Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Dan Snyder Memorial Arena @ Woolwich Memorial Centre 24 Snyder St. S. Elmira, ON N3B 1Z1 Elmira Sugar Kings website Woolwich Memorial Centre website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,300 How Sweet is Sugar Land? Founded in 1971, the Elmira Sugar Kings have been stalwarts at the Junior B level, their existence hanging on through several different leagues.  Starting in the Western Ontario Junior Hockey League, then moving to the Southwestern Junior B Hockey League, Waterloo-Wellington Junior B Hockey League, Midwestern Junior B Hockey League, and finally, as of 2007, the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Sugar Kings have enjoyed a fair bit of success.  The Sugar Kings are the holders of three league championships, before the consolidation of Junior B hockey in Ontario, and three Sutherland Cups as Ontario Junior B Champions.  The name and logo come from Elmira hosting the largest Maple Syrup festival in the world, a staple in Elmira since 1965. Home for the Elmira Sugar Kings is the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena, named after the late NHL player who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2003.  The arena is found in the Woolwich Memorial Centre, owned by the Township of Woolwich and built in 2009.  The arena holds 1,300 fans and is part of a larger recreation complex.  The Elmira Sugar Kings are the sporting staple in small-town Elmira and have seen future NHL talent like Ric and Rod Seiling, Dan Snyder, Cam Stewart, Dennis Wideman, and Darryl Sittler. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at the Woolwich Memorial Centre are what one would expect from a small town arena.  On the lower level, there is a small snack bar that provides beverages to the larger Centre.  Upstairs, inside the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena, there is a main concession stand that sells the usual arena staples.  Hot dogs, popcorn, pizza, nachos, and candy are the main items.  Coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water, and Pepsi products are the soft drinks available.  The Blueline Club, a few steps away from the concession area, offers a variety of alcoholic beverages.  Local brewery Rural Roots Brewery has a special brew for the Sugar Kings, “Always A King” among beer selections. Atmosphere 3 Built in 2009, the Woolwich Memorial Centre is one of the more modern buildings in the GOJHL.  It boasts an attractive silver siding and glass exterior and serves as a hub for the community of Woolwich Township and as a living memorial for those local veterans who lost their lives in armed conflicts.  The Woolwich Memorial Centre acts as a larger recreation facility with two pools, a gym, two ice rinks, an indoor track, and outdoor sports fields.  Upon entering the bright and clean facility, fans are greeted with a large display case with a stone statue of a soldier, to remind patrons of the ‘memorial’ part of the Woolwich Memorial Centre. To get to the main arena, the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena, fans must traverse a set of stairs and are met with temporary tables for ticket sales and a table for merchandise sales.  Trophy cases are common and well-maintained at the Woolwich Memorial Centre.  A large case sits outside the Dan Snyder Arena and houses awards earned by youth hockey teams and artifacts from local celebrities.  Upon entering the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena, the connection between the community and the Elmira Sugar Kings is immediately apparent.  The ice surface runs from north to south with eight rows of seating along the east and west sides of the ice surface.  The entrance to the arena is at the concourse level, a walking track behind the seating area.  The north side of the building features signage for several teams that call the arena home, including the Sugar Kings, who are proudly trumpeted as a community-owned team. The north and west sides feature several accolades for youth hockey teams over the years, but it is across centre ice, from north to south, which is reserved for the accomplishments of the Sugar Kings.  Of note are the five Cherrey Cup Championships (1974, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002) as the best team in the Midwestern Junior Hockey League, as well as the ultimate prize, four Sutherland Cups (1997, 2001, 2011, 2017) as champions of Junior B hockey in Ontario, across multiple leagues.  Since 2007, Junior B hockey has been consolidated into one league, the GOJHL, where the Sutherland Cup is awarded to the champion.  Previously, the winners of various leagues competed against each other for the Sutherland Cup.  Two other banners of note include a banner honouring the legacy of Jeff Snyder as a coach, GM, and Director of Hockey Operations.  The other is, of course, for Dan Snyder who played for the Sugar Kings and is from Elmira.  The gameday production at a Sugar Kings game is very simple.  There is a 50/50 draw and the requisite music during the downtime.  The PA system is very good and the announcer is easy to understand.  There is not much else to it; just hockey, pure and simple. Neighbourhood 3 Elmira is a town of only around 10,000, but there are a couple of things of note for fans.  The Arena is located a block west of Arthur Street, which is the main street in Elmira.  However, it is a residential area where the arena is, and a fast trip in the car to a spot for something to eat or drink before or after the game is probably necessary.  