Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Turf Field 2021 Ivy Road Charlottesville, VA 22904 Virginia Cavaliers website Turf Field website Capacity: 1,500 Blue Hoos The University of Virginia Cavaliers field hockey program is among the most successful college field hockey teams in the country, making the NCAA tournament 24 times in their history, including five Final Four appearances. The Cavs have won the ACC Field Hockey Tournament once as well, in 2016. The Cavaliers play their home games at Turf Field, which despite the uninspired name is one of the nicest field hockey venues in the country. It has hosted the ACC Tournament six times, most recently in 2009. It also played host to an exhibition match between the Olympic teams of the United States and Argentina in June 2012, as both Turf Field and the Olympic field hockey venue in London have the same unusual blue-colored turf. Virginia’s field hockey team, like all its teams, is officially known as the Cavaliers but unofficially known as the Wahoos, or Hoos for short, in reference to an unofficial nickname for all University students and alumni. Food & Beverage 2 Turf Field sells concessions out of a trailer in between the entrance and bleachers. While there isn’t much here, consider that most college field hockey venues in the country don’t offer any concessions. Pretty much the only thing here that can be a meal is hot dogs for $4, while other options to eat include hot pretzels for $5 and candy and chips for $3. To drink, fans can find Pepsi soda products and Gatorade for $5 and bottled water for $3. Credit cards are accepted with the exception of Discover, although when we went they were having technical difficulties accepting American Express as well. Be prepared or bring cash. . Atmosphere 4 Once you walk into Turf Field, the first thing you will notice is the unique blue turf, similar to that at the Boise State football stadium. From the entrance, you will walk past the restrooms and concessions up to a large set of bleachers to watch the game. The seats in the middle sections are in the shade during day games thanks to the press box, while the seats further towards the sides are not. We recommend picking an appropriate section based on the weather for that day. Some fans seem to like to sit right on the edge of the sun and shade sections so they can move around when they get too hot or cold. On fall days when the weather in this part of the country can vary by the minute, this seems like a wise move. Turf Field also has a large scoreboard in the far left corner as seen from the bleachers, which also shows the shots, saves, and penalty corners for each team. Theoretically it also shows what half the game is in, but it remained stuck showing the first half for the entire game when we visited. Additionally, as college field hockey switched to quarters a few years ago, this is not the most helpful even when it works. Unfortunately, the way it is designed, there is no way to change it to account for quarters without completely replacing the scoreboard. Neighborhood 4 Turf Field is located on the campus of the University of Virginia, which is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Once you get off campus and into the city of Charlottesville, there is plenty else to do. Boylan Heights is a popular bar just off campus and serves up good food as well. It is just one of many places to eat, drink, or have fun along University Avenue ranging from bagel bakeries to bars to sushi restaurants. History buffs may also want to check out Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Fans 4 Although field hockey is and will always remain a minor sport on college campuses compared to things like basketball and football, the sport does draw a good crowd here compared to most places. While the 400-500 fans a game the Cavaliers draw may not seem like much, it consistently ranks them towards the top of the nation. Many fans are friends and family of the players, but you also get some UVA students and locals. Many of the children in attendance play youth field hockey themselves and dream of making the NCAA someday, but there are also longtime fans of the program and of UVA athletics in general. The fans are passionate and it can get quite loud in here after big plays by the Hoos. Access 3 If coming to Charlottesville from the east or west, you will likely take Interstate 64. If coming from the north or south, you will take U.S. Route 29. Although both are major roads, Route 29 has a few traffic lights along the way, so you won’t make as good time as you would on the highway. Still, you should be able to make reasonably good time if you head that way – the lights are for the most part few and far between. Once you get on campus, finding the stadium can be hard. There are no signs and it isn’t prominently visible from any street. Some GPS apps are better than others at getting you to the right place – Waze instructed us to drive onto a sidewalk to access the stadium and we had to switch to Google Maps, which took us to the appropriate lot, UHALL West. However, once you are in UHALL West, it is still not entirely clear where to go as there are no signs. If you arrive early, you may see the sprinklers watering the field (no, the turf doesn’t grow, but this is needed to make the ball roll properly) and you can also look for the stadium lights in the distance. There is a path from the back right corner of the lot near the athletics training trailers that will take you right up to the stadium and there will be many helpful staff on hand to direct you where to go if you still can’t find the right way. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all field hockey games at Turf Field is free, with the possible exception of ACC and NCAA Tournament games. Parking is free and concessions are affordable if limited. Considering this is one of the top field hockey stadiums and top field hockey teams in the country, this is a very good value. Extras 3 The unique blue color of the playing surface is an extra in its own right. Free game programs are available on a table at the front gate. A third and final star for all the extremely helpful and polite staff we encountered here. Final Thoughts When you think of athletics at the University of Virginia, the first team that comes to mind is the basketball program that won the national championship in 2019. The second program may be the football team which has had some recent success as well, or perhaps the baseball team, which has made the College World Series five times since 2009. However, there is another highly successful program at UVA who plays in an elite stadium, and that is the field hockey team. The Hoos have one of the nicest field hockey stadiums in the country, not to mention one of the best fan bases. Turf Field may have an extremely boring name, but let this be a lesson in why not to judge a book by its cover. This is one of the best field hockey experiences in the country and is anything but boring.

Photos by Aaron Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 William "Dick" Price Stadium 700 Park Ave Norfolk, VA 23504 Norfolk State Spartans website William "Dick" Price Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 30,000 HBCU Spartans The highlight of most HBCU football games is seeing the bands perform, and at William ‘Dick’ Price Stadium in Norfolk, VA this is no different. Home of the green-and-gold Norfolk State Spartans, Dick Price Stadium opened in 1997 and has a capacity of 30,000 (although at present seats in the east end zone are not sold, so the capacity is much lower). The stadium was named after former athletic director, football, and track coach Dick Price, and features a great PA announcer and a good selection of food and beverage options. Food & Beverage 3 At Dick Price Stadium you can find hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, and hot wings, chicken tenders, fried fish pieces, and fried fish sandwiches, and even veggie wraps, as well as fries, pretzels, peanuts, packaged candy, and chips. Main dishes run from $4 to $7 with hamburgers being the cheapest and chicken wings/hot wings being the most expensive – the lack of hot dogs is surprising; you rarely see sports stadiums without those delicacies. In addition to the food selections noted above, you can find Gatorade, bottled water, bottled soda, coffee, and hot cocoa for $2 to $3. While the prices are very reasonable and the selection is great, the downside is that concessions lines at Dick Price Stadium are very long, since most of the concessions windows are not open (I assume due to the crowd size, or could be lack of staff). Atmosphere 5 The two best things about attending a game at Dick Price Stadium are the PA announcer and the band – the PA announcer is great; he really gets the crowd fired up by encouraging fans to do the wave (you don’t see the wave much anymore, at least in this writer’s experience) and encouraging them to stomp their feet on the bleachers – this is a tradition at Dick Price Stadium, and really creates a lot of crowd noise. But the best thing the announcer does is getting fans to clap for opposing players after they get up from an injury, or getting them to clap for the refs – the PA announcer asks fans to applaud, and when they aren’t loud enough or enthusiastic enough, he fusses at them to make them do it better; this is great fun to see and participate in. The second great thing about seeing a game at Dick Price Stadium is of course the Spartans marching band. The Norfolk State is pretty big, and these folks are continually moving; dancing and gyrating in the stands, waving their arms, and sashaying as they make their way down to the field for the halftime show – really a fun thing to witness. The halftime show is also pretty impressive, so make sure you stay in your seats for that. Neighborhood 3 Norfolk State’s campus is not in a great part of town – the area is a little industrial and even has a railroad track running right behind the stadium. The campus is a couple of miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Norfolk, where you can find some pretty snazzy restaurants and shopping. While closer to the stadium you will find mainly quick service stops like Church’s Chicken or Bay Seafood, if you head toward Norfolk proper you can find more upscale choices such as 4 5 6 Fish and Istanbul Gyro & Kebab. Most of the hotels are closer to downtown as well, but there is a Budget Lodge closer to campus. If you plan to be in town for the day or weekend, Nauticus is a maritime museum in Norfolk which is home to the Battleship Wisconsin – the ship served in WWII, the Korean War, and even during Desert Storm following a modernization effort, so that is a fun trip if you have the time. Another great option is the nearby Old Point Comfort Lighthouse, and there are also several historic homes in the area which you can visit. Fans 2 Not a whole lot of fans come to Dick Price Stadium for the average NSU Spartans game, so the stands will feel pretty empty, especially at times on the visitor’s side, and as I mentioned earlier seats in the east end zone are not sold, so that whole area is blocked off. The fans that are there really get into it, though, and are pretty loud (helped in part by the aforementioned PA announcer), but you definitely won’t see many sellouts. Access 3 Getting to Norfolk for any reason is a tricky proposition – there are lots of bridges and tunnels to get over the water from the rivers and the bay, and these tend to get backed up a lot so the traffic can be heavy. Be sure to pay close attention to your directions or GPS so you don’t miss your exit; if you do you may have to loop back around to get back over/under the water to your destination. Once you get to NSU, there is parking for $5 (at Shiloh Baptist church) right across the street from the campus’s main entrance on Park Avenue. However, that means a pretty long walk to the stadium across campus, so you are better off if you can find parking on the opposite end near the NSU Gate 8 entrance. The will-call booth (looks like a white trailer) is also on the Gate 8 side, so if you don’t have your tickets with you I would try to park on that end instead. Once you get into the stadium there are plenty of bathrooms and plenty of room to move around; the only drawback is the aforementioned lines at the concession stands. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to football games at Dick Price Stadium are $20 for general admission, but cheaper tickets are available for students and others connected to the university. Parking can be had very cheaply if you don’t mind the walk, and concessions are reasonable, so all in all, you can get a great experience at NSU football games for not a lot of dough. . Extras 3 In addition to the PA announcer and the band, there are a couple of other extras to mention at Dick Price Stadium – the mascot looks phenomenal in a bright yellow-and-green Romanesque costume, and the team comes onto the field thru a tunnel nestled in a cloud of green-and-white smoke, which is pretty cool to see. The cheerleaders also do a great job keeping the fans entertained, and the tailgating scene is bustling, with lots of great music blaring from loudspeakers outside the stadium. Final Thoughts If you are in the Norfolk area, or if your favorite team happens to be heading that way, I think you would have a great time attending an NSU Spartan football game – if you plan for the traffic and parking, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium 300 Stadium Dr Hadley, MA 01003 UMass Minutemen website Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 17,000 Did It in a Minute, Man Football has been played at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst since 1879. In 1965 the school completed the construction of Alumni Stadium, which was renamed in 1984 to honor Warren P. McGuirk, who served as the school’s athletic director from 1948-1972. UMass has a long, successful history in Division 1-AA/FCS, winning 22 conference titles and a national championship in 1998. The Minutemen also appeared in the championship game on two other occasions (1978 and 2006). The Minutemen made the jump to FBS beginning with the 2012 season. At the time, their on-campus home did not meet the minimum standards set by the FBS. To remedy these shortcomings, the University embarked on a $20 million renovation project to bring McGuirk Stadium up to speed. The team played two seasons at Gillette Stadium, 95 miles from campus, while work progressed at McGuirk. Even though capacity was expanded to 17,000, McGuirk Stadium remains the third smallest venue in FBS. The team, which now competes as an independent, has struggled since joining college football’s top division, compiling a dismal 19-81 record in FBS going into the 2021 season. Food & Beverage 3 There are four main concession stands tucked underneath the grandstands at McGuirk Stadium, two on either side of the field. The menus at these stands do not stray far from stadium basics, with hot dogs, burgers, sausages, and chicken tenders comprising the entire menu. Coca-Cola products are featured at McGuirk Stadium. Local favorite Batch Ice Cream operates a couple of stands at McGuirk Stadium, serving up varieties of their homemade ice cream flavors. Other snacks include pretzels, fresh fruit, and chips. The craft beer game is strong at a UMass game. Local brews from Amherst Brewing, New City Brewery, Loophole Brewing, Wormhole Brewery, and City Roots are sold alongside Bud Light, UFO, and Corona. If wine is more to your taste, you can find that at the concession stands as well. Atmosphere 3 There’s nothing particularly unique about the atmosphere or game day presentation at a UMass football game, and the smallish crowds tend to hold down the overall noise and excitement levels, but there’s nothing particularly wrong with the atmosphere at McGuirk Stadium, either. If you prefer your football viewing experience a bit more laid back than at the big schools, a UMass game is most enjoyable. When you have a football stadium in a rural location surrounded by parking lots, that’s a recipe for a fun tailgating scene, and that’s certainly the case here in Amherst. The school made some waves when they canceled the organized student activities for the first game of the 2021 season after some breakthrough COVID cases were documented, but the students were back in full force for home game number two. Before the 2019 season, McGuirk Stadium underwent several improvements designed to improve the fan experience, including a new high-definition scoreboard in the south end zone, a new auxiliary scoreboard in the north end zone, a new hospitality plaza in the south end zone, new restrooms and several ADA improvements. Neighborhood 4 There’s not a whole lot near McGuirk Stadium if you are a visiting fan looking for food, beverage, or lodging before or after a Minutemen game. However, Amherst is a mainstay at the top of many “best college towns in the nation” lists, so you aren’t too far from a whole bunch of great options while at UMass. Just a mile away from the UMass campus is North Pleasant Street, where a seemingly endless variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs can be found. To fit in with the locals, take a trip to the Hangar Pub and Grill for a craft beer or to Antonio’s Pizza for a slice or two. Despite the presence of five colleges in and around Amherst, there’s not a ton of lodging options in the area. Most of the places you will find are located in Hadley a few miles from the UMass campus. Lodging doesn’t get any more convenient than the UMass Hotel, located right on campus and run by students in the hospitality program. As any self-respecting college town should, Amherst has its share of museums, including ones dedicated to authors Emily Dickinson and Eric Carle. Fans 2 Since their elevation to FBS in 2012, UMass has struggled to fill McGuirk Stadium for football games. Even with local power Boston College in town for the opening home game of 2021, there were only 12,000 fans on hand. 2021’s second game against Eastern Michigan drew only 7,000. Looking back at the 2019 season, UMass finished next to last in the country in terms of attendance, averaging just over 10,000 per game. The fans who do show up at McGuirk Stadium are enthusiastic and supportive, even if they aren’t the rowdiest fans you’ll see during your travels across the country. You can expect a big turnout by the student body, even if most of them do leave at halftime. Access 3 The flagship school of the UMass system is located in rural Amherst in western Massachusetts, about halfway between Boston and Albany. Springfield is located about a half-hour to the south. Most fans will take the Mass Pike (I-90) to Interstate 91 and then travel some local roads to arrive in Amherst. The scenery in the area during leaf season is amazing. McGuirk Stadium is located on the southwest edge of the UMass-Amherst campus, just across the town line in neighboring Hadley. There is ample parking in the lots a short walk from the stadium. Remember to purchase your parking early to save money! McGuirk Stadium has a basic setup, with one grandstand on either side of the field. All seats are aluminum bleachers without backs. The eastern side of the field is in the sun, and the western side is in the shade due to the presence of the press box on top of the grandstand. It’s humorous how most fans sit on one side during the warm early-season games and on the other during cold late-season games. McGuirk is unique in that the first row of seats is located 12 feet above the ground. Concession stands and merchandise stands are tucked underneath the stands, and a walkway circles the gridiron at field level, pushing the seats further from the field. New restrooms have been built on either side of the facility and have alleviated wait times greatly. There is plenty of room to roam at McGuirk, as entrance gates are located a bit of a walk from the seating area. The area between the gates and seats is not paved, so tread carefully. Return on Investment 4 UMass splits its games into two tiers. Tickets for Tier One games are priced at $23 and $30, while Tier Two games are priced at $18 and $25. Parking is also variably priced and will cost you either $30 or $40 if purchased on game day. Stadium Journey can’t stress strongly enough the benefit of purchasing parking in advance. By buying ahead of time, parking will only cost you $10. Concession prices are comparable to other venues in the area. Extras 2 The UMass Marching Band, the largest marching band in all of New England, earns an extra point. They perform pregame, at halftime, and postgame, as well as adding plenty to the atmosphere during the game. The UMass Militia earns an extra point. They may be smaller and less well-known than their counterparts in Foxboro, but they add an appropriate touch of Minutemen spirit to the festivities. Final Thoughts The UMass football team has experienced more than its share of troubles since the program was elevated to FBS in 2012. As a result, the game day experience suffers at tiny McGuirk Stadium. However, all is not lost in Amherst. During a crisp fall day with the leaves turning all sorts of colors, not many stadiums can match the scenery of western Massachusetts. McGuirk may be a simple facility, but it’s a worthy Stadium Journey.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 J. W. Babb Stadium 1816 Cokesbury Rd Greenwood, SC 29649 Erskine Flying Fleet website J. W. Babb Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 5,000 Erskine Football is Back!!! Erskine’s football program originally began in 1896 but went on a long hiatus starting in 1951. The team was due to begin playing again starting in 2020, but due to the pandemic their first season was delayed until the spring, and the Fleet was only able to play a handful of games that the first season due to cancellations and other restrictions. Now in the Fall of 2021, football at Erskine is back in earnest, much to the delight of fans. Originally known as the Seceders, the Flying Fleet picked up their new name during a game in 1929, thanks to a Greenville reporter who was awed by their passing game. The program currently competes as a D2 Independent but will join the D2 South Atlantic Conference starting in 2022. Erskine is in the process of planning and garnering funding for an all-sports complex on campus in Due West, SC, which will serve as the new home of Erskine football. In the interim, however, the team plays its home games at J. W. Babb Stadium, a high school football stadium in nearby Greenwood, SC. Food & Beverage 3 J. W. Babb Stadium has a decent selection of food and beverages at its concessions stand behind the north end zone, near the main entrance and ticket booths. Hot dogs, bratwurst, nachos, pulled pork sandwiches, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts (boiled or regular), chips, cotton candy, and boxed candy are all available with nothing over $5. You can also find bottled water and Coke products. Atmosphere 2 J. W. Babb Stadium is a fine facility and includes a running track around the field, as well as a large video board for replays behind the south end zone. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of Erskine décor around the facility due to it being a shared stadium – the team does hang a few banners and signs to bring in some of the maroon and gold of the Flying Fleet, but thanks to the ubiquitous Greenwood High School signage and logos, you can’t help but be reminded this is a borrowed stadium. In addition, given the program’s recent re-birth, there hasn’t been time yet for Erskine to build up its football fan base to a high level – hopefully, the new stadium and a few more years to build a following will increase the draw at games. Erskine Football, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 J. W. Babb Stadium has a good number of restaurants in the immediate vicinity if you are looking for a place to hang out before or after the game. Closest to the stadium you can find Lowcountry Grill, known for big portions and reasonable prices, or Mig’s Pizza, whose name is a little misleading given that besides pizza they serve a wide variety of calabash seafood entrees, as well as sub sandwiches and several classic Italian dishes such as different types of pasta and chicken parmesan. There are also plenty of hotels in that same area of town, including local options like Inn on the Square, plus well-known chains such as Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn. If you plan to be in town for the day or weekend, there are several options to keep you entertained during your stay in Greenwood. Besides several parks, there is a Fun Factory complete with rides and arcade-type games for kids, while for history or railroad buffs there is the Railroad Historical Center, which consists of numerous restored, full-size train cars and a locomotive, which you can walk through and/or take a tour of. Fans 2 J. W. Babb Stadium doesn’t draw much of a crowd yet during Erskine football games – the main stands are pretty empty, and the visitor’s side (depending on the game) may not be much better. There is some pretty good crowd noise following large plays though, given the small size of the stadium and the acoustics, and you are close enough to the field to hear the sounds of the game very well. Given time, I expect the crowd size to only grow as Erskine football builds more of a following. Access 4 J. W. Babb Stadium is easy to get to – it is a little off the beaten path given it is not located in a big city, but this also means there is not much traffic to contend with. There are plenty of parking lots around the stadium (Maroon, White, and Gold) so there is more than enough room to accommodate the fans. The Gold lot is the closest to the field, and as such, it costs more to park there ($20 instead of $10 for the Maroon or White lots). The most convenient way to pay for parking is online when you purchase your tickets, but be aware if you go that route you will have to pay a few extra dollars in fees. The only downside concerning access at J. W. Babb Stadium is that the lone concessions stand is behind the north end zone, which is fine if you pick up snacks as you enter, but if you want to pick up anything during the game you have to walk down – not a long walk by any means since the stadium is not that big, but you won’t find anything to purchase underneath the grandstands like at other venues. Concessions at Babb Stadium, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Erskine football games cost $10 plus about $4 in fees for adult general admission (bleacher seats), or you can spend about $10 more for chair backs on the main side; kids’ seats are $5 plus fees. Be aware that all ticket sales at J. W. Babb are online; even if you go to the ticket booth on game day all you will find is a QR code to scan which takes you to the website, so you may as well purchase your tickets beforehand. Parking and concessions are reasonable though, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a nice day of college football watching the Flying Fleet. Extras 2 Erskine does have band performances during halftime, and ROTCs from local high schools act as the color guard during the playing of the National Anthem. Erskine also has a very small band, but not much else in the way of entertainment during breaks in the action. Final Thoughts Erskine fans are certainly thrilled to have football back after almost a 70-year hiatus and are working hard to get their new stadium built. In time I think the Flying Fleet’s football experience will improve a great deal, but for now expect a basic no-frills experience – perfect for those who just love the game and are looking for a relaxed experience, but may not suit those looking for something more over the top.