Once on campus, parking is at the lots surrounding Stabler Arena, home to Lehigh basketball. From there, fans will walk across a grass field to get to the stadium - this will take about five to ten minutes depending on where precisely you parked. The stadium may not be visible from all spaces but just follow the crowd. As mentioned above, Lehigh fans often don't make their way to the stadium until close to kickoff, so there can be long lines to get in at this time. If you want to be in your seat for the start of the game, don't wait until the last minute to head in. Getting around the stadium can be a challenge, as the concourses are narrow and crowded, particularly the inner one used to access the seating bowl itself. Return on Investment 4 For most home games, tickets range from $10 to $19, depending on how close to midfield you want to sit. For the Lafayette game, all tickets are $28.50 due to significantly increased demand. Concessions from local vendors are fairly expensive, but worth the cost. Parking in the lots is free as well. In the end, a Lehigh football game is a pretty good value, and getting tickets to the Lafayette game may be worth the extra cost in years when Lehigh hosts. Extras 3 There is a bell on the Lehigh sideline which is rung after every Mountain Hawks score, once for every point they have scored. There is a team store by the entrance selling Lehigh merchandise. A third and final star for the wide selection of food from local vendors, which is a nice touch. Final Thoughts The history of the Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry is unmatched, and the passion of Mountain Hawk fans for that one game is nearly so. Unfortunately, the team failed to get nearly as much support the rest of the season. If you have a chance to check out The Rivalry, definitely do so, but if the schedule doesn't work for you, a Lehigh football game can still be a decent experience in a scenic setting.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Stadio San Paolo Piazzale Tecchio Napoli, Italy 80125 Italy SSC Napoli website Stadio San Paolo website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 60,240 The Azzurri Stadio San Paolo is the largest sports facility in the city of Naples. For seven years, from 1984-1991, one of the greatest soccer players of the twentieth century, Diego Maradona, was seen on the playing field of El Pibe de Oro. San Paolo Stadium is located in the Fuorigrotta neighborhood, in the western and most populous part of the city of Napoli. Since 1959 it has hosted the home matches of the Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli. It was opened on December 6, 1959 with Napoli playing host to Juventus in a match of the 10th round of Serie A, the top level of Italian football. The match was won 2-1 by the home team (Vitali, Vinicius, Cervato the authors of three goals). San Paolo Stadium has also hosted some matches for the Olympic Games in 1960, several competitions of the European Championships of 1968 and 1980, as well as five matches during the 1990 FIFA World Cup (including the semi-final Italia vs. Argentina). Previously the Azzurri (the nickname of the players of Naples comes from the colors of the sky and sea of this corner of Italy) had played at the “Stadio Militare dell’Arenaccia,” at the “Partenope Stadium,” and at the “Arturo Collana Stadium.” The “Stadio Militare dell’Arenaccia” and the “Arturo Collana Stadium” are still present in the city. The “Partenope Stadium,” wanted and funded by Giorgio Ascarelli, the first president of Napoli, was destroyed during World War II by the Allied planes bombing. The Italian national football team has played at the San Paolo Stadium on 23 occasions. The first occurred in 1960, and overall the National team has a record of 12 wins, 5 draws and 6 defeats. Food & Beverage 4 Naples is known worldwide for being the city where pizza was invented. So before entering the stadium it is required that you stop in one of the many pizzerias in the Fuorigrotta district. You can find a classic “Margherita” pizza with tomato, mozzarella and basil at a cost of just 1 euro. Even the coffee is a tradition in this part of Italy. It is served accompanied by a glass of water. Warning: never drink the water after the coffee, always before, or the barman would think that the black drink in the cup is not liked. Outside and inside the stadium the price of a coffee is 0.80 euro. Also sample the desserts (pastiera, the curly sfogliatella, the baba), dishes based on fish and fries (similar to London’s fish and chips in Naples there is o’cuoppo). Atmosphere 4 After 60 years, the stadium still looks as good as ever due to several renovations over the years. San Paolo Stadium was designed in 1948 by architect Carlo Cocchia. The work to build it lasted about six years. But its present appearance is very different from the original one. Owned by the municipality, the facility was modernized to host the European Championships in 1980 and the FIFA World Cup in 1990. Finally in the summer of 2010 it was the subject of another restyling. Today it appears to the public with three rings (the upper one, however, is closed) oval, totally covered and with a lighting system housed in the attic, some LED screens about 16 meters long placed in the stands Distinti and Centrale, and an athletics track with eight lanes. The pitch measures 110 x 68 meters. In addition, within the system, there is space for several gyms used for boxing and martial arts. San Paolo Stadium, with its 60,240 seats, is the third in Italy in terms of capacity after the Meazza in Milan and the Stadio Olimpico in Rome and just ahead of the Franchi in Florence and Juventus Stadium in Turin. Napoli is fourth in Italy for number of fans, only behind Juventus, Inter and Milan. The first name of the structure was “Stadio del Sole.” The current name is the result of the legend that the apostle St. Paul arrived in Italy docking right in the Fuorigrotta district. Neighborhood 4 In Fuorigrotta there are several faculties of the University of Naples Federico II, the oldest state university in the world, founded in 1224. There are other sports facilities including the swimming pool known as Felice Scandone, the true temple of Italian water polo. The Mostra d’Oltremare, a major fairgrounds, and an amusement park is also worth a visit. There is no lack of hotels as within a short walk from the Stadium San Paolo there is a four star lodging option, along restaurants, pizzerias, and fast food. Fans 5 San Paolo Stadium offers one of the warmest group of supporters in Italy and Europe. Attending a football match of Napoli at the San Paolo is a unique experience. Blue scarves and flags color the different areas of the stadium. The songs accompanying the actions of the players and to every goal of the local team seems to be an earthquake. The most ardent fans follow the match from the two curves, A and B. Since the 1980’s there has been a friendly link with the supporters of Genoa. Napoli’s biggest rivalries are with the fans of Hellas Verona, Atalanta, Juventus, Milan, and Inter. Access 5 Fans can reach the San Paolo Stadium by car. There are several car parks, but after matches the traffic in this area of the city flows slowly. You may also use the different public transport links in the Fruorigrotta district. If you are arriving by car, then you can access the stadium via highway A1 (Milan-Naples) or highway A3 (Naples-Reggio Calabria), going to Tangenziale Napoli exit 10 “Fuorigrotta”. If you are renting a car or taking a taxi, then it is about 20 minutes from Naples International Airport or about 15 minutes from Naples Central Railway Station. The stadium is only few steps from the train station “Napoli Campi Flegrei,” subway line 6, stop “Mostra d’Oltremare,” city train line 2, stop “Napoli Campi Flegrei”; city train line Cumana, stop “Mostra d’Oltremare”; or bus station “Campi Flegrei” (city and suburban buses come here). Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket to enter San Paolo Stadium varies by sector, from a minimum of 25.00 euro for the two curves up to about 100.00 euro for the “Tribuna d’onore.” The tickets can also be bought online. On the team’s website, under “Online ticket,” you can see the events scheduled during the football season and the cost of tickets for individual sectors of the stadium. In addition there are always tickets which include concessions, including the initiative “Tribuna family” which offers a special price for adults with small children accompanying. Extras 3 There are several areas on the world heritage list near the stadium including the archaeological areas of Pompei, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata; historic centre of Naples; and the Costiera Amalfitana. The typical Neapolitan cuisine, with pizza, desserts, and fish dishes makes this a great destination for stadium travelers. The islands in the Golfo di Napoli: Capri, Ischia, Nisida, Procida, and Vivara are beautiful and worth a visit if you can.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Casey Field West Oak Street Covington, VA 24426 Covington Lumberjacks website Casey Field website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 2,000 VBL Baseball in the Alleghany Highlands With 12 teams nestled up and down Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, the Valley Baseball League is one of the oldest collegiate summer wood-bat leagues in America. The Covington Lumberjacks play their home games at Casey Field, a former Appalachian League venue that hosted the Covington Red Sox in 1966 and the Covington Astros from 1967 to 1975. Today, Casey Field is also a football stadium used by Alleghany High School. It has a strange layout - centerfield is very short to accommodate the football bleachers, and there is a Pesky Pole situation in left field. The foul pole is extremely shallow, then juts out almost completely straight, to accommodate a construction area for a new field house for the high school. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a window down the first baseline by the entrance. Options for meals include hot dogs, nachos, barbecue sandwiches (in this part of the country, invariably pulled pork), cheeseburgers, and pizza slices which are better than you'd expect for this part of the country. Snacks include peanuts, candy, popcorn, and french fries. Bottled water and soda are available to drink. Icees are also sold out of a truck near the entrance. Even though this is a high school stadium, beer is available for sale out of a tent behind home plate. Bottled water can also be purchased at this tent, for fans who don't want to wait in a long line just to get water on a hot night. Prices are reasonable for the most part. The Icees, which are sold by an outside vendor, cost $5 but nothing else, even the beer, is more than $3.50. Atmosphere 3 There are several sets of bleachers near home plate at Casey Field, but no aisle to climb up them, which makes getting around challenging. There is also a very large set of bleachers in centerfield which is the sideline seating for football games and is mostly unused for baseball, although a few fans do sit here. Many fans also choose to bring their own chairs and sit at the bottom of the bleachers or by an opening in the fence near the concession stand. Other than the centerfield bleachers and the aforementioned gap, all seats are behind a metal fence. It is not as thick as in some other places, but is more intrusive than netting. This is a pretty basic gameday experience. Music is played during breaks in the action, but not particularly loudly. The PA announcer is involved and will often welcome local guests, but is not over the top. There are few if any on-field contests, so a Lumberjacks game is a pretty simple experience. Neighborhood 3 The City of Covington is located in Southwest Virginia in the Alleghany Highlands, but not quite in the Allegheny Mountains (yes, the spelling is different and it's all quite confusing.) This is a very scenic area of the state with gorgeous mountain views, hiking trails, lakes, and more. There is not much to do in Covington beyond a few chain restaurants, including a KFC right next to the ballpark. Clifton Forge is about ten miles away and has more options. It also has a major railroad history, which may be of interest to railfans. Fans 4 The Covington Lumberjacks draw a few hundred fans for a typical home game. This may not seem like much, but the population of Covington is only about 5,000 people, plus another 15,000 in surrounding Alleghany County. Lumberjacks games are truly a community affair, and most of the fans seem to know each other, although they are welcoming of newcomers. During player introductions and big moments, the fans will ring cowbells to show their support for their team. They wear Lumberjacks gear and are generally a passionate crowd. Access 2 Covington is located just off I-64 via Exit 14. If coming from the west, you will probably have to cross over the mountains to get here. If coming from the east, the drive will still be hilly but not fully mountainous. Once you reach the ballpark, there is a paved lot down the right field line and a gravel one beyond the left field fence. Street parking is also available once these fill up, but be warned some of it is within foul ball territory. The big problem with access here is the bleachers. There are no aisles to climb, making getting up them extremely difficult. You will have to step over rows of seating and work your way around fans who are aleady there to get up or down. This brings the rating down significantly and is why so many fans bring their own seats. Restrooms are available next to the concession stand and are a generally sufficient size, although you may have to wait a couple minutes. They also get extremely warm on hot days. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Lumberjacks games is free. Most Valley League teams charge a few dollars, which isn't much money, but free is better. Concessions are extremely affordable as well. As a result, a Covington Lumberjacks game is a fantastic value. Extras 3 Look for the free roster cards by the concession stand. The gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains is worthy of a bonus star here - many of the Valley League venues have great views and Covington is no exception. A third and final bonus star for the 50-50 raffle. The Lumberjacks operate as a non-profit, and this gives fans a chance to support the team and potentially win a cash prize. Final Thoughts Although Covington may not have the fanciest stadium in the Valley League, it has a strong and loyal fan base. It's hard to argue with watching free baseball in a scenic environment on a warm summer night, and a Lumberjacks game allows you to do all of these things. Baseball fans in the Alleghany Highlands will definitely want to make the trip here.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Brockell Field One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 Cecil College Seahawks website Brockell Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: n/a Baseball Seahawks Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007. The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The baseball stadium is named after former long-time baseball coach and 2019 Cecil College Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, Charlie "Dick" Brockell. Food & Beverage 1 There are limited food options available at Brockell Field. There is a shared concession stand with the softball field but we do not know when it is open. We will award a 1, assuming that it is open on busy weekend games. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. There is a large and weird variety of seating options around the field. There is a couple of small three-row bleachers, a couple of garden benches, regular park benches, park picnic tables, and a raised stone seating area. You can also sit on the grass to bring your chair. The baseball field is located right next to some nice woods, that offer a nice view past the fences. Neighborhood 3 North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is simply named from its direction on the Maryland map. Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs and its sister restaurant across the street, Woody's Tacos are our choices for meals when in town. The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the busiest and most well-known highways in the country so getting to campus will not be difficult. Follow signs to the back of the campus and you will find the athletic field. There will be plenty of parking. We are dropping our rating down a bit as current construction might make your way back to the baseball field a bit of an adventure. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. Extras 1 The unique variety of seating options is an extra on its own. Final Thoughts Brockell Field is a basic pleasant baseball field located in a nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Target Field 1 Twins Way Minneapolis, MN 55403 Minnesota Twins website Target Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 38,649 It’s a Beautiful Day for Baseball in the Twin Cities From 1982 until 2009, the Minnesota Twins played their home games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, widely regarded as one of the worst stadiums in baseball. The place was cramped, the roof frequently collapsed, and nobody wanted to be indoors during the two or three months that Minnesota actually has nice weather. In 2010, the Twins moved into their new home, Target Field, in downtown Minneapolis. This jewel of a stadium has a gorgeous limestone exterior and every modern amenity a ballpark can offer. The Twins won the AL Central in their first season in the new stadium and have made the playoffs three other times since then. Food & Beverage 5 Target Field offers just about any food one could want, ranging from ballpark classics like burgers, hot dogs, and pizza to more unusual items like burritos, Aussie Pies, and Tony O’s Cuban Sandwich, which honors Twins legend Tony Olivo. The Truly on Deck area by the right field gate offers additional unique offerings such as Italian grinders, Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches, and a more extensive burger selection than you can get at other concession stands. Prices are expensive but on par with what they’d be at any other major league stadium. You certainly won’t go hungry at Target Field, and you’ll have a lot of food to choose from. Atmosphere 5 Target Field is a modern stadium that was built to create a unique atmosphere for fans. Walking into the stadium will put you on a concourse above the 100 level and you can take escalators up to the 200 and 300 levels. If you are seating in the field box seats, which have single or double-digit section numbers, you will walk down the steps past all the 100-level seats before your section starts. It can be a bit confusing but ushers are happy to help you out. There are many unique visual aspects scattered throughout the stadium. There is a neon sign in right-centerfield featuring twins Minnie and Paulie, in honor of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The sign lights up at night and flashes when the Twins make a big play. There are two main scoreboards at Target Field – a large one in left-centerfield which normally shows player stats and a line score but can also show animation and replays, and a smaller one in right-centerfield which shows a more detailed box score normally, but, like the other one, can and does display other things as well. Ribbon boards line the field which shows more detailed stats, including sabermetrics like exit velocity and the vertical and horizontal break on pitches. The Twins have a mascot named TC Bear who appears on the field before the game and interacts with fans throughout. During the fourth inning, the team has a mascot race on the field featuring Minnesota-themed characters Louie the Loon, Wanda the Walleye, Babe the Blue Ox, Skeeta the Mosquito, and Bullseye the Dog, the mascot of corporate sponsor Target. While it is disappointing to see the corporate image thrown in there, this is still a fun tradition that always excites fans. Neighborhood 4 Target Field is located in Downtown Minneapolis, in a complex that also includes the Target Center , home of the Minnesota Timberwolves. There are many options just on the other side of Interstate 394, including local favorites such as Pizza Luce, The Loon Café, and Dulono’s Sports Bar. There are many options here – you’ll certainly find something you like. Fans 3 When Stadium Journey visited on a Monday night, the stadium was just about half full, but even on a Saturday night, the Twins rarely draw more than 30,000, meaning there are about 10,000 empty seats in the stadium. (And that’s the official attendance, the actual turnstile count is likely lower.) Despite the Twins being in first place, they still don’t seem to be drawing particularly well. Part of that is because Minneapolis is a small market, but the Twins built an appropriately small stadium and still don’t come close to selling it out. Fortunately, the fans who do show up are passionate and loyal. From the moment you approach the stadium gate, you will be surrounded by fans wearing their Twins gear and getting ready to cheer on their beloved team. It’s just a shame there aren’t more of them. Access 3 Target Field is located in Downtown Minneapolis, which is a mixture of road work and light rail tracks that make it hard to drive around. If coming by light rail, the station is right outside the stadium, which is easy enough, but if coming from someplace that isn’t on the light rail, it can be significantly more challenging. Parking is available on several ramps near the stadium which are connected to the entrances by skyway. To those who don’t understand the unique Minnesota terms in the previous sentence, there are several parking garages near the stadium which are connected to the entrances by the elevated enclosed walkway which links the core of Downtown Minneapolis. There are signs directing you to the Ramps, but they will often stop functioning and leave you on your own to find your way. Prepaid parking ranges from $12 to $14. Be sure to scan your pass from your phone when you enter the garage rather than taking a ticket or you will have a lot of trouble when you get out and the gate does not recognize it. It can sometimes take a while to exit the garage but it will put you right on the highway and then you’ll be fine. As a modern stadium, Target Field has wide concourses and ample restrooms for the crowds. Lines at concession stands generally move quickly and you can save even more time by pre-ordering on the Ballpark app from your phone. Return on Investment 5 Like many teams, the Twins use dynamic ticket pricing, so the exact cost will vary by opponent. Weekday games against unattractive opponents early or late in the season start as low as $9. Even for a top-tier opponent, you should be able to get tickets for under $20 if you want. Upper-level seats behind home plate start at $33 on average, while good lower-level seats inside or near the bases can be had for as little as $49 for a typical game. As noted above, parking ranges from $12 to $14, and concessions are reasonably priced for a major league stadium, so a Twins game is a great value. Extras 5 There are many, many extras here but we can only give it five stars in this category. The Minnie and Paul sign and mascot race are both worthy of an extra star here. There are extras both inside and outside Gate 34, the main gate in right field. As you approach this gate, you will find Target Plaza, containing statues honoring Twins greats as well as a giant baseball glove. The glove is a popular photo opportunity and people love to sit or stand in it and take their pictures. Just keep in mind the glove can get hot on summer days. While those extras alone would be worthy of five stars, there is more. A model train is located on the outfield concourse, retired numbers hang in left field, and championship banners for the Twins, as well as the first incarnation of the Washington Senators that moved to Minnesota, fly in right-centerfield above the stands. Final Thoughts The difference between Target Field and the old Metrodome is like night and day. While the Twins previously played in one of the worst stadiums in Major League Baseball, they now play at one of the best. Just walking up and gaping at its gorgeous exterior, you get the sense that this place is different, and once you get inside, you will not be disappointed. From the Minnie and Paul sign to the unique concession items to all the other extras here, a trip to Target Field for a Twins game should be on every fan’s bucket list.

Photos by Adam Pate, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Desna Chernihiv Stadium st. Shevchenko 61 Chernihiv, 14027 Ukraine FC Desna Chernihiv website Desna Chernihiv Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 12,060 Football in Chernihiv Note: In the spring of 2022, the stadium was heavily damaged after Russian missiles struck the ground and was subsequently ransacked by looters. Efforts are underway to obtain funds for rebuilding. The city of Chernihiv in the north of Ukraine is celebrating some great days for its football team. Throughout its history, they have never known such a high level of success. As a result, the stadium lacks a lot in terms of facilities, but makes up for it with charm. Food & Beverage 4 The Yuri Gagarin Stadium offers a good mix of concessions for supporters. Be prepared to queue as they are very popular with visitors. However, located at each end of the main stand, the queue offers views of the pitch, so you do not have to miss any action. Take cash as the food vans cannot use cards yet. Plans are afoot, though. Hot food is available from the bbq, and the fryers, so take your pick. There are also cold snacks available to suit your taste. The local Obolon beer was available for purchase in the ground for a couple of dollars. Hot drinks are available until the boiled water has run out for less than a dollar. Try the barbecued meat for a couple of dollars. Very tasty and a unique offering in Ukraine. Atmosphere 2 Despite having seen better days, the Yuri Gagarin Stadium still manages to create a good atmosphere. Get ready for antiquated facilities but a brilliant view of all the pitch from this multi-purpose facility. Yes, there is an athletics track. The stadium has two stands that run either side of the pitch and go back around twenty rows. The seats in the centre of the stand are more expensive; however, you can easily view the whole pitch. The far side stand is in poor condition, with the supporters club and visiting fans being the only ones allowed over there. Giant Desna Chernihiv banners and security fences separate them as well. The food huts are located at either end of the main stand, with toilet facilities nearby. The stadium has very little in terms of entertainment away from the game itself. Most supporters gathered near the main gate before the game, enjoying the food facilities there. You have the option though to watch the pre-game warm-ups as well. Seating is only available to visitors on one side of the pitch. The sectors nearer the halfway line are more expensive. If visiting, check the weather beforehand as there is no roof, and you are open to the elements. Neighborhood 3 The Yuri Gagarin stadium is located to the south of the centre. It is in a residential district, so there are facilities available. However, it is better to take a public bus to the town. Dynoys Café, over the road from the stadium, is very popular with supporters, who want to get a drink or a quick bite to eat before kick-off. It is affordable but low on quality. It is preferable to eat before or after the game in one of the many downtown restaurants. Georgian restaurant ‘Buba’ and gastro pub ‘Robata’ sit in the main square around three kilometers from the ground, providing great people-watching vantage points. The city is off the tourist trap, but there is a pleasant park to walk through before the game. The central district also offers some pleasant churches to visit before the game. Chernihiv will have a second team in the professional leagues this season, so it is worth checking out if they are playing. The Presidentskyi and the Riverside Park Hotels are both located within a kilometer of the stadium. They are found in quite a picturesque location on the banks of the river Desna. In the centre of the city, you can find a Reikartz as well, which provides similar facilities as elsewhere in the country. Fans 4 Desna Chernihiv has some of the most loyal and loud supporters in the Ukrainian Premier League. Desna supporters turn out in larger numbers than usual for the league. The stadium was generally at 75% full but is packed for the visit of the big two. It is an impressive level and puts them in the top four of the league. With passionate fans on either side of the pitch, the stadium does make a lot of noise. The main singing section is not accessible for occasional supporters, but you can still get involved. The away fans also have their own area, which is always populated with fans. Access 3 Although located away from the center, the Yuri Gagarin stadium is very accessible for supporters. From the wide concourses to the good public transport access, it is an enjoyable trip. Several public buses run from the center along Shechenka Street towards the ground. Just jump off near the park, and you will be near the only entrance to the ground. Taxi’s drop supporters off outside the ground as well. The only problem with Chernihiv is that the train network doesn’t run in this part of the country, making access from Kyiv reliant on buses. Free parking places are in abundance around the ground. We recommend parking in the neighboring park, as it is relatively quiet and an easy escape after the game. As there is only one gate to enter, it is hard to get lost on a trip to Chernihiv. Security carries out body checks on the ground entrance, but it is nothing more than your typical procedure. Sadly, the toilets are not the most pleasant of experiences here. Plans are afoot to open a new facility for supporters, with more modern conveniences next season – we can only hope. The entrance to the ground is quite open, with plenty of space for people to move around. Supporters with mobility needs will need to take their place on the first row as the steps up into the stands are quite severe. Return on Investment 4 As a trip to the Premier League, the Chernihiv experience is a very affordable day out. It provides enjoyment to people of all ages, and the city is close enough to add to the trip. As with most stadia in Ukraine, five dollars will provide a visitor with a good experience. Ticket prices range between one or two dollars, while food and beverage start at a couple of dollars. For visitors, who want to purchase a memento of the day, the souvenir shop is close by, and t-shirts will only cost you an additional five dollars. As you can imagine, you can bring your own food for less money into the stadium. It is worth buying tickets higher up in the corners as you have a great vantage point for the game itself. Extras 1 It is possible to organize a tour of the venue beforehand, and the souvenir shop is easily accessible by the main gate before match time. Final Thoughts In terms of days out, Chernihiv is a fantastic city, close to Kyiv. The team is at a high point in its history, and it is a pleasure to be part of the experience.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome 1705 S San Francisco St Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks website J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 7,000 Elevation 7000 The Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks basketball team plays their home games at 42-year-old J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, Arizona. The dome is a massive wood-span structure that covers 6.2 acres with the roof spanning more than 500 feet and rising 142 feet above the playing surface. Opened in 1977, it is used for NAU’s football, basketball, indoor track & field, as well as other sports and entertainment events. The Lumberjacks have played in the Big Sky Conference since 1970 and have appeared in two NCAA Tournaments (1998 and 2000). Food & Beverage 2 Two concession stands are open for basketball games; one on each side of the concourse with basic stadium food on offer for relatively decent prices. Choices include hot dogs, nachos, pretzels ($2.75 - $5.50) and two value meals – hot dog, popcorn, 16-oz Pepsi or BBQ sandwich, popcorn, 16-oz Pepsi for $6. Fountain Pepsi products run $3 - $3.75 with bottled water, hot chocolate, and coffer also served. Beer is only sold in the VIP section called True Blue Lounge located on the floor behind one of the baskets. Either value meal is the best bet, however, we recommend not eating at the dome but head downtown Flagstaff just a mile and a half away to find local places for refreshments. Atmosphere 2 While the Walkup Skydome is suited well for football, it falls short for basketball. The basketball court is placed in the middle of an indoor football surface. Only five seating sections are open for basketball games. The court only takes up ½ the football configuration and looks out of place and unimportant. Twenty-one inch-wide, blue-plastic, fold-down stadium seats with no cup holders make up the seating sections. Sit in section 113 to see logo right side up. Yellow seats spell out NAU but are centered for the football configuration; not the basketball. The sound system and video boards (one on each end) are the technological highlight of the venue with extremely crisp, clear videos and sound. No center hung video scoreboard is available and that suits this arena just fine. Marching band music is piped in when the Lumberjacks take the court. Some promotions are offered during timeouts and half time: kids run the court and shoot baskets, t-shirt tosses, and the like. A kid’s bounce house is inflated pregame and halftime but deflated during play. A humming noise (from lights? the electronics?) permeates the dome throughout the game which is distracting. Neighborhood 2 NAU is a pretty campus and when attending in the winter, you’ll see plenty of