Other than the expected fast food restaurants, a couple of original spots fans may want to check out include Elmira Donuts & Deli, Arthur Street Kitchen and Bar, and Rural Roots Brewing Company.  For other sporting options, fans will need to head south to Waterloo as the Sugar Kings are the attraction in Elmira.  There are some other tourist options, however, including the Waterloo Central Railway, Kissing Bridge Trail, and Elmira Theatre Company.  Being in town for the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival would be ideal to get a real sense of the town of Elmira.  For fans wishing to stay in town, try Bristow’s Inn or head to Waterloo or St. Jacobs for more accommodation options. Fans 4 The Elmira Sugar Kings are one of the best-supported teams in the GOJHL.  In the 2023-2024 season, at the time of writing, the Sugar Kings are averaging more than 550 fans per game.  This is normally where they end up annually.  The fans in attendance are smart and supportive of their squad and the Sugar Kings are the sporting draw in Elmira.   Access 5 Getting to the Woolwich Memorial Centre is not difficult at all.  Elmira is in Woolwich Township, at the north corner of Waterloo Region, north of Kitchener-Waterloo.  Highway 85, before the Elmira bypass, becomes Arthur Street.  Getting through town to the arena is not difficult at all.  For fans wanting to take public transit, there are GRT bus stops on Arthur Street.  Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for schedules, fares, and maps. Getting in and around Woolwich Memorial Centre is not an issue at all.  The walking track in the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena makes plenty of space for fans to move around during the game and there are plenty of spots for fans to stand if that is what they enjoy.  The washroom facilities are good for the arena also. Return on Investment 5 GOJHL hockey offers a solid return for little investment.  Elmira Sugar Kings tickets cost $12 for an adult, $10 for students/seniors and $5 for children.  Parking at the Woolwich Memorial Centre is free and concession prices are decent.  The caliber of hockey presented is solid and there is great support for the Sugar Kings, which adds to the atmosphere.  Overall, a great night of family fun can be had without breaking the bank. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Atlanta Thrashers hosting a promotional practice to help open the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena on October 18, 2009. An extra mark for the Sugar Kings Alumni, which included Dan Snyder, Rod Seiling, Ric Seiling, Dennis Wideman, Mackenzie Blackwood, and Darryl Sittler. Final Thoughts With the prices rising across all sporting events, finding something that is fun and not that expensive becomes an increasing challenge.  Checking out some Junior B hockey in the GOJHL is a great solution and the Elmira Sugar Kings are one of the premier teams in the league.  Fans won’t be disappointed by catching a game. --- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photo Courtesy of Niagara Purple Eagles Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 Bobo Field 5795 Lewiston Rd Lewiston, NY 14092 Niagara Purple Eagles website Bobo Field website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: Unknown Niagara Fails Niagara University is a small Catholic school located in Lewiston, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. The University has a student body of 4,200, with half the students living on campus and the other half attending on a commuter basis. It was founded as a seminary in 1856, and officially became Niagara University in 1883. Niagara is primarily a liberal arts school, but also has a College of Business and a College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Niagara’s Hospitality major is among the top six programs of its kind in the country, and has nearly a 100% placement rate for its graduates due to its proximity to Niagara Falls. The Niagara athletics program competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, with teams including St. Peter’s, Siena, Marist, Monmouth, Manhattan, Canisius and Quinnipiac. The sports teams go by the name of the Purple Eagles, and are very successful in basketball, hockey and soccer. Niagara University has two prominent baseball alums; Joe McCarthy, a seven-time winner of the World Series as a manager and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Sal Maglie, a three-time All-Star as a Major League pitcher. The Purple Eagle baseball team currently calls the on-campus Bobo Field its home. For many years, the team played at Maglie Stadium, a community ballpark operated by the city of Niagara Falls. Due to tough financial times, the city chose to divest its ownership of the facility, as it was losing money and sold it to a private investor. The University and the investor could not come to terms on a contract, leading the team back to the campus. Unfortunately Bobo Field is a subpar facility in many ways. It offers none of the amenities even a basic baseball park on any college campus should offer. There are no lights at the field, no bathroom facilities (not even a port-a-potty), no parking access and very little in the way of seating. It is not a pleasant place to watch a baseball game, especially a doubleheader. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at Bobo Field, not even a water fountain. It is easy to pick up the local fans, as they tote in food and drink, as well as camp chairs for seating. Visiting fans must go more than two miles to the nearest convenience store for food or beverages. The only permanent seats are on the home side of the field, and consist of four rows of rusty bleachers. Atmosphere 1 The Niagara baseball team does put a good show on the field, but the conditions at Bobo Stadium do tend to dampen the enthusiasm quite a bit. The locals come prepared and show up in large numbers, despite the often cold and windy climate adjacent to the Niagara River. If you are a visitor and come unprepared, it can be a miserable viewing experience. Neighborhood 2 Niagara University is a self contained campus, with not many services right around it. It is located immediately beside the Niagara River Gorge, two miles north of the Falls. Technically, it is a part of the village of Lewiston. Some of the eateries located in the village include Carmelo’s Italian Restaurant, the Griffon Pub and the Village Bake Shop. The nearest accommodations to the University are in Niagara Falls, which, being an international tourist destination, has hundreds of accommodations at all price ranges available. Niagara Falls is approximately two miles south of the campus. The Hard Rock Cafe / Niagara Falls is very popular with the students. Fans 3 Niagara’s baseball fans do deserve a purple (school colors) star for their loyalty in cheering on the Purple Eagles. A majority of the fans are friends and family of the Niagara team members. In addition to cheering the team’s successes, they come prepared to deal with the shortcomings of the baseball facility, with coolers, blankets, food and drink and the knowledge of where the nearest bathrooms are, which is graciously shared with the opposing team and their fans. Many of the fans voiced a desire that an alternative site be found as soon as possible. Access 1 Niagara’s campus is located about 30 minutes north of downtown Buffalo, about midway between I-190 and the Robert Moses State Parkway. It can also be accessed via Highway 405 coming out of Canada, which becomes I-190 once it crosses the American border. Access becomes a problem once you reach the Niagara campus. Parking is free, but it is located nearly a half-mile from Bobo Field. The only paved surface to access the field is a hike/bike path that runs near the park; otherwise, you have to cross a large undeveloped field, which can be muddy after a rain. Also, it is wise to make a pit stop back on the main campus before heading out to the park, as no restroom facilities of any kind are available at the field. Return on Investment 1 There is no charge for anything at Bobo Field, and well…you get what you pay for. There are just too many other activities related to Niagara Falls that are going to provide you with more enjoyment (and indoor plumbing!) Extras 4 Obviously, the main extra to Niagara University is its close proximity to Niagara Falls. The campus is just north of the American and Horseshoe Halls along the Niagara River Gorge. On the other side of the gorge in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada are the beautiful Niagara Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory. Those wishing to make a long weekend out of their trip may choose to visit Toronto, which is about a 90-mile drive from Niagara via the QEW. History buffs may be interested in visiting nearby Fort Niagara or the Erie Canal Historical Park in Lockport. Shoppers have access to the 200-store Premium Outlet Mall located one exit south on I-190. Final Thoughts I really hope for the sake of the fans and players at Niagara University that some alternate facilities are identified in the near future. If not, I hope Niagara University will allocate funds to dramatically upgrade the existing field. The other athletic facilities on campus (tennis courts, ice rink, an artificial turf lacrosse/soccer field, sports arena) are in good shape and suggest that the University can do better for its baseball program.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Centre Gervais Auto 1200 Avenue des Cedres Shawinigan, QC G9N 1P6 Shawinigan Cataractes website Centre Gervais Auto website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,195 L’Energie de les Cataractes When the QMJHL formed in 1969, one of its first franchises was the Shawinigan Bruins. Since then, almost everything about The Q has changed, with the exception of that team located between Montreal and Quebec City. What is now known as the Shawinigan Cataractes is the only original team from The Q to continuously run in the same city. Known as the City of Energy for its production of hydro-electric power, the city of Shawinigan is also known as the home of Canada’s longest serving prime Minister, Jean Chretien, and legendary Montreal goaltender, and first goalie ever to wear a mask, Jacques Plante. The Cataractes have a long standing tradition with the city, formerly playing in the Arena Jacques-Plante. In English, Cataractes literally means “waterfalls,” which is also a reference to the Shawinigan Falls, which is used to produce energy. The Cataractes were a community owned team, until 2007 when “Le Club de Hockey de Shawinigan Inc” was sold to a group of 15 investors. The former home of the Cataractes, Arena Jacques Plante, was one of those arenas that oozed history and tradition. However, the Cataractes moved to a new arena in 2008, which was built and owned by the City of Shawinigan. The new area sold naming rights to a water treatment company known as Bionest. Although tragic that an old arena with a great tradition and name had to be abandoned, it is probably for the best. The Cataractes were the host team for the Memorial Cup in 1985, but Arena Jacques Plante only hosted 2 games of the tournament. The support columns in the seating area made it impossible to televise the games, and the remainder of the tournament was moved to Drummondville. Shawinigan has been rewarded for their loyalty. They are the host city for the 2012 Memorial Cup, a tournament in which the Cataractes are guaranteed a birth as the host city. Food & Beverage 3 There is decent variety of food at the Cataractes game and the prices are decent as well. Budweiser and Bud Light are the available beers at Centre Bionsest ($4.75). Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, fries, and soda are available here. There is a Van Houtte Coffee stand that offers various flavours of coffee. You can also try some Quebec staples which would include a Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich and some poutine. Atmosphere 5 Centre Bionest de Shawinigan has a newer look to it. The classic, red brick look to Arena Jacques-Plante has been left behind for something a little more modern looking. Once inside you will notice a couple of unique items in the causeways. There are numerous places to sit and eat, or stand and eat. You can also find a nursing station/kids area. Finally, there are a few “rod hockey” games for the kids to play as well. Once inside the seating bowl, you will see a split level seating bowl with a 360 degree walkway around the centre of the seating bowl. That walkway offers much desired standing room which seems to be important at all junior rinks. The back wall of the walkways, which would normally be a bland painted concrete, are painted a sharp navy blue with numerous Cataractes logos around the arena. Above the seating bowl there are numerous banners hanging. A couple of banners are for division and conference championships. These pale in comparison to the 9 banners that honour former Shawinigan players. These include the retired numbers of: Michel Briere, Benoit Plouffe, Marcel Giguere, Dean Bergeron, Patrice Lefebvre, Stephan Lebeau, Patrick Lalime, Marc-Andre Bergeron, and Stephane Robidas. However the biggest banners belong to two men who never played for the Cataractes. There is a banner honouring former Montreal Canadiens, and Shawinigan native Andre Pronovost, who won four Stanley Cups. The largest banner is of course for hockey innovator and icon, Jacques Plante. Plante was the first goalie ever to don a mask, and kicked off the era of colorful and exciting face masks. He is a native of Shawinigan and his number has been retired at Le Centre Bell in Montreal as well. Neighborhood 2 Centre Bionest is located on what is basically the edge of town, not far from the river. It is north of what would be considered downtown Shawinigan. There is nothing that is walkable for pre or post game fare. You are pretty close to Arena Jacques Plante, which is worth a drive-by at least. If you are looking for a place to go, head downtown where you can find a few places that may interest you. For something pretty close, you may want to try the Broadway Pub where they have a good beer selection. Fans 5 Attendance in Shawinigan has been in the top 5 in the QMJHL, especially since they have christened the new building. This is one of the reasons that the Cataractes have been rewarded with the ability to host the Memorial Cup in 2012. Even more than the support at the box office that the Cataractes have received, Cataractes fans are LOUD! They seem to be in the play all the time, and when a goal is scored, the place gets really loud. On the other hand, when the opposing team scores, you can hear a pin drop. Shawinigan fans are intelligent and passionate, and much more hospitable than I ever expected. Access 4 Getting to the Centre Bionest is very easy. It is right on the edge of town, so traveling there by car is a piece of cake. Parking is free, but you might want to get there early enough to ensure that you are getting a good spot. Parking goes down to Arena Jacques-Plante, but is a little less organized down there. Centre Bionest does seem a bit small to host the Memorial Cup, but I’m sure they will do a great job. Washroom facilities are adequate, and traveling throughout the arena can be tight at times. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to see the Cataractes are an unbelievable deal! Adult tickets are only $15, and tickets for children are a staggering $5!! At this rate, a night for the family at a Cataractes game is cheaper than a night at the movies. Parking is free and concession prices are good. The Q is a fast-paced, high-scoring league, that never seems to disappoint. At the end of the day, I don’t think it is possible to get a greater return on such a small investment. Extras 3 An extra point for being the host city of the 2012 Memorial Cup. An extra point for the large hanging aboriginal in the upper corner. He flashes with lightning when the Cataractes score a goal. Extra points for the stability of the Shawinigan franchise and their great history in the Q. Final Thoughts If you REALLY want to see what Quebecois hockey is all about, make a trip to see the bedrock of junior hockey in Quebec. The Shawinigan Cataractes are a fantastic entertainment experience and a must for all hockey gurus. When in Shawinigan you will most definitely feel l’energie!