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Younts Stadium 7801 N Tigerville Rd Tigerville, SC 29688 North Greenville Crusaders website Younts Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 5,000 On a Crusade in Tigerville Younts Stadium has a modern, clean look with beautiful brickwork and plenty of NGU signage – the logo includes the signature classic broadsword, instantly symbolic of the Medieval crusaders from which the team takes its name. The facility was built in 2005 and currently seats 5,000. The Crusaders football program began in 1994, and the team now participates as a member of the Gulf South Conference in NCAA Division II. Food & Beverage 4 Younts Stadium has concessions stands on both sides of the field, something which is lacking at many similarly-sized stadiums. In addition, while the selection is slightly limited, this is made up for by the very low prices, making for an affordable outing even if you are bringing a large group. Nachos, hot dogs, Papa John’s pizza, popcorn, chips, and candy bars are all available with nothing priced over $4. You can also find bottled water, canned soda, and Gatorade. Younts Stadium Concessions, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 If the above doesn’t sound like enough variety, however, there is another great option at Younts Stadium – unique across college and pro football, North Greenville now offers tailgating inside the stadium itself (yes you read that correctly). On the hill above the north end zone, and wrapping around part of the west stands, there are tents sent up which can be rented out for the season. With these seats, fans can drive their trucks and cars into the stadium, and bring their grills and lawn chairs out to watch the game in style. Now, plenty of venues have tailgating outside the stadium, and some even have it set up close enough you can peek in and see the game a little. But this is the first time I have seen people grilling out right around the gridiron itself. Besides the tailgating on the hill, Younts Stadium has two grandstands – the larger one is on the east side and includes the press and president’s box, while the smaller one is on the west side and is mainly used by visitors. The stands on the east side all have the chairback rails, which is a much more comfortable option than you will usually see at a college football game, and since all seats are general admission, you are welcome to sit there instead of on the west side if you choose. You can also bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit and watch from the top of the hill on the west side if you prefer a slightly more elevated view of the action. The only real downside is that there is no video board for instant replays – just a regular static scoreboard – so you won’t be able to re-watch the highlights (unless of course, you brought along your Smartphone). Neighborhood 2 Younts Stadium is located on North Greenville University’s campus, which is in a very rural area of northwest South Carolina not far from the NC border (about half an hour north of Greenville, SC). Surrounded by golf courses, picturesque wedding venues, wilderness areas, and even a covered bridge, there isn’t anything in terms of restaurants and hotels in the immediate vicinity – the closest hotels (Best Western, Hampton, and Swamp Rabbit Inn) are about 15 minutes southwest of campus, toward Greenville. There is a Papa John’s and a Chick-fil-A on campus (the Chick-fil-A in inside the student dining center, however), as well as a restaurant at nearby Cherokee Valley golf course called Core 450 (reservations required), but not much else unless you head closer to Greenville or Spartanburg. Fans 4 Younts Stadium draws a pretty solid crowd, and while it may not be enough to fill every seat, there is a large enough crowd that it will not obvious when some of the seats are empty. This is equally true of both the east and west grandstands, but incidentally, good crowds on the visitor’s side is fairly common at this level of college football – since the conferences in D2 tend to be much tighter geographically than you will see in the FBS, for example, it is not as difficult for fans to travel and see their team on the road. You can also tell that most of the fans are local – while you will see plenty of red or black Crusaders gear (there is an NGU fan shop on the east side as you enter if you need to pick up some swag), you will also see many fans supporting other local college teams, which provides a tight-knit feel and sense of community while you are at the stadium. Access 5 Younts Stadium is easy to get to (right alongside Highway 414), with plenty of space around the facility for parking and to hang out throwing a football or taking in the beautiful mountain scenery. There is a parking lot right next to the venue, in fact (which costs nothing to park in), so you can get in and out of the stadium with ease. Walking around the concourse is also easy, as there is plenty of room, and you are welcome to watch from anywhere once you enter. There are concessions and bathrooms on both sides of the field as well, so you don’t have to walk all the way around like at some facilities if you happen to be sitting on the wrong side. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to North Greenville Crusaders games at Younts Stadium are only $20 for adults and $5 for kids, which is about as low as you will ever see for college football. Add in the free parking and the low-cost concessions, and this makes taking in a football game here about as friendly to your wallet as you could probably hope for. Given how close you are to the action and the fact that you can watch from wherever you want, including from the hill above the field, you can’t find a better bang for your sports buck than this. Extras 3 The Crusaders don’t have a live mascot this year, but their band puts on a pretty good show during games, and they have a DJ in the student section pumping up the jam to get fans moving. You will also see cheerleaders, players coming onto the field through the tunnel, and most of the usual amenities you are used to at football games, including all the classic songs being played over the loudspeaker (Don’t Stop Believing, etc.). But probably the most unique feature here is the fireworks played after the game – I have seen this a lot at minor league baseball games on some nights, but rarely at a college football game. Fireworks after the Game at Younts Stadium, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Most football fans probably haven’t taken in a D2 football game, since football at this level is perceived to lack some of the pageantries of some of the elite programs. At Younts Stadium this could not be further from the truth – here at North Greenville you will get a great football experience without the high cost and huge crowds of other programs, making it easy to enjoy yourself for a pleasant day or evening out.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Labatt Memorial Park 25 Wilson Ave London, ON N6H 1X2 London Majors website Labatt Memorial Park website Year Opened: 1877 Capacity: 5,200 The Oldest Baseball was first played on the grounds of the former Tecumseh Park in 1877, and has been played there ever since. This makes the current Labatt Memorial Park the official “oldest continuously operating baseball grounds in the world.” There has been plenty of speculation about the validity of this claim with Clinton, Massachusetts’ Fuller Field staking claim to the term World’s Oldest Baseball Park. However, the Guinness Book of World Records currently lists Labatt Park as the World’s Oldest Baseball Park. After the nearby Thames River flooded the park in 1936, the Labatt Family of the Labatt Brewing Company purchased the park, financing repairs, and deeded the park back to the City of London on the auspices that it would be continually available for recreational use and that it be name John Labatt Memorial Park in perpetuity. The main tenant currently at Labatt Park is the London Majors of the Intercounty Baseball League. The league itself dates back to 1919 with the Majors joining in 1925. One of the cornerstone franchises of the league, the Majors have enjoyed 12 league championships, but have a near 50 year drought. The amateur league marks the highest competition for baseball in Ontario outside of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball. Labatt Park has been home to affiliated baseball with the London Tigers of the Double-A Eastern League from 1989-1993 as well as the short lived (1940-41) London Pirates of the PONY League. The Frontier League’s London Werewolves and London Rippers as well as the short-lived London Monarchs of the Canadian Baseball League also called Labatt Park home. The Western Mustangs of USports also make use of the facility. However, through all of this, the London Majors have continued to compete and come out still standing while other franchises have faded away. Food & Beverage 3 Labatt Park features a fairly common snack bar type concession. Hot dogs, burgers, sausage, nachos, popcorn, peanuts and chips are available. A bit of a unique option is the actual hand scooped ice cream that is available in a variety of flavours. Freezies (an Intercounty League staple) and other ice cream bars can also be found. Coca-cola products are the soft drink of choice at Labatt Park but Powerade, water, coffee and tea can also be found. A variety of canned beer and hard seltzer is available for purchase at the dedicated concession stand for alcoholic beverages. Unique to London is the London Majors Lager, provided by Railway City Brewing and can also be found here. Atmosphere 4 Even though Labatt Memorial Park has such a historic moniker, the ballpark structure is not entirely dissimilar to other ballparks in the IBL. The exterior of Labatt Memorial Park is surrounded by wrought iron fencing, immediately giving the park a classy look. Similar to many other Intercounty ballparks, Labatt Park is essentially a main grandstand with bleachers down the third base and first base lines. However, it has been created in such a way that it does not seem disjointed. The main grandstand was rebuilt in 2001 after the 1937 grandstand required replacing. The light brown brick exterior does give the park a professional look to it. Inside the fencing, past the ticket gates, fans have the opportunity to really dig into the history of Labatt Park, with the numerous historical placards around the ballpark that are the focus of the ballpark tour. With the Thames River just past the outfield fences, and Riverside and Harris Parks surrounding the Labatt Park grounds, there is a wonderfully green backdrop for baseball. The simple baseball scoreboard is in right centerfield and behind the plate there is traditional baseball mesh, which is not found in all of the Intercounty venues. Seating is traditional stadium “flip” seats in the first few rows with steel benches with backs behind them. Bleacher seats along the bases are simply steel benches. Unfortunately, the Majors do not provide markers, flags, pennants or banners of their 12 IBL championships (1925, 1936, 1937, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1956, 1969, 1975). Also, the Majors have retired the numbers of Jon Owen, Norm Aldridge, Russ Evon, Gabby Anderson, Richard Thompson, Wayne Fenton, Bob Deakin, Roy McKay, Tommy White, Mike Kilkenny, Dave Byers, Fergie Jenkins and Arden Eddie. However, there are no markers in the ballpark that commemorate these players and their numbers. The Majors gameday atmosphere is fairly traditional and simple. There are not too many promotions, musical interludes or gimmicks. The vibe is for a mature and sophisticated baseball audience, rather than an over the top promotional machine that is often found in American independent and minor leagues. Neighbourhood 3 Labatt Park is located in West London, west of downtown proper and south of Western University. The neighbourhood, located on the western bank of the North Thames River at the confluence of the main artery, is mainly residential. There are a couple of small spots for a pre or post game meal, including Under the Volcano, however a short drive across the river will drastically increase the options. Covent Market, across the road from Budweiser Gardens, has a number of options. Waldo’s On King might be a good choice. London has a number of sporting options. The London Knights of the OHL, who are famous for being owned by the Hunter brothers and their massive success, play at Budweiser Gardens downtown. Western University also fields a full complement of athletic teams north of Labatt Park. The Western Mustangs are known for football at TD Stadium as well as basketball at Alumni Hall and hockey at Thompson Arena. Right across the road from the stadium are a couple of historic points with Museum London right there. Fanshawe Pioneer Village and Covent Garden Market are also options for other things to do. The Labatt Memorial Park tour should not be forgotten, especially with a low cost of $5. There are a few downtown hotels for fans who wish to stay in London. Delta Hotels London Armouries and Residence Inn are downtown options a short drive from Labatt Park. Fans 3 Assessing the fans of the London Majors is challenging as the IBL does not sufficiently report their attendance figures. That being said, the London Majors seem to be one of the top draws in the IBL. The game that was reviewed featured attendance that appeared to be near the COVID adjusted capacity of 3,000. London fans are hearty, continually enduring a massive championship drought, and living through various other baseball iterations at Labatt Park. They are smart and somewhat reserved, but enjoy their baseball and support the Majors. Access 4 Getting to Labatt Memorial Park requires fans to travel through downtown London. The park is a significant distance from the main artery through Southern Ontario, Highway 401. Traffic is not usually a major challenge for baseball games. There is some limited parking on site for Majors games, but it is not overly convenient. Parking on one of the side streets in the West London neighbourhood is probably a better option. Leaving plenty of time before the game is a good idea. For fans wishing to take public transit, London Transit buses travel along Riverside Drive and Wharncliffe Road North. Fans should consult the London Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Labatt Park is small enough that it is easy to get around. Concessions and washrooms are on the outer side of the ballpark. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the London Majors are consistent with the other clubs in the IBL. Adults get in for $10 and students/seniors get in for $8. Children under four are $2, which is a bit of a surprise. The Majors provide a traditional baseball experience in a truly historic venue that is worth the price of omission alone. The parking is free on the street and concession prices are very reasonable. Overall, when it is all put together, the Majors have an excellent return on investment. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Labatt Memorial Park Tour, which can be taken on a gameday. For a mere $5, a trip through the stadium and “Clubhouse” with a discussion of the stadium’s unique history can’t be beat. An extra mark for the London Majors and the 2020 Legacy Classic. With the 2020 IBL season cancelled due to the pandemic, the Majors hosted the Guelph Royals in a single game to continue the legacy of Labatt Memorial Park. An extra mark for the history shared on the London Majors website. What the park lacks in displaying retired numbers and championships, is made up for with the massive repository of history on the Majors’ website. Definitely worth checking out! An extra mark for the ospreys who have built a nest at the top of one of the light standards. The City of London attempted to move the nest to a safer location, on a perch past leftfield. However, the large birds decided to move the nest back, piece by piece, to the light standard. Final Thoughts It is hard to argue with the staying power that the London Majors have demonstrated along with the Intercounty Baseball League. Getting to see a game at Labatt Memorial Park is a treat and those hardcore baseball travellers who want to see a piece of history should definitely take advantage of an opportunity to catch the Majors. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium 501 W South St South Bend, IN 46601 South Bend Cubs website Four Winds Field website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 5,000 A Ballpark of Fun in South Bend Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium is the home of the South Bend Cubs, the Single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, in the Midwest League. The facility saw major renovations before the 2013 season, two seasons later the club signed a player development agreement with the Cubs and adopted its moniker. The team had been known as the South Bend Silver Hawks and when it changed to the Cubs name, team merchandise increased to 600 percent in sales. Attendance also increased from 34 percent with 88,000 more customers attending games at “The Cove.” Further providing success has been the population growth in downtown South Bend as old building structures are being converted to work-eat-play living spaces. The most significant change has been the addition of Berlin Place at the Ivy behind center field Named after the owner, Andrew Berlin, it contains living, retail, and residential space. Much like Wrigley Field, this facility includes rooftop bleachers, providing a view not found at too many ballparks at this level. The venue was dedicated as Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium on August 25, 1987, and cost $9 million, 60 percent over the original budget, to build. The Chicago White Sox relocated their Midwest League affiliate to town the following season and attracted more than 171,000 fans. In 1994 the club changed its name to the Silver Hawks as an homage to the Studebaker Silver Hawk automobile, which was manufactured in the town. Stanley Coveleski is enshrined in Cooperstown and won 215 games between 1912 and 1928. He retired to South Bend to run a service station after his retirement and became a popular figure in the community until his death in 1984 at the age of 94. Food & Beverage 4 The majority of the concession stands are in the main concourse behind Sections 101 and 118. However, multiple kiosks are available down each baseline of the stadium. Here is what to expect when you get hungry at an SB-Cubs game. The Burgertopia grill, behind home plate, offers eight unique options; the burgers are cooked to order and include Pit Boss, The Grizzly, Jalapeno Bopper, and Mushroom, and Swiss. The Cubs is the most popular burger and is topped with bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, fried onions, lettuce, and tomato. Steakadelphia is a popular spot with items selling out before the final out of the game. The grill serves up two items: cheesesteak sandwiches and Philly nachos with peppers and onions. A few feet down is the Salsa cart, where customers can build their nachos or tacos with chicken, steak, or carnitas as the base. Smokey Joe’s Barbecue shack features brisket sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, and mac and cheese bowls. The Flash Point Grills offer pork tenderloin sandwiches, cheese curds, hot dogs, nachos, and soft drinks. If you are looking for dessert, try the Sweet Spot stand, where the menu options include funnel cake fries, ice cream, elephant ears sundaes, and fried churros. However, fans also lineup for the Dippin’ Dots. There are two craft beer sections at Sections 108, 116, and near Gate B, along with the Tiki Bar Hut, offering mixed drinks, sangria, slushies. Pepsi products are the beverages of choice at Four Winds Field. Atmosphere 5 The Cove offers an open concourse behind the grandstand seating section and a wrap-around concourse. The main entrance behind the center field concourse houses a majority of the festive atmosphere and provides an opening to the rest of the city. There is a lot of fun for the kids in the outfield area. The Splash Pad and playground near the right field foul pole offers hours of good times and a changing room. The Toyota Fun Zone that runs from left to center field offers inflatable rides for kids for a $6 wristband. Older fans can play bags AKA cornhole at the Beach House in center field. Plaques honoring South Bend’s citizens are behind home plate, and a bronze statue of Stanley Coveleski is located at the center field entrance. He relocated to town after his 14-year playing career and became a popular member of the community The team offers traditional entertainment between innings, and the on-field announcers are hilarious as they have fun interacting with the fans. A mascot race dubbed the “Produce Race” where Cauliflower, Mushroom, and Broccoli compete. A loud fog horn is set off when the team scores a run. The air-conditioned Cubs Den gift shop is a renovated synagogue that was built in 1901. It is a “must-see” with great architecture (check out the chandelier and stained glass windows) and an excellent selection of Cubs items. The grounds in front of the building are worth noticing; a very well done area of an existing building at any ballpark. The United Federal Credit Union Rooftop seats provide a vantage point, unlike any other High A ballpark. Separated from the stadium, fans can enjoy a mini Wrigley-like experience with bleacher seating, a bar, lounge seats, and tables, while enjoying a high-rise view of the baseball game. Neighborhood 3 There are no restaurants or bars adjacent to the park, and Berlin Place at the Ivy has yet to attract a restaurant or bar to its complex. There are places worth visiting that are within a 5-minute drive of the ballpark. Also, South Bend is home to Notre Dame University, a destination all to itself only 3 miles north of the ballpark Roselily is a low-key, family-owned restaurant that offers brunch and dinner. Nick’s Patio always has something good to eat on its menu, and where players visit after the game, and Corby’s Irish Pub has a college-vibe atmosphere if you are looking for a drink. A few breweries of choice include The Crooked Ewe Brewery and Ale House and the South Bend Brew Werks. Tourists can enjoy the Studebaker Museum, which is close to the park and offers the history of Studebaker automobiles. Next to the museum is the Tippecanoe Place Restaurant, located in a mansion built in 1888 and has a lot to look at from its creaky floors and historic photos; it also houses a brewery on the second floor. Fans 4 The extensive improvements made at Four Winds Field in the last few years are remarkable, and the fans approve. Attendance has continuously grown, averaging 4,770 in 2019, fifth in the Midwest League. Given the proximity to Chicago, about 100 miles to the east, the affiliation is another plus. On that rare occasion when a Notre Dame football game is being played, don’t be shocked to see most of the fans’ attention on the TV’s in the stadium on the Irish. Access 4 The park is southwest of downtown, and street signs around the city direct fans to it. A collection of parking lots are located north of the stadium. It does get a little congested on the main concourse roof, where most of the concession stands can be found. Visitors should be prepared to duck in and out on busy nights; however, the rest of the stadium blossoms into open spaces beyond this point. Physically challenged fans are also well served. The “South Bend Transpo” offers buses that stop near the park. For night games, fans should sit on the third base side to avoid the sun in their eyes. Return on Investment 4 Like many minor league teams, the Cubs charge $1 more for seats purchased the day of the game. Seats bought in advance are Field Box seats down the line for $11, the Dugout Box seats behind home plate are $13, and the Patio Porch (RF) Home Run Porch (LF) cost $15. Tickets are $40 for the United Federal Credit Union Rooftop and include a two-hour buffet of burgers, hot dogs, and sides. It also includes a cash bar and beautiful views of the game from high above the street. On Monday nights, fans enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts for an extra $8. Thirsty Thursdays features 16 oz. domestic draft beer and 24 oz. fountain sodas for just $2 all game long. A free game day program is given to all fans. Parking is $7 in various lots near the stadium, but other lots are free and offer free shuttle service. You can also find free parking in the city streets depending on when you arrive at the game. Extras 5 The ballpark offers a lot of features that give it extra marks. The team has two official mascots Stu and Swoop. Stu D. Baker is a bear, while Swoop is the former Silver Hawk mascot who made the transition and now dons the colors of red and blue. The lively characters wander the park to have fun with fans of all ages. The rooftop seats are another plus for the ballpark and are an option for fans. You get a one-of-a-kind view of the game and connect well with the other rooftops at Wrigleyville, except these are a bit cheaper. The Tiki Hut is behind left field and is for the 21 and up the crowd. The small bar offers flat-screen televisions, patio seating, tabletops and chairs, and another vantage point of the game. Fans can choose from beer, wine, mixed drinks, and alcoholic slushies from the menu board. The Cubs Den located in the former synagogue is another plus for the ballpark. The former place of worship is a unique option for a team apparel store, but it is just another dimension for the stadium experience. The final point is the triangular ceiling above the main concourse behind the backstop. One of the leftover designs of the original structure adds a different dimension with white ceiling lights hanging from the structure. Final Thoughts The transformation of Four Winds Field and Coveleski Stadium can be likened to a butterfly emerging from a cocoon or Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. The design was ahead of its time and made it possible to make the necessary renovations. The open concourse, seating behind the outfield wall, and downtown location resulted in the changes and not knocking it down in favor of another facility. The ballpark and the area around it have developed into a festive atmosphere with great food choices, areas for the kids to play, and great sightlines for the game on the field. It is a ballpark that stands out from the rest in the league, full of colorful places for the game. For comfort and style, this is one of the better ones to visit. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Crenshaw Field 445 Westhampton Way Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website Crenshaw Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 500 The Spiders Web Located on the Westhampton side of the University of Richmond Campus, Crenshaw Field is home to the Spiders’ field hockey program. Although field hockey has been played on this spot for some time, Crenshaw Field as it exists today was constructed in 2001 following major renovations compared to what previously existed here. Multiple renovations have occurred since then including turf upgrades in 2011 and the addition of lights in 2014. The Spiders are one of the most successful field hockey programs in the Atlantic 10 Conference, having won the conference tournament eight times, the most recent one coming right here at Crenshaw. Food & Beverage 1 Free water bottles are available in a cooler as you come in. Beyond this, there is no food or beverage available, but it is a nice touch. Fans are permitted to bring in items for their own consumption, with the exception of alcohol. Atmosphere 3 Crenshaw Field has a unique layout. When coming into the stadium, you will pass through a field house facility which includes player locker rooms as well as restrooms and the press box. Beyond that, fans will find amphitheater-style seating rather than traditional bleachers. This means that fans will be seated on several rows of stone ledges, or on a hill above It if they wish. These are more comfortable than they look. There is a scoreboard in the far right corner as you are facing the field which shows basic information. Beyond the field, fans have a view of beautiful brick buildings that make up the Richmond campus. As college field hockey is not that big here or anywhere, there are few if any promotions going on before or during the game. This is just a chance to watch the sport in a unique setting, nothing more. Neighborhood 3 Richmond’s campus is about 20-30 minutes from downtown Richmond, right on the edge of the city limits. In fact, as fans of rival school VCU will love to point out, only about half of the University of Richmond campus is actually in the City of Richmond. The other half is in neighboring Henrico County. If you head down Three Chopt Road, there are a few restaurants and other places available, but your best bet is to head about three miles east on Route 147 to the Carytown neighborhood which has far more options available. We recommend the Galaxy Diner and Carytown Burgers and Fries as your best bets. Fans 3 Although Crenshaw Field is a very small venue, it can get surprisingly full for a Spiders home game. Although it won’t get packed to the point of discomfort, fans fill most of the stone ledge area, with many more sitting above on the grassy knolls. Many of them are friends and family of the players, or are Richmond students themselves, and they cheer on the Spiders throughout the game. Visiting team fans also often have a strong presence here. When we visited, the Spiders were playing a team located over 500 miles away, and they still showed a good presence. Expect even more visiting fans if the Spiders are playing their crosstown foe VCU or other nearby schools like Old Dominion or UVA. Access 3 Getting to the Richmond campus is easy enough. It is conveniently located a couple miles off I-64, the Downtown Expressway, or the Powhite Parkway, depending on where you are coming from. The first route is toll-free but the second two have small tolls. Unfortunately, once you get on campus, finding Crenshaw Field can be difficult. There are no signs directing you and many GPS apps will take you to the wrong side of the field and proclaim that you have arrived despite being nowhere near the entrance or parking. There is a lot directly outside the front gate, across the street from the soccer field, but putting in the address of the soccer field might not work either as GPS apps seem to have trouble with that too. When you do find the parking, there is ample room in the lot and it is free. There are restrooms located in the field house near where you come in, which are small but of a sufficient size for the crowd that shows up. Return on Investment 5 Admission is free and so is parking. If that were all, that would be a good deal, but there wouldn’t be enough here to get the top score. However, when you throw in the free bottled water for all fans, that’s enough to kick this score up a notch. Extras 2 The free bottled water to help fans stay hydrated on hot days, particularly early in the season, is a nice touch. Free programs are available at a table as you come in as well. Final Thoughts College field hockey simply isn’t a huge deal at Richmond or anywhere else in the country. However, Crenshaw Field is one of the most unique venues where fans can watch the sport, and one of the top venues in the Atlantic 10. While only the most dedicated sports fans would be willing to make a lengthy trip to check it out, for Spiders fans and those from the Richmond area in general, it is well worth checking out.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Thomas More Field 7950 Freedom Way Florence, KY 41042 Florence Y'alls website Thomas More Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 4,500 Welcome to Florence Y'all! The Florence Y'alls of the independent Frontier League was known as the Florence Freedom from 2003 to 2019 before new ownership sought a new nickname through an online fan vote - the winner was the Florence Y'alls, but why? Florence is known for its red and white candy-striped water tower that reads “Florence Y'all.” The popular sign has been a fixture since 1974 when it originally read Florence Mall, due to concerns about it being an advertisement for the mall, the town’s mayor simply repainted the M to give the town its popular catchphrase. The phrase is so popular that when Florence hosted the All-Star Game in 2016 it was renamed the Y’All-Star Game. The club plays its home games at the 4,200-seat Thomas More Stadium--formerly known as Champion Window Field-- located off I-71/75 in Florence, Kentucky. The ballpark opened in 2004 during the team's second season (Foundation Field in Hamilton, Ohio, served as the club’s temporary home the year before) and has been offering fans of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky area an alternative to Major League Baseball. Florence, Kentucky became the home to minor league baseball for the first time in 2003 when it joined the Frontier League. The next season it debuted at Thomas More Stadium, a 4,200-seat ballpark directly off I-75. The Florence Freedom provided an alternative to baseball in Cincinnati just a short 20-minute drive up the road. The ballpark is within Cincinnati Reds territory and one of the many Frontier League franchises to be within a major league ball club’s foothold. In an area dominated by the Reds, can the Freedom be successful at the gate in one of the country’s more historic baseball cities? Food & Beverage 5 The concession items follow a local flare with several Cincinnati regional favorites predominantly featured on the menu boards. Snappy Tomato Pizza, Gold Star Chili, Montgomery Inn, and Glier’s Goetta are among many of the local brands found inside the facility. Gold Star cheese coneys sell for $3 and are covered with Cincinnati-style chili and mounds of shredded cheddar cheese. There is also Glier’s Goetta sliders that sell for two for $5; goetta is a mixture of meat scraps and oats that is fried and usually served for breakfast in the region--similar to scrapple, but at the ballpark is also served over nachos. Montgomery Inn is known for its barbecue ribs, but fans can choose from pork sliders, a giant pork sandwich, and pulled pork nachos slathered in the restaurant's signature barbecue sauce. You can even enjoy the pulled pork covered over Saratoga chips and queso blanco for $12. The regional feel is also felt with triple play nachos. Fans can pick their chips (Fritos, Doritos, and Tostitos) and have them topped with goetta, taco meat, pulled pork, and Cincinnati-style chili, followed by traditional fixings of lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and jalapenos. The beer also has a local flavor with 16 and 20-ounce drafts of Christian Moerlein varieties from OTR to Strawberry Pig Cream Ale. They even taste better with locally made meat or hot meat for $7.50. However, fans can enjoy typical ballpark food of hot dogs for $3.25, hamburgers for $4.50, ballpark nachos for $4.50, and chicken strips for $5. If you have a sweet tooth, there are funnel cakes, salted caramel pretzels a la mode, and root beer floats. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark features a spacious concourse that does not wrap around the building. The fold-down chair seating is colored red, blue, and yellow (which were the same color combination used at the former home of the Cincinnati Reds Riverfront Stadium) and provides a nice look compared to the normal ballpark seat colors of forest green or navy blue. The souvenir shop is ample and features Freedom caps for $18 (a bargain compared to other teams) and a few creative t-shirts and specialty jerseys. There is also a stage in the left field area that is home to concerts and other events when the club is out of town. The staff for Freedom most likely will bend over backward to appease certain vendors and crowds at the stadium. Another friendly person is Y’All Star who made his debut as the team’s mascot in 2016. The replica of the town’s water tower has been a fixture at the ballpark ever since his first year. The ballpark is set up to be very kid-friendly. Their kid zone could entertain the little ones for hours with a jungle gym, bouncy house ($5 extra), and pitch and strike zones. They even have playground rubber mulch to protect any bumps or bruises. Neighborhood 3 Florence is a suburb of Cincinnati and is surrounded by other small Kentucky towns. The stadium is located off of 1-71/75 and near chain restaurants, the Florence Mall retail outlets, and residential homes. Downtown Cincinnati is located 12 miles to the north and so is Newport on the Levee, where there is a little more action. I enjoy traveling north into Cincinnati and having dinner at BrewRiver GastroPub (2062 Riverside Dr) or the equally delicious Pompilios (600 Washington Ave.) in Newport, Kentucky, for Italian cuisine. Smokin' This and That BBQ was voted the best barbecue in Northern Kentucky. The BBQ spot features pulled pork, brisket, and ribs and adds them to other dishes to create barbecue tacos, sandwiches, loaded hot tots, and parfait. If you want traditional double-decker sandwiches, the Sub Station II across the street from the ballpark in Florence offers up a few tasty combinations. You also may be able to locate many famous area chili parlors with both Gold Star and Skyline located in various locations in the metropolitan area. If you are lucky, you can take in a game at Great American Ballpark, but when in Cincinnati visit Jungle Jim's International Market - the Disneyland of supermarkets; they have everything from imported cheeses, fine cigars, craft beers, bourbons, produce, and food products from hot sauces, candies, and spices from around the world. Other destination points in Cincinnati include the Carew Tower for views of the city, and the Cincinnati Museum at Union Station, and you can even take a self-guided tour where Crosley Field once stood near the museum. Fans 3 The Freedom has been averaging close to 2,500 fans per game during the 2018 season. With the tasty food options, cheap tickets, free parking, and easy access this is a gem of a ballpark experience that residents in the Cincinnati area should be visiting in greater numbers. Access 5 UC Health Stadium is adjacent to I-71/75 and visible from both north and southbound lanes of the interstate. A quick exit and a right turn on Freedom Lane will place you inside the stadium's parking lot. There is no need to pull out your wallet or reach into your purse since parking is free and that is the way it should be across all ballparks. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $9, $12, and $14 for home games in advance; the price goes up to $12, $14, and $16 the day of the game. Freedom also provides a few promotions that include Thirsty Thursdays, Guaranteed Winning Wednesdays (if the team loses, fans can come back for free), Firework Fridays, and Family Fun Sundays. The Freedom does not charge to park for games and concession prices are reasonable for independent baseball. Overall, the return on investment falls in line with other Frontier League cities and ballparks. Extras 4 The team scores extra points for the local beers: Hudy Delight, Christian Moerlein, and Hudepohl Amber, and the local food: Skyline Chili, goetta, Queen City Sausage, and Montgomery Inn barbecue ribs. The team gets another point for the color scheme of the seats which is a nod to the former home of the Cincinnati Reds, Riverfront Stadium. The color pattern adds a distinctive touch to the modern ballpark. The third point is the free parking. A final point is for the stadium to be peanut-free. I know this is sacrilegious to the game of baseball, but some customers--like my nephew--have severe peanut allergies. UC Health Stadium does not serve bagged peanuts to be an allergy-friendly stadium and avoid the peanut dust that can be dangerous to those with peanut allergies. At this time, it is the only known stadium to be peanut-friendly all year round. Final Thoughts Thomas More Stadium is a small stadium that packs in a big punch. It is a simple facility that makes up for it by getting base hits with free parking, local food variety, affordable prices, and a positive attitude. The use of the water tower and the phrase "Florence Y'all" is awesomely fun. If the Reds are not in town, take the short drive and watch the team play. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Hartwell Field - Former Home of the Mobile Bay Bears, Photo Courtesy of DigitalBallparks.com After a Hurricane destroyed Mobile’s Monroe Park in 1926, the Mobile Bears of the Southern Association were left without a home to play in. Monroe Park, which also featured an amusement park and was nicknamed “Coney Island of the South,” had been such a tourist attraction for Mobile, but sadly would be one no more. In the 1940s Brookley Field Air Force Base opened on the site, and any remnants that were once there are now long gone, except for the many live oaks that still line the waterfront. With Mayor Harry Hartwell instrumental in the process, the ground was broken on a new baseball stadium that was more inland, on the corner of Tennessee and Ann Streets. The stadium would be named Hartwell Field, after the Mayor who had made the ballpark a reality. Hartwell Field would open just in time for the 1927 season, and over 9,300 fans packed the stands for the Bears’ first game. The ballpark lined the railroad, and its most notable feature was the huge freight warehouse that ran along the train tracks along the outfield wall. View of Hartwell Field’s Grandstand in the 1950s, Photo Courtesy of Mobile’s Baseball Connection Facebook Page During this time the Bears would welcome Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and the Yankees in 1929 and 1930, to play in exhibition games against the Bears, with Babe Ruth once crushing a home run to center, and hitting the roof of the freight warehouse. The Bears would also play in exhibition contests against the Red Sox, Dodgers, and Pirates in the 1930s as well. Babe Ruth and the Yankees played at Hartwell Field Twice, in 1929 and 1930, Photo Courtesy of Mobile’s Baseball Connection Facebook Page When the Bears played, stands at Hartwell Field were usually packed with over 6,000 fans. Sadly the Bears did not win many games during the early years and would relocate to Knoxville after the 1931 season. The Class B Southeastern League would place a team here in 1932 called the Red Warriors, but the team folded midway through the season. In 1937 baseball would return with the Mobile Shippers, also of the Southeastern League – the Shippers, who were affiliated with the Cardinals, would win three League Championships before the league was suspended at the onset of World War II in 1942. Aerial View of Hartwell Field, Photo Courtesy of Mobile Baseball Connection Facebook Page Luckily Hartwell Field wouldn’t go dark for long, as the Knoxville Smokies moved back to Mobile in 1944, bringing back the Bears name. It was during this time that a young Hank Aaron and his brothers would often climb the trees above the outfield to get glimpses of the game he would become the biggest star in many years later. Hank would also play for the Mobile Black Bears Negro League team that played at Hartwell Field in 1951 while he was still in high school; Hank only played weekend games and home games as a result of still being a minor. In addition, before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the 50s and 60s, movie star Chuck Connors played outfield for the 1947 Bears and led the team in Batting Average en route to the 1947 Southern Association Championship. Hank Aaron leaving Mobile to join the Indianapolis Clowns Negro League team in 1952, Photo Courtesy of Black History Postcards Before becoming a big-name Actor, Chuck Conners led the 1947 Mobile Bears in Batting Average,Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Throughout the 1950s Hartwell Field was used as the site of the Greater Gulf State Fair every year – in 1955 a young and relatively unknown Elvis Presley even played on a stage in the parking lot. In 1952 the city of Mobile would spend $50,000 on renovations to build a new grandstand and roof. Just seven years later that grandstand would be condemned, as its design was similar to the bleachers that collapsed at nearby Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The city then built a new steel grandstand at $1 million heading into the 1959 season. Mobile Bears in the 1950s, Photo Courtesy of Mobile Baseball Connection Facebook Page Bears Memorabilia on Display at Hank Aaron’s Childhood Home and Museum at Hank Aaron Stadium, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey The Bears would win league titles in 1955 and 1959, and play in front of sellout crowds at Hartwell Field while being affiliated with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Indians, and Mets. However the League faced issues for refusing to integrate; only one black player ever played in the Southern Association, Nat Peebles, of the 1954 Atlanta Crackers, who played in two road games with the Crackers against the Bears at Hartwell Field. Peebles would be demoted to Single-A Jacksonville after his second game here. The Bears would then play in a racially segregated league through the 1961 season, which eventually led to the Bears and the whole Southern Association league folding after the 1961 season, as more and more parent MLB teams became integrated. After the Bears folded, Hartwell Field stayed busy hosting other local baseball games, high school football games, and the annual fair. The 1964 Cincinnati Reds led by Pete Rose played the White Sox here in an exhibition game. In addition, Mobile was a stop on the territory wrestling circuit, with Hartwell Field serving as Mobile’s site during the regional Gulf Coast wrestling championship. 1966 Mobile A’s Game Day Program, Photo Courtesy of FunWhileItLasted.net After the Southern Association folded, the brand new Southern League took its place in 1964, and Hartwell Field was the home of two Southern League teams, which each lasted one year, the Mobile A’s (1966) and the Mobile White Sox (1970). Both teams would be plagued by attendance issues, but the Mobile A’s were led by future Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, who played infield for the A’s. Hartwell Field would also host one more big league exhibition game in 1970 when the St. Louis Cardinals played the South Alabama Jaguars. In the lineup, that day for the Cardinals was two future Hall of Famers as well, Joe Torre and Lou Brock. After the 1970 season, the White Sox would move their team from Mobile to Birmingham, where they would eventually become the Barons, and that would be the end of professional baseball at Hartwell Field. The Last Big Game at Hartwell Field was in 1970, when the Cardinals faced the South Alabama Jaguars, Photo courtesy of Mobile Baseball Connection Facebook Page Over the next several years the park would continue to host high school baseball and football games, and even hosted a motorcycle jump in 1971 when daredevil Snake Blackwell jumped 10 cars on the infield. The park would continue to host the fair until 1974 when it was moved to a more permanent location. Sadly in 1979 Hurricane Frederic would make a direct hit in Mobile and, like its predecessor Monroe Park, Hartwell Field was susceptible to the forces of Mother Nature; the hurricane would cause enough damage to close the stadium for good. Hartwell Field would be left to rot and nature would take its toll on the property until the city tore down the remnants in 1983. Today over 40 years after being condemned by Hurricane Frederic there is nothing left of the former ballpark that once welcomed American icons Elvis Presley, Chuck Connors, Lou Gehrig, and Babe Ruth. The property was purchased by the Mobile Police Department in the 1990s, who constructed a branch of their offices where the stadium’s parking lot was located, while the location of the field itself is fenced in as part of the Police Department’s impound lot. I could not get into the impound lot, but from what I noticed, old rusty cars now occupy the place where the infield would have been located, while overgrown weeds and tall grass have grown in the outfield. Train tracks run along the outfield wall and a large warehouse, used for storage, stretches from where right field to center field was. The only remains of the old ballpark in the warehouse that sat along the outfield fence, so you can judge where the ballpark would have been. The site is located west of downtown in a not-so-safe area of Mobile, so use caution if visiting. Hartwell Field’s Outfield Wall ran along the Fence Line; the Rusted Volkswagon sits where the Outfield was, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Hartwell Field’s infield is now part of Mobile’s Police Impound Lot, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Overgrown Weeds and Tall Grass occupy Hartwell Field’s Infield now, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Babe Ruth once hit a Home Run at Hartwell Field that smashed the Roof of this Warehouse, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ron Tonkin Field 4450 NW 229th Ave Hillsboro, OR 97124 Hillsboro Hops website Ron Tonkin Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 4,500 Hillsboro Hops With Baseball, Beer Baseball and beer have complemented one another perfectly for decades. Professional baseball teams sell beer at their stadiums but do not generally market the relationship between suds and strikeouts. The High Class-A, western division Hillsboro Hops are a notable exception and their ballpark, Ron Tonkin Field, enables even non-beer drinkers to enjoy a serendipitous baseball experience in a venue that opened in 2013 and 4,500 fans. Tonkin Field is located in Hillsboro, Oregon, 15 miles northeast of downtown Portland. According to a 2020 report from the Colorado-based Brewers Association, Hillsboro sits in one of the nation’s most prolific craft brewing states. Oregon has a total of 312 craft breweries (11th most in the nation), with 9.6 such breweries per capita (7th most in the nation). The Hops are nicknamed after a key brewing ingredient grown in Oregon (the second-largest hop growing state by volume), and have a mascot, Barley T. Hop, styled after the flower of the hop plant. The Hops celebrate the importance of brewing in the Beaver State throughout the ballpark. In August 2021, for instance, the Hops hosted a pre-game craft brewing festival that attracted numerous local brewers and fans from as far away as Austin, Texas. Couple the celebration of beer with a beautiful stadium, replete with seats close to the action, high-quality ballpark food, and the chance to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks’ players of the future, and fans will enjoy a game at Tonkin Field. Food & Beverage 4 A wide variety of culinary options are offered at Tonkin Field, so much so that coming to the ballpark hungry may call for an amuse bouche while evaluating what to order. Smartly, the Hops have made online ordering available at concessions stands behind seats on both the first and third base lines. Fans can order food from their seats, retrieve the food when ready, and avoid spending an inning or two waiting in a line. The familiar favorites can all be found at Tonkin Field, with a cheeseburger and French fry basket ($10), chicken tenders and fries ($10), and hot dogs ($5). Fans wanting something slightly different can order a blue cheese bacon burger ($11), bacon cheeseburger ($11), or a burger topped with a bratwurst ($12), all with fries. Coca-Cola products are served, with a 32-ounce drink ($6), a 21-ounce drink ($5), and a 16-ounce drink ($4) on the menu. Bottled water ($4) and bottled soda ($5) are also available at most concession stands at Tonkin Field. The Hops have devoted one concession stand to barbecue: chicken and pulled pork are offered for $10 and served with chips, while BBQ nachos sell for $10. Quality, hand-made Mexican fare is available, as well, with tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas all served on freshly grilled tortillas. Vegetarians will find plenty of options, too. A veggie burger and fries sells for $10, as does a veggie wrap (grilled vegetables with a hummus spread wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla). A veggie dog is available for $5. Not surprisingly, a broad panoply of beers is sold throughout Tonkin Field. Premium beers include those brewed by Crux, Migration Brewing Co., Deschutes, and several others. Those beers sell for $9 (20 ounces) and $8 (16 ounces). Domestic beers sell for $8 and $7, respectively, for those sizes. Mixed drinks are available for $8-$9, depending on size, and wine is available for $8-$10, depending on brand. Like many teams, the Hops sell ice cream in miniature batting helmets ($8) or waffle cones ($6). The Hops, however, have 12 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream available. Most ballparks sell soft serve ice cream, but not here. The flavors are also more exotic than the typical chocolate-and-vanilla, with local favorites huckleberry and mountain blackberry sold along with such flavors as moose tracks, cotton candy, espresso chip, and birthday cake. Atmosphere 4 Tonkin Field has one main entrance, behind home plate. Fans enter on ground level, pass the team shop, and walk up a set of stairs to reach the stadium’s concourse. The seating bowl spans from just beyond third base to just beyond first base, with bullpens situated beyond the outfield walls. Seats are very close to the field, bringing fans close to the game’s action. Groups have several types of party rooms available to them. Several party decks and suites provide views from behind home plate; a picnic area in the right field corner can accommodate as many as 2,000 people. Because of Tonkin Field’s orientation of home plate facing southwest, the sun sets behind the first base side of the stadium. The setting sun thus poses a retina-burning challenge to fans sitting along the third base line. At evening games, fans should consider seats on the first base side of the stadium. Fans on the third base side whose vision survives several innings of direct sun can reap the reward of a beautiful sunset. The stadium