snow-capped mountains and pine trees. Downtown Flagstaff, just 1 – 2 miles away, is the place for dining and a beverage. Some recommended choices are: Pizzicletta (wood-fired pizza), Tourist Home All Day Café (breakfast/lunch), Proper Meats + Provisions (sandwiches), and a few blocks north Josephine's Modern American Bistro (New American). Flagstaff has several breweries: Dark Sky Brewing, Flagstaff Brewing, Mother Road, and Lumberyard are a few in the downtown area to enjoy before or after a game. Other things to visit when in Flagstaff include the Lowell Observatory or just visit the Historic Downtown and Railroad District . And, the Grand Canyon National Park is a little over an hour drive away. Other sports include the NAU football team, or take an hour and 15 min drive down to Prescott Valley and see the Northern Arizona Suns basketball (G League). If traveling from out of town, every kind of hotel chain in a variety of price ranges is available a mile or two from the university for a night’s sleep. Recommended choices include Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Flagstaff, and LaQuinta Inn & Suites Flagstaff. Plenty more are in the area. Fans 2 The arena is just too big for basketball. That includes the fan attendance and the court. In the last few years, attendance has averaged just around 1,000 fans per game. This makes attending a game at a venue that holds 7,000 pretty skimpy with not a whole lot of energy running through the stands. The fans in attendance do their best to support their team and stand and applaud and when appropriate and they should be commended. Access 4 Getting to and in and around the Walkup Dome is quite simple. The university is at the junction of I-40 and I-17 - right off I-17, with plenty of free parking just adjacent to the arena. The box office is located outside the east entrance (behind the Lumberjack statue) and opens a few minutes before the doors open. Flagstaff has a small airport about 5 miles out of town with services from Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix provided by United Airlines and American Airlines. Flights are limited. Mountain Link is the public bus transportation provider in Flagstaff with Maroon Route 10 servicing the university. It does not appear the service is available for returning from late weekend evening games. A clear bag policy is stated but wasn’t enforced during the visit of this review. Not sure if that’s the case for all basketball games. Once inside, the concourse is plenty wide for the fan base and steps down to the court have hand rails. Bathrooms are clean and serviceable. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices listed range from $8 (GA) to $12 (reserved and premium reserved) plus an additional $4 fee per ticket. This is not an extra fee when purchasing game day; just an extra fee imposed by Northern Arizona University. The pricing is misleading as it does not include the extra fee. So, single-game pricing is really $12 - $16. NAU students get in free. NAU has giveaways on some nights so this might increase the return on your sports dollar. Parking is free and concession prices are very reasonable. Extras 3 Be sure to get a photo taken with the Lumberjack statue outside the east entrance. Trophies and photos of all NAU athletics line portions of the concourse’s Hall of Fame and banners hang from the rafters of the arena. Walkup Skydome is one of the highest NCAA basketball courts in the US with an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level. Final Thoughts Flagstaff is a quintessential college town with plenty of outdoor activities, local entertainment, cultural events, bars, breweries, and restaurants. Visiting an NAU basketball game isn’t high on the list of things to do but, if in town during the winter and spring, perhaps a visit to the Walkup Skydome might be in order just to say you did.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Alumni Stadium 100 Institute Rd Worcester, MA 01609 WPI Engineers football website Alumni Stadium website Year Opened : 1914 Capacity : 2,000 Worcester Engineers Football   One of the oldest football programs in the country plays at tiny Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a school of just over 7,300 students. Founded in 1865, WPI was one of the first engineering and technical colleges in the United States. Today the school offers degrees in over 50 programs across several disciplines. WPI is consistently ranked as one of the top colleges in the nation.   After attempts to start association football (soccer) and rugby, WPI’s first American football team was fielded in 1882. By 1887 football was a varsity sport. Despite some early success by the team, WPI leadership refused to let the team enter a conference with other top small-college New England teams. Would WPI have been a member of the Ivy League if this alternate reality happened? We’ll never know. Today, the Engineers compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) alongside several other small but prestigious area colleges. WPI has won three conference titles and competed in one NCAA tournament (1991) and four bowl games.   The Engineers football, field hockey, soccer, and track and field teams play at Alumni Stadium, which is dedicated to honoring all the alumni who funded its construction. The playing field has been devoted to H. Carr and Sons, a local construction firm headed by WPI alumnus James Carr. Renowned architects the Olmsted Brothers were hired to design the facility. It debuted on November 14, 1914, with a 14-0 victory over the RPI Engineers.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a small concession stand at the north end of the stadium, located at the entrance to the parking garage. A limited menu, including pizza slices, assorted snacks, and drinks, is sold here. On the plus side, no item costs more than four dollars. All proceeds raised by the snack bar benefit the other WPI athletic teams that work the stand.   Atmosphere 2   The atmosphere at a WPI football game is typical of what you will find at other small facilities in the area. This is a laid-back, reserved experience, one that is very appropriate for a school known for its engineering programs. Even though this is hardly a rowdy scene, all the elements are in place at Alumni Stadium.   The school’s pep band and cheerleading squad highlight the festivities, with the band providing all the music throughout the game. Those fans who arrive early might be surprised to hear that the music of choice blaring out of the speakers is metal. The sound system is of good quality, providing clear sound to the fans sitting in the bleachers. During the game, the PA announcer does his job in a workmanlike fashion. Over-the-top shenanigans just wouldn’t fit in here. A small scoreboard in the south end zone provides basic game information. Neighborhood 4   WPI is located on Boynton Hill and is self-contained and separated from the adjacent neighborhood. Institute Park borders the campus on the north side. Adjacent to the park are several notable restaurants, including Fix Burger Bar, Ralph’s Diner, and the Oak Barrel Tavern. Lodging options close to campus in the downtown area include Hampton Inn and Suites and Courtyard Worcester. The Worcester Art Museum and the Salisbury Mansion are located on the school’s campus.   Fans looking for dining or shopping options on the residential south side of campus can head to nearby Highland Avenue, where The Boynton and Sole Proprietor highlight the local offerings. Downtown Worcester and Shrewsbury Street, home of Worcester’s legendary “Restaurant Row,” are just over a mile from campus.   Fans looking for sporting options in Worcester can check out the DCU Center , home of the ECHL’s Railers or Polar Park, home of the AAA Red Sox. There are 14 colleges in and around the city, but Holy Cross is the city’s only Division One program. Among the facilities, there are Fitton Field and the Hart Recreation Center .   Fans 3   WPI draws impressive crowds to their games at Alumni Stadium, particularly when compared to other D-3 schools in the area. Announced crowds often surpass 1,500 fans. Stadium Journey attended the Engineers’ 2024 home opener on a beautiful September Friday night, with an announced crowd of 1,848 in attendance. This figure feels entirely accurate.   In addition to drawing a large number of locals and alumni, there is a very good turnout from the student body, many of whom gather on the large berm on the east side of the field. You can be certain to see a good number of opposing fans in the stands, as the Engineers’ schedule is filled with local squads. The only thing holding back this score is that this crowd is fairly quiet and restrained, despite the personal connections many of the fans have with the players on the field.   Access 3   Alumni Stadium is located on the western edge of the WPI campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities, including Harrington Auditorium . WPI sits atop Boynton Hill, just a short drive from downtown Worcester. Driving is the primary method to arrive at WPI, as Interstate 290, which bisects the city, runs just a mile from campus. Fans using public transportation can take Worcester Regional Transit Authority’s  31 or 825 busses, which both run along Park Avenue behind the stadium.   Parking is located on the north end of the facility in a garage underneath the Rooftop Fields Complex. The garage is more than large enough to handle a typical Engineer football crowd. If you wish to avoid the garage, there is on-street parking in the neighborhood. Strangely, also located in the parking garage is the concession stand and visiting locker room.   Be aware that there is a security check in effect before entering Alumni Stadium. Fans can bring in a sealed bottle of water, but bags are not allowed. All seating at Alumni Stadium consists of a large grandstand on the west side of the field. Metal bleachers without backs stretch virtually the entire length of the field, giving fans plenty of good vantagepoints. A standing room is available on either end of the grandstand. The large hill on the east side of the field is a popular place for students to hang out, particularly when there’s a large crowd in attendance.   Restrooms are located in the WPI Sports and Recreation Center in the northeast corner of the facility. The restrooms are far from the grandstand and are very small, so plan your trip there wisely. Also, when you leave the bathroom, you’ll need to go back through the security check in the parking garage to re-enter the game. I guess WPI security is concerned with fans stealing toilet paper from the bathrooms.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to WPI football games are sold as general admission for five dollars. However, since you need to purchase the tickets online through Hometown Tickets, they end up costing $6.49. Parking in the garage adjacent to Alumni Stadium is free. No item at the concession stand costs more than four dollars. All in all, a trip to see the Engineers is a very affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans.   Extras 1   WPI is one of two colleges in the nation that has a goat for a mascot. Gompei the goat, named for Gompei Kuwada, a member of the class of 1893 and the school’s first goatherder, is immortalized in two statues on campus. One, of a charging goat, is located near the entrance to Alumni Stadium. The other statue, The Proud Goat, can often be seen wearing a sweater in the winter.   Photo Courtesy of Worcester Polytechnic Institute Final Thoughts   Many people fail to realize that Worcester is the second-largest city in all of New England. There are 14 colleges located in and around the city. One of the most fabled of these institutions is Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Alumni Stadium has served as a solid home for the Engineers football team for over a century.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 North Charleston Coliseum 5001 Coliseum Dr North Charleston, SC 29418 South Carolina Stingrays website North Charleston Coliseum website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 13,000 Stingrays Sighted on South Carolina Coast The South Carolina Stingrays were founded in 1993. They are an affiliate of the Washington Capitals and the Hershey Bears. The Stingrays play in the Southern Division of the ECHL. They were the first professional hockey team in the state of South Carolina, and the oldest continuously operated ECHL team to remain in its founding city. Over the years the Stingrays have been regulars in the ECHL playoffs, as they won the Kelly Cup in 1997, 2001, 2009, 2015, 2017, and 2021. More than 30 Stingrays have gone on to play in the NHL. The home ice for the Stingrays is the North Charleston Coliseum. The Coliseum also opened in 1993. It seats 10,537 in its hockey configuration. The Coliseum is part of a complex that also includes a performing arts center and a convention center. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage offerings at the Coliseum are organized much like a food court at a mall. A wide variety of national brands are represented, as well as some local favorites. The food court has a large seating area that allows you to eat your food at a table, rather than trying to balance it in your lap at your seat. There are also individual concession stands around the concourse for those who want to get back to their seats ASAP. The foods offered at Stingray games are for the most part the arena standards of pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, and candy. Some of the more unique items offered are noodles, fried rice, funnel cakes, and booze pops. The Coliseum sells Pepsi brand soft drinks, as well as tea, craft beers, and wine. Friday night games are known as Frothy Fridays. Frothy Beard beer is only $5 on Friday nights. All concession stands operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 The Stingrays and the North Charleston Coliseum have partnered up to provide a better-than-average gameday experience for their fans. The ice surface features the very colorful blue and red Stingrays logo. Banners saluting the multiple Stingrays’ championship seasons hang from the rafters at the venue. The center-hung videoboard features replays of significant plays on the ice, updated game statistics, and information on upcoming events at the venue. The video board is also used for fan-based contests, kiss cams, and dance cams. Neighborhood 4 North Charleston is a bedroom suburb of Charleston, SC. It offers many shopping and dining options that can’t be found in Charleston due to narrow streets and strict Historic District regulations. It also provides free parking for the most part… something that is unheard of for the most part in Charleston. The closest accommodation to the North Charleston Coliseum is the Hyatt Place Charleston Airport. It is located next door to the Coliseum, just a two-minute walk from door to door. This saves you from paying the $10 parking fee charged by the Coliseum. The nearby Bonefish Grill is an excellent option for a pre or postgame meal. Rusty Bull Brewing Company provides an excellent option for those looking for a wide selection of craft beers. Two attractions you will want to check out in North Charleston are the Waterfront Park along the Cooper River and the Hunley Project. The Hunley was a Confederate submarine that was lost at sea during the Civil War. The submarine was recovered in 2000. The Hunley Project outlines the history of the Hunley during the Civil War and the long painstaking process of restoring the 150-year-old vessel.   Fans 4 The South Carolina Stingrays have built one of the largest fan bases in the ECHL. This is due partly to the long history of the team in the area. It is also due to the many retirees from the northern climates that have relocated to Charleston due to its warmer climates. They are well-versed in hockey from living in the north. A third source of fans is the many military personnel in the area. They also come from areas of the country with a strong hockey influence. The average attendance for home games is 7,447. The crowd is at its loudest on power plays and Stingray goals. You can expect to hear “(enter the name of opposing goalie)… you suck!” after a Stingrays goal. Stingray gear is very popular attire at games, and if you forgot your gear, the Reef shop at the Coliseum will be glad to help you. Stingrays’ mascot Cool Ray does a great job of keeping the fans energized throughout the game. Access 4 The North Charleston Coliseum is easily accessed from virtually anywhere along the Atlantic coastline. Directions from Downtown Charleston: Take I-26 West to Montague Avenue (Exit 213). Turn left on Montague. Follow Montague past International Boulevard. The Coliseum entrance will be on your right. From Savannah/ Hilton Head: Take I-95 North to Highway 17 North.  Take Hwy 17 North to I-526 East.  Take the Montague Avenue exit off I-526 East. At the end of the ramp turn right on Montague and the Coliseum will be on your left. From Myrtle Beach: Take Highway 17 South to I-526 West.  