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 A. B. Howard Gymnasium 33 College Dr Ellisville, MS 39437 Jones College Bobcats website A. B. Howard Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 2,200 The Free State of Jones Jones College is a Junior College located in downtown Ellisville, Mississippi. The college originally opened as an agricultural high school in 1911, before beginning to offer junior college classes in 1927. Today Jones College is one of 15 teams that make up the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conferences (MACCC) for basketball. Nicknamed the Bobcats, the first year of athletics at Jones began in 1927 and currently sponsors 11 sports. The Bobcats compete in NJCAA Division 1 Region 23, which also includes some Louisiana schools. In over 80 years of basketball at Jones the Bobcats have won six State (MACCC) Championships and have been Region 23 Champions three times. But perhaps the greatest feat in Bobcat Basketball history happened at the end of the 2013-14 season, when the Bobcats won their first NJCAA National Championship. The Bobcats were coached at the time by current Southern Miss Head Coach Jay Ladner, who was named Junior College Coach of the Year that season. Food and Beverage 2 There is one small concession stand in the lobby of the gym. They don't sell much here as the menu only consists of popcorn ($3), candy, and canned cokes ($2). The gym is attached to the Student Union, however, which has a Taco Bell and a small restaurant called The Grill – both places are open during games, however you have to walk outside the gym and around through another entrance to get to the union. Though there is technically a no re-entry policy, I was able to talk the lady taking tickets at the front into letting me leave and come back, and she seemed relaxed. Atmosphere 3 The Bobcats play at the Historic A.B. Howard Gymnasium, formerly known as Bobcat Gym. Opened in 1954 the gym is named after the winningest coach in Jones College history, A. B. Howard. Howard is a former standout running back on Mississippi State's 1941 SEC Championship team. He came to Jones College in 1950 as the football coach, serving in that position until 1961, and serving as the basketball coach until 1977. After retiring from coaching he was the Jones College Athletic Director from 1977-1982. From the outside the gym looks like any other building on campus, as it is attached to the Student Union and campus police station. There is only one main entrance to get to the gym, on the north side of the building. The surrounding walkway walking up to the building on the north side is quite pretty during Christmas – they have a giant Christmas tree lit up right outside with decorations all around the building; it definitely sets the mood if you are attending a game during the holiday season. Once inside there is a spacious lobby with a trophy case and a banner commemorating the 2014 National Championship Team. The National Championship trophy is also on display in the rack, as well as Jay Ladner's Coach of the Year plaque. Once inside the gym it is basically laid out like an old high school gym. There are 15 rows of wooden bleachers on each side of the court, which can hold about 2,200 people. The ceiling is made of the typical ceiling tile you would find in a classroom, and a large A/C unit sits hoisted up at the east end of the court, next to a basic scoreboard that just shows the score. The one cool thing that stands out is the large banner of the basketball team that takes up the entire east side wall, as well as all 10 of the MACCC Champions Banners, and the large 2014 National Championship banner standing out above center court, adding to the intimidation for visiting teams. Neighborhood 3 Downtown is just a couple of blocks off campus and features a historic courthouse, with a square of historic buildings that date back to the 1800s. Ellisville is one of the oldest cities in Mississippi, and you can definitely tell by walking around downtown – many of the buildings still look like they did over 100 years ago. A couple of restaurants to check out downtown include Casadores Mexican Grill, Karocks (which is a chicken and BBQ joint), and Bosun Suns, a popular seafood restaurant located in an old historic hotel. Another interesting place to check out in downtown Ellisville is the Amos Deason House. The house was built in 1845 and gained historical significance because of a small Civil War skirmish in 1863 that resulted in the death of the house’s owner. The House is rumored to be haunted, and is considered one of the most haunted places in the South – it has been featured on numerous TV shows. Deason House is located a couple of blocks away from campus, and if in town on Saturdays they give tours of the historic home. The events that unfolded at the house were adapted into the 2016 movie ‘Free State of Jones’ starring Matthew McConaughey. Fans 2 The Bobcats average a couple hundred fans per game. You'll find a mix of all kinds of people scattered throughout the gym. There is no permanent student section, although most of the students will sit in the bleachers on the east side of the building behind the home bench. There were also a good number of visiting fans sitting on the west side bleachers at the most recent game I was at. There is no student band or mascot walking around, although there are cheerleaders pumping up the crowd. Access 3 Getting to Ellisville is very simple; the small town is conveniently located off Interstate 59 about 20 minutes north of Hattiesburg and 5 minutes south of Laurel. The campus is located at Exit 58, a few miles past the interstate on Highway 590. Getting to campus can be quite easy, however finding the Gym can be quite difficult. As mentioned, the Gym blends in with the surrounding buildings and is a part of the Union, so it can hard to find without a campus map. However, the building is located right next to the big green quad at the center of campus. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $8 to attend a Bobcats game, which I consider reasonable for basketball at this level. Don't come expecting many concessions though, as I would definitely recommend getting something to eat before coming to the game, or eating at the Taco Bell attached to the building. The Bobcats have also sent over 100 players to the next level, so you are potentially seeing some future D1 basketball players on the court. The Bobcats are consistently one of the better teams in the MACCC every year as well, and have the NJCAA National Championship to add to their resume. Extras 3 The Bobcats assistant coach for the 2022-23 season is former NBA player Clarence Weatherspoon. The Mississippi native and Southern Miss alum had been the assistant coach for his alma matter for the past six seasons, until he got job at Jones. Weatherspoon was selected 9th overall in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He had a 14-year career for six NBA teams, and finished second in the 1993 All-Star Game Dunk Contest his rookie year. Weatherspoon was nicknamed "Little Barkley" during his first few seasons, as the Sixers drafted him three days after trading away Charles Barkley. Because of both players' similar builds, Weatherspoon was drafted to the Sixers as the subsequent heir to Barkley. The Jones College football team also made history in 1955, when they played in the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena for the NJCAA National Championship against Compton (CA) College. Though the Bobcats lost that game, they made history by becoming the first sports team from Mississippi to play against an integrated team with black players. Under the threat of losing state funding, the college president assured his team that they would get a chance to play for a national title. There is a nice historical marker as well as a plaque dedicated to this game outside the gymnasium. Some of the more notable alumni of Jones College include two-time national champion quarterback at Georgia, Stetson Bennett and Super Bowl XXXIX (2005) MVP for the Patriots Deion Branch, as well as Grey Cup winning quarterback, and the college's only member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Jackie Parker. Seahawks Safety Jonathan Abram, UFC Heavyweight Chase Sherman, and Western Actor Red West round out the list of interesting names to attend this small college.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center 26 Eagle Row Atlanta, GA 30322 Emory Eagles website George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 1,000 Welcome to the WoodPEC Tucked away in Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood sits the campus of Emory University. Even with Emory’s high academic standards, athletics play a key role in the overall culture of the university. Originally founded in 1836, Emory would move from their original east Georgia home in Oxford, Georgia, to Atlanta in 1915 on land donated by the founder of the Coca-Cola Company, Asa Griggs Chandler. Emory University has played in the University Athletic Association in the NCAA’s Division III since the conference’s inception in 1986. The UAA is comprised of colleges and universities throughout Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, which are all also highly regarded institutions of higher learning.   Food & Beverage   2 When it comes to food and beverages, options are as basic here as you are going to find. A small table is set up along the entryway and sells candy, chips, and other snacks, along with Minute Maid Agua Fresca, Dunkin’ Iced Coffee, Powerade, and Coca-Cola products. A saving grace for concessions is that outside food does not seem to be frowned upon – with the Cox Hall food court just steps from Woodruff P.E. Center, there are several options for fans to grab and bring to the game.   Atmosphere   4 The George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center, affectionately called the “WoodPEC”, is a multi-use student recreation complex that houses campus health and wellness facilities and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, along with the gymnasium. The facility uses two very different styles at each of its entrances. In what might be considered the backdoor there is a very ‘80s minimalist feel to it, with very straight angles and little use of glass and windows. In contrast, the campus side of the facility has a much different feel, featuring a high arching entryway, large columns, and a great deal of stonework on the lower portion of the building. Since Woodruff Physical Education Center doubles as the student recreation center, there is an interesting mix of those there for the basketball game and those there to get a workout in. The playing area is part of a much larger gymnasium that is divided into a pair of side courts alongside the main game court. Traditional wooden bleachers pull out from the wall across from team benches, while temporary bleachers run the length of the sidelines behind the team benches. Basic scoreboards are affixed to the facade of the overhead track that runs above the gym; the scoreboard at the home end of the floor provides fans with player individual totals, along with the typical game time and score. Emory also has a small but energetic pep band, which is quick to fill time during breaks in the action with popular music and the school fight song, to fire up students and alumni. Friday night games also use a DJ to bring a bit of hype to the contest. When it comes to seating, much will depend on needs and wishes. Seating across from the team benches is wooden step-up bleachers, so there is no back support. On the other hand, the bleachers behind the team benches are more of a stadium style with seatbacks. For students, Friday night games seem to bring a bit more excitement, as Emory Athletics hosts a pre-game tailgate with free food, beer, and giveaways. This goes a long way in enticing students to come out to the game and create a fun, college basketball atmosphere.   