has a crisp, clear public address system. Fortunately (given the close dimensions of seating to speakers), music is played at a lower volume than the PA announcer’s voice. Walkup songs are played for the home team and, in true MiLB fashion, visitors’ walkup songs relate somehow to the batter’s name (Vancouver’s Orelvis Martinez received “Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley, as an example). Neighborhood 3 Hillsboro’s Gordon Faber Recreation Complex surrounds Tonkin Field, so fans do not have restaurants, bars, and other attractions within easy walking distance of the ballpark. Those amenities are a short drive away, however. Several bars and restaurants sit just to Tonkin Field’s southeast, including McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse, Pho Tango Bistro, the Front Row Bar & Grill, Oasis Lebanese Cuisine, and O Sushi. Fast food is available there, too, including Wendy’s, Panda Express, Jack in the Box, and Big Town Hero. Fans looking for pre or post-game craft beer do not need to look far. Three Mugs Brewing Company is approximately two miles from the ballpark. Although it does not serve food, Three Mugs has more than 20 beers on tap and in cans. Just under three miles from Tonkin Field, Deep Space Brewing offers four “flagship” beers and rotates more than 12 others through its taps. Many more craft breweries can easily be found in Hillsboro and beyond. Several chain hotels are within a short driving distance of Tonkin Field. Staybridge Suites, Hampton Inn, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Aloft, Residence Inn, Embassy Suites, and Extended Stay America are all within a 10-minute drive. The Orenco is a more luxurious option, with free wine tastings and various styles of rooms. Fans 3 The Hops’ faithful may not reach large numbers, but they do know baseball and pay attention to the game. The Hops have frequently seen sellouts since debuting in Hillsboro in 2013, providing a level of support that helped the franchise move from short-season low-A in 2019 to its full-season high-A affiliation in 2021. Although the crowds do not match those at higher levels of baseball, the crowd at Tonkin Field is engaged and enthusiastic. Craft brewing is celebrated throughout the stadium, both with the beer available at concession stands, Tonkin Field’s décor, and even the mascot itself. This distinguishes the Hops from other sports franchises that disregard what makes their cities unique. Access 3 Tonkin Field is most accessible to those coming by car. Parking is plentiful, as the stadium’s parking lot also serves the softball fields in the Faber Recreation Complex. One note: fans wanting to park near Tonkin Field’s home plate entrance should drive until reaching the end of the parking lot. Otherwise, a longer walk awaits. Mass transit is an option, albeit a tricky one. Portland’s Metropolitan Area Express, or “MAX,” light rail connects Hillsboro with downtown Portland via the Blue Line. However, Hillsboro’s MAX station is more than two miles from the stadium and requires a 45-minute walk. The Hops typically operate a shuttle between Tonkin Field and the MAX station, but suspended that service for the 2021 season. Alternatively, fans can take the 47 bus to the station at NE Century and Evergreen Parkway (North) and walk approximately 10 minutes to Tonkin Field. Inside, wide concourses and abundant standing-room areas enable fans to spread out and enjoy nice sight lines of the game. The ticket window, situated just outside the home plate entrance, is well staffed and efficient. Restrooms are kept clean and are near the seating areas. Return on Investment 4 The Hops provide an excellent return on investment. Parking costs $5, with game tickets ranging between $7 (general admission) and $20 (premium box). There is not a bad seat in the stadium, so even a general admission ticket will permit fans to enjoy the game. Food is quite reasonable at Tonkin Field. Burgers and fries are sold together as “baskets” starting at $10. The Hops also offer a combination meal for $18 consisting of a hot dog, a choice of potato chips, and a medium soda. A kids’ meal costs $6 and includes a hot dog, fresh fruit, and juice. Game programs are available for free via QR code. Signs placed throughout Tonkin Field enable fans to pull up a copy of a high-quality, well designed game program on their phones. Extras 3 The Hops earn a bonus point for introducing online ordering at their concession stands. This enables fans to enjoy the game – not a wait for food. Another point goes to the Hops for great fan relations staff. Immediately upon reaching the concourse, the Hops have a guest relations table with posters, information, and several of the team’s trophies. Ushers gladly take photos of fans posing with Barley and provide directions to seats, prioritizing fan enjoyment. A final point is awarded because, at least for 2021, the Hops’ staff is working double duty. Tonkin Field is also home to the Vancouver Canadians, a division rival. After the Canadian government closed the border with the United States because of the global pandemic, the Hops organization offered to host the Canadians in 2021. Hops employees have thus served two baseball teams, doubling their work but not in any manner diminishing the quality of the fan experience. Final Thoughts The Hops have created an environment that highlights everything that makes minor league baseball so enjoyable: inexpensive tickets and food, involved fans, and a beautiful stadium. The team’s thoughtful celebration of Oregon’s place as a craft beer mecca blends well with the action on the field, yet even non-beer drinkers will enjoy themselves. A game at Tonkin Field is well worth the “hop” from anywhere in Oregon. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allegiant Stadium 3333 Al Davis Way Paradise, NV 89118 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels website Allegiant Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 65,000 Rebels And Roulette Wheels The University of Nevada at Las Vegas (we will use UNLV for brevity) is a relatively young academic institution, as it was founded in 1957. It has an enrollment of 31,142 students with more than 200 undergraduate degree programs to choose from. The UNLV campus is located 2 miles east of the Las Vegas strip. If you have a chance to visit the campus while you are in town, it has a fascinating set of desert flora and fauna that is unlike any other campus you may have seen. The athletics programs at UNLV are much younger than the academic side of the school. UNLV has only fielded a football team since 1968 and joined the Division I level of the NCAA in 1978. The team plays in the Mountain West Conference. Until October 31, 2020, the Rebels played their home football games at the on-campus Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV played its first game in the brand-new Allegiant Stadium on Halloween night of 2020, losing to their archrival, the University of Nevada, Reno. The attendance at this and all games during the 2020 season was restricted to just a fraction of the stadium’s capacity due to the pandemic. Allegiant Stadium has a capacity of 65,000 for football. It is outfitted with 127 suites for Vegas high rollers and 8,000 club seats. It also provides a cool place to watch a game as temperatures can exceed 100 degrees in Las Vegas well into the fall. Allegiant Stadium is covered with a transparent EFTE roof, which keeps the stadium at very comfortable temperatures. UNLV plays on a synthetic turf field, while the Las Vegas Raiders play on natural turf, as their late owner Al Davis was old school and believed football deserved grass stains and dirt (mixed in with a little blood in the Raiders mentality!) The natural turf is stored outside of the stadium where it can get sun and be watered and will only be brought inside on Raider game days. This is done on a retractable tray type of pulley system that can be rolled in and out of the building. UNLV sports teams are known as the Rebels. This name was chosen to represent Las Vegas. It is a town that is unconventional and celebrates its independence while playing by its own rules. In other words, it is a James Dean-type of a rebel than the Civil War version. (Nevada was only a territory when the Civil War occurred.) Food & Beverage 4 As one of the few colleges to share a home field with an NFL team, UNLV has an above average choice of concessions for their home games. For your typical stadium fare head to the Nation’s Tailgate Favorites locations. Allegiant Stadium also features food and beverage from Las Vegas’ top restaurants. Hot dog and burger lovers can choose from Neon Dogs and Holsteins Shakes and Buns or Fukuburgers. Pizza is available at Pizza Rock, Evel Pie and Pizza Squared. South of the border selections include Viva Las Noches, along with BBQ Mexicana and Mexican Specialties. Other stands include Rollin’ Smoke BBQ AND Graffico Bao Chinese. Adult beverages are available at the Modelo Cantina Club, Casamingos Tequila Lounge, Area 41 or the Blue Moon Brewing Company. It is one of the few NCAA football venues to allow alcohol sales at games since it is not located on campus. Atmosphere 4 This review took place during the first year fans were allowed to come to games with no attendance restrictions, so the crowds were big and boisterous. There were plenty of fans wearing the red and silver of the Rebels, but even more, sported the colors of the visiting team. UNLV only utilizes the lower bowl of the stadium for its games, resulting in a capacity of 30,000. We also noticed that much of the crowd at the game was there to check out Allegiant Stadium itself. The concourses stayed busy throughout the game, as people were checking out the various food vendors, studying the exhibit on the Raiders Hall of Fame or having their photo taken on the upper deck where the Al Davis Memorial Flame and window looking out over the strip are located. This made it difficult to determine whether the game or the new stadium was the main draw for people. We also attended a Raiders game and noted that the attention of the fans was much more directed to the action on the field, rather than the amenities the stadium offered. Either way, the venue is a spectacular building to experience. It offers fans so many new options in the way they enjoy a game. We found the same to be true when the Vegas Golden Knights had their debut in the NHL… the production values before the game, during the intermissions, and after the game was just as entertaining as the game itself. Neighborhood 5 The new home of the UNLV Rebels football team is located at the southern end of the Las Vegas strip, just across I-15 (Frank Sinatra Drive) from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. It is within easy walking distance of all the casinos, hotels, attractions, and entertainment venues that Las Vegas is famous for. Worried about walking at night? The city and the crowds are heaviest and liveliest at night… this is the city that never sleeps! In general, you can count the entire Vegas Strip as the neighborhood for the Allegiant Stadium. The closest casinos to the stadium are the Luxor and Mandalay Bay, but the Las Vegas Monorail makes it very easy to reach a majority of the casinos located north of Allegiant Stadium as well. Fans 3 The UNLV fanbase is small but supportive. There are many reasons why this is the case. First of all, UNLV has a very large academic program training students for the hospitality industry. This means that current students (and graduates) are very likely at work when the games are going on Saturdays. Also, the sport’s history at UNLV has revolved primarily around the basketball program, hearkening back to the days when Jerry Tarkanian was the coach. Often times a visiting team will bring more fans with it to a game, as the draw of a weekend in Vegas can often cause fans from the Mountain West to travel when they typically do not go to away games. Access 5 Allegiant Stadium is just a couple of miles from the Rebel’s former home at Sam Boyd Stadium. It is easily accessible from virtually anywhere in Las Vegas, as it is just across I-15 from the world-famous Las Vegas strip with all its casinos and entertainment venues. It is also just 4 miles from the city’s McCarran International Airport. Fans driving to the games will also find the stadium to get to via I-15. Most visitors to Las Vegas find it is much cheaper to use a taxi or shared ride service to get around as parking rates at hotels in town are ridiculously high and you will only be traveling a short distance to get anywhere in town. Return on Investment 3 Individual game tickets come at several price points. The lowest tickets are available in the high-end zone seats at $33, low-end zone seats are priced at $38. The corner seats are priced at $49 and $60 respectively. Priority seats on the sides run between $82 and $137. There is really no reason to rent a car and have to pay for parking at Allegiant Stadium, as shuttle busses will run up and down the strip on game days to deliver you to the stadium. The concession prices, like everything else in Vegas, tend to run on the high side. If you are coming specifically for the game, look for hotels located a few blocks off the strip. They do not charge the resort taxes and premium rates that are found in the hotels with large casinos and big-name entertainment. Extras 4 As you would expect in Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium offers a top-of-the-line electronics package. This includes ribbon boards down the facing of the upper decks and a pair of videoboards at each end of the field that measures 11,000 square feet each. Some of the famous players in UNLV football history include QB Randall Cunningham, Running Back Ickey Woods, and Kenny Mayne… a UNLV QB and ESPN sports anchor. Allegiant Stadium also serves as the home of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Pac 12 Championship Game, and the Las Vegas Bowl. It will also serve as the home for concerts featuring Las Vegas’s top performers. Stadium officials plan to bid on major events, including the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the World Cup. They also hope to land an MLS soccer franchise to the city. We have more extras we could tell you about, but as you know… what happens in Vegas…stays in Vegas! Final Thoughts Any trip to Las Vegas for a football game is going to be different from visiting a college campus. There is so much quality entertainment available at the various hotels/casinos that you really need to make a weekend of it. The new Allegiant Stadium is one of the premier college venues in the country and you can enjoy the game in air-conditioned comfort. You can expect many football kickoff weekends, bowl games, and even an NCAA Football Championship game in its future!

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.86 Nissan Stadium 1 Titans Way Nashville, TN 37213 Music City Grand Prix website Nissan Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 69,143 Music City Greatness The first annual Music City Grand Prix was one for the record books. Crowds filled the track for all three days of racing action, and the views proved to be incredible. Highlighted by an over-and-back trip across the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge that spans the Cumberland River, the track layout races past Nissan Stadium and through the downtown Nashville streets. And being held in Nashville, there are events all weekend long to keep you entertained beyond the track. Food & Beverage 4 To find something to eat at the Nashville GP, one only has to open their eyes. This race has everything you can think of when it comes to stadium fare. To start, the concession stands on the ground level concourse of Nissan Stadium are open all race weekend to fans in attendance. Meal deals are plentiful, with Nashville Hot chicken and waffles ($23 with a beer), bacon cheeseburgers ($25 with a beer), Nashville Hot chicken tenders ($19 with water), BBQ dogs ($19 with a beer), pulled pork sandwiches ($18 with a refillable souvenir soda), and many more options available. If these don’t satisfy your hunger, there are numerous street vendors and food truck options available around the fan zones as well. Atmosphere 5 To call the Nashville GP electric is an understatement. Enduring 90+ degree heat, fans packed the grandstands, even for the traditionally lesser-attended Friday practice days. Crowds were healthy all weekend long, and they cheered and roared with every on-track pass. Even for the GT America race that ran under the lights on Saturday night, not a single seat was open. Drivers and teams in the paddock saw visitors come in droves. Concerts during the weekend on various stages throughout the fan zone kept the fans entertained in between on-track sessions. To top it all off, the fireworks show on Saturday night on the Cumberland River provided the perfect ending to the day’s excitement. Neighborhood 5 The circuit takes place mostly in the Nissan Stadium vicinity, circling the streets and parking lot outside the home of the Tennessee Titans. However, a part of the track also visits the downtown Nashville streets across the river as well. Because of the track’s proximity to the city center itself, it provides the perfect opportunity to explore the town and to catch the race action. On the stadium side, A La Quinta and Quality Inn are located quite literally trackside, as part of the track passes right in front of the two hotels. For food, Nashville’s downtown provides a variety of fare, from locally famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge to Panera Bread. When looking to do something outside of the event, the County Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Ryman Auditorium provide music lovers a multitude of options for things to see and do. Fans 5 When comparing to other events on the schedule, few boasted the number of fans the Nashville GP hosted. With tickets sold out weeks before the event for most ticket options, it was obvious from the start the event would be a hit. And indeed, the fans followed up on the promise. From the diehard, sport-knowledgeable fans to the locals who were attending their first race event, everyone was buzzing with excitement from the first practice laps of the weekend. Access 5 Getting around the event was easy thanks to the plentiful signage and facility maps available to fans. Parking lots were clearly marked with buses and shuttles dropping fans off at their designated entry points. In addition, a large pedestrian bridge across the Cumberland River connects downtown Nashville with Nissan Stadium, giving everyone the ability to walk from one side of the track to the other. Grandstands were also plentiful, offering fans a wide option of views for their race day experience, from nearly every corner on the track. Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 5 Ticket packages for the race offered fans every possible option to experience as much of the race weekend as they could. Discounts for college students were also included, with VIP suites offered everywhere from the Nissan Stadium upper levels to the downtown section of the track. No matter what option best fits your needs, fans were unanimous about their praise of the event, leaving the track looking forward to next year’s race. Extras 5 The concourse for Nissan Stadium was open all weekend long, offering fans a place to rest in the shade during the heat of the day. Paddock access for Trans-Am, SRO GT America, and the Stadium Super Trucks was also free to all fans, giving you an up-close view of the teams as they prepared for the event. Victory lane took place on a music stage set up outside of Nissan Stadium, right in the middle of the fan zone, meaning everyone had the opportunity to celebrate with the race winner from that day. The track also features a section that crosses the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, the first such track on the schedule of any series in America that utilized such a feature. Finally, fans can enjoy a wide array of music during the event, with multiple concert stages set up in the fan areas that showcase top-level talents like Brooks & Dunn, Vince Neal, and others. Final Thoughts The Nashville Grand Prix was a new event on the schedule for IndyCar this season, and with it came many questions. Will the race be a success? Will fans show up in droves as event organizers hoped? Would everything run smoothly for the inaugural race? The answers to all these questions were overwhelmingly positive. No doubt that next year’s event will be a highlight once again. Drivers and teams are already talking about the potential of the Nashville Grand Prix to be a marquee event that rivals the likes of St. Petersburg and Long Beach in terms of longevity and prestige. If this year’s fan response is any indication, that very well could prove to be true.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hooker Field 450 Commonwealth Blvd E. Martinsville, VA 24112 Martinsville Mustangs website Hooker Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 3,200 The Stadium, Not The Speedway Baseball has a long and storied history in the city of Martinsville, Virginia. The city hosted the Martinsville Manufacturers of the Bi-State League from 1934-1941 and then the Martinsville A’s from 1945-1949. However, it would not be until 1988 when baseball returned to the city, with the Martinsville Phillies of the Appalachian League moving to the newly opened English Field, as it was known at the time. In 1999, the club became an Astros affiliate and changed its name accordingly, and the franchise stayed until 2003. Baseball was once again absent in 2004, but in 2005, the Martinsville Mustangs of the Coastal Plain League came to town. English Field later would change its name to Hooker Field in reference to a local furniture company. The Mustangs continue to play collegiate summer wood bat ball at Hooker Field today. Food & Beverage 3 There are several concession options at Hooker Field. The main stand behind home plate offers a number of options including hamburgers and cheeseburgers, hot dogs (including the option to get one with chili), chips, and drinks. Prices are reasonable with nothing costing more than around $5. Down the third baseline you will find a smaller stand up a small wooden staircase that looks like it is falling apart. This stand sells drinks, popcorn, hot pretzels, and Sno-cones, with the latter coming in a souvenir helmet. Further down the third baseline is a beer stand, unusual for the collegiate summer level, as well as a beer garden area for those of age. Although stands do take credit cards, the workers have to enter the numbers manually so it will generally be quicker to pay cash. Keep in mind the concession stand may shut down around the seventh inning so plan accordingly. Atmosphere 4 Despite being less than 35 years old, Hooker Field is already showing its age. There are a small number of chairbacks behind home plate reserved for season tickets and multi-game plan holders. For fans attending only a single game, there are bleachers without backs further down both lines. All seats offer an excellent view of the field. There is also a scoreboard in left-center field which shows the linescore and other basic information. Despite the rather run-down setting, the team does a lot to keep fans engaged with between innings contests and team staff roving the stands keeping fans engaged throughout the ballgame. As the team is called the Mustangs, horse sounds will often be played over the PA system. Although the team apparently has a costumed mustang mascot, he was not present when we visited. Neighborhood 2 Martinsville is a small city located in the middle of a very rural area of Virginia. There is not a lot to do here. A few restaurants, mainly chains, are located in town and there are a couple of small museums as well. The main attraction is Martinsville Motor Speedway, which despite the name is actually in nearby Ridgeway. In addition to hosting NASCAR Sprint Cup races, the speedway hosts various other races throughout the year and it is worth checking out if a Mustangs game coincides with a race of some sort. There are a few options in Martinsville itself along Main Street and the surrounding area, including Raina’s, a local Italian eatery, and Hugo’s, a popular sports bar. Ultimately though, while Martinsville residents will claim the city has small-town charm, there isn’t a whole lot to offer here. Fans 3 There were only a few hundred fans in attendance when we visited in a 3,200 seat stadium. Filling a ballpark to 10% capacity is generally not a good look. However, those fans in attendance were a passionate, engaged mix of seasoned fans and young families who cheered on the Mustangs, at least as long as they were at the game. Unfortunately, many of the fans left early despite the game moving at a fairly quick pace. It is nice to see engaged fans, but it would be even nicer if there were more of them and they stayed longer. Access 3 US Route 58 is the main road you will use to access Martinsville, although it actually bypasses the city itself via Ridgeway so you will need to take other roads for the last couple miles. This is not an interstate highway and does have traffic lights at various points but with little traffic on this stretch, you can make good time. Parking at the stadium itself is easy in a lot right next to the entrance, but keep in mind parking too close will put your car in foul ball territory. Also, some GPS apps seem to want to take you in the exit or out the entrance. Be sure to pay attention to all signs and follow them, not your GPS, if they contradict each other. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $6 for general admission seats and you can get steep discounts for buying multi-game packs or season tickets Holders of multi-game packs also have the option of buying reserved chairback seats behind home plate. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. All in all, a Mustangs game is a great value for baseball fans, whether they are solo travelers, seasoned fans, families, or groups. While fans coming from out of the area may spend a bit on gas to get here, that will depend on where you are coming from. Like the concession stands, credit cards are accepted at the ticket booth but also have to be entered manually. Again, it may be quicker to pay cash, particularly if it is close to game time and you are eager to get into the stadium. Extras 3 There is a SpongeBob-themed bounce house located down the first base line behind the bleachers for kids to play in. Meanwhile, there is an area in front of the third base bleachers for kids to play catch or cornhole in. Although there is a sign indicating it is not a kids’ play area, it seems to be widely ignored and the presence of cornhole boards would seem to contradict that message. A third and final star for all the friendly staff here at Hooker Field. Final Thoughts While it is hard to believe Hooker Field hosted affiliated ball less than 20 years ago, it seems to have found its niche as a collegiate summer league venue. While it would be nice to see more fans show up, those who do show up will find that a Mustangs game is a great experience. Although it is not located close to much of anything else, if you’re in the Martinsville area over the summer, be sure to check out a Mustangs game. It will be worth your while.