Follow I-526 to Montague Avenue and exit. Go straight to the base of the ramp. Turn left at Montague Avenue and the Coliseum will be on your left. Coliseum gates open one hour before the puck drop, leaving fans plenty of time to get something to eat or drink and find their seats.   Return on Investment 3 The Stingrays offer tickets at a wide variety of prices. 200-level seats are priced at $19-$26. Tickets at the 100 level of seating start at $27 for seats in the corners and behind the goals. The top pricing level is $36 for seats between the blue lines. Parking at the North Charleston Coliseum is $10 on game nights. Concessions prices are very reasonable by arena standards.   Extras 4 The Pink in the Rink fundraiser at the North Charleston Coliseum is one of the largest events of the year to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Funds raised go towards breast cancer research and programs that benefit breast cancer patients. The Fan Zam rides between periods are unique in that the Zambonis are specially rigged to carry multiple riders, rather than the usual one. The North Charleston Coliseum has hosted concerts by Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Hootie and the Blowfish, Brad Paisley, Mumford and Sons, and many more. It has also hosted both the Big South and Southern Conference basketball tournaments and two presidential debates. Final Thoughts The South Carolina Stingrays are a solid organization that brings many of the northern transplants to the Charleston area regularly to enjoy a night of great hockey. The North Charleston Coliseum is the longtime home for Stingrays hockey. It provides easy access to the major interstates in the Charleston area. With fellow ECHL members located close by in Savannah and Greenville , every game is a rivalry game.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 WACA Ground Nelson Cres East Perth WA 6004, Australia Perth Scorchers website WACA Ground website Year Opened: 1893 Capacity: 24,500 It’s a Scorcher at the Furnace The WACA Ground (Western Australian Cricket Association) is the home of cricket in Perth, Western Australia. Officially opened in 1893, the current capacity is 20,000. Despite such a long history, with the bulk of Australia’s population residing in the eastern states, the tyranny of distance meant a long wait until the WACA became a regular host of international cricket. The first test match to be played at the ground didn’t take place until 1970, marked by a century to Greg Chappell on debut. A new grandstand was opened to celebrate test cricket coming to Perth, originally known as the Test Stand, but later renamed after WA stalwart, John Inverarity. As with many of the other major cricket stadiums around Australia, the WACA has been used for numerous other sports; most notably as a previous home for AFL clubs the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers, and also the now defunct NRL team, the Western Reds. With the new Perth Stadium scheduled to open in 2018, the WACA will be remodelled into a high performance cricket hub still capable of holding international fixtures, but the Scorchers, along with major internationals, will all move to the new venue. The Perth Scorchers, like all the other Big Bash League Twenty20 cricket franchises, was formed in 2011 as a new identity separate from existing state teams. They have since experienced great success on the field, making the grand final in all but one of the five seasons to date, and winning two championships. The Scorchers regularly see capacity crowds at the WACA of 20,000 plus. Food & Beverage 4 The variety of the food available is one of the big surprises of a trip to the WACA, although the typically high prices will bring you back to reality. Nevertheless, there are some impressive options to be found. The burger selection is solid, with special mention going to the top-of-the-line beef, bacon and cheese burger ($13.50), and the pulled pork burger ($12.50). Also a stand out are the wood smoked hot dogs (from $10), which complement the more standard items such as hot chips, pies and sausage rolls. Additionally, there are a small section of sandwiches, wraps and sushi for those fans looking for a lighter option. Beverage wise, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available – again, fairly pricey with a beer costing a minimum of $7. Atmosphere 3 Being relatively small in capacity by modern standards makes the WACA an intimate, boutique venue. Various refurbishments over the years has seen the gradual addition of grandstand seating. In addition to the Inverarity Stand, spectators can also take advantage of the Prindiville Stand and Lillee-Marsh Stand. The remainder of seating is grass hills and tiered concourses at ground level. This writer may be somewhat of a traditionalist, and therefore find the naming of grandstands and other fixtures around the venue as a welcome nod to history and past greats. For example, there is also the “Barry Shepherd Entrance” at Gate 6. Shepherd not only played test cricket for Australia, but was also an outstanding junior footballer and later an administrator for the WACA. The playing surface itself at the WACA is world famous for the nature of the pitch conditions, traditionally being bouncy and quick. The stadium is branded as #TheFurnance for Scorchers games, and feels like a fortress. Neighborhood 4 The suburb of East Perth is nestled on the banks of the Swan River, a short distance from the main CBD. The surrounding area has plenty of great hotels, restaurants and cafes including The Royal (60 Royal St). The Perth area has a strong affinity with the water with the river and great beaches. In fact, just beyond the sprawling parklands of Kings Park is the Royal Perth Yacht Club (6 Australia II Dr, Crawley). Royal Perth was of course famously the challenger club who won the 1983 America’s Cup following 132 years in the hands of the New York Yacht Club, and subsequently staged the 1987 defense off Fremantle. There are many locales within the metropolitan area worth exploring; Fremantle is a must, along with the glorious beachside communities of Cottesloe and Scarborough. There are several other major sporting venues in Perth, namely, Domain Stadium (AFL – West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers) and nib Stadium (Rugby – Western Force, and Soccer – Perth Glory). Soccer is a summer sport in Australia so check both the Big Bash and A-League schedules if you’re travelling to town for any doubleheader opportunities. Fans 4 The WACA may be a small ground, but the fans duly pack it out every game and are as passionate about their team as any other BBL franchise. There are plenty of families in attendance, and the crowd is largely a sea of orange. Unlike other teams around the country, fans show up early and are raring to go by the time play gets underway. Access 3 There are several reasonable options to get to and from the ground on game day. The City of Perth operates several paid parking stations well within walking distance. Check https://www.cityofperthparking.com.au for details. Rates are very reasonable when compared to other major cities around the country. For public transport check the website at http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au to plan your journey. Note that there are several free bus services from the CBD to the ground. Trains are an option but the station at East Perth is around a 2km walk. One of the nicer points about walking into the precinct is the scenery, and many fans were soaking up the atmosphere while strolling through the Queen’s Garden as they approached from the west. Once inside the stadium, it is not as easy to move around and the stadium somewhat becomes a victim of its age and lack of development over the years. Access to upper levels is by stairs, seating rows are long and narrow, and bathrooms are dated. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices offer value for money with Adult General Admission from as low as $20. The usual discounts for children and families also apply, making entry for most very affordable. As always, all BBL teams tend to offer a good experience for families, and are a sensational way to take the youngsters to experience the fun of a night out at the cricket. Extras 3 Extra points for: #TheFurnace – excellent marketing to blend with the team branding and to liven up an otherwise bland stadium name If you only attend one game, make it the New Year’s Day game Free sunscreen! Final Thoughts While it’s not the most modern stadium going around, the experience is excellent. See the Scorchers at #TheFurnace before the new Perth Stadium opens across the beautiful Swan River.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Sonny Pittaro Field 2083 Lawrenceville Rd Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Rider Broncs website Sonny Pittaro Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,000 Take a Ride(r) to Sonny Pittaro Field Sonny Pittaro Field is the baseball home of the Broncs of Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The stadium opened in 2005, and is named after longtime Rider coach Sonny Pittaro, who retired the year before after leading the team to nine NCA Tournament appearances. The stadium is located at the back of Rider's campus, surrounded by several other fields, including Ben Cohen Field , home to the Broncs' softball, field hockey, and lacrosse teams, as well as the softball field, tennis courts, and track & field complex. Pittaro Field was briefly home to the Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League in 2021 due to ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Toronto Blue Jays were forced to relocate to Sahlen Field in Buffalo due to border closures, forcing the Buffalo Bisons to relocate to the Thunder's stadium in Trenton. With no place else to go, the Thunder played their home games on Rider's campus until the Canadian border reopened and everyone returned to their normal home. However, in terms of both player and fan amenities, the field is nowhere near the level of other Draft League ballparks, all of which were affiliated minor league stadiums until the contraction of 2020. Food & Beverage 0 No food or beverages are sold at Sonny Pittaro Field, but fans are welcome to bring their own with the exception of alcohol and sunflower seeds. There is a drink machine on site that appears to sell bottled water and soft drinks, but it was not functioning when we visited. Atmosphere 2 There are several places at Sonny Pittaro Field to watch a game from. Chairbacks and bleachers surround the area behind home plate, although the bucket seats are quite narrow with limited legroom. These seats are all behind netting due to their proximity to the field, but it doesn't obstruct the view too much. There are additional bleachers further up the field, outside the dugouts, which are not behind netting. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore as well. This is a pretty basic gameday experience. Music is played during some breaks in the action, and the PA announcer can be loud at times, almost as if he is yelling into the microphone. There is little going on here besides the game. Baseball purists will enjoy that, while others may get bored quickly. Neighborhood 3 As Sonny Pittaro is located towards the back of the Rider campus, there is not much else to do in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head back to the main road, you will find several places to eat, hang out, and more. Varsity Pizza is a short drive away and sells great pizza by the slice or as whole pies. The Tastee Sub Shop also seems popular. If you drive about ten minutes into Trenton, you will find many more options as well. Fans 3 Rider typically draws a couple hundred fans a game. Some of these are friends and family of the players, while others are locals who have been coming to games for years and have an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the team and its history. Some former Rider baseball players still turn up for games, and Sonny Pittaro himself has been known to make an occasional appearance at the ballpark that bears his name. The fans can get loud at times, but are mostly subdued during the game. This is typical of northeastern college baseball. As the MAAC covers a small geographic footprint, there will often be a good number of fans of the visiting team as well. Rider fans mostly sit up the first base line, while visiting fans sit up the third base line, as that is where the respective dugouts are. Oddly enough, few fans choose to sit in the bucket seats behind home plate even though those are the only proper seats in the stadium - the rest are uncomfortable metal bleachers. Access 3 Sonny Pittaro and the Rider University campus are accessible via I-295 (formerly I-95 until a few years ago when the designation changed to resolve the infamous gap in the latter.) There are signs directing you to the field once you get on campus if you do not have a GPS. There is a spacious lot in between Pittaro Field and Ben Cohen Field that fans can park in. It is highly unlikely this lot will ever fill up given the small crowds baseball attracts. Even if there are events elsewhere on campus, people attending those will likely not park in the stadium lot as it would be quite inconvenient for them to access the rest of campus. There are no real restrooms on site but there are a few port-a-potties down the first base line. Players use these too, so you may have to yield to them on occasion. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission to Sonny Pittaro Field, and you won't spend anything on concessions because there aren't any. Parking is free as well. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 Look for the signage and murals on the outfield walls and dugout honoring Rider baseball history, as well as longtime coaches Sonny Pittaro and Tom Petroff. Final Thoughts Sonny Pittaro Field is a typical northeastern college baseball stadium. While the Broncs certainly have loyal and knowledgeable fans, they don't have too many of them. A visit here is a chance to take in a free baseball game and learn a good deal about the team from the others in attendance, which is always a nice bonus. While it may not be the fanciest stadium, Sonny Pittaro Field is an enjoyable place to spend a spring afternoon watching baseball.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Ronken Field at Karras Park 2501 S Grange Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57105 Sioux Falls Sunfish website Ronken Field website Year Opened: 1992 Renovated: 2013 Capacity: 500 Sioux Falls Sunfish In 2021, the Expedition League expanded into the Sioux Falls, South Dakota market and the Sioux Falls Sunfish were born. They play their home at Ronken Field at Karras Park, which is also the home of the 2018 NCAA Division-II Champion Augustana University Vikings. The sunfish, or bluegill, is a popular panfish throughout the Sioux Falls region and all of South Dakota, hence the team name. Food & Beverage 3 The food menu is fairly limited at Karras Park. The main concession is actually outside the park gate down the first baseline. Their menu contains pulled pork nachos ($6), a quarter pound hot dog ($4), and pizza slices for $3. Popcorn and candy are also available. Bottled water and soda are $3 and Monster energy drinks are $4. This concession stand building is also where the stadium restrooms are located. There’s also a Taco Cart underneath the stands to the first base side of home plate. They sell walking tacos for $6 and this is also where the beer is sold in the stadium. Most cans of beer are $5 for 16 ounces (Budweiser, Busch Light, White Claw and Bud Light Seltzers). They also have a couple 12 ounce craft beer cans from nearby Remedy Brewing Company for $6 (I’d recommend the Queen Bee Imperial Honey Crème Ale if it’s available). Atmosphere 2 There wasn’t much of a crowd on the night I visited. Roughly 75 people. I’m told that the crowds are around a hundred on the weekends. The team is still getting word out of the team to the locals. They’re also having trouble getting some promotions. They were denied fireworks nights because they’re in a residential area and, the college won’t let them have Bark in the Park Nights where people can bring their dogs. Most of the seating is right behind home plate. There is one row of stadium-style seats followed by a few rows of wooden bleacher seats. The bleachers appear to be fairly new. The problem is, there’s no shade. If the sun is out, you’re in it. There are also some metal bleachers down the first baseline past the dugout. Two little patio table with chairs are also situated right to the left of home plate and provide an interesting field-level view of the game. They’re right on top of the action, but again, the sun is a factor. The scoreboard in right centerfield is a basic score/runs/hits/errors/outs/batter number scoreboard. The playing field is all turf on the infield but switches to grass in the outfield. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is located on the campus of Augustana University. While there is parking nearby, there’s nothing really within walking distance of the stadium. Downtown Sioux Falls is a couple miles north. There are plenty of local restaurants downtown to suit your taste. I personally had a delicious Shepherd’s Pie at The Blarney Stone Pub. The major tourist attraction in Sioux Falls is Falls Park where you can see the actual waterfalls that the city is named for. It’s a short, 10-minute drive from the stadium. Sioux Falls is a fairly decent sized city so there are plenty of hotel and motel options in town. I tend to stay as cheaply as possible and I found the Econo Lodge for right around $60. Fans 2 I’d love to give the fans a higher grade, but there just weren’t many there. The Sunfish haven’t really caught on in the area yet. The ones who were there were into the game for the most part, but I’d estimate only about half the crowd stuck around until the end of the game on the night I was there (again, the sun on a warm night could be a factor). Access 3 The park is fairly easy to get to. It’s located just north of I-229 which stems off of I-29 and I-80. The physical address of the park is 2501 S Grange Ave. There is a free parking lot that is also used for the nearby football field and the gymnasium. In the unlikely event that the lot is full, there is some nearby street parking available. From the lot, you’ll walk down the third base side of the field, and that’s where the ticket gate is. All seats are $8. Return on Investment 3 There aren’t a lot of frills to Karras Park, but for a reasonable price of $8, you can watch college baseball players put on a good show. The beer prices are also quite reasonable for a baseball game. Extras 0 It’s baseball and nothing more. If it’s sunny, you’ll get to work on your tan. Final Thoughts The Expedition League added three new teams for the 2021 season. They’re trying to expand and add several more. Sioux Falls is currently the largest city in the league’s footprint, but the fans just haven’t caught on yet. There is also competition from the Sioux Falls Canaries of the independent American Association. Hopefully, the attendance will improve and the team can stick around.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Compton Family Ice Arena 100 Compton Family Ice Arena Notre Dame, IN 46556 Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s hockey website Compton Family Ice Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 5,022 All in the Family There are many great college hockey facilities in the United States, some much better than others. The Compton Family Ice Area on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana might be in a league all by itself. It is a facility that is hard to describe unless you have been to a game, but once inside it is clear that this is truly a work of art in terms of experience. The facility is much more than a place to watch the Irish play hockey, but is a community facility. The state-of-the-art arena houses two ice rinks and was designed to support the Notre Dame hockey programs and those in the local community. The facility was made possible by a generous lead gift from Kevin and Gayla Compton at a total cost of $50 million. The 5,022-seat venue is separated into two sections featuring chair-back seating, bleacher seating, and standing-room-only sections. Construction began on March 15, 2010, and on October 21, 2011, Notre Dame hockey opened a new page in its history with a 5-2 victory over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. At any given time, there can be something going on inside the arena since it is open 24 hours a day. In addition to intramural hockey and broomball, women's club hockey, figure skating, and public skating, high school, and youth hockey are also offered. There is a multi-purpose room that is also used for weekly Mass. Food & Beverage 5 There is almost everything imaginable at the Compton Family Ice Arena. There are four stands on the main concourse that offer different varieties of menu items. O’Brien’s is an exclusive club that has a capacity of 250 people. There are also portable stands that feature local South Bend vendors offering everything from chocolates to fish and chips. The four main concession booths offer bratwursts, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and Coca-Cola products. However, each of them has something a little different including pizza slices, cheesesteak sandwiches, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tender baskets. The prices range from $4.50 for a hot dog to $9.50 for an Irish burger. A few reasonable options include the popcorn and soda combo for $5 and the chicken tender basket for $8. Portable stands are spread out throughout the concourse, and are also varied and feature fare from local proprietors. The South Bend Chocolate Company offers chocolate by the pound, Ben’s Soft Pretzels usually has a long line for the giant, sweet pretzels selling for $6, and Hawaiian Shaved Ice is a delight for children for $5. The kids can choose from a myriad of colors and flavors to top their ice. Atmosphere 4 College hockey is a very interesting sport and when you have a program that is revered like Notre Dame, it’s going to produce high-energy capacity crowds every night. After all, this is one of the best places in the country to view college hockey, and boy does the fans enjoy it. The atmosphere begins well before the opening faceoff and ends at the final buzzer of the third period. There is everything here from a rowdy student section, a pep band, and fans of all ages standing or sitting throughout the venue. Once you walk inside the arena some stairs take you up to the main concourse, which provides everyone the opportunity to check out the souvenir shop. For season ticket holders who have upgraded their tickets, then access to O’Brien’s exclusive club is here as well. If you happen to have a question, someone from the staff will gladly help you with any concerns you have at the game. The seating area ranges from up close to very up close and personal to the ice rink. The top-tier seats hover over the ice somewhat, creating a floating feeling for the game. You are also shouldering shoulders with fellow Irish supporters who will keep you up with the action in the play. Neighborhood 4 The Compton Family Ice Arena is located on campus, sharing a parking lot with Notre Dame Stadium and the Joyce Center . If you have the opportunity to tour campus, it is highly recommended. You are also within walking distance of the Eddy Street Commons which offers shopping, dining, and residential apartments. There are nine restaurants to choose from including Blaze Pizza, Bar Bici, The Mark, and Yats, specializing in inexpensive Cajun and Creole fare. However, South Bend offers more opportunities to many bonafide places including South Bend Brew Werks, and Barnaby’s. South Bend Brew Werks is open seven days a week, offering small-batch beers, locally sourced food, and a refreshing emphasis on the local community. Fifty cents of every pint sold at the pub is donated to a local charity. The table tops, chairs, and stools have been repurposed from area bowling alleys and high schools. Fans 5 College hockey fans are very similar to college football fans in South Bend. Then again the Irish faithful is strong, dominant, and spread out throughout the nation. Here the fans are glued to the action, cheer for goals and breakaways, and jeer when the opposing club scores. They are well-educated about the game and when the band is playing at its loudest, it is hard not to sing along and cheer. Access 5 From parking your car, waiting in line at the concession stand, and arriving at your seat, getting around the Compton Family Ice Arena is very simple and easy to navigate. Cars are directed to their spots by staff members and it is needed since games sell out and the lots fill to the brim with cars. There are eight public restrooms with parity for both men and women, while the main lobby is spacious and open. Return on Investment 4 Depending on the type of game, tickets can start at $11 and go up to $49. Parking is also free in the parking lots surrounding the facility and cars are guided by staff to avoid any hassle or confusion. The concession stand prices tend to be on the high side, but it’s not too uncommon when you compare it to other minor league or professional facilities. There are a lot of options ranging from low to high regarding almost everything at the Compton Family Ice Arena. The choice is simply yours based on what you find affordable or expensive. Some facilities do not give this choice, but here they do. Extras 4 The staff is incredibly friendly and will assist you with any questions or concerns that you have during the game. It can range anywhere from where you sit to more information about the arena itself. The arena is much more than just a college hockey venue. It serves the South Bend area quite well and the needs of Notre Dame students and beyond. It is a facility that is open around the clock and is of a source of entertainment. The staff does a great job assisting vehicles to their spot in the parking lot. The area can get very crowded, and the staff makes it quite easy to get in and get out. The arena itself is a true spectacle because it looks like an older facility on the outside, but once you’re inside you see it is truly a modern and state-of-the-art venue that offers everything a fan needs in terms of food, comfort, and entertainment. Final Thoughts The Compton Family Ice Arena is one of the better facilities in college hockey, and well worth a visit for any fan of the Irish, the sport, or for those who are following their favorite team on the road.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Carlini Field 4900 Bates Rd NE Washington, DC 20011 Catholic Cardinals website Carlini Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) Fear the Catholic Cardinals Located in Washington, DC, the Catholic University of America is the only pontifical university in the United States. For those who are unaware, a pontifical university is a college established by the Vatican and dedicated to the purpose of religious studies. The CUA's athletic programs are known as the Cardinals and compete at the Division III level in the Landmark Conference. Catholic's men's and women's soccer teams have called Carlini Field home since 2019. The stadium features an artificial turf field and is named after alumni Joe and Christine Carlini. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Carlini Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 3 There are several places at Carlini Field where fans can watch the game. Entering the stadium from the parking lot will put you on a plaza of sorts, with various patio-like furniture fans can sit on and watch the game. You will have to arrive early if you want to sit here, as it is first-come, first-served. You can also walk down the steps from the plaza to a path, then walk down the path and up to a more conventional seating area. The middle section here consists of plastic chairbacks, while the two outer sections are metal bleachers. These seats will put you up close to the action. A scoreboard on the far side shows only the most basic information. There is space for it to show shots, but this was not working when we visited. It can be hard to read the scoreboard in bright light. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. A Catholic University soccer game is a pretty basic experience, but the unique layout of the stadium brings this score up a bit. Neighborhood 4 Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the large number of Catholic institutions. In addition to CUA, there are several other Catholic high schools, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are certainly other places to go in Brookland as well. Busboys and Poets is a popular bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant located across Michigan Avenue from the south side of campus. The Brookland Pint is a popular bar serving beer and burgers. The Brookland Grill on 12th Street is a more affordable option. Fans 3 Catholic University will draw about a hundred fans to a typical home game, sometimes more, sometimes less. A few games will get two to three hundred fans, while some will get only a few dozen. Most of the fans are friends and family of the players on the field, either on Catholic or the other team. They are knowledgeable about the players, team, and school and can get loud at times, although at other times, they are barely audible. The regular fans all seem to know each other but are welcoming of others who show up. With people spread throughout the many areas of the stadium, it can seem less full here than it is. Access 5 There are many options for arriving at Carlini Field. There is a lot next to the stadium with free parking, and if that fills up, fans can park in the much larger DuFour Center lot. However, this is unlikely to be necessary. Fans can also take Metro's Red or Green Line to Fort Totten or the Red like to Brookland-CUA. Both are about a 20-minute walk from Carlini Field. Despite having CUA in the name, the Brookland station is slightly further from Carlini Field. Although the Brookland station is closer to the center of campus, Carlini Field is on the northern edge, putting it closer to Fort Totten to the north than Brookland to the south. That being said, the difference is so marginal that riding the extra stop on the Red Line to Fort Totten (if you are coming from that direction) would take longer. Restrooms are available on the plaza by the entrance - the men's room is on one side of the building, and the women's room is on the other. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Catholic University soccer games is free. Parking is free - a rarity in this city - and you won't pay anything for concessions because there aren't any. Overall, a Catholic Cardinals soccer game is a great value. Extras 2 One extra star for the many vantage points from which to watch a game. Look for the banners on the plaza honoring Catholic's soccer championships. Final Thoughts A Catholic University soccer game at Carlini Field is a pretty basic experience. Still, the stadium is nicer than most Division III soccer venues (and indeed, nicer than some Division I soccer venues), so there is tremendous potential for Catholic to take advantage of that. A visit to a soccer game here is an enjoyable and underrated way to spend a fall afternoon.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Russell Diethrick Park 485 Falconer St Jamestown, NY 14701 Jamestown Tarp Skunk website Russell Diethrick Park website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 3,000 Baseball Goes Dark in Jamestown On November 1, 2018, the Jamestown Jammers announced that they were ceasing operations at that their assets would be donated to a local nonprofit organization. It marked the end of the summer collegiate version of the Jammers who began operations in 2015 when the “original” Single-A Jammers relocated to Morgantown, West Virginia after the 2014 season. There is optimism that local ownership will resurrect a ballclub for the 2020 season at Russell Diethrick Park. When what is now the New York-Penn League debuted in 1939, the city of Jamestown was one of its original members. Two years later when what was known as Jamestown Municipal Park opened, minor league baseball would have a home for the next 73 years except for six seasons. However, by 2014 the ballpark was the second oldest park in the league and rumors of the team relocating elsewhere had been rampant the previous several seasons. The facility was becoming an old hat for professional baseball but fit comfortably in the world of summer collegiate baseball. The stadium went through major renovations in 1984 and one of the men who was instrumental in the work was “Mr. Baseball” Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. In 1997 the ballpark would be renamed in his honor. Most recently, a brand new scoreboard and sound system were installed in 2006, and the press box was renovated before the 2010 season. The first season the new Jammers played in the Prospect League–with a majority of its teams situated in the Midwest–before switching to the upstate New York-based Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. The college players were a new concept for many in town and crowds that had been around 1,200 fell sharply to 400 fans per game. In 2018, the team would capture its first championship title in the new league and sported a home record of 22-1 during the regular season. However, due to scheduling conflicts with the local Babe Ruth League, all games had to be played at their opponent’s home in Amsterdam, New York. Note: In 2020, the team name changed from the Jammers to the Tarp Skunk. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium features the main concession stand on the main concourse level behind the backstop offering a selection of food typically found at a baseball stadium. Here, fans can enjoy the quintessential hot dog, peanuts, nachos, and cold soda pop during the game. The prices are reasonably priced and perfect for this level of baseball. There are also a few interesting items that include eggplant parmesan sandwiches, Buffalo wing fries, grilled chicken sandwiches, and the ability to purchase a whole pizza. Then there are names for food items called the swashbuckler and Jolly Rodger. Coca-Cola and Budweiser products are sold at the stadium, along with Slush Puppies and Dippin Dots. Hop Sun, a summer wheat beer from nearby Southern Tier Brewing, is an enjoyable beer on a hot summer afternoon or night. Atmosphere 3 Tailor-made for a baseball game, Diethrick Park offers a large covered grandstand plus two bleacher sections down both the first and third base line. The best spot is underneath the roof for the perfect view of not only the field but the surroundings inside and outside of the venue. There is a series of large light towers that add to the nostalgia in the foul territories that have been in place for quite some time, lush forestry and rolling hills dot the outside of the stadium walls, and large billboard ads make up the outfield walls of the ballpark. The environment is quiet at times and many in the audience are there to view the game. There are casual promotions and in-between innings contests that are common in both the minor and collegiate wood bat leagues during the summer. One may witness a few kids running around the concourse, friends, and families cheering on a player on the field, or the die-hards who have been coming out to the stadium for years keeping score at their seats. The environment is casual and laid back, much like the Southern Tier region where Single-A baseball was the norm just a few short years ago. The college kids provide a rich tapestry of baseball and it is not much different to the discerning eye that the throw from third to first is not handled by professionals. When one has the chance to enjoy baseball from a stadium such as Diethrick, time stops just a bit to notice every aspect of the game. Neighborhood 3 Jamestown has a population of 31,000 people and is known for the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center. The museum houses artifacts, memorabilia, and a replica of the I Love Lucy set and props. The town celebrates its favorite daughter every August with a festival on the streets of the town. If you are looking for more laughs, the National Comedy Center should be the perfect spot for a few hours of laughter. Other spots in town include the Fenton History Center, Audubon Community Nature Center, and Enchanted Mountain Spirits Distillery. A few miles outside of town is Southern Tier Brewing Company which is housed in a giant outdoor cabin. There are a few great local restaurants within a few miles of the ballpark that are worth checking out for cheap eats or interesting menu options including Coach’s Tavern Inn which is home to bacon marmalade chicken wings, banana pepper sandwiches, beef and wecks, and their version of Rochester’s hot plate (baked beans and potato salad topped with two hot dogs and covered with meat sauce) and AJ’s Texas Hots, a hot dog joint with good, cheap food. A more upscale dining option would include Shawbucks, upside-down meatloaf and steak options, and Havana Cuban Cafe, ropa vieja, and lechon (slow-cooked pork) plates. If you are in town on a Saturday afternoon, drive down Falconer St, the main road in town, and look for the various barbecue pits and grills that line the streets. One of them is All-American BBQ & Catering, pull your car over and ask for a slab of ribs or a quarter chicken. The area has its version of regional barbecue that is not about the thick barbecue sauce, but all about the fire and technique. Fans 2 The fans have taken their time to warm up to the college kids that make up the Jammers the past four seasons. However, the ones who support the club do their best to make the kids feel at home at the old ballpark. There is a lineage of baseball history in town and perhaps a league championship will reshape opinions in the future. Access 4 The stadium is large enough to move around freely without any hassle. The crowds, even at their largest, never make the facility cumbersome to move around. The majority of concessions are located behind the grandstand backstop and finding bathrooms inside the venue is quite convenient. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets is $5 and $7 for all home games and parking is free on an adjacent grass lot. The concession prices are very reasonable and most items are under $5. There is a souvenir stand with a nice collection of team merchandise. Extras 3 The team was able to keep the nickname when it switched to the collegiate level and improved the logo dramatically. The colors neon green and navy look good on the uniforms as well as team merchandise at the stadium. Diethrick Park is an old-school ballpark and many of the stadiums in the PGCBL were once home to either NYPL or Eastern League franchises. These stadiums are a bit sleepier than the likes in Brooklyn, West Virginia, or State College, but they are a reminder of baseball from another era. A final point for the tasty barbecue that is available on the main drag in town between Jamestown and Falconer. Cars pull over to a spot, order up some grilled chicken and ribs, and take it home to devour. If you are in town on a Sunday afternoon, follow the smoke and enjoy a regional style of barbecue. Final Thoughts Hopefully, baseball will return to Russell Diethrick Park for the 2020 season. All it would take is local ownership and old-fashion marketing to get the crowds to return during the summer months. The ballpark is a friendly reminder of what baseball is supposed to be and how it can still be in the Southern Tier; there was a reason why a slew of minor league ballclubs operated here some time ago and why many of them are now summer collegiate ballclubs. Russel Diethrick Park is too good of a place to be without baseball for too long. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Phoenix College North Gym 3150 N 11th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85013 Phoenix College website Phoenix College North Gym website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: n/a Bears In Phoenix Phoenix College is a community college in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College District and was founded in 1920, making it one of the oldest community colleges in the nation. Famous alumni of Phoenix College include Nick Nolte, CeCe Peniston and A Christmas Story’s Peter Billingsley. The Phoenix College Bears compete in the NJCAA as part of the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Conference.. The basketball team plays in the North Gym which is informally called “The Bears Den”. Food & Beverage 1 There is a very small snack bar in the Gym’s hallway. Don’t expect to have a full meal here. There are some small snacks and drinks that are about all you will get. Atmosphere 2 The “Bears Den” is a simple gym that is equivalent to a small high school gym. Generally only one set of bleachers is open during games. The atmosphere is not very enthusiastic, but it will also depend if many students are on campus to enhance the crowd. Being a community college, student attendance is going to widely vary per day and time of the game. Neighborhood 4 Phoenix College is located in the Encanto Village, near downtown Phoenix. Encanto is also home to the Arizona State Fair,which includes the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the original home of the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Art Museum is also nearby. Encanto Village has a fairly eclectic restaurant scene with many good options nearby. Durant’s is a high end steakhouse with the look and feel of a dive bar. George & Dragon English Pub may be a more reasonable option for a post game bite. Fans 2 Most of the fans are family members, with a few students and locals thrown into the mix. Although not large in number, the fans seem to appreciate the action and offer good support. Access 4 Phoenix College is located northwest of downtown Phoenix. It not far from I-10, along a fairly major road, Thomas Road. The North Gym is located, shockingly, on the north part of the campus. It sits right next to Marich Field, the home of the Bears baseball team. There is a large parking lot on this side of campus, so parking should not be an issue. One should check local parking regulations, especially for games that occur on regular college operating days. Return on Investment 3 Tickets were $10 for the game we attended, but that was part of a weekend long tournament event, so it may be cheaper, or even free, on other days. The return on investment for attending a game at Phoenix College is fairly good. . Extras 1 There are not a lot of extras at Phoenix College, but one should look out for the feral cat colony on campus. It is a Trap, Neuter, and Return program that is working with the Animal Defense League of Arizona to manage the cats. You will need to refrain from feeding the cats, as their care is under that program . Final Thoughts Phoenix College basketball doesn’t offer much for the sports fan besides a simple, but enjoyable, small college gameday.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TD Arena 301 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 College of Charleston website TD Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,100 The Cougars Court The College of Charleston is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the country, as it was founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785. It is the oldest college south of Virginia and the 13th oldest school in the U.S. Today it is a thriving downtown Charleston mainstay, with a student body of 11,500. The basketball program’s history at the College of Charleston is also lengthy, as the game has been played at the school since 1898. Today the Cougars are members of the Colonial Athletic Association and are one of the more successful small colleges in Division I basketball. Since 1983 they have had 20 seasons with 20 wins or more. They have made five NCAA appearances and five NIT appearances. Most recently the team won the Colonial Athletic League championship in 2018. The team has been blessed with some terrific coaches over the years, including John Kresse and former Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins. The home of the Cougars is the TD Arena on Charleston’s famous Meeting Street. It opened in 2008 and seats 5,100 in its basketball configuration. It serves as the home for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs and the volleyball program as well. The arena’s exterior is constructed of brick and conforms to the very strict building appearance codes enforced by the Charleston Architectural Design Commission. It fits in very well with the surrounding structures on Meeting Street. Food & Beverage 4 The TD Arena is serviced by four concession stands. These include Chick-fil-A, Home Team BBQ, and two general concession stands. Home Team BBQ offers pulled pork sandwiches ($8), beef brisket ($10), and six-piece wings ($8). They also sell premium beers ($6), domestic beers ($5), and wine ($7). Chick-Fil-A offers grilled chicken sandwiches ($5) and iced tea ($4). The general concession stand has the broadest selection as they offer pizza ($5), nachos ($6), hot dogs ($4), hamburgers ($5), pretzels ($4), popcorn ($3), chips ($2) and cotton candy ($3). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand products ($3), water ($4), and coffee ($3). Atmosphere 5 The exterior may conform to the Charleston Historic District standards, but once inside you will immediately notice how contemporary the facility is. The entry lobby is two stories tall and serves as both a reception area and a ticketing area. Once upstairs, you will notice the arena offers a two-level seating bowl with all concourses open to the court. The arena features seat-back seating throughout the facility. Before you head to your seats, check out the full-sized team store just inside the seating bowl area. It is the size of a store you would expect to see in a mall. As you circle the concourse you will see full-sized displays covering every sport played at the College of Charleston. Looking up, you will notice the many championship banners hanging from the rafters. The playing surface features the maroon block “C” logo of the College of Charleston and the name of John Kresse on the court. Coach Kresse was the basketball coach at the college for 18 years and has the most wins of any coach at the school. The arena features video boards/scoreboards in each corner of the seating bowl. It is readily apparent that basketball is the favorite sport at the school, as it has no football team and nearly every game is a sellout. Neighborhood 5 The TD Arena and the College of Charleston are located within the Charleston Historic District. This is ground zero for a great visit to one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The arena is just a few blocks from popular attractions such as the Old City Market, the South Carolina Aquarium, and the Battery. Marion Square is always hosting festivals and is home to a weekend farmer’s market in season. Foodies have their choice of Carolina Ale House, Star Rooftop, and Halls Chophouse to sample some of Charleston’s finest dishes. These are several lodging options near the TD Arena, which can save you the cost and hassle of parking at the games. Fans 4 The Cougars extraordinary successful record on the court has earned them a very large and supportive fan base. Many of Charleston’s top business leaders attended C of C and you will see them courtside before the game. The student body always turns out in large numbers, as the facility is on-campus and their admission is free with their student activity fee. The student body sits behind one of the baskets at the end of the court and does everything it can to disrupt the opposition. Leading their cheers is a large squad of cheerleaders and dance squad members, in addition to the pep band. Clyde the Cougar can be seen making the rounds of the gym and keeping everyone energized throughout the game. Helping to keep the fans energized is the school’s pep band, known as the Chucktown Sound, and Clyde the Cougar, the school’s mascot. Access 3 Finding your way to the TD Arena is relatively simple, as Meeting Street is one of the main thoroughfares in downtown Charleston. It can easily be accessed via Highway 17 or I-26. From I-26: Take I-26 East until it ends in downtown Charleston. Take exit 221-B and follow the signs to Meeting Street. Bear right on Meeting Street. TD Arena will be on your right just after the Calhoun Street intersection. From Highway 17: Cross the Ashley River Bridge into Charleston. Bear right on Lockwood Boulevard, staying in the left-hand lane. At the first light, you will turn left onto Calhoun Street. TD Arena is at the corner of Calhoun and Meeting Street. Once you are at the arena comes the hard part. Parking in downtown Charleston is at a premium. There are several parking garages located nearby, but most likely they will be charging special event prices on the nights there are home games. Our advice is to go into Charleston during the day and enjoy the many historical homes and sights of the city. Charleston is a foodie city, so have dinner at one of the fine eateries located in the downtown area. Park in a lot that offers a low early bird rate and makes a day of it. Charleston is a very walkable city and TD Arena is very easy to get to from anywhere in the downtown area. Return on Investment 3 Seating prices at the TD Arena are determined by the location of your seats. Lower-level courtside seats are $40, lower-level end zone seats go for $20, upper-level side court seats are $20 and upper-level end zone seats are priced at $15. Concessions offer a broad set of foods at reasonable prices. The costliest element of attending a Cougars game is the parking. Being in the Historic District means you are competing with tourists for a parking space. As a result, expect to pay $20 or more to park near the arena on game nights. Extras 3 The court at TD Arena is named for John Kresse, the winningest coach in College of Charleston history. He won 560 games at the school and led the Cougars to 4 NCAA Tournaments and 3 NIT appearances. The TD Arena hosted the memorial service for the victims of the Emanuel AME church shootings. The church is located just a few blocks from the arena. The campus of the College of Charleston looks like no other campus you have seen. It primarily consists of houses that have been repurposed into academic buildings. The campus stretches for several blocks in downtown Charleston, with a brick-paved plaza replacing what used to be streets and tying the campus together. The school has been recognized both locally and nationally for its historic preservation efforts. There are self-guided, and student-led tours of the campus daily. Final Thoughts The College of Charleston has a long and storied history of success in basketball. As a result, it plays in one of the finest arenas you will find at a small school at the Division I level. TD Arena is first-class in every way, and it is easy to see why players being recruited by the school are blown away when they see the facilities. This bodes well for a continuation of the 20-plus wins seasons the school has enjoyed for many years.