Neighborhood   4 Emory is in Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood, just to the east of downtown Atlanta. On campus, Woodruff Physical Education Center is in the northwest corner, sandwiched between the campus track and tennis courts. The area immediately around Emory’s campus allows visitors to feel as if they are in a small college town. Just east of campus, Emory Village has a handful of restaurants, cafes, and shops, while to the north, Emory Point offers even more shops and restaurants, including one of Atlanta’s most highly regarded delis, The General Muir. Alternatively, if looking for more of a college town vibe with more food, drink, and entertainment options, the city of Decatur’s town square is only a short drive away. Being just over 6 miles from Downtown Atlanta, there are seemingly endless points of interest near the arena.   Fans   4 Emory’s student body and fanbase definitely fill the stands, especially for Friday night games. They typically create a definitive home court advantage, but at times require a bit of a spark to get going. Fans do not seem to be overly rambunctious throughout the game, but are quick to celebrate big plays, jeer opponent mistakes, or join the Eagles’ bench in calls for “DE-FENSE!”.   Access   3 Emory is in a part of Atlanta that can be a bit tricky to get to, close to being in the middle of three different interstate highways (I-85, I-20, and the Atlanta I-285 bypass). The area is fed by surface and neighborhood streets that can be rather congested on Friday evenings, when the Eagles play many of their home games. A saving grace is that Emory plays many of their games at noon on Sundays, so dealing with the trials and tribulations of Atlanta traffic is not much of an issue at this time of day. When it comes to accessing the gymnasium, a large parking deck is conveniently located on the back side of Woodruff Physical Education Center, which is just a short walk away. Fans will enter on the second level of the recreation center and proceed to the middle of the building, where they can take the stairs or elevator to the first floor, where the gymnasium’s entry point is located.   Return on Investment   5 Admission to Emory Eagles basketball games is free, as is parking, so it’s hard to ask for anything more than that. Concessions are a bit hit or miss when it comes to what might seem reasonable, especially for beverages, and there really aren’t any food options to attract fans, unless they just need to grab something to tide them over.   Extras   3 The hallway behind the primary seating area has two “pop-a-shot” games where fans to challenge each other to a head-to-head competition, or just see what high score can be set. The walls of the eastern entrance on the main level display the Emory Athletics Hall of Fame – one drawback though is many of the plaques are mounted so high up the wall they can be difficult to read. Along the center staircase of the WoodPEC is an interactive look at Emory University athletics and the accomplishments of each of the Eagles programs. Also included is the Emory Victory Bell that was salvaged from the Emory Victory, a World War II and Korean War-era cargo ship. The bell is rung in recognition of the achievements of student-athletes.   Final Thoughts Emory University has a vibrant basketball atmosphere that encompasses much of what has traditionally made college basketball so attractive. Despite what might be considered a smaller venue, the packed stands contain a lot of energy that celebrate the highs and lows of the game. The coziness of the stands and involvement of fans create an exceptionally fun, Division III college basketball experience.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Davidson College Stadium 109 Patterson Court Circle                                                                                                                                                     Davidson, NC 28035 Davidson Wildcats website Davidson College Stadium website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 5,000 The Wildcats' New Den Davidson College is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). It is in the village of Davidson, NC, which is 19 miles north of Charlotte, NC. The school was founded in 1837 and has a student body of just over 1,900 students. The school offers more than 74 majors and other academic programs. The athletic teams at Davidson are known as the Wildcats. They play at the FCS level of NCAA Division I football as a member of the Pioneer Football Conference. Davidson first fielded a football program in 1896. They played at the Division III level of competition through 1992, when they moved up to the FCS level. The Wildcats have gone to the FCS playoffs three times (2020,2021 and 2022). Davidson’s rivalry game each season is the interstate battle with Presbyterian College. This game is known as the Carolina Border Clash, with the winner taking home the 1919 Cup. The kickoff to the 2024 college football season was also the beginning of a new era for the Davidson College football program. For