Photos by Matt Collins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Monmouth Park 175 Oceanport Ave Oceanport, NJ 07757 Monmouth Park website Year Opened: 1870 Capacity: 8,000 Horses Down on the Shore Monmouth Park has been a horse racing venue since 1870. It is located near the Jersey Shore in Oceanport, NJ and seats 8,000 but holds way more on major race days. It has live racing each weekend from May until September (the typical summer shore season) and hosts numerous major races, none bigger than the Haskell Invitational in July. Food & Beverage 4 Monmouth Park has a massive array of food options, so many that an entire review could be dedicated just to food. There are food and drinks available at every turn at the venue; there are food and liquor stands on the first and second floor grandstand, including one with a horse racing themed name, The Winner’s Circle. Two stands are near the park entrance selling Max’s Hot Dogs, a local staple for almost a century. A famous Max’s Hot Dog is offered for $7 and a cheese dog is offered for $8. A Jersey Shore touch is a pork roll and cheese hot dog for $10. Chicken Tenders with Fries are offered for $12 and a cheeseburger with chips is $11. The cheeseburger from the Max’s stand was excellent and the chips added a nice touch, a welcome diversion from the usual fries that accompany a burger. Boardwalk Eats, a first floor concession stand, offered a cheaper hot dog at $5 and a $12 Boardwalk Burger with fries. Drinks offered at the Max’s stand included Gatorade for $4 and Bottled Water, Coca-Cola, and Iced Tea all for $3. Alcohol was not served but was ubiquitous everywhere else. The Silver Bullet bar offers hard seltzer and beer for $7 and wine for $9 and a premium mixed cocktail for $12. The concession stands accept both cash and credit/debit cards. Monmouth Park Max's Hot Dogs, Photo by Matt Collins, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 The stadium is laid out in the typical style of horse racing tracks. The main grandstand is quite imposing and is three stories high. Seating is plentiful; the first floor features bench seats and standing room that provide an up close and personal view of the action on the track. The second floor is a mixture of box seats and seats with backs for general admission customers. The third floor is all general admission seating, although a lot less crowded than the first two floors. However, the third floor provides an amazing vista of the entire track and surrounding area. The second and third floors are covered while the first floor seating is out in the sun. The clubhouse is on the outer edge of the grandstand and is for the privileged elite that have a pass or have a connection to a horse through trainer, owner, or breeder. The clubhouse features luxury boxes and air conditioning. Betting stations are almost everywhere and what once was illicit is now embraced as sports betting is legal in New Jersey. In the main grandstand, numerous replay boards are available for those watching other horse races at Saratoga, Belmont or elsewhere and the replay board also features other sporting events like baseball. The third floor has an air conditioned room for serious hard core racing fans, mostly older men. The first floor features a gift shop and free WiFI is available throughout the venue. The paddock is a short walk from the main entrance and gives fans the opportunity to view the horses up close before they take to the track. The track scoreboard is huge in width and features a replay board that shows the action that occurred in the previous race. Music was not played over the PA at Monmouth Park and the track announcer was obscured by the din of the crowd during races. The announcer could be heard crystal clear in the paddock and outdoor picnic area, where less people gathered during races. Neighborhood 3 Monmouth Park is located in Oceanport, a sleepy residential town that doesn’t have much in the way of nightlife. However, Oceanport is 10 minutes away from Long Branch and Red Bank, two cultural hubs of the Jersey Shore. There are hotels on Route 36 near the park which were built in an effort to capitalize on tourists flocking to the shore in the summer. Long Branch and Red Bank are both newly revitalized cities that had once seen better days but are now becoming gentrified and hip places to go. Long Branch has the recently built Pier Village near the water that has numerous shopping options as well as McLoone’s Pier House, a restaurant owned by legendary Jersey restaurateur Tim McLoone. Red Bank has the Count Basie Theatre, a beautiful waterfront, and a bustling downtown. However, tourists should be aware that there are sections of both towns where one should not venture at night. Additionally, the PNC Bank Arts Center is located about 15 minutes away in Holmdel and plays host to numerous famous musical acts including Hall and Oates, Santana, and Rod Stewart. Fans 4 A Monmouth Park crowd is loud. So loud that the track announcer is barely audible. So loud the buzz from fans can be heard well after a race has ended. The day Stadium Journey attended the park the crowd was a large mix of young people clad in Vineyard Vines, horse racing junkies (mostly middle aged and older men) living and dying with every bet they made, and families seeking a good time, maybe skipping the beach for a day to explore what the surrounding area has to offer. Access 5 There is an NJ Transit train stop located behind the third turn of the track and spectators can see the train go behind the race course on any given race day. Parking availability is enormous as there is nothing around the park besides a massive field for parking. There are two NJ Transit bus stops at the park and Lyft/Uber service was available outside the main gate. Tickets are available both online and at the gate. There was a large sign at the entrance declaring that the park doesn’t allow outside food/drink and no coolers were allowed. Moving around the concourse was difficult at times because the place was packed (a welcome sight after a restrictive summer of 2020 due to COVID) but on less crowded days it would be a breeze to walk around the park. The bathrooms had few lines despite the large crowd and large amounts of handicapped parking and seating were available. Return on Investment 5 Tickets at Monmouth Park are the best prices imaginable, free. Parking is also free. That doesn’t mean that food and drink are but still free parking and admission to see 12 high level horse races is pretty damned good. A program at Monmouth Park costs $5. Extras 5 -A row of statues of jockeys as you walk up to the entrance -Silks of past winners at the track hanging on the first floor concourse -A program that alerted fans about new amenities at the park for 2021 as well as upcoming promotions like a t-shirt giveaway, classic car night, and $2 happy hour beer night. -A mini golf course designed for families that costs $10 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under. -Due to New Jersey Racing Commission statues, jockeys are no longer allowed to whip horses at any New Jersey track including Monmouth Park. Final Thoughts If you’re looking for something fun to do down the shore during the summer, look no further than an exciting day of horse racing at Monmouth Park.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Truist Stadium 951 Ballpark Way Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Winston-Salem Dash website Truist Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 5,500 Twin City Baseball: A Century-Long Dash To Success Minor League baseball has been played in Winston-Salem in various forms since 1905. The franchise that is now the Dash began play in the Carolina League in 1945. While it has been affiliated with several teams over its history, the Dash have enjoyed a stable relationship with the Chicago White Sox since 1997. The team has sported many nicknames over the years, including the Twins, Cardinals, Red Birds, Red Sox, Spirits and Warthogs. The team was rebranded as the Dash in 2009. The name “Dash” refers to the city of Winston-Salem’s nickname, “The Dash.” Please disregard the fact that the dash is actually a hyphen. The club originally played at South Side Park. That ballpark burned down and was replaced with Ernie Shore Field near Wake Forest University. Ernie Shore Field served as home field for Winston-Salem teams from 1956-2009, when the team moved into the new BB&T Ballpark. The new ballpark was originally planned to open for the 2009 season, but various delays pushed the opening back an entire year. When BB&T and SunTrust Banks merged to form Truist in 2019, the ballpark’s name was changed to Truist Stadium. Food & Beverage 5 For the most part, the concession stands at Truist Stadium offer the same menu of hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders and nachos that you’ll find at every ballpark. Domino’s pizza operates a stand on the first base side of the stadium. Chick-fil-A sandwiches are sold on selected game days. But the main stands are not where the action is. The Sausage Works stand offers several different varieties of sausage, including the Texas Pete (infused with cayenne hot sauce), the Holy Smoke (a beef/pork mixture) and the Cheeseapeno (pretty self-explanatory). Also available here are hot dogs with a variety of toppings, including nacho cheese and pulled pork. The South of Downtown stand on the third base side of the ballpark offers Tex-Mex cuisine. The most popular item at Truist Stadium is undoubtedly the Cheesy Pig Dog. Found at the Big Dog stand, it’s topped with mac & cheese, pulled pork and cheddar cheese. The Cheesy Pig Dog has become so iconic that the team store sells t-shirts honoring the tasty treat. Pepsi products are featured at Truist Stadium. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a wide variety of national brands plus several craft brews from local favorite Foothills Brewery. Childress Vineyards sells their fine wines here. For something a little different Stadium Journey recommends checking out the lemonade stand, where many different flavors of the thirst quencher are prepared to order in both adult or non-alcoholic versions. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Truist Stadium is pretty standard for minor league baseball. Big crowds are likely on Friday and Saturday games. The left field patio is the place to be, as bands play pre or post game, there’s a bar here (with an accompanying hilariously placed port-a-john), and plenty of room to mingle. The team’s mascot, Bolt, is entertaining and the team engages fans with between inning t-shirt tosses and other contests and games. There’s a large video board in right-center field that is put to good use throughout the game with graphics, stats and more. The ballpark is open and airy, with plenty of room to move about, different vantagepoints from which to take in the action and a nice view of downtown. Neighborhood 4 Truist Stadium is located on the edge of downtown Winston-Salem. While there are not many dining, entertainment or lodging choices right next door to the ballpark, the downtown area offers a great variety of choices. Among the many places to eat in the downtown area is Dash sponsor Foothills Brewery. One of the largest breweries in the southeast, their impressive menu of food and craft brews make this a great pre- or postgame spot. Visiting fans looking for things to do in Camel City may wish to check out the Old Salem Museum and Gardens, which is a nearly perfectly restored Moravian Village from the 1700s. Other local choices include the Reynolda Museum of American Art and gardens and the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem and Sciworks museum. Lodging options near Truist Stadium include The Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center, Hotel Indigo Downtown, and for those who prefer to stay away from the chains, the Historic Brookstown Inn located about a mile to the east next to Old Salem. It was established in 1837 and prides itself as “A Living Museum of History Art and Treasure in Winston-Salem, NC.” Fans 5 During their time in the Carolina League, the Dash regularly ranked at or near the top of the league’s attendance standings. Now that they are in the newly reorganized High A East League’s south division alongside regional rivals Greensboro, Hickory and Asheville, those numbers may even go up. The crowd you’ll find at a Dash game are typical of what you’ll find throughout the minor leagues, with a mix of hardcore fans and families looking for some affordable entertainment. Southern hospitality is in full effect here at Truist Stadium, both from the staff and fellow fans. Access 4 Truist Stadium is located right off of Route 421, not far from Interstate 40, Wake Forest University and downtown Winston-Salem. With large parking lots located adjacent to the ballpark entrance, a walkable concourse and a prime location, you would think Truist Stadium would rate a perfect score. But wait, there’s a blemish here. On most days parking at Truist Stadium is not an issue. However, when there’s a large crowd in attendance (think Thursday-Saturday games) the lots right near the ballpark fill up quickly. If you get shut out of these lots, you must search the downtown area for garages and lots scattered around the downtown area. The team does offer a shuttle van to and from these spots, but it sounds rather inconvenient. Your best bet is to use the Pay by Phone app to reserve your spot close to the ballpark in advance. Details about parking and the Downtown Dash Shuttle can be found here. Most fans will enter Truist Stadium via the entrance plaza in center field. Located in this plaza are the ticket booth and the iconic “Home Run” statue, depicting three young fans competing for a long ball. Once through the gates fans will enter onto a wide 360-degree concourse. The team store will be immediately on your left in a dedicated building, and to your right will be the Foothills Brewery Outfield Bar. The seating bowl stretches from shallow left field around to shallow right field. The ballpark is standard early-2000s design, with the field visible from most spots on the concourse and a level of luxury boxes raised above the concourse. There is a berm and party deck in left field and a bridge in right field, which gives the ballpark some interesting angles. The party deck behind the left field berm features a party deck with bands playing on selected days and most importantly, a mister for those hot North Carolina summer nights. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Dash games are priced at $17 for most seats, with a $13 charge to sit on the home run deck and $9 for berm seating. Purchasing on the day of the game adds an additional dollar to all prices. Parking is $10 for the onsite lots, $5 in offsite lots and free in the Center City Garage on Fourth Street on Thursday-Saturday. The shuttle from the garage to the ballpark is free of charge. Concessions, while not inexpensive, are in line with other minor league venues in the area. Extras 4 An extra point is awarded for the history of Winston-Salem baseball, which shows uniforms from various city teams throughout the decades. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Notable players to have played in Winston-Salem are honored in displays throughout the concourse. Among the players to stop in Camel City are Carl Yastrzemski, Barry Bonds and Albert Pujols. Since it was well over 90 degrees during Stadium Journey’s visit, I am tempted to award an extra point solely for the mister in the left field party area. But instead we’ll award the point for the entire area, with bandstand, artwork and bar. It’s a fun space from which to catch the game. A final extra point is awarded for the fact that you can pick up Warthogs gear in the team store. Final Thoughts North Carolina is a state which contains no shortage of minor league ballparks, some of which are undoubtedly among the best in the country. While Truist Stadium is not as new and shiny as some of the other ballparks in the state, it remains a fantastic place to take in a ballgame and should absolutely be on your to-do list should you find yourself in the Tar Heel State. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bill Taunton Stadium 1401 SW 22nd Street Willmar, MN 56201 Willmar Stingers website Bill Taunton Stadium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,000 Welcome to the Beehive In 2010, the summer collegiate Northwoods League expanded into the small town of Willmar, Minnesota (pronounced Will-me, not Will-marr). The Stingers were born and they moved into Bill Taunton Stadium, a park that also houses Willmar high school ball, Ridgewater College, two VFW teams, and an American Legion team. The “Beehive” is a popular destination in a town that I’ll admit I had never heard of before I started watching the Northwoods League. Part of the beauty of minor league and summer college ball is discovering places you’d otherwise never know about. Food & Beverage 4 The main concession area at the Hive is down the third baseline. There are two food stands that have similar offerings. For a fuller menu, choose the “Ruff’s Rally Stand.” While they have standard items like Little Caesar’s pizza slices, $3 hot dogs, $4 brats and nachos, and $5 chicken sandwiches and burgers, they also get a bit more creative with their menu. Sriracha Brats with Pineapple Mango Salsa, Chili Cheese Dogs, Stinger Bites (chicken nuggets in BBQ sauce), Chicken & Waffles, and Beehive Burgers/Chicken sandwiches are all $6-$7. Snack and dessert items such as peanuts, popcorn, and Dilly ice cream bars are all $3. They also have fresh kettle corn. The beer selection is a bit limited. For $6, you can get a 16oz can of Miller Lite, Corona Premier, or Minnesota Gold Lager. There are also 12oz cans of Angry Orchard Cider, Hop Valley IPA, and a few flavors of Truly Hard Seltzer. Gatorade and Pepsi products are sold in bottles for $3. They’re definitely worth the price if you want to try something a little more unique than your standard ballpark fare. I enjoyed the Beehive Burger, which is a hamburger topped with pulled pork and fried cheese curds. Don’t forget the extra napkins. Atmosphere 4 The main grandstand is covered behind home plate and runs dugout to dugout. There are two main sections of seating. Gurley’s Box Seats are standard ballpark seats and sit in front of the main concourse, right behind home plate. Great views and no fans walking in front of you. Box seats are $13. The other main seating section is comprised of metal bleachers right behind the box seats. These run $10. Both ticket prices are a dollar more on the day of the game. There are also several group areas available, two down the left field line, and one down the right field line. All three were sold out the night I was there. A couple premium sections are available such as the Concession Club and Beach Bungalows that come with all-you-can-eat food, but they have to be ordered through the ticket office or online. The playing surface is all grass and is in decent shape. An electronic scoreboard is above the right-center field wall. Basic information is provided: runs, hits, errors, score, pitch speed, but does not include a video board. The crowd was close to a thousand people on the night I attended, which is really good for a Tuesday night. Neighborhood 3 There really isn’t much in the immediate area of Taunton Stadium. Downtown is a few miles away and the only thing within walking distance is a nice water park next door (great for hot days, open to the public, and less than $5). 1st Street, a couple miles away, can provide you with any style fast food that you want. Also within a couple miles of the park is Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill, a casual American restaurant known for its wood-fired chicken and steak. For breakfast, I’d recommend Frieda’s Café. Tiny little hole in the wall with great breakfast food. The Foxhole Brewhouse is a local brewpub that makes their own beer. While there are a few hotels in town, they tend to be a bit a bit pricy because there aren’t a lot of them. I actually stayed about an hour south in Redwood Falls to save some money. Fans 4 While a lot of the people at the game were part of large groups, people seemed to really be into the game. The promo team and the two mascots did a great job keeping the energy up right until the end. For the last inning of the game, one little kid behind home plate would yell out “Let’s go Stingers, let’s go” and the ENTIRE grandstand would stomp their feet twice on the metal floor. It got pretty loud, but I loved the spontaneity. A very large percentage of the fans stayed right until the last pitch. Access 2 Willmar is a small town in the middle of nowhere. The nearest interstate is I-94, about 65 miles away. Minneapolis is two hours to the east. US Highways 12 and 71 run through the town. Physical address of the stadium is 1401 22nd St SW. There is a free parking lot next to the stadium. On busy nights, it can fill up. I didn’t see where the overflow parking is located. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $11 and that will include a nice experience, a good crowd, and a great game. The Gurley’s Foods Box Seat Tickets are located in the lower level of the stadium and cost $13. The food selections are also creative, and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. Extras 4 The enthusiastic crowd gets an extra point. They show up and they stay into the game until the very end. An extra point goes to the two mascots, Barry and Blue. In the world of mascots, some have “it” and some don’t. Barry and Blue play off the crowd and each other very well. An extra point goes to the staff. Everyone is very friendly. Several workers noticed my Traverse City Pit Spitters shirt and talked to me about my team. The promotions team also does a very good job keeping the crowd enthused. And one extra point goes to the Beehive Burger. I’m a strong believer that when you’re in Wisconsin and Minnesota, you should eat cheese curds. The Stingers fry them up and put them on a burger with pulled pork. Excellent. Final Thoughts I am pleasantly surprised with my visit to The Beehive. Minnesota has a great reputation for small-town baseball, mostly due to their many Town Ball teams. The experience in Willmar definitely stands out in the Northwoods League.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Athletic Park 324 E Wausau Ave Wausau, WI 54403 Wisconsin Woodchucks website Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 7,000 A Jewel of the Northwoods League Originally built in 1936, Athletic Park in Wausau, Wisconsin has been housing competitive baseball for over 80 years. Minor league teams such as the Wausau Lumberjacks, Timberjacks, Mets, and the Timbers called Athletic Park home from 1936 to 1990. After the 1990 season, the minor league affiliate moved to Geneva, IL, and, in 1994, the Wisconsin Woodchucks were formed as a charter member of the summer collegiate Northwoods League. Twenty-seven years later, the park has been renovated section by section and is one of the jewels of the league. Food & Beverage 5 Athletic Park offers a very good selection of food and beverages. There are two main concession stands, one behind the first base dugout and a larger one down the left field line. The dugout stand has pizza slices, soft pretzels, popcorn, and peanuts for $3. They also have vanilla and chocolate soft serve and several frozen treats. A great selection of various craft beers for $5-$6 is for sale. Down the left field line is a bigger concession stand with several entrée options. The standard hot dog is $3, bratwurst is $4, hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches both run $5. Several “ballpark favorites” really stand out. They have mac n cheese with bacon for $4 or pulled pork for $5. Regular nachos with cheese and jalapenos are $3.50 or you can upgrade to bbq pulled pork nachos with coleslaw for $7.50. I dove into their Irish nachos. Instead of tortillas, it’s seasoned waffle fries topped with bacon, cheddar cheese sauce, onions, jalapenos, and sour cream. Definitely worth a try! Other favorites are chili cheese waffle fries and white cheddar cheese curds, $6-$7. A wide selection of craft beers is available for $5-$6. Miller Lite and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy are their standards and there are about ten other crafts from various breweries. White Claw cans are $4 and 5-Tool Ale, a Northwoods League exclusive pale ale, is available for $4.50 for a pint-sized can, the cheapest I’ve seen it anywhere in the league. Bottled water and bottled Pepsi products are $2.75-$3.50. Atmosphere 4 Athletic Park was originally built in 1936, but the entire ballpark has been rebuilt in the last decade. It feels like a newer ballpark, mainly because it is. General admission tickets for metal bleachers are $9. These are located down the third baseline. They are attached to the rest of the stands and not just a “temporary section” of seats. Box seats behind home plate are $10. New in 2021 is the Dugout Seats above the first base dugouts for $12. The seats are all raised about 10 feet above the playing field. There is an elevator available for wheelchairs or people who have difficulty with the stairs. There are various on field games and contests in between innings. Unfortunately, my game was rained out in the 5th inning so I didn’t get to see the whole array of their contests. The scoreboard is above the right field wall and is quite basic. It displays the score, runs, hits, errors, outs, and the player’s number. There is no video board in the stadium. There were only a few hundred people the night I attended, but a lot of that can be attributed to it being a Monday game with rain in the forecast. I’m told that there is usually a solid fan base that shows up. Neighborhood 2 The park is in a residential neighborhood. There’s really nothing of note in the immediate area. The only food options within a walking distance are a Subway and Biggby Coffee and Thrive Foodery, an American food restaurant about a block away. Downtown Wausau and its River District is a mile or so south of the stadium. There’s a large selection of bars and restaurants downtown. The Wisconsin River is also nearby which provides nice scenery for walking. Many standard hotel chains are within a few miles of the stadium. The Motel 6 ran me less than $50 for the night and is only a few minutes drive away. Fans 3 I wish there had been more fans on the night that I attended. I loved the ballpark, but it felt a little empty. I’m sure it was just a bad night because of the weather. The fans who were there seemed to be really into the game. I talked to a few people who said they love coming out to the games. Access 3 While Wausau isn’t near any interstates, State Highway 29 and US 51 are nearby and both are divided highways. The ballpark is about two miles off the junction of those highways. The actual address is 2401 N 3rd Street. There is no actual parking lot, but a half block beyond the center field fence is a large grassy lot that many people use for parking. There is also street parking available with no meters. There is one main entrance to the park behind home plate. Return on Investment 3 $9 for a minimum ticket is starting to be a good price for a baseball game. The food selection is very good and the beer prices are very reasonable. This quickly became one of my favorite parks in the league. Extras 3 One point goes to the renovation job done to the park in recent years. The current owner bought the team about a decade ago and he put his own money into updating the stadium section by section. It looks great. One point goes to the incredibly friendly staff. Several people noticed that I was wearing a shirt from a rival team in the league (my home park in Traverse City) and they stopped to talk to me about their park and mine. People seemed to go out of their way to talk to me. One point goes to the elevated seating. I like the raised view and being slightly above the field. It’s a different experience from most ballparks. Final Thoughts Athletic Field quickly became one of my favorite parks in the Northwoods League. There might not be any feature that absolutely stands out, but the park just had “it” for me. It’s definitely a ballpark that I’m looking forward to visiting again.