Photo Courtesy of St. Louis Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Billiken Sports Center 1 S Compton Ave St Louis, MO 63103 St. Louis Billikens website Billiken Sports Center website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 500 Billikens on the Basepaths St. Louis has long been regarded as one of the best baseball towns in America. Names such as Sportsman’s Park, Busch Stadium, Stan the Man, Jack Buck, KMOX, the St. Louis Browns and the St. Louis Cardinals all have a prominent place in the baseball history books. Yet there is another baseball team headquartered just a few miles down the street from Busch Stadium that is a little bit lesser known, the St. Louis University (SLU) Billikens. St. Louis University is a Jesuit university just west of downtown, with a student body of more than 13,000 students. Its history is closely tied to the city of St. Louis, as it was founded in 1818 as part of the Great Western Expansion, and was the first university west of the Mississippi River. More recently it has undergone a massive expansion, funding more than $850 million in campus improvements. The athletic teams of the university are known as the Billikens. What, you may ask, is a Billiken? It depends on who you ask. Some say he is a cartoon creation, others a mythical creature or a good luck charm. Physically, a Billiken resembles an alien creature from Area 51 with Smurf-type highlights. Whatever it is, it is unique in the mascot world. The baseball Billikens have had a very impressive record over the years. They have made seven NCAA Tournament appearances, won five Missouri Valley Conference Championships and three Atlantic 10 Conference Championships. They are the westernmost member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, which includes schools such as Davidson, Rhode Island, LaSalle, UMass, Virginia Commonwealth, George Washington and St. Joseph’s. Home field for the Billikens is the Billikens Sports Center. The stadium opened in 1990 and has a capacity of 500 permanent seats. The on campus field underwent massive renovations in 2011, taking up the artificial turf and replacing it with natural grass. Food & Beverage 2 The food and beverage offerings at Billikens games are minimal and are served from a portable tent set up behind the bleachers. Offerings include sodas for $3, water for $2, hot dogs for $2.25 and candy for $1.25. There are numerous fast food restaurants nearby and many fans bring their own food to the games. Atmosphere 2 For an on campus stadium, there is little to suggest that the stadium is a part of the university. The only reminders are the Billiken name on the scoreboard and the presence of the massive Chaifetz Arena which dominates the entire backdrop beyond the outfield walls.The remainder of the SLU campus has dozens of statues of everyday people placed all around campus, yet there is no signage denoting the sports complex or any statues of athletic figures. The field is in excellent condition, but is devoid of any ornamentation to fire up the fans. Neighborhood 4 SLU is definitely an urban campus, which has both good and bad aspects. Being situated downtown you are close to all the major attractions in St. Louis. The Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, and Union Station can all be seen from the campus. The Metrolink light rail system is excellent (and cheap) and lodging and restaurants (Syberg’s on Market or Pappy’s Smokehouse) are located across the street from the campus. As far as entertainment and restaurants in the area, you have two great districts to choose from. The newest is Ballpark Village, which is located across the street from Busch Stadium. It has a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. Another area with a variety of options is LaClede’s Landing, located in an old warehouse district along the Mississippi Riverfront. While in town, two recommendations are to sample the many beers made here and to sample some of the German food, as St. Louis has a long German heritage. On the negative side, like any urban setting, there is a crime issue, so driving or taking public transportation after dark it is advised to be cautious. Fans 3 Being a baseball fan is in the genes of St. Louis residents, and the SLU fans are no different. The ballpark is just across the street from their dorms and it is a fun and convenient way for students to finish their day after classes end. SLU students are not rowdy at baseball games, but they are passionate about their team. Seating is in aluminum bleachers behind home plate and the fan mix is typically 70% parents and around 30% students. Access 4 Getting to SLU, a Cardinals game or any other downtown activity is very easy as St. Louis is located at the intersection of Interstates I-64, I-55 and I-44. Lambert Airport is located about 10 miles north of downtown and the Metrolink rapid rail system runs from the airport to many of the downtown areas of interest. The one thing you will notice is that downtown St Louis has many one way streets. If you think you can’t get here from there, simply go a block east or west to go the other way! Return on Investment 3 You realistically need to plan a long weekend when you visit St. Louis, as there is so much to see and do. The SLU games will not break your bank account, as baseball games are free, parking is $5 and refreshments are reasonably priced. Hotels in St. Louis can run from $300 to a more family friendly $130. Restaurants can also run a wide range, as there are fast food options in nearby Union Station to one of the pricier fine dining options near the convention hotels and the riverfront. If you want to save some money, the St. Louis rapid rail system, Metrolink, goes almost everywhere you want to go for $2.50 one way or $5 round trip and can eliminate the need for a rental car and hassles of finding parking. If you want to add a Cardinals game to your visit, figure tickets at a range of $35 – $80 and parking at $20. It is a good idea to buy tickets ahead of your visit, as even weekday games can be sellouts. Extras 4 Like most major American cities, St Louis has many extras worth considering during your visit. A Cardinals game at Busch Stadium is a bucket list item for any true baseball fan. Even if you are a teetotaler, a visit to the Budweiser Brewery is a must, as it is home to the famed Clydesdale horses seen in the commercials. The Missouri Botanical Gardens are absolutely beautiful in the spring. You can ride an elevator to the top of the Gateway Arch for a spectacular view of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Final Thoughts For the first time in my life I met a Billiken, now that I’ve been to SLU I doubt I’ll see one again! (old rhyme in the St. Louis area)

Photos by Ronald Ford, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Salem Civic Center 1001 Roanoke Blvd. Salem, VA 24153 Salem Mayhem website Salem Civic Center website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 3,952 Box Lax Salem Style The Professional Box Lacrosse Association brought its brand of indoor lacrosse to several new cities in 2022, including Salem, Virginia. While being the sister city of Roanoke, Salem has a rich sports history of its own, being home of the Salem Red Sox in one form or another since 1955. The Salem Civic Center has also seen its share of sports history hosting several minor league hockey teams throughout the 70s and 80s. Most famously it hosted the journeymen Virginia Squires and Julius Irving during his stint in the ABA. The PBLA has burst onto the professional sports scene promising a combination of fast-paced non-stop action, crowd interaction, and sports development, specifically in the United States. The Salem Civic Center seems to have had its sports heyday staring back at them from the rearview mirror and has not hosted a professional sports team since the 80s. Can this combination of new and old provide the roadmap to franchise success? Time will tell, as Stadium Journey visited game one of seven in this inaugural season. That being said, there were some hiccups. Food & Beverage 2 Here's the rundown; Lukewarm chicken nuggets and soggy french fries for $6, the same fries ($3 on their own) covered in convenience store chili and cheese for $5, corn dog $3, hot dog $3, convenience store nachos $3, a dollar more if you want chili. A fairly large popcorn is $5, large Pepsi products are $4, the medium is $3, and bottled water and Gatorade are $3. Candy is $2 as long as you like Airheads. Otherwise, there is no candy. There is a selection of adult beverages strictly in cans for the flat price of $8. Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Vienna Lager, White Claw, and Admit One Pilsner. There were whispers of an elusive beer garden but otherwise, there was nothing beyond the one concession stand for our section. Atmosphere 1 As the game time arrived for the premier of the Mayhem, the overhead lights were extinguished for what should have been the opening ceremonies. However, someone forgot the spotlight. So while there were some introductions for several people who are instrumental to the history of lacrosse in this area, as well the team introductions and even the National Anthem took place in almost complete darkness. Once the game started the music director tried to mix the music with the flow of the game, but it took nearly half the game for them to get the flow of attacking and defending set lists (those familiar with box lacrosse know that music is generally played throughout the game and a talented DJ can even be considered a home field advantage). Also, the Mayhem goal song sounds like a squirrel stuck in a blender while Limp Bizkit has a stroke (don’t believe me? Can I Get a Hoya. You're welcome). Luckily, the Mayhem lost, so we were limited to the number of times we were subjected to said ditty. It was sincerely fun to watch the PA announcer enjoy themselves throughout the game. There were also T-shirt tosses every quarter, which is nice as the souvenir stand offered nothing cheaper than $15 (ladies' T-Shirt), and most designs are reminiscent of items they have on their website. Neighborhood 4 The area around Salem Civic Center is a calm, quiet suburban neighborhood. There are several parks in the area, and there are plenty of places to stroll and relax on a nice day. It’s also nice to check out the state-of-the-art baseball stadium next door. Downtown Salem boasts the campus of Roanoke College, which features classic architecture and an almost Ivy League atmosphere. The civic center is a short drive from downtown Salem, which has plenty of pre-game food and drink. Mac & Bobs, Allsports Cafe, and Macados among many others are less than 2 miles away in the Main street area. There are several hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area for folks staying overnight. Downtown Roanoke is a 15-minute drive for anyone looking for even more to do. Fans 4 This is where the PBLA has hit the nail on the head. Salem is the center of a region rich in lacrosse tradition, fans, and possibilities. Between the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Roanoke College, and many college programs with national championships, this area is flush with youth lacrosse organizations. And while the transition from outdoor to indoor lacrosse may be a bit jarring, it is not so much that they should lose many fans on the transition. If opening night attendance is any indication, the PBLA appear to have found their stride right out of the box. While several sections of the arena were cordoned off, the areas that weren’t were packed with families, and fans. Many of the attendees were sporting jerseys and paraphernalia from local lacrosse teams, as well as some NLL and even some old MILL logos in the crowd. While the new rules garnered some murmurs among the crowd, this speaks to their collective knowledge. Access 4 The Salem Civic Center is easily accessed from both I-81 north and south, as well as 220 and 460 coming in from the east. Roanoke Regional Airport is also a short 15-minute drive for those planning a more hasty exit from the city. However, with the region's railway history in mind, maybe consider an Amtrak into and out of town via the Roanoke rail station. The Salem Civic Center can be accessed via the Yellow Line route 92. The Valley Metro has a useful app that makes finding a schedule simple and quick. Parking at the Salem Civic Center is plentiful and free. This also makes accessing the facility via UBER or LYFT easier, as they don’t have to navigate parking queues. Every problem that arose during the Mayhem debut comes down to the arena setup. The good news is a lot of this can be fixed, even in time for the next game. One thing they do properly is advertised their bag policy, which restricts patrons to clear bags and small clutches plainly and in many places before approaching any queue. Their lobby is spacious if dimly lit and seems to be the perfect place to set up security and ticket scanning, having the will-call windows just inside the door. However, the only thing in the lobby was the souvenir table. Tickets show each seat is assigned a particular gate, you proceed through the lobby to your assigned gate and there your ticket is scanned. However, you are instantly cut off from the other sections of the stadium, including the souvenir table or any other concession stands or amenities that may be available throughout the rest of the facility. Yes, there surely must be a hand stamp pass-back solution to this, however, anyone who has had to repurchase a ticket due to a mix-up, misunderstanding, or phone dying is loath to entrust this and satisfied to stew in our assigned sections. The seating section is steep without handrails. This is a warning to those with bad knees or vertigo, but also a distinction for those who have spent games staring at the back of someone's head due to a shallow seating setup. Speaking of knees, if you are over 5’10, avoid the front row as there is a handrail here that is poorly conceived. Several of the seating sections are covered, and more than a few seats are damaged, again showing the arena’s age. Return on Investment 3 There is some concern as the price range of tickets is $15 to $25; however, they seem to have found their niche. It is worth noting that Salem had a fairly packed house on the same night the crosstown Rail Yard Dawgs were defending its newly acquired first-place status in an SPHL contest. The product on the field was as advertised. Those who are familiar with the NLL and MLL would not find what was presented tonight out of character or even a lesser product. Be sure to purchase your tickets at the box office, as Ticketmaster's fees for these events seem seriously overreaching. Extras 3 The PBLA promise to develop talent was on full display as there were several youth lacrosse organizations on hand as well as an exhibition at halftime of youth lacrosse that as always is almost as entertaining as the paid players. There was a local radio station on hand at the start of the game with some carnival games out front to get folks excited. And the uniforms on both of these teams are classy and on point, especially the helmets, one can only hope they eventually sell these. I was disappointed by the lack of pre-game and post-game tailgating that seemed to be part of the PBLA sales pitch, but it’s early in the year. There is plenty of time to grow.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 K.C. Irving Regional Centre 850 Sainte-Anne Street Bathurst, NB E2A 6X2 Acadie-Bathurst Titan website K.C. Irving Regional Centre website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 3,162 Home of the Titan In terms of the fan experience, hidden treasures are sometimes found in the smallest locations. Bathurst, New Brunswick is a little city of around 12,000 people located in the northeast quadrant of the province. This is where the Acadie-Bathurst Titan from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) call home. Creative economics, along with government commitment and community loyalty, have all contributed to the Titan competing in Bathurst since arriving in 1998. The Titan franchise originated in 1969 as the Rosemont National before moving to Laval, Quebec in 1971. The team changed its name four times while in Laval (1971-1998), eventually settling on the Laval Titan Collège Français before moving to Bathurst. The franchise was extremely successful in the 1980’s and 1990’s, winning five President’s Cups, one as the Acadie-Bathurst Titan (1999). “Acadie” is in homage to the vast Acadian population in the area. Famous alumni include Roberto Luongo, Vincent Damphousse, Patrice Bergeron, and Hockey Hall-of-Famers Mike Bossy and Mario Lemieux. K.C. Irving Regional Centre opened in 1996 as a modern two-pad arena. Eddy Rink is the main ice surface surrounded by 2,900 fixed seats. Though the Titan are the only major tenant, the arena integrates community events, youth and professional sporting events, entertainment shows, exhibitions, and trade shows. As you walk around the concourse, as the flooring doubles as a walking/jogging track. Learning more about the history and deep connection with the citizens of Bathurst, adds more to the experience of a game at K.C. Irving Regional Centre. Food & Beverage 3 Food options at K.C. Irving Regional Centre are pretty basic for a sporting venue. The main concession stand is located just to the right as you enter the concourse. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs are all offered between $4-$5, with discounts for combining your order as a “platter” including fries, onion rings, and a drink for around $13. Poutine is the only unique feature, costing around $5.50. Be prepared to wait in line if you attempt to order food before the game or at intermission, as the lines can get fairly lengthy. For a snack, two smaller concession stands offer popcorn, chips, chocolate bars, and slushies with little to no wait time. Oddly enough, the alcohol bar may be the best place to get food. Located at one end of the rink, the bar offers “The Hercules” special. This mammoth meal includes wings, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, and curly fries for $14.50. Small snacking options are also available in the vending machines scattered around the concourse. The previously mentioned bar is the only place to purchase alcoholic beverages. A refreshing beer selection includes: Rickards, Granville Island, Creemore, and Heineken, in cans or bottles. Water, Gatorade, juice and Pepsi products are available in bottles for approximately $4 after tax. Credit cards are accepted at all permanent concession stands. Recommendation: Share an order of “The Hercules” with a friend. The flavour and variety is both appetizing and satisfying. Atmosphere 4 K.C. Irving Regional Centre is hard to miss from the main road. The arena’s strong stone masonry base and white corrugated aluminum panel middle and top with green trim, give clear indication of a major sporting venue. The look of the facility attracts your eye and draws you into the clearly recognizable main (and only) entrance. Occasionally outdoor festivities attract patrons before the game with bouncy castles, barbeques, and face painting. The location of the box office and entry to the seating area are clearly reconizable walking in the front doors. On your left is a tiny team merchandise store and an athletic “Wall-of-Fame.” Plaques recognize achievements of area teams and individuals in a wide range of sports. The arena interior is an intimate experience. The limited number of rows ensure every fan is close to the action. Programs are available for $1 and free paper noise makers are folded over every seat. Sightlines and row pitches are ideal for seeing the game at all times; however, if you do miss a play, a video board replays the action on a crisp, clear high quality screen. The public address announcer speaks with enthusiasm and professionalism in both French and English. A simple four-sided scoreboard hangs from centre ice, while championship banners and retired numbers hang from one end of the rink. Crowd noise is amplified by the cozy features of the arena, including the private boxes hovering over the concourse, creating an intimidating atmosphere for the opponent. Maximus is a visibly active mascot who high-fives all the kids and poses for cameras. Event-day operations do a great job keeping the crowd entertained with contests and fun activities through intermissions and commercial breaks. When the Titan score, prepare for a deafening horn to sound for several seconds. After relaying the home goal scorer, the PA announcer lets out a series of “WOOO’s” equal to the number of goals scored. Though this may be common in many hockey arenas today, Titan officials boast they started the fan-favorite activity. Neighborhood 2 K.C. Irving Regional Centre is located off of St. Anne Street, a few kilometers from both downtown to the east, and highway 11 to the west. This section of road is full of big box stores and chain restaurants with vehicular dominated layouts. The area lacks any desirable restaurants or attractions to experience before the event. Thus the vast majority of fans arrive near game time, and leave right after the final whistle. To get a better feel for the town, check out La Promenade Waterfront in downtown Bathurst a few hours prior to a game. Cute, unique shops and restaurants follow the curvature of Bathurst Harbour. For a little flavour of local crafts, make your way to the market on a Saturday just off of Main Street. For a fun, delicious and local dining experience, visit Jobie’s Mobile Kitchen for unique burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. Fans 4 Titan fans are one of the most supportive, boisterous, and knowledgeable fans in the QMJHL. Fans stay on every play and stay positive even if a call does not go their way. Multiple fans bring bells and horns to add to the already great game atmosphere. The city’s citizens have continually “chipped-in” to keep the Titan in Bathurst. Unfortunately, hard times have hit the town in the last decade, decreasing attendance figures at hockey games. Prior to the 2008-09 season, fans came out to support the Titan at approximately 75% capacity. Since then, Titans have an average draw between 1,400-1,700 fans per game, or approximately 45-50% of capacity. In a small market, declining attendance is devastating for a franchise, and has threatened the existence of the Titan in Bathurst. The good news is both the new investors and the community continue to show their commitment to keeping the team in Bathurst. Access 4 Getting to Bathurst is a long trek no matter how you get there. Moncton is the closest major airport, approximately three hour drive away. Early October offers stunning fall colours, making the drive an enjoyable experience. Clear signs off the main highway navigate you to the arena. A large LED sign at the Sean Couturier Avenue signals your arrival. Parking is free and very close to the main entrance. The seating bowl layout is simple to navigate. The concourse runs a full 360 degrees around the rink on a single level. The view from the concourse is open to the ice, maintaining constant sightlines to game action, and permits standing room only atop dedicated sections. However, these concourses are narrow and can be difficult to weave through the crowds during intermission. Appropriately sized washrooms are located on both ends of the rink with little to no wait. Seating areas consist of 24 sections and 10 rows of seats. Sections are clearly marked on signs over each stair. Seats are made of blue plastic with sturdy metal supports. The seats provide adequate legroom but lack cupholders for your drink or personal items. Accessible seating is available at the top of multiple sections located at the sides of the rink or the corners. Private boxes are located on top of the concourse, offering excellent up-close and elevated view of the game. Return on Investment 5 The history of the Titan franchise and Bathurst’s dedication to hockey, along with the amplified in-game atmosphere, make an event at K.C. Irving Regional Centre an entertaining experience for any casual hockey fan. Ticket prices are “on-par” with the other teams in the Maritime division. An adult single-game ticket costs $17, with discounts for “reduced mobility,” seniors 60+, children (3-11 years old), and students (12-18 years old). For a family event, “Sunday Family Packs” are available for a discounted price of $22, which includes one adult and two children, or $33 for two adults and two children. Sunday games are advantageous for kids, as activities such as face-painting, picture stations, and player autographs are available. Group packages are also offered for parties of at least 25. Prices include taxes and fees if purchased at the box office. Tickets are available on-line but additional fees apply. Titan games very rarely sell out, and offer a lot of great seating options. Avoid the on-line fees and let the helpful box office staff find the right seats for you. Extras 4 +1 for the community’s effort towards maintaining the hockey team +1 for starting a trend around a number of rinks with the “Woo!” +1 for fun fan experiences before you enter the facility, in the main lobby, and around the concourse. +1 for clarity and simplicity for a first time patron to easily navigate their way from parking the car, to finding your seat. Final Thoughts The franchise was for sale and seemed poised to leave Bathurst in 2013. However, the team has remained in town after being sold to a local businessman with investors, including former Titan players. The spirit and dedication of the community is passionate for hockey. Come out to an Acadie-Bathurst game to witness and experience the heart of the city for yourself.