Photos by Alex Mailes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Joe Becker Stadium 300 S High Ave Joplin, MO 64801 Joplin Outlaws website Joe Becker Stadium website Year Opened: 1913 Capacity: 4,200 Outlaw Baseball Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin, Mo is the current home of the Joplin Outlaws, a member of the summer M.I.N.K baseball league, which is a wooden bat collegiate league. It was originally built in 1913 and has been home to several teams, most notably the Joplin Miners, who were the stadium’s first tenants. Hall of famers Whitey Herzog and Mickey Mantle both played for the Miners while they were at Joe Becker, giving the park a small place in baseball history. After the Miners disbanded in 1954, the park was used by the MSSU Lions until 2014 when the El Paso Diablos decided to move to the stadium in exchange for park renovations and became the Joplin Blasters. The Blasters played two years at Joe Becker before disbanding in 2016. The Outlaws began playing the next year. The Outlaws get their name from Joplin’s checkered past. Notorious robbers Bonnie and Clyde spent several weeks living out of a garage on Oak Ridge Drive and Jesse James was rumored to have had a hideout somewhere in town. All this gives the stadium a unique feel that isn’t seen in other ballparks and makes the trip to Joe Becker a memorable one. Food & Beverage 4 The offerings are about what you would expect from a stadium this size. The Outlaw’s concession stand serves freshly grilled hamburgers ($4) and hotdogs ($3) along with Cici’s Pizza at $2 a slice. They also sell the typical candy, nachos, chips, popcorn, and pickles all for $3 or less. Beverages are also available, with nonalcoholic options including Pepsi products, bottled water and sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade and Body Armor), each being sold for $1.50. Alcohol is not sold or allowed on stadium grounds. Overall, the concessions have all the ballpark staples that baseball fans expect and what they offer is reasonably priced compared to other stadiums. Atmosphere 5 The stadium is built like most other ballparks, with the ticket booth and entrance centered behind home plate. There are concession stands and restrooms located down both the left and right field lines underneath both major seating bowls. The seating areas stretching from Homeplate to 1st and 3rd plate are lined with black, non-foldable, plastic chairs with no cupholders. Bleachers comprise the rest of the seating that extends into the outfield. The seats offer plenty of legroom, but don’t offer much else in terms of comfort. The smaller capacity and seating arrangements means that there isn’t a bad seat in the entire stadium. You can get a good look at the action no matter where you’re situated. A simple scoreboard is located on the edge of the outfield down the right-field line. It tallies runs per inning, outs, balls, strikes, hits and errors. Games or contests are played every couple of innings and consist of either trivia questions, kids races, or luck-based games like the big dice roll. They are frequent but don’t get in the way of the game and add some excitement between innings. Music is played between at-bats but not at any other time, keeping the focus on the game. The Park really nails the feeling of small-town baseball, from the muddy dirt warning track and wooden outfield fence to the small concrete dugouts and minor league-like bleachers. If you live in or around the area it is certainly worth a visit. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is in the northern part of the city in a residential area which is sandwiched between two major business districts. There are plenty of restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues located within two miles of the park. A few local places worth mentioning are Wilders Steakhouse, Fred and Red’s Chili, and Club 609. Several bars are located on Main Street if you want to grab a quick drink after the game. If you’re looking for something strange, you could visit the Joplin Spook Light, a mysterious orb of light that can be seen late at night and has been a local legend for more than a century and defies any scientific explanation. For those wanting something less eerie, the local Range Line Golf Course offers a well maintained 9-hole course along with minigolf, both for $8 per round. The Hotel District is located 3 miles from the park on the southside of Joplin with Econolodge and Best Western being the most economical options. Fans 5 The Outlaws get about 400 fans per game. Most of the fans are who you would expect at a game of this level; mostly the players’ host families, local sponsors, and baseball diehards. They are a mostly quiet bunch, not interjecting at close calls and at-bats which makes it easier to concentrate on the game. Outlaws fans are also a tidy lot, as the stadium was fairly clean after the game. Regular attendees are uniquely dedicated to the team and make attending a game feel special. Access 5 Joplin is in Southwest Missouri and is only a two-hour drive from Kansas City. The Park isn’t challenging to reach, with it being located 3 miles from the nearest interstate exit off I-44 and located in a residential area. The Joplin Regional Airport is serviced by United Airlines with flights to and from Denver and Houston. While there is no public transport that takes you directly to the park, the local Sunshine Trolley has a stop only three blocks away. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are $5 for individual tickets and kids under 5 get in for free. With season passes costing of $50 and M.I.N.K league all access passes running at $150 along with free stadium parking makes an Outlaws game an affordable experience relative to other teams. Extras 4 The Outlaws run several different nightly promotions, like free t-shirts, lottery tickets and 50 cent hot dog nights. Just make sure you’re early to get them while they last. They also have free tacos if a player hits a homerun and a 50/50 lottery where you can buy a “wingspan” worth of tickets for $10. Final Thoughts Joe Becker Stadium offers the feeling of small-town baseball at a high level for an affordable price. There are plenty promotions and games for fans to keep things exciting and Joplin has plenty to offer if you find yourself bored after the game. If you live nearby or are traveling through, a visit to Joe Becker Stadium is certainly worth it.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fireman’s Field 250 S Nursery Ave Purcellville, VA 20132 Purcellville Cannons website Fireman’s Field website Year Opened: 1903 Capacity: 2,000 Purcellville Baseball The Valley Baseball League is a collegiate summer wood-bat league located in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, in the western part of the state. With 11 teams from Winchester to Covington, the league has become a hub for collegiate summer ball over the years. The Purcellville Cannons have a storied history in the league, though not all of it has been based out of Purcellville. Originally in Luray, the team moved to Charles Town, West Virginia as the only non-Virginia team in the league before moving to Purcellville in 2015. The team plays its home games at Fireman’s Field, on the site of a historic picnic site and meeting grounds known as The Tabernacle. In 1939, The Tabernacle was converted to a roller skating rink that still stands adjacent to the stadium. For those unfamiliar with Purcellville, the town has a rather counterintuitive pronunciation – the first two L’s are silent and it is pronounced more like “Percival” as in the former Angels’ closer Troy Percival. Fireman’s Field is also used for youth football in the fall, but unlike many dual-purpose stadiums, the sightlines are designed for baseball and ideal for the sport. Food & Beverage 4 There is a concession stand in a passageway under the press box which sells basic options. Meal choices include hot dogs ($3) and hamburgers from local vendor Millcreek Farm ($5, 75 cents extra for cheese.) Snacks include kettle corn for $4.50, assorted candies for $2, popcorn for $2.50, and various other items for about $1 each. Bottled water is available for $1, Gatorade for $2, and various Coke products for $1.50 each. Ice cream sandwiches are $1.50 and freeze pops are 50 cents. If these were the only options, Fireman’s Field would get a purely average score in this category. However, they are not. The Cannons partner with a local ice cream vendor, Auntie Ra Ra’s, to sell homemade ice cream out of a truck down the left-field line. Prices are higher than they would be at the concession stand, but you get what you pay for ultimately as this is top-notch ice cream. Additionally, unlike in most of the Valley League, alcohol is available at Fireman’s Field, at a separate stand in the courtyard behind the press box run by a local brewery. Prices range from $6 to $8 a drink depending on what you get. Atmosphere 5 The Cannons put on a top-notch atmosphere from start to finish. Starting with an enthusiastic PA announcer announcing the starting lineups to a cheering crowd and continuing with between-inning contests and even a mascot race, the Cannons really know how to put on an experience. The team’s mascot is a Dalmatian who is appropriately named Cannon, and he can be seen throughout the ballpark. The Cannons promote a lively atmosphere here and that is reflected in the energy in the building during a game. As for the stadium itself, walking in will put you in a courtyard of sorts which has concessions available. There are two sets of main metal bleachers, one on each side of the press box, with smaller secondary bleachers further down the lines. A scoreboard is in the outfield which shows the line score and other basic information. It is important to note one particular Valley League tradition. Fans are not permitted to keep foul balls as they would be at a professional game. However, they can turn them into the concession stand for a free ice pop, and in many cases a coupon from a local sponsor as well. Every time a foul ball is hit out of the playing area, you will see kids running after it hoping to get some free food. Neighborhood 3 Fireman’s Field is located in a residential area so there isn’t much to do in the immediate vicinity. Your best bet is to head right up the road to Main Street in downtown Purcellville where you will find many options. Market Burger Fries & Shakes seems to be a local favorite and there are quite a few barbecue places, including Monk’s and Smokin Willy’s. Old 690 Brewing Company is a team sponsor and if you want to try some more of their beers after the game, they are about a ten-minute drive from the ballpark. There are very few hotels in town, so if staying overnight your best bet is to stay in nearby Leesburg. Fans 5 Cannons fans pack the stadium night in and night out and cheer on their team loudly and proudly. On any given night, one will find the stands mostly full of a mix of old-time baseball fans and younger families. Fans really get into the action and can get quite loud despite the small size of the stadium, especially when the Cannons are doing well. Although the attendance won’t rival that of the affiliated ball, the turnout is quite high for this level, and the fans are very passionate. Access 3 A trip to Fireman’s Field may involve taking State Route 7 at least part of the way. Other options include State Route 287 and coming from the north, taking State Route 9 before heading south on a secondary road into town. If coming from the east in the D.C. area, you may end up taking State Route 267, a toll road, part of the way, although there are free options available if you are willing to deal with traffic lights. Once you get to the stadium, parking is available in a lot right outside with additional parking available nearby if that fills up. The concourse is more than wide enough to accommodate the number of fans, with the open courtyard improving things, but the bathrooms can be a bit small at times. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors, and free for kids in Little League jerseys. Considering the quality of play and atmosphere here, that is an excellent deal. Sometimes local sponsors will partner with the Cannons to make admission free for a certain number of fans, so make sure to look for offers like that and arrive early if you plan on taking advantage of it. Concessions at the main stand are affordable, and while they’re more expensive at the secondary options from local vendors, you ultimately get what you pay for in that regard. Extras 3 Free programs are available at the entrance to the stadium where you get your ticket. In the middle of the fifth inning of every home game, there is a mascot race where Cannon the Dalmatian mascot will race against several mascots of local businesses down the first baseline. A third and final star for the local food vendors in addition to the main concession stand. Final Thoughts If you’re ever in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, be sure to check out a Purcellville Cannons game while you are there. The Valley League is full of unique ballparks in scenic settings and Purcellville is no exception. While it’s a bit off the beaten path, a visit to Fireman’s Field is well worth it for any baseball fan in the area.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha 1200 Mike Fahey St Omaha, NE 68102 College World Series of Omaha website TD Ameritrade Park Omaha website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 24,505 Omaha Shines in College World Series Return Very few cities host sporting events with such aplomb and enthusiasm that the sporting event becomes part of civic DNA. Omaha is one such city and the College World Series is one such event. The CWS has been held in Omaha almost annually since 1950, and all but the first three have been played in Omaha (1947-48: Kalamazoo, MI; 1949: Wichita, KS.). It was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. CWS games are played in TD Ameritrade Park, the CWS’s home in downtown Omaha since 2011. Although Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, which hosted the CWS from 1950-2010, no longer exists, the local organizing committee, College World Series of Omaha, Inc., has masterfully transported Rosenblatt’s spirit and feel to TD Ameritrade, approximately three miles north of where Rosenblatt stood. This year, the CWS returned with some changes that affected the fan experience. COVID-19 protocols eliminated general admission seating in 2021, so all 24,000 of TD Ameritrade Park’s seats were reserved. All tickets were paperless for the first time in 2021, as well. Fans and stadium staff adapted well, deftly managing crowds entering the ballpark. CWS organizers and volunteers have successfully maintained the event’s feel and traditions, even during the waning days of a global pandemic. Food & Beverage 5 Fans will easily find their favorite ballpark foods at TD Ameritrade. All beef hot dogs ($5 for large / $3.75 for small), cheeseburgers ($7.50), chicken tenders and tater tots ($11), french fries ($4.50), pretzels ($6.50), and pizza by the slice ($7) can be found at permanent concessions stands throughout the stadium. A kids meal, which includes a hot dog, string cheese, goldfish crackers, and a juice box is offered for $6. For those looking for something beyond standard stadium fare, TD Ameritrade has plenty of options. The Nachomahas, nachos with grilled steak, queso, sour cream, black beans, and salsa ($18) can feed multiple people (or one hungry teenager). Oklahoma Joe’s serves its famous BBQ at a stand underneath TD Ameritrade’s primary scoreboard in right field. Pulled pork ($11), pulled chicken ($11), and chopped brisket ($12) sandwiches are served with chips, while loaded nachos ($12) come with a choice of those meats. Beer drinkers will not be disappointed in TD Ameritrade’s selection. Domestic canned beer sells for $8 and local craft beer sells for $9. Keg Creek Brewing’s Red Brick Ale, the Kinkaider Brewing Company’s Grapefruit Radler, and Kros Strain Brewing’s Fairy Nectar IPA are offered throughout the ballpark. Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Bud Light are also sold. TD Ameritrade sells Pepsi products, charging $6 for a stadium cup and $4.50 for a regular size. All transactions at TD Ameritrade’s concession stands are now cashless, so fans should be prepared to pay with credit/debit card, or with a cash transfer app. Atmosphere 5 Fans from the eight participating schools bring energy to this NCAA Championship event, as do local attendees and throngs of youth baseball players in Omaha for their own tournaments. The fans are knowledgeable about college baseball and are passionate about their teams. As the CWS progresses toward its denouement, intensity builds and fans grow louder. The games themselves are typically competitive, with fans reacting appropriately to action that could advance a team deeper into the CWS or end a team’s season. Beach balls are prohibited in TD Ameritrade Park. Enterprising fans nevertheless smuggle them uninflated into the stadium. A few puffs of air later and only between innings (per custom), beach balls are volleyed through the stands to the raucous delight of everyone – except for the polite and patient ushers and grounds crew members who confiscate and destroy them. Neighborhood 5 The “neighborhood” that forms around TD Ameritrade Park during the CWS is a baseball enthusiast’s dream. The Omaha Baseball Village, Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill, and Blatt Beer and Table sit across the street from TD Ameritrade’s right field wall. The Baseball Village is a temporary hamlet of vendors and food, adjacent to a beer garden. Baseball equipment manufacturers such as Oakley, Wilson, and Under Armor peddle their wares here, as do throngs of merchandisers selling hats and t-shirts commemorating the CWS. The Old Mattress Factory, also known as “the Matt,” hosts a large beer garden in its parking lot to the south of the Baseball Village. And Blatt Beer and Table frequently sees long lines form, as fans wait for tables at the closest pub to the stadium. Blatt has a rooftop patio from which patrons can almost see directly into TD Ameritrade, along with a Zesto ice cream shop. Beyond the stadium, Downtown Omaha has its own draws. For instance, the 3,000-foot Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge spans the Missouri River just to TD Ameritrade’s east; the Iowa-Nebraska state line is marked midway across and the span offers great views of the ballpark and the Omaha skyline. It is also a must-visit for runners seeking an interesting route. The historic Old Market neighborhood is a five-minute drive from TD Ameritrade. There, fans will find more than 45 bars and restaurants in historic buildings that stand along brick streets. One highlight in the Old Market is Hollywood Candy, where classic candy and soda, vintage records, and pop culture antiques are all sold. Fans 4 Attendance at the 2021 CWS shattered several records, including highest total cumulative attendance (361,711), highest attendance for the three-game final series (72,226), and the highest attendance for game 3 of the final series (24,052). Mississippi State’s rabid fan base traveled well from Starkville, many driving more than 800 miles to see the Tigers win the school’s first national title in any sport. The CWS remains a very popular draw. Fans from all participant schools, and even some schools that do not qualify for the CWS, bring significantly more enthusiasm than is typically seen at a baseball game. This enhances the experience of watching players vie for a national championship. Access 4 TD Ameritrade Park sits on the north end of downtown Omaha, enabling fans to come to the stadium in several ways. Downtown Omaha has a large number of hotels from which fans can walk to the ballpark. Driving is also relatively easy, with numerous parking options near TD Ameritrade. The City of Omaha has an easy-to-use app (available at www.ParkOmaha.com) that can be used to find and pay for parking near TD Ameritrade and throughout the city. Fans in 2021 found parking at meters for $1.25 within a half-mile of the stadium. The stadium complex has 4,000 parking places, many of which are available for $15 per car on a first-come, first-served basis. Tailgating is permitted but fans cannot extend their tailgates into adjacent parking spaces and cannot drive tents into the ground. All stadium lots open at 8:00 a.m. on game days and close 90 minutes after the day’s final game. There are plenty of other parking lots within walking distance of the stadium. For instance, Creighton University is located approximately a mile west of TD Ameritrade Park along Cuming Street. Creighton permits tailgating and fans can walk across campus en route to TD Ameritrade. Many parking facilities, including Creighton’s, cannot accommodate RVs and motor homes because of size limitations. There is RV and motor home parking in Omaha; more information can be found at CWS parking information. Fans not wanting to drive to TD Ameritrade Park have several options. Metro Transit Omaha operates the “Stadium Circular,” a bus route with stops between TD Ameritrade Park and other locations downtown, including the Heartland of America Park, Capitol District, and Old Market. A range of options exist for fans wanting to bus to the games, with more information available on Metro Transit’s website. Omaha also has a bikeshare program, with a kiosk at TD Ameritrade park and others within walking distance. More information is available at Heartland B-cycle. Return on Investment 4 The College World Series can be a reasonably priced experience. Single-game tickets in 2021 ranged in price from $20 to $60, depending on the seat location and game time. Normally, a book of 10 general admission tickets sells for $90. Although COVID-19 nixed general admission seating in 2021, organizers expect its return in 2022 to offer fans an even more affordable ticketing option. Concession stand pricing aligns with other, similar events. Fans cannot bring coolers, or outside food and drink into TD Ameritrade. Enterprising fans can pay very little for parking at meters near the stadium. Even parking in a nearby lot or garage will cost no more than $15 – $20 – a bargain relative to other NCAA championship events. Extras 5 The CWS at TD Ameritrade earns a point for the legions of volunteers and workers who fuel the event’s success. From ticket takers to security to ushers to concession stand staff, the people working at TD Ameritrade have helped sustain the CWS’s popularity for decades. Another point is awarded for the CWS’s embrace of history. While Rosenblatt Stadium was torn down in 2012-2013, its memory and location have been preserved in the parking lot of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo, which neighbored Rosenblatt, needed to expand and acquired the land on which Rosenblatt once sat. The expansion happened but zoo administrators ensured that Rosenblatt’s legacy continued by creating “Infield at the Zoo,” a shrine to the CWS’s first Omaha home. There, the old stadium’s “Rosenblatt” sign that arched above the main scoreboard now presides over a miniature turf-and-grass field surrounded by some of Rosenblatt’s actual seats and bricks reclaimed from Rosenblatt. Rosenblatt’s foul poles remain in the parking lot and home plate sits in the location where it sat until 2010. Plaques honor the CWS’s great teams, players, and administrators who helped the CWS become what it is today. The Infield at the Zoo is free of charge and a 10-minute drive from TD Ameritrade. A third point goes to what is perhaps TD Ameritrade’s most photographed location, the “Road to Omaha” sculpture in front of the stadium’s home plate entrance. This statue welcomed fans to Rosenblatt from 1999 – 2010 before moving to its present home. The 1,500-pound bronze statue was designed by noted sports sculptor and Omaha native John Lajba. The CWS awards a miniature replica of this trophy to each year’s most outstanding player. Celebrities coming to cheer on their alma maters or favorite teams earn a fourth point. Fans in 2021 mingled alongside such notables as Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Mississippi State alum Dak Prescott, former Denver Broncos quarterback and Tennessee Volunteer Peyton Manning, and former Vanderbilt and Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Past years have seen other notable supporters of participating teams. A fifth and final point is awarded for live music. TD Ameritrade features music piping from the organ that originally provided the soundtrack for the CWS at Rosenblatt. Final Thoughts Even a casual baseball fan will enjoy the CWS at TD Ameritrade Park. The atmosphere, access, and reasonable costs are reasons to catch a game. The quality of play, beauty of the stadium, and friendliness of the volunteers and workers are what make the CWS special. Omaha has made the CWS unlike any other sporting event and deserves its role as permanent host. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bismarck Municipal Ballpark 303 W Front Ave Bismarck, ND 58504 Bismarck Larks website Bismarck Municipal Ballpark website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 1,900 Bismarck Baseball Celebrating the team’s fifth anniversary in 2021, the Bismarck Larks of the summer collegiate Northwoods League have brought baseball back to Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, a stadium with over a hundred years of baseball tradition. The park was built in 1921 and has housed various minor league teams over the years including the Bismarck Capitals, the Churchills (who featured Satchel Paige), the Barons, and the Bismarck-Mandan Pards. There has also been an American Legion team known as the Governors that have played at Municipal Park since 1928. The park was renovated in 1992, and then again in 2014. The Larks took residence in 2017. The stadium officially has a capacity of 1,900, but with the right field pavilion, many more fans can be accommodated. Food & Beverage 3 Municipal Ballpark offers most of your usual ballpark fare, but nothing too out of the ordinary. The main concession stand is right behind home plate and offers Cloverdale hot dogs for $3.50 (50 cents more for a quarter pound…go for it), bratwurst for $5, pulled pork sandwiches, and cheeseburgers run $6.25 with bacon an option for 75 cents more. The big ticket item is the Helmet Nachos: chips, pulled pork, salsa, sour cream, and cheese sauce served in a batting helmet for $14. Popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and nachos with cheese are also available in the $4-$5 range. Beer is available in draft form (Bud Light, Michelob Ultra are 16oz for $6 while Mango Cart and Laughing Sun Strawberry Wheat are $7) and cans (Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Five Tool Ale, plus Bud Light Seltzers and Lemonade are $5.50-$7 for 12-16oz sizes). There is also wine available for $5.50 or $10 in a wine slushy form. Budweiser Zero is a non-alcoholic option as well. By the first base lawn area, there are several draft beers from Laughing Sun Brewery in Bismarck. On the night I was there, they had an IPA, a Red Sour, a Golden Ale, and a Belgian Style Ale. $7 for a pint but the beer is well worth it. There is a Sweet Spot stand right in the main seating area just to the left of home plate. Their specialties are mini donuts and ice cream. $5 will get you a half dozen mini donuts with a mini batting helmet or 3 scoops of ice cream in a bowl. Dippin’ Dots, cotton candy, and chocolate chip cookies are also found here. They have milkshakes, too, but they’re a bit pricey at $8. Atmosphere 4 I attended the game on opening night, so there may have been more fans than usual, but the fans really showed up. A very full crowd and both group pavilions were packed. It definitely felt like Municipal Ballpark was the place to be in Bismarck that night. While the stadium itself is a hundred years old, it has been upgraded a couple of times. There is a covered concourse behind home plate. These are box seats that have back rests and cup holders. The box seats extend to the dugouts on both sides. These are $19. A little beyond the covered grandstand, and behind the extended box seats, metal bleachers are $14. For $36, you can get a tailgate ticket that offers a premium ballpark buffet, group style seating, and three voucher tabs that are redeemable for beer, wine, a Larks hat, or the YMCA Family Fun Zone. The field is all grass. The outfield wall is 320 feet to left, 380 to center, and 333 down the right field line. The right field fence has ivy growing on it. Trains pass by right behind the left field fence. The scoreboard is very standard. Runs, hits, errors, scores, and batter numbers are displayed. No video. There are a couple of on-field promotions in-between innings, but the unique thing I saw was kids got to run across the outfield during the 7th inning stretch. Not sure if that’s an every game thing or if it’s just because it was opening night. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is on the edge of a residential area. There is a Kiwanis Park across the street with playground equipment for kids to play on. Within a mile are several chain restaurants (McDonald’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Taco Bell, Perkins). Downtown Bismarck is about a mile to the west and the State Capitol building is about a mile and a half to the north. For a good beer with a quality food menu, I’d recommend Stone Home Brewing near the Capitol. Very good beer and the pork belly tacos are top notch. I am told that The Walrus Restaurant on 3rd Street is very good. Other sports teams in the city include the Bismarck Bucks (Champions Indoor Football league) and the Bismarck Bobcats (North American Hockey League). There are plenty of hotels and motels in the city, although they’re not necessarily within walking distance. I’ve stayed in Bismarck a few times in the last couple of years and America’s Best Value Inn near the Capitol always seems to be the most affordable option. Fans 4 I’ve been to Municipal Ballpark twice and both times, the fans showed up in bunches. They really support their team, probably because they’re the biggest team going in the state of North Dakota. Lots of people wear Larks jerseys and many more wear their t-shirts. The line to get in the park on opening night stretched half a block away. The crowd was given plenty to cheer about as their Larks scored 10 runs in the victory. Access 3 The ballpark is fairly easy to get to; a mile or so off of I-94 and a block off of Business I-94. The physical address of the stadium is 303 W Front Ave. If you’re using Apple Maps, type in the ballpark name, not the team name, or else you’ll wind up at the team offices at a different location. Parking is free. There is an adjacent lot and there is plenty of street parking in case you want to be a little further away. Bismarck Airport is about 4 miles away. I didn’t see any public transportation other than Uber. Inside the park, there are ramps up to the main concourse and the bathrooms are handicap accessible. Return on Investment 3 The price of the tickets is a bit steep. $14 for a “get in the door” ticket at a summer collegiate game seems a bit much, but apparently, the fans are okay with it. Food and beverage prices are average to slightly above average on par with the rest of the Northwoods League. Free programs with scorecards are available at the gate. Extras 3 One point for the free programs and scorecard. This is rare in summer collegiate leagues. One point for the “Lion King” reenactment before each game for one lucky baby. Several Larks players gather around in a circle and “bless” the baby as seen in “The Lion King.” Summer collegiate players have to know when they sign up for summer leagues that they’re going to have to be willing to participate in fun, quirky things like this. One point for the fans. The fans really show up and support their team. Bismarck is hundreds of miles outside of the footprint of the rest of the league, so it had to be worth it for the league to put a team in Bismarck. The fans are easily some of the most supportive in the league. Final Thoughts Bismarck, North Dakota is not necessarily a city that people would think of as being a hot bed for baseball. It’s not really near anything else. The Larks have made it a ballpark worth visiting and a very enjoyable fan experience.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 VA Memorial Stadium 17273 State Route 104 Chillicothe, OH 45601 Chillicothe Paints website VA Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,000+ Paints Baseball Built in 1955, VA Memorial Stadium was originally used as a softball field for long-term patients of the nearby VA Medical Center. In 1993, the Chillicothe Paints were formed and the field was completely renovated including adding the existing outfield wall. The Paints were charter members of the independent Frontier League from 1993 until 2008. In 2009, the team changed direction and became charter members of the summer collegiate Prospect League. More than a decade and two league championships later, the team is still going strong. Food & Beverage 4 VA Memorial Stadium offers a solid menu of ballpark food at very reasonable prices. Standard hot dogs are $3 (upgrade to coney or super dog with sauce, melted cheese, and onions for a dollar or two more). Sloppy Joes and cheeseburgers are $4. Brat with kraut, pulled pork, and grilled chicken sandwiches are $5. There are also nachos and super nachos for $3.50/$5. The most expensive item on the whole menu is a double cheeseburger which checks in at a very reasonable $6. I didn’t see any vegan options available for entrees. 20oz Pepsi products, bottled water, and Gatorade are all $2.50. There are two stands with identical items, one right behind the home plate, and another in the left field picnic area. Two beer stands are available, one each down the baselines. 16oz Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra drafts are a mere $3.50. On Thirsty Thursday, 12oz beers are a buck. Similar aluminum cans are $4.50 for 16 ounces. They also have cans of White Claw for $3.50 and O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic beer for $2. Behind home plate is a DQ Ice Cream stand that offers cups of ice cream, Dilly Bars, Star Kisses, fudge bars, and orange bars, all for $2.50 each. Atmosphere 4 As is the case with a lot of parks built in its era, there is a great old-time feeling to VA Memorial. The covered concourse behind home plate only extends about halfway down the infield but has room for well over a thousand fans. There are 12 rows of wooden seats with the first six rows having backrests. Most of those have season ticket holder’s names on them. Beyond the bases, there are two sets of metal bleachers to handle more fans. There is also a large picnic area down the left field line with plenty of picnic tables. The total capacity is over 3,000. Behind the first base bleachers is a large kid’s play area named in honor of Jackson (Jack) Fish. Jack was a former employee and batboy for the team. In 2017, he passed away and the team honored him with the playground and a memorial plaque. Jackson Fish Memorial Playground, Photo by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey A basic electronic scoreboard is above the left-center field wall. No videos, just the runs, hits, errors, player number, and pitch speed. The PA sound system is quite clear. There are no on-field games during innings, but there are a lot of lucky number giveaways to various businesses. Lucky numbers are obtained by purchasing a program, complete with scorecard and roster sheets, for $1. Neighborhood 2 The biggest detriment to the ballpark is a location in proximity to the town. The stadium is located on the grounds of a large VA Medical Center. Officially it is designated Building 244 in the complex. Other than a golf course that is also part of the complex, there is no other business around. The only thing within a couple of miles is a large prison. It’s a nice looking setting, but there is nothing else nearby. If you venture into downtown Chillicothe, five miles away, there are plenty of dining and shopping options. Chillicothe was the original capital of Ohio and there are banners downtown that celebrates the fact. The Majestic Theater has also been open for 158 years. The city has all the usual chain restaurants. Plenty of fast food. But there are quite a few individual restaurants worth exploring. I had a delicious cheeseburger at 50 West downtown. I also had a couple of Ohio brews at The Pour House nearby, and the smell as I walked by the Hometown Hibachi almost made me have a second lunch. The downtown setting is worth the visit. There are several hotels in the city, but most of the cheaper motels are located about a half hour away in the town of Washington Court House. There are no lodging areas within walking distance of the stadium. Fans 4 Fan attendance is quite good at VA Memorial. Over 1,500 showed up for the Wednesday night game that I attended. A couple of Little League groups were there in uniform. The covered grandstand felt a little empty, but that’s because fans can spread out down the lines. A lot of people stayed in the shaded picnic area. The Paints have been in town for 28 years now, so the team has a good core of season ticket holders who sit right behind home plate. Access 3 I had to do a bit of searching to find the ballpark. Google maps do not have the ballpark listed at all. The stadium is located on the VA Medical Center campus, right on State Route 104. It’s just north of US 35 and just west of US 23. The physical address of the stadium is 17273 State Route 104. No interstates are servicing the area, and there’s no public transportation. Parking is free and plentiful. Tickets are all General Admission and are $7 each. Children, seniors, and veterans can purchase tickets for $5. There are two sets of restrooms. The original restrooms are located under the grandstand. They are very small and cramped. I would recommend going down the left field line to the picnic area. That area is much newer and the bathrooms are very spacious. Return on Investment 4 This is definitely a ballpark where you get your money’s worth. Ticket prices are very reasonable and food and especially drinks are as inexpensive as you’re going to find at a ballgame. Extras 3 One point goes to the players who, before each game, walk through the crowd and thank the fans for coming out and slap high fives with fans and kids. I asked an usher and they said it’s an every game thing. One point goes for the beer prices. After paying $11 at a Triple-A game earlier in the day, it felt nice to have two for under $10 here. One point goes to the Jackson Fish Memorial Playground. They really did a lot to honor their former fan and employee. His story has a sad ending, but they celebrate his life very well. One point goes to the stadium itself. I really liked the feel of the ballpark, and the Paints have been going strong here for almost three decades. They’re definitely doing something right. Final Thoughts I had been wanting to come to VA Memorial Stadium for many years, but it’s never been on my path. The city is not really on the way to anything. Now that I’ve been here, I really want to come back. It was a very nice experience both at the ballpark and in the town. If you’re looking for a great old-feel setting to a baseball game without too many bells and whistles, Chillicothe is it.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Old Mountain Field 875 Kingstown Rd South Kingstown, RI 02879 Ocean State Waves website Old Mountain Field website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 2,000 Old Mountain Field Old Mountain Field is part of a community park that features a baseball field, softball field, basketball courts, street hockey rink, a skateboard park, walking trails and tennis courts. Dedicated in 1938, it is South Kingstown’s oldest park. The Ocean State Waves were founded in 2013. Over their history, they have qualified for the playoffs 4 times, losing in the championship round in 2017 and 2018 to the Valley Blue Sox. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession stand, nicknamed “The Tube” for Waves games, which offers a nice selection of snacks for visiting fans. All the ballpark standards are here, including hot dogs, chicken nuggets, nachos, and the Tubeburger. French fries and onion rings are available on the side. If you’re just looking for a snack, The Tube has you covered. Dough boys, mozzarella sticks and deep-fried oreos are sold here, along with a selection of candy, ice cream treats and cotton candy. Cans of Pepsi products are available. Alcohol is not sold or allowed at this public park. Atmosphere 2 The game day atmosphere at Old Mountain Field is laid back and bare bones. It’s certainly geared to the younger fans in attendance, with between inning contests involving the many kids present. Contests such as the water balloon toss, race to Splash and the giant dice roll provide gift certificates from local sponsors and prizes at the snack bar to the winners. There are face painters and balloon animals for the younger fans in attendance. One of the most enjoyable things about a game held at a venue like Old Mountain Field is that there is plenty of room for the kids in attendance to roam, chase foul balls and just be kids. Your children can even make some money if they desire, as they can receive a dollar for every foul ball returned to the team. Adults can make some money by winning the 50/50 raffle held every night. Neighborhood 2 There is not much in the immediate vicinity of Old Mountain Field to attract visiting fans, but a short drive away is downtown Wakefield, a quaint neighborhood within the town of South Kingstown. Several shopping and dining options are located here. The beaches of Narragansett and Newport contain more attractions and are both located only a short drive away. Fans of craft brewing will find a couple of locations near Old Mountain Field worth exploring. Mews Tavern boasts 69 beers on tap along with an award-winning menu in a most unique setting. Whalers Brewing Company is located in a converted mill building near the ball field. Their tap room offers several varieties of their beers, events and food trucks. Fans 2 The Waves have averaged between 600-700 fans per game over each of the past three seasons. This has ranked the team fourth in each of those seasons in the NECBL attendance rankings. Stadium Journey attended a game early in the 2021 season, and these figures seem accurate. A Waves crowd is typical of summer collegiate baseball crowds in the area, made up of a mix of die-hard baseball fans, casual fans enjoying an affordable night out, and families. One of the more enjoyable aspects of a night at a Waves game is watching the young fans chase foul balls around the facility. Access 3 Old Mountain Field is located in the town of South Kingstown, a town in the southeastern corner of the Rhode Island mainland. Located about 30 miles south of Providence, the ballpark is easily accessible via Route 1, which runs along the southern coast of Rhode Island. Old Mountain Field is part of a larger town recreation park. There is plenty of parking available at the site. Be warned that some of the spots closer to the ball field are in prime foul ball territory. It is recommended that you park a little further from the field in order to protect your car’s windows. Seating is in the form of a pair of small bleachers behind home plate. There are benches located on the hill further down the right field line that offer views of the action unobstructed by netting. Many fans opt to bring their own lawn chairs and set up shop on the hill that runs along the third base side of the field. There is more than enough room all around the field to stake out your favorite spot. Restrooms and the concession stand are located in buildings a short walk from home plate. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Waves games are sold as general admission for five dollars. Students and seniors are admitted for three dollars, with children under 7 admitted at no charge. Also, nurses, doctors, first responders and members of the military are admitted for free. Fans can purchase a family four pack, which includes four tickets, four burgers and four drinks for $25. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the field. Overall, a night at a Waves game is a most affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the overall setting of Old Mountain Field. If you can, take some time and walk around the park, exploring the walking trails, pond and other athletic facilities the place has to offer. During the game, watching the younger fans in attendance run around and compete for foul balls is worth the price of admission. Final Thoughts While not a flashy facility by any means, Old Mountain Field is the type of bucolic field that makes attending summer collegiate baseball games worth the time and effort. Bring your own lawn chair, set up shop on the third base hill and just enjoy the evening. If you want to compete with the local kids for foul balls, you can even bring home a few dollars. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 First Bank Park 162 Stickley Loop Strasburg, VA 22657 Strasburg Express website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: N/A Hop Aboard The Express The Valley Baseball League is a collegiate summer baseball league consisting of 11 teams in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, in the western part of the state. The Strasburg Express made their Valley League debut in 2011, replacing the Fauquier Gators, and won their first league championship only four years later. The Express play their home games at First Bank Park, which is located on the grounds of Sandy Hook Elementary School (no, not that one), part of the Shenandoah County Public Schools system. Food & Beverage 5 The Express have an impressive selection of concession offerings for this level. In fact, it would be impressive even if this were a minor league park. Options that are too numerous to list include traditional ballpark favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, and pizza as well as less traditional ones like sloppy joes, taco wraps, and macaroni & cheese. Prices are affordable, with nothing costing more than about $7 and most things being much less. All items are prepared fresh at the ballpark, which is good, but also means it can be a bit of a wait to get your food. If you plan on eating at the ballpark, we recommend arriving early and getting your food before the first pitch so you don’t miss any of the action. As the stadium is on the grounds of an elementary school, alcohol is not available. Atmosphere 4 The Express logo is a giant train, and the team leans heavily into railroad imagery. The starting lineup is introduced to the sound of an inbound train, and more train sounds feature throughout the night on the PA system. The team store is even called The Train Station. There are four sets of bleachers at First Bank Park, two on either side of home plate. Each side features one set on either side of the dugout. If you sit on the third base side, expect the sun to be in your eyes for the first couple innings, but then you will be able to watch it set over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The first base side offers less glare but doesn’t have quite as scenic a view. The bleachers on the home plate side of the dugouts are extremely close to the action, and you may wind up closer to home plate than the pitcher is. Unfortunately, some parts of the bleachers have obstructed views of the corners as they are blocked by the dugout, and that does take this score down a bit. A scoreboard beyond the outfield fence shows the linescore and other basic information. After the sun goes down, expect the mayflies to come out in swarms, attracted to the stadium lights. They do not bite (or even have mouths) but they can be quite annoying. Finally, a couple of unique Valley League traditions are worth noting. Your game ticket doubles as a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes from team sponsors throughout the night, so be sure to hold on to it. To save on costs to the team, fans are not permitted to keep any foul balls hit into the stands, unlike at higher levels of play. However, they can return them to the team store and receive a free ice pop from the concession stand. After any foul ball hit out of play, expect to see kids run after it hoping to get the free Icee. Neighborhood 3 Strasburg is a quaint little town in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley. As First Bank Park is located on the grounds of an elementary school, there is not much within walking distance, but Downtown Strasburg is a short drive away and offers many options. Queen Street Diner is a local favorite and longtime sponsor of the Express, and there are many other options as well. Some chain places are located closer to I-81, but fans would be advised to sample the local color while in town if they can. Fans 4 Express fans pack First Bank Park night in and night out to cheer on their team. Many of them have been coming to games since the team’s debut a decade ago and have built up a sense of loyalty. They’re knowledgeable about the team, its players, and its history and have built up a deep relationship over the years with each other as well as the team. That being said, you do get fans who go to just a game or two each year, and these fans can be passionate as well. As all Valley League teams are within a couple of hours of each other, you will typically see some fans of the visiting team as well. Strasburg fans will outnumber them, but if you are wearing visiting colors, expect nothing worse than a friendly ribbing from the hometown faithful. Access 3 Strasburg is located just a few miles off I-81 via Exit 298 (US 11). From there, fans will take local roads to the stadium where they can park in one of several lots on school grounds. The small lot closest to the field is in foul ball territory, so be careful where you park. The concourse layout can be confusing at first if you don’t know where things are, but staff or longtime fans will be happy to help you if you ask. Restrooms are small but sufficient for the crowds, although the sign on the men’s room door has fallen off. Men can simply head for the restroom that isn’t the women’s room. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and kids under 12, and free for kids in little league jerseys. Concessions are very affordable and parking is free, making a trip to First Bank Park an excellent value for fans in the area. Fans who live further away may have to spend a bit on gas to get here, but it’s still well worth it. Extras 5 There are cornhole boards set up behind the third base bleachers for fans to play. This seems to be a favorite of kids and families alike. The Train Station is a team store selling Express gear at affordable prices. In between the cornhole boards and the store is a sign showing the distance and direction to various major league parks. On top, it says “Major League Dreams Straight Ahead”, reflecting the dreams of Express players to someday play in the big leagues. There are free programs available under the press box. They are basic but you can’t argue with the price. A fifth and final star for the excellent and friendly staff here, ranging from the ticket takers to the concession workers to the PA announcer. Final Thoughts If you’re looking for affordable baseball with a great atmosphere and a scenic setting, a visit to First Bank Park to check out the Strasburg Express is definitely worth a visit. Like the rest of the Valley League, Strasburg offers high-quality baseball for low prices and is a great way to spend a summer evening. Just watch out for those mayflies once the sun goes down and you’ll have a great time.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Circuit of the Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, TX 78617 Circuit of the Americas website EchoPark Texas Grand Prix website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 120,000 Circuit of the Americas – EchoPark Texas Grand Prix Envisioned as becoming the premiere motorsports racing facility in the United States, the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) first broke ground on the outskirts of Austin, Texas in 2010 and was opened to the public in 2012. The complex encompasses 1,500 acres and features the 3.41 mile racetrack, Germania Insurance Amphiteater, and Bold Stadium. It has been the site for the Formula 1 US Grand Prix, the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, and also serves as the home of the Austin Bold and the Austin Gilgronis of the United Soccer League and Major League Rugby, respectively. In 2020 it was announced that COTA would add an official NASCAR race to its calendar beginning in 2021. The EchoPark Texas Grand Prix would feature races as part of the Camping World Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series. A storm blew in from the Gulf of Mexico and put a slight damper on the first major event in Austin since the State of Texas eased its COVID-19 restrictions, however, while the torrential downpour put a damper on the festivities and cut the race short, it did not affect the enthusiasm of the NASCAR faithful that showed up for this historic race. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage scene at COTA is nothing short of spectacular. This was my first trip to a NASCAR event and the experience to me was something akin to a cross between a State Fair and a big-time college football game. This is especially true for the food and drink scene. As you enter the main gate, the entire concourse area is filled with food trucks, carnival rides, NASCAR memorabilia trucks, sponsor displays, etc. When it comes to food and drinks, these are, as mentioned, very reminiscent of fairground foods. You can get your funnel cakes, your turkey legs and corn dogs, as well as beer and soft drinks. COTA Concessions, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey There are lots of other specialized options to choose from with the food trucks – if you’re adventurous, be on the lookout for Pineapple Ninjaz. As you venture onto the grounds, there are also pop-up stands and food carts selling barbecue, pizza (be on the lookout for Austin staple Southside Flying Pizza at their multiple locations on track grounds), tacos (another Austin favorite, Torchy’s Tacos has a stand), burgers, chicken fingers, nachos, and more. There are also “traditional” concessions kiosks near the main grandstand. Be forewarned that for the rest of 2021 (at least), all the food and beverage operators will be accepting payments by credit and debit card only. Atmosphere 4 The overall look and feel of the event was something I’d never experienced before. Carnival-like is the best way I can describe it. While the weather did all it could to not cooperate, the attendance was still spectacular (more on that in the Fans section). Parking was completely sold out by the third day of racing, including in the RV/camping lots, as legions of motor homes and recreational vehicles filled the grounds of the five parking lots on-site. NASCAR fans are passionate about their sport and their drivers, and this shows up in the stands and on the grounds during race days. Again, the weather did not cooperate, and one has to wonder what it would have been like without any rain. However, those who did show up (and it has been reported that the crowd was anywhere between 40,000 and 50,000) really added to the energy and the excitement of the day. For more seasoned race fans, this might be old hat, but for a newbie like myself, it was awfully impressive. Neighborhood 3 COTA was built in kind of an out-of-the-way location. Much of the surrounding area is rural farmland and industrial businesses. However, the track is only 15-20 minutes from Downtown Austin and all its splendor. Live music, college bars, great restaurants, historical sites, shopping, outdoor activities – it’s all there for visitors in the capital of Texas. When it comes to dining, some of the finest restaurants not only in Texas, but in the country can be found in downtown Austin. Some of my personal favorites include the legendary Franklin BBQ, which routinely earns the crown as the best barbecue joint in the state. It specializes in true Texas barbecue, and lines form literally at the crack of dawn to get in before they sell out. Another personal fave is the oldest restaurant in the state, Scholtz Garten, which serves up old-school German food in honor of some of the region’s original pioneers. In terms of activities, Austin (as mentioned) has everything you could possibly want to do both before and after your trip to COTA. Austin is the live music capital of Texas, and you can find someone playing in just about every joint in town on almost every night. There are also tons of other options for activities for visitors to Austin – for those looking to learn more about Texas’ storied history, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is a multi-story immersive museum that tells the complete story of the state from prehistoric times through the Texas Revolution and on into modern times; it is a must-see for history buffs. For outdoor enthusiasts, Lady Bird Lake (named for the former First Lady) offers hiking and biking trails, watercraft rentals (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc.), and more. With the weather usually temperate year-round in Austin, this is the go-to place to be outside in Austin. It also gives you a view at dusk for the Congress Avenue Bridge bats that come out every night from around mid-March through early November. Austin is home to the largest urban colony of Mexican freetail bats in the world with over 1.5 million calling the Congress Avenue bridge home. It’s really a breathtaking site to be hold. Fans 5 NASCAR fans are a passionate bunch, pretty much in the same vein as college football and soccer fans. They care deeply about their sport and their favorite driver/drivers. As mentioned, the expected final crowd was about 40,00-50,000 for the races, which is easily the largest non-football game sporting event crowd I’ve experienced. Despite the weather and despite the current coronavirus precautions, the fans showed up in force. It was impressive to see the massive camping field filled end-to-end with campers and RVs. It was also impressive to see all the signage and paraphernalia (hats, T-shirts, etc.) being sported for specific drivers. Everywhere that there could be fans, there were fans – in the stands, on the grounds, in the hills overlooking the track, in the bridges crossing over the track, everywhere. The fans cheered for the winners and gasped in concern at wrecks and spinouts. They are a great crowd and if this is typical of NASCAR events, it surely must add to the energy, excitement, and spectacle of all races the way it did for this one. Access 3 As was previously mentioned, it is a little tricky to get to COTA for races. If you’re driving, it is about 15-20 minutes from downtown Austin, or about an hour and 45 minutes from San Antonio. The closest highway is state highway 130, which is a toll road. If you are flying in, the track is actually not that far from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Public transportation doesn’t head out to COTA, so your only options other than driving yourself are rideshare services. Once on-site, parking is technically limited (there are five lots with ample parking, but they did fill up on the Sunday race day) but is free on race days. When you get on the grounds, there will be a ton of walking; I recommend taking advantage of as many of the free shuttle services (they do work for tips though) as possible so you minimize the racing action you miss. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets for the COTA NASCAR event are $50 per person with reserved and VIP seating ranging from $90-$125. Concessions are also a little on the higher side as well (a slice of pizza from Southside Flying will run you about $12). In addition, the carnival/midway gaming area all run on tickets, which need to be purchased with cash. If you were looking to do it up right with the family at the races, it will cost you a pretty penny even with parking being free. Still, the racing should help balance out the cost, as you’re getting a full weekend of events with the top drivers on all three NASCAR circuits. Extras 5 This section is where COTA truly excels on race day. In addition to all the games, carnival rides, memorabilia and paraphernalia stands, interactive experiences, and great food and drink options, there is still even more built into your experience at COTA. The centerpiece of the track is its signature observation tower. It can be seen from miles away, looming like a giant over the track. Not only does it add a great look, with its observation deck jutting out into the sky and its double helix staircases invoking something from the future, but it is also allows for visitors to ride to the top and watch the races from a bird’s eye view. COTA also boasts a go-kart track that runs throughout the day in front of the main grandstand even when there aren’t races going on. The experience gives visitors the opportunity to say they raced at COTA, which would make for a great story to tell anyone. One last thing to keep an eye out for is the #COTA sign in front of Bold Stadium. This is a prime selfie/photo op spot, as visitors are invited to fill in the “T” with their own body while taking their photos. Just look for the large crowds waiting to take their turn and you won’t be able to miss it. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 TPC San Antonio JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa 23808 Resort Parkway San Antonio, TX 78261 Valero Texas Open website TPC San Antonio website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 5,000 Valero Texas Open – TPC San Antonio The PGA Tour has been making its annual visit to the Alamo City for the Texas Open since 1922. Over the years, some of the greatest names in the history of the sport have hoisted the winner’s trophy, including Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, and Lee Trevino. Since 2010, the tournament has been held at TPC San Antonio, part of the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa. Boasting two 18-hole courses, the AT&T Canyons and AT&T Oaks courses (which were designed by Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia), TPC San Antonio and the Valero Texas Open have proven to be a top destination for many of the PGA Tour’s top stars. This is in part due to the temperate weather in San Antonio and the tournament’s spot on the calendar, usually one week before the Masters. For golf fans in the South Texas area, this is annually the biggest event of the year and usually boasts one of the best turnouts for non-major events. Despite being canceled in 2020 and having limited attendance, this again proved to be the case in 2021, with fans streaming out hoping to see Texas Longhorn Jordan Spieth return to the winner’s circle. Food & Beverage 4 The JW Marriott boasts one of the best restaurants in San Antonio in 18 Oaks, which is a traditional Texas Hill Country-style steakhouse. Boasting a menu of aged, prime cut steaks, locally sourced wild game and sides, 18 Oaks has become a destination restaurant beyond just both visitors and guests of the resort and attendees of the tournament. Normally open for lunch and dinner, the hours are adjusted during the tournament and calling ahead for reservations is recommended. For fans looking to experience more of a traditional sporting event dining experience rather than having a sit-down meal, the Texas Open has you covered there, as well. Speckled throughout courses are concession booths that offer your traditional food offerings, as well as some very Texas-centric items like barbecue sandwiches and sausages. There are also multiple full-service bars sprinkled throughout the courses. Both the food and drink stands are run by local nonprofit organizations, with portions of the proceeds benefitting them. All of the prices are pretty reasonable, too. Atmosphere 4 First things first, the TPC San Antonio – both courses – are absolutely gorgeous. With the Valero Texas Open moving to the spring, the San Antonio weather is usually especially great. The courses were designed to take advantage of the native plant life and landscape, so while you stroll alongside the perfectly manicured fairways, just outside of the rough lie native cacti and oak trees. The tournament also set up covered seating areas described as “cantinas” throughout the course. These are largely purchased by corporate sponsors and large fan groups. They are strategically placed near the greens of key holes. These cantinas have dedicated food and drink concessions booths for fans. COVID-19 restrictions limited the fan attendance of the 2021 version of the tournament and limited the seating opportunities alongside the 17th and 18th fairways, but there were still plenty of roped off fairway boxes for fans to watch the action of the tournament. While the galleries are smaller than in years past, the energy is still there and that still greatly helps the overall atmosphere of the tourney. Neighborhood 3 The TPC San Antonio course is on the far reaches of the city of San Antonio’s northside, not very far from the nearby town of Bulverde, Texas. While the resort itself is spectacular, set on 600 acres of prime land, with over 1,000 rooms and amenities ranging from an award-winning spa, to a lazy river, to tennis and basketball courts, it is by and large spoken for during the tournament. Much of the areas are off-limits to visitors due to tour professionals, officials, and sponsors taking up residence on-site for the week. The resort is also set astride multiple residential neighborhoods; with that in mind, you will have to make a drive off the grounds if you want to do any dining, shopping, lodging, or entertaining before or after rounds of the Texas Open. However, the nearby Village at Stone Oaks Shopping Center should have most of what you are looking for. This includes an Alamo Draft House movie theater, a Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, a BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and more. In terms of nearby lodging, the Candlewood Suites San Antonio North – Stone Oak Area is the closest. The resort is also very close to U.S. Highway 281 (more on that in the Access section) and that is a direct pipeline into Downtown San Antonio, which is the tourism/entertainment hub of the city. Fans 3 While the PGA Tour doesn’t publicize their attendance figures, anecdotally I can say that the smaller crowds for the 2021 edition of the Texas Open, while noticeable, didn’t detract from the overall experience. The crowds and galleries at the Texas Open – like at most PGA Tournaments – tend to gather and follow the biggest-name players. At this year’s event those crowds could be found following tour pros Matt Kuchar, 2021 Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama, Phil Mickelson, and eventual winner Jordan Spieth. The first, ninth, 10th, and 18th greens also were among the most popular gathering spots for the appreciative crowds. Access 2 If there is any area where fans might take umbrage with the Valero Texas Open, it is this section right here. First things first, there really is only one way in San Antonio to get to TPC San Antonio and the tournament, which is by driving or using a ride-share service up north along U.S. Highway 281. Without getting too far into the weeds on the socio-economic status of the Alamo City, I will simply say that this area of the city is its fastest growing. Scores of people have moved to the northern area of the city and planners have responded with a massive upgrade to the infrastructure in the area, including the highway itself. To put it more succinctly, construction is ongoing, and you will experience significant delays on your drive or ride to the tournament. The resort and course are a 30 to 45-minute drive from both the San Antonio International Airport and from the city’s downtown. Also, there are no public transportation options that are available to take you to that area of the city and once there, parking is extremely limited – it is offsite at a nearby church and fans are shuttled to and from the grounds throughout each day. Return on Investment 4 General admission ticketing for the Valero Texas Open is $45 per person per day online or $55 at the gate. The fairway boxes start at $180 per day and include a souvenir Texas Open folding chair and a $40 concessions voucher. Parking at the offsite lot is $15 per car and the shuttle service is free. The costs are pretty much on par with other non-major PGA Tour events. This is a pretty good bargain for the talented group of golfers that come through San Antonio for the tournament each year. Extras 2 This time around, there were not that many bells or whistles that would qualify as Extras for the tournament. This is largely due to the pandemic still impacting everyone’s lives. There is the pro-am event leading up to the tournament proper the Tuesday and Wednesday before the tourney, so for those interested in participating or watching that (though it was limited for 2021), opportunities exist. There is one main store located near the concessions grounds for fans looking to get souvenirs, both of the practical (aka, you can use these during your next round of golf) and ornamental (aka, those you just want to display) variety. The main thing that qualifies as an Extra that fans should stay for is the ceremony for the winner. In addition to a hefty check and a nice trophy, the winning golfer gets a pair of custom-made cowboy boots befitting of the Texas aesthetic. During the closing ceremony, that winner tries on the boots, which is a nice touch to finish out the week. Final Thoughts I used to attend the Valero Texas Open on an annual basis, but somewhere along the way I stopped going. I had never experienced it at TPC San Antonio, so I wasn’t sure what to expect exactly, but my hopes were high. Despite the limited fan attendance, my hopes were not let down in any way. The event feels like a really big deal, and the crowds are into the action. The galleries are still pretty large for the big-name players and they cheer with the great shots and putts. The course and resort are both gorgeous, thanks in large part to the picturesque landscape. Despite the drawbacks of the traffic and parking, the Valero Texas Open is a winner. If you’re a golf fan or just someone who enjoys sports, go ahead and add the Texas Open to your list of must-see events. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Danbury Ice Arena 1 Independence Way Danbury, CT 06810 Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks website Danbury Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,000 Hat City Junior Hockey The former Scranton/Wilkes Barre Knights of the Tier II junior North American Hockey League relocated to Danbury, CT for the 2020-21 season. The team came under the umbrella of DP 110 LLC, the owners of the Danbury Ice Arena, who also own the Danbury Hat Tricks of the Federal Prospects Hockey League and the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks of the Tier III NA3HL. No story about hockey in Danbury and more specifically, the Danbury Ice Arena, can be told without first mentioning James Galante and the Danbury Trashers. In 2004 Galante was awarded an expansion hockey team in the United Hockey League. Needing a place to play, he renovated the local community rink, the Danbury Ice Arena, using three million dollars of his own money. He named the team the Trashers after his waste management company and installed his 17-year-old son A.J. as general manager. The roster resembled something from the movie Slap Shot, and the team soon became known for their physical, intimidating style of play and frenzied fan support. Unfortunately, things unraveled when Galante became the focus of an FBI investigation for fraud, extortion, racketeering, tax fraud and conspiracy. The Trashers were found to be guilty of salary cap violations, and the team folded when Galante was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. Sports Illustrated , ESPN and the Atlantic have done features on the Galantes and the Trashers, and rumors circulate that there is a movie in the works about the Trashers . Food & Beverage 4 *Stadium Journey took in a game in the COVID-ravaged 2020-21 season. At the time of our visit, the concession stands were not open. For purposes of this review, we will try to reflect normal operations at DIA. If you visit during the 2020-21 season, some drinks are sold at the front desk. Fans are welcome to bring in their own snacks. Community rinks often have sneaky-good concession options, and the Danbury Ice Arena is no exception. With the facility in use almost continuously, the need for all kinds of snack and beverage options is obvious. The “Rabbit Hole” does not disappoint. The menu offers a good variety of arena fare, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza slices, chicken strips, nachos and Jersey Mike’s subs. Any item can be turned into a combo meal with the addition of fries and a drink. Fans looking for just a snack can choose from pretzels, popcorn, mozzarella sticks and French fries. Fans looking for something simpler can select from an array of cookies, candy, pop-tarts and numerous other snacks. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Danbury Ice Arena in both fountain and bottled form. Fans looking for an adult beverage can select from a wide selection of beers and mixed drinks at both the concession window and the Rabbit Hole bar in the lobby. Budweiser, Bud Light, Amstel Light and Coors are available on draft. Connecticut hockey fans will definitely want to try the New Haven Nighthawk Light beer sold at the Rabbit Hole bar. Atmosphere 3 *Stadium Journey visited DIA during the 2020-21 season with coronavirus restrictions in place. Limited crowd size and social distancing were in effect during our visit. The gameday staff at the Danbury Ice Arena put on your typical minor league hockey experience. The small size of the facility does affect what they can do, but Danbury hockey fans are known for their frenzied support of their local teams. Although the halcyon days of the Trashers are long gone and the atmosphere is much more relaxed and family friendly, there is no shortage of enthusiasm for the home team. New scoreboards on either end of the rink display basic game stats. The long-dormant video board on the north end of the rink is now finally operational, but it severely underused. With many events going on simultaneously at this community rink, there is a serious buzz at the Danbury Arena. In addition to games and/or public skating at the two rinks, there is a full-service bar (see above), an arcade, and if the website is to be believed, an axe-throwing bar is planned and there is even live music at times in the lobby. Neighborhood 3 Danbury is a small city with a population of just over 85,000 located on the Connecticut/New York state line. For a while in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Danbury was known as the center of the American Hat Industry. In 2015 USA Today named Danbury as the second-best city to live in the United States. The Danbury Ice Arena is located downtown, near several points of interest for visitors. The Danbury Railway Museum is located nearby, as is the campus of Western Connecticut State University. Fans looking for a good pregame spot to eat should check out Two Steps Downtown Grille located near the arena, or TK’s American Café, which features over 70 flavors of chicken wings. Fans 3 With 2020-21 being the inaugural season for the Jr. Hat Tricks, it’s difficult to get an accurate gauge on attendance at this point. The team opened up for a limited number of fans late in the season, and early response appears strong. Fans in attendance appear to have a strong connection with the team, either as billet families or fans of the other Danbury teams. Many fans already sport the orange and black of the Jr. Hat Tricks, as the branding across the three teams owned by the arena group is identical. Access 3 *COVID precautions are front and center during Hat Trick games in 2020-21. All guests are required to sign a COVID liability waiver. Capacity is limited to about 200 fans. Several rows of seating are blocked off and social distancing is in effect throughout the building. Masks must be worn at all times in DIA. The city of Danbury is located in southwestern Connecticut on the New York State line. New York City is located about 70 miles to the southwest, and Hartford is located 60 miles to the northeast. The Connecticut coastal cities of New Haven and Bridgeport are about 30 miles to the south. Interstate 84 passes through Danbury about 2 miles from Danbury Ice Arena. The rink is well-connected to public transportation, with several routes of the Housatonic Area Regional Transit system running near the facility. The Metro North Railway has a stop near the Arena, connecting passengers to south coast Connecticut cities and New York City. For fans driving to Danbury, there is ample parking in the Terrence E. McNally Patriot Garage across the street from the facility. The Danbury Ice Arena consists of two rinks, so the facility is in constant use. Fans coming to see a Hat Trick game will enter into the main concourse, where a table selling tickets and merchandise is located. The facility is a busy one, with youth hockey, birthday parties, public skating and even live music all going on at the same time. Fans enter the arena at ice level, with the majority of the seating located on the opposite side of the ice. Seating consists of metal bleachers, with some sections covered by molded plastic. There are some seating sections, including a luxury box, on the near side of the facility. These sections are located above the ice and are accessible via staircases in the lobby. Seats in these 200-level sections offer obstructed views of the ice surface. Visiting fans may be interested in the two humorously small seating sections at one end of the rink. Section 108 seats a whopping four fans! There is a good amount of standing room available around the ice surface, which fills up quickly. With all the activity going on at DIA, the lobby can get crowded at times and long lines may form during intermission. Restrooms in the lobby are more than adequate for the needs of the facility. Return on Investment 3 All seats at Danbury Ice Arena for Jr. Hat Trick games are sold as general admission for $17. Parking is available in the Patriot Garage across the street from the arena for $4.50. There is some on-street parking available in the facility for those willing to search for it. The team warns visitors not to park in the surface lots nearby, as these lots practice an aggressive towing policy. Concession prices are reasonable when compared to other facilities in the area. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the colorful history of the Danbury Ice Arena. New touches include banners honoring all the teams that have called Danbury home, from the Trashers to the Titans. A second extra point is awarded for the many extra things to do at Danbury Ice Arena, from the arcade to the axe throwing bar to the Rabbit Hole bar. A hockey game may not be the sole focus of your time here. Final Thoughts The Danbury Ice Arena may not be the prettiest or most comfortable place to catch a hockey game, but it sure is a fun place to visit. Danbury is a great hockey city with an interesting past and a promising future. You may come to the Danbury Ice Arena for a hockey game, but you may end up staying for any number of reasons. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Memorial Stadium, Photo Courtesy of Historic American Buildings Society Located in Baltimore’s Waverly neighborhood, Memorial Stadium was the home field for Major League Baseball’s Orioles, the National Football League’s Colts and for a few years in the late 1990’s, the NFL Ravens. The Canadian Football League’s Stallions, Minor League Baseball’s Bowie Baysox and the North American Soccer League’s Bays and Comets also called Memorial Stadium home. Memorial Stadium was the site of six World Series and an NFL Championship Game. Over the years the facility came to be known as “The Old Gray Lady,” or thanks to the frenzied devotion of Baltimore fans, “the world’s largest outdoor insane asylum.” Designed to be a replacement for Municipal Stadium, which had stood on the site since 1922, construction on the horseshoe-shaped, double-decked stadium began in 1949. The first games were played here in 1950 once the lower deck was completed. The upper deck was finished in 1954. Today Memorial Stadium is seen by ballpark aficionados as an example of the transition in ballpark design from the classic ballparks of the 1910s and 20s to the multipurpose stadiums built in the 60s and 70s. Memorial Stadium Interior, Photo Courtesy of Historic American Buildings Survey The defining feature of this mostly nondescript facility was the 116-foot tall brick and stone exterior façade and memorial wall. The wall featured the city seal of Baltimore and the following dedication, spelled out in stainless steel letters ranging in height from twelve inches to ten feet tall: ERECTED BY THE CITY OF BALTIMORE 1954 DEDICATED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE PEOPLE OF BALTIMORE CITY IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND AS A MEMORIAL TO ALL WHO SO VALIANTLY FOUGHT AND SERVED IN THE WORLD WARS WITH ETERNAL GRATITUDE TO THOSE WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE TO PRESERVE EQUALITY AND FREEDOM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS The Stadium was formally dedicated on May 30, 1956. A parade and memorial service were held, and Army General Raleigh B. Hendrix presented stadium management with a bronze urn filled with soil from every American military cemetery on foreign ground. The urn was later encased in the memorial wall. The Orioles defeated the Red Sox 2-1 on that day. Memorial Stadium Facade, Photo Courtesy of Historic American Buildings Survey Over the years, Memorial Stadium developed a reputation as a good place to watch a baseball game but not so great for football (as someone who attended both sports at Memorial Stadium, I can confirm). As the stadium aged, the Colts attempted to get a new home built. Their impasse with the city ended with their infamous escape in the middle of the night to Indianapolis and the Hoosier Dome. The Orioles continued the push for a new facility, finally getting it in 1992 with the game changing Oriole Park at Camden Yards. After the departure of the Orioles, there was much debate over what to do with the vacant stadium. Memorial Stadium was granted a reprieve when the Ravens played their first two seasons in Baltimore on 33rd Street while Ravens Stadium (now M&T Bank Stadium) was built. After the Ravens’ last game in 1997 Memorial Stadium once again stood empty. Efforts to designate the facility as a historic landmark fell short, making demolition inevitable. For Baltimore sports fans, the loss of The Old Gray Lady hit hard, as chronicled in the documentary The Last Season: The Life and Demolition of Memorial Stadium. Memorial Stadium was demolished in March 2001. As a compromise to those who opposed its demolition, the memorial wall was left standing. This compromise proved to be unpopular with both sides. The ten-story wall seemed very much out of place without a stadium attached to it, and it, too was torn down in December of 2001. Memorial Stadium’s legacy carried on in a number of ways. 50,000 square feet of turf was transplanted to the new Ravens Stadium. The YMCA built on the Stadium site contains many signs from Memorial Stadium. Of course, many pieces of Memorial Stadium, including seats, lockers, even urinals-found their way into collectors’ hands on the secondary market. For many years pieces of Memorial Stadium could be found at the Sports Legends Museum next to Oriole Park (sadly, this museum is now gone, as well). Both foul poles from Memorial Stadium made their way to Oriole Park. Memorial Stadium Wall at Camden Yards, Photo Courtesy of Keith Eggener Most significantly, on the pedestrian mall that was once Eutaw Street, in between Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium, is a low, curving wall bearing the last line from the original dedication from Memorial Stadium: “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS.” The bronze urn presented by General Hendrix at Memorial Stadium’s dedication is encased in glass nearby, along with a photo of the old ballpark and a brief history of the facility. The site of Memorial Stadium is now home to a mixed-use development named Stadium Place. Located in this senior-housing community are retail shops, a youth center, a YMCA, playgrounds and a scaled-down replica of the old field used for youth baseball, with home plate at the same location as it was in the old ballpark. In a nod to Memorial Stadium’s past, the baseball field can be converted to use as a football gridiron. A bronze plaque honors the old ballpark. For more information about Memorial Stadium, read Keith Eggener’s excellent 2012 article on PlacesJournal.org Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

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