Photos by Richard Smith and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Eagles website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 Fly Eagles Fly Until 2003, the Philadelphia Eagles never had a stadium to call their own. The Eagles did play alone for five years in the 1930s and 1940s at the stadium, which would later be named John F. Kennedy Stadium, but most of the time, they used the venues of the Phillies, the old Philadelphia Athletics, and even the University of Pennsylvania Quakers. The Baker Bowl and Connie Mack Stadium were subpar stadiums, especially by the time the Eagles got to play at each. The 1971 opening of Veterans Stadium, shared with the Phillies, gave the team their first modern stadium, but one loved by almost no one. It also showed little life, except for the rat and mouse population in its lower sections. It also deteriorated fast and needed to be replaced desperately, and that is why Lincoln Financial Field was built in 2003 The stadium is architecturally not like many new stadiums. Its design does not use soft brick colors and other warm tones. Instead, it uses sleek steel, glass facades, and darker surfaces to make a unique statement. It’s both harsh to the eye and welcoming, all at the same time. The stadium also hulks over nearby Interstate I-95. Food & Beverage 4 For the best food options at The Linc, start in the north end zone plaza, where most fans enter the stadium. This festive introduction features an area with several unique food carts, including Brent Celek’s “Prime Stache,” serving as a mean cheesesteak. Bassett’s provides several BBQ options, while one spot over is a tent for McNally’s Tavern and their famous “Schmitter” sandwich. To be able to devour this beast, one must hold out from eating at a tailgate. The Schmitter features steak, onions, tomatoes, cheese, grilled salami, and a special sauce on a Kaiser roll. This area with the best food is a hike from some seating sections, so it may be best to grab something on your way in. Inside the actual stadium, there are plenty of concession stands, and they are expensive, like their counterparts outside. The choices throughout each concourse level include the requisite items, but they are less varied, and disappointingly, only a couple of items are offered per stand. This is Philadelphia, and thankfully, several spots sell cheesesteaks. There are also some good-looking soft pretzels available, which is a Philadelphia favorite. However, the one I tried was cold. Of course, Chickie’s & Pete’s sell their famous crab fries ($11) and chicken cutlets ($9). Miller Lite and Budweiser are the prominent beers sold around the stadium. Other beers are available, but the local selection is limited. Coca-Cola provides soda products, and a regular is $5. For those who are not looking to drink alcohol, be sure to sign up for the Designated Driver program in the north plaza at ground level for a ticket to receive a free beverage. Atmosphere 5 Set amongst a backdrop of seemingly endless rows of tailgates, Lincoln Financial Field’s exterior of exposed steel, beams, brick, and glass is well-designed to represent the character of Philadelphia. Walking towards the stadium from the north, the open corners and upper deck shape almost give the perception of an Eagle flying. Inside, the stadium is so well designed, with angled seating sections enhancing the sightlines. The lower deck is at a shallow grade, while the upper deck has more of a steeper pitch, and all of the individual Midnight Green seats have backs and cupholders. Though the upper deck is high because of the below club section sandwiched between a layer of suites, the view is not bad at all. Various nooks and crannies give the stadium a non-uniform, unique appearance, while the open corners in the north end help to provide peaks of Center City (Philly’s downtown). The outer gates open 2.5 hours before kickoff for access to the plaza behind the north end zone. This is a nice area to spend a little time as there is entertainment and live music to go along with the food trucks. The gates to the actual seating bowl open 1.5 hours before the game, and once seated, the experience is enhanced by a pair of high-quality video boards at each end zone. The only downfall is the usage of big ads on the sides, which cut down on the picture. For fantasy football junkies, there is a separate board that rolls through player stats, and the WiFi in the stadium has recently been enhanced to handle the volume. For those looking to factor in weather, the highest several rows in the sideline 200s are underneath an overhang. The sun will shine brightest on Sections 115-125 and 219-231. The game atmosphere is tremendous as The Linc is a very loud stadium that can provide a distinct home-field advantage (so long as the fans don’t turn on their team). A Rocky-themed introduction video is goosebump-inducing, and the roar from the opening kick continues into the first possession. After an Eagles touchdown, “Fly Eagles Fly” is sung by pretty much everybody and topped off with a deafening “E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!” at the end. During halftime, there’s a chance the Eagles Drumline performs, and it is worth sticking around for. Neighborhood 4 The South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes the nearby Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park, is located far away from the actual city of Philadelphia. To experience the city, you would need to take a subway ride into Center City. There are some places, albeit limited, close to the stadium. The Xfinity Live entertainment center is across the street, roughly where the old Spectrum was located. It is overpriced and is not an entertainment center, but a few bars and restaurants together in one building. The star attraction here is the 32-foot screen at the NBC Sports Arena. The Victory Beer Hall is also another fine venue, especially for local brews. A couple of slightly lesser-known options nearby are McFadden’s, located on the first level outside of neighboring Citizens Bank Park, and the Live Casino past the ballpark. Famous local sports bar Chickie’s and Pete’s is relatively close to Packard Avenue. There are hundreds of screens and video game options inside. The food is pretty good, too. The Crab Fries are famous here. You can park at Chickie’s and Pete’s for some games and they offer a shuttle bus to the games (“The Taxi Crab”). Just make sure you follow parking rules, as they will be quick to tow you if you don’t. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Tony and Nick's Steaks on Oregon Avenue underneath I-95. Don’t fall for the more touristy Pat’s and Geno’s. Tony Luke’s offers more options with much better flavor. Tony and Nick's Steaks can get crowded before games and still gets its share of tourists. For a more neighborly experience, go to Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue. They are located in a safe neighborhood and offer free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger, for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. The rest of Philadelphia is available to you a short ride away on the Broad Street subway line. Fans 5 It has been said that you can tell if the Eagles won or lost by just walking down Broad Street Monday morning as the mood of the city rides on the team. Philadelphia has a supremely passionate fan base that is seen as some of the most loyal, ardent supporters in the league. The city also draws the ire of many when the words “Philadelphia Fans” are uttered. They have a bad reputation and the stories have been repeated ad nauseam. While there is no arguing that there are plenty of obnoxious jerks at Eagles games who act like idiots, this is no different than what happens at many NFL games across the country. Additionally, these people at the games are in the significant minority. In terms of attending a game at The Linc wearing the jersey of the visiting team, you may get heckled, but as long as you are respectful, it is highly unlikely to run into any problems. I attended the game where the Eagles played the Saints and of the 30-40 people I saw wearing the Black & Gold, none of them were derided. Now, there is an exception as attending a division game rooting for the Cowboys, Giants or Commanders may not be the best idea. Eagles fans fill their stadium every Sunday and consistently rank in the Top 8 for NFL attendance by % of capacity. All the more impressive is the lack of empty seats at a game, in a day and age where it is easy to spot stadiums with open areas during a session of NFL RedZone. The crowd in Philadelphia turns The Linc into a very loud place and though they are quick to boo and get mad at their team, it is all because they care so much. That’s way better than sitting in a stadium where everyone is half-watching and playing on their phone. Access 4 The sports complex is located right off of I-95, with massive parking lots in the area. Even with big crowds, there should be no problem with access. Parking will not be cheap, but it will be convenient, as there are over 6,000 spaces available throughout eight lots at shockingly high prices. If using public transportation, you will likely find yourself using the only corporate-sponsored subway station that I know of, the AT&T; station of the Broad Street Line. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Philadelphia Eagles game is a very costly venture and while the entire NFL is expensive for the fan, it is even more so here. The expensive parking charge is hard to fathom and tickets range from $75 to $130. However, seats are snagged so fast, that it is likely fans need to use the secondary market and tickets start at $100. There are ways to save money though and using mass transit alone can save over $30. There are also standing room tickets which cost just $55. Despite the high prices, an Eagles game is quite an experience and this is a must-visit for football fans. Extras 5 In addition to serving as the Eagles home field, Lincoln Financial Field serves as the home of the Temple University Owls football games and it frequently hosts the Army-Navy game each fall. It also has served as the site of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships. In the plaza area near the north end zone, there is a building that leads to escalator access for suite holders. The entrance area is open to all fans and this section is a great spot that pays homage to team history. Spend some time here before the game to check out the team’s hall of fame, timeline and multiple murals. Also, be sure to check out the banners hanging from the rafters of the stadium. A $125 million renovation project paid by the team and league not only upgraded the stadium but added some nice personal touches. Among the additions: are historical murals, an expanded team store, upgraded WiFi, and a connecting bridge in the northeast corner of the stadium. Finally, one more point for “Fly Eagles Fly.” It is very catchy! Final Thoughts Lincoln Financial Field does many things, all of them very well. Most importantly, it gives the Eagles and their fans a place of their own for the first time in the long history of the franchise. It also gives Philadelphia a home-field advantage that can only help the long-term health of the team. A sports fan will enjoy themselves at Lincoln Financial Field, as finally, Philadelphia football has a place to be proud of.

As part of their move to FBS, Jacksonville State is making changes to their home football stadium, Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium. During 2023 fans can enjoy new concessions options (now all cashless), as well as free digital game programs. Also in August of 2023, construction began on a new athletics fieldhouse behind the west end zone, which will be completed in time for the 2024 season. The new facility will include training equipment, hydrotherapy, coaches’ offices, and meeting rooms, among other amenities. The north grandstand is also getting its own facelift – the bleachers were removed prior to the 2023 season, although fans are still welcome to sit on that side using the concrete steps which still remain; the renovations to the north side will be completed in time for the 2024 season. Although the Gamecocks have won enough games to qualify for a bowl game in 2023 under normal circumstances, the team is not yet eligible for a bowl game due to the transition to FBS. However, in 2024 Jax State will be fully bowl eligible, and its home field will be fully renovated and ready for use.