the first time in a century, when the Davidson Wildcats stepped out on their home field, it was not in Richardson Stadium. The opening of Davidson College Stadium is the crowning achievement of the Athletics Done Right: The Next Step capital campaign to take athletics to the next level at the school. Richardson Stadium, built in 1923, will stay in use as the track and field stadium at Davidson. While Davidson College Stadium primarily serves as the home of the football and lacrosse programs, it also serves a much broader purpose to benefit the entire Wildcats athletic program. The 56,000-square-foot three-story building atop the home side of the stands is known as the Game Changers Field House. It houses several facilities that are being used by all the sports teams at the school. These include the Sports Performance Center (weight room/training room), the Sheridan Brothers Locker Rooms, showers, coaches’ offices, a film room, team meeting rooms, and a media center. The top floor of the Field House will have a large multipurpose room for use by boosters and other campus activities. The new stadium includes stands on both the home and visitor sides of the field. This is a huge change from the home and visiting fans having to share the same seating area. It also allows the cheerleading squads and bands from each school to focus on their respective fanbases. Food & Beverage 4 One of the main beneficiaries of the new stadium on gamedays is the concession stands. They are located at the concourse level of the stadium, which is atop the seating bowl at the 50-yard line. The Richardson Stadium concession area was located quite a distance from the seating area. The state-of-the-art food prep area greatly reduces the wait time to receive your food. The concession stand has also expanded its menu to include NC Hot Chicken, pork BBQ, potato wedges, and a more diverse beer and wine list. Pepsi brand sodas and North Carolina favorite Cheerwine are the featured soft drinks. Unfortunately, there is no permanent concession stand on the visitor’s side of the field. Davidson College Stadium also has several local food vendors lined up for games with temporary setups. These include Sully’s Steamers sandwiches, Crazy Pig BBQ, and Bojangles. Atmosphere 4 Moving into a brand-new stadium has brought a whole new feel to attending home games at Davidson. The faculty, administration, and alumni sections of the seating bowl are located between the 40s at midfield and feature chairback seats… much more comfortable than the bleacher seats at Richardson Stadium. The other sections of the stands still feature bleacher seating. By spreading stands over both sides of the field, the new structure was able to place the seats closer to the playing field, as no seats are more than 15 rows from the playing field. The new electronics package at Davidson College Stadium is a vast improvement over Richardson Stadium. The basic, high school-level scoreboard used at Richardson Stadium has been replaced by a high-definition Armfield Foundation video board. The lighting and sound system at the new stadium is now state of the art. The playing surface at the new stadium also adds to the improved atmosphere at home games. It features a very attractive graphics package with each of the end zones featuring one of the team’s colors (red and black). There is also a script “D” at the 50-yard line of the field. The new artificial turf should also reduce injuries for both the home and visiting teams, as it is a much more giving surface than its predecessor. The playing surface is known as Field 76, which is the number Coach David J. Fagg wore during his playing days at the college. Coach Fagg then served as the head football coach at Davidson during the 1970s. After retiring from the coaching profession, he became a fundraiser for the Davidson Athletic Fund. Neighborhood 5 Davidson College Stadium is located at the north end of the Davidson College campus. It is still within walking distance of the main campus quad and the charming downtown Davidson business district. The downtown area is very pedestrian and bike-friendly with both walking trails and bike lines. It is very much a college town, with mom-and-pop stores serving the student population. One of the local favorites is the Soda Shop. It has been open since 1951 and serves the typical soda shop menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, and milkshakes. Those looking for more adult fare can choose between the Brickhouse Tavern and Il Bosco. The downtown area also features the Our Town Cinema and Drafthouse. Most of the lodging accommodations for visitors to Davidson are located at the I-77 exit, which is only two miles from the campus. They include the Davidson Village Inn, and the Homewood Suites by Hilton-Davidson. If you will be staying in Davidson over a football weekend, be sure to visit Lake Norman. It is the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. There are numerous recreational activities available at the lake, including a picnic area, fishing, boating, and swimming areas. Fans 4 Attending a game at Davidson College Stadium is the quintessential small college football experience. Davidson only has 1,900 students, and most of the alumni live in the greater Charlotte area. This means it does not require a lot of effort to get back for all the home football games. They are very knowledgeable about the players, as the school’s small size makes it likely you might know several classmates who also play on the football team. They are very welcoming of visitors and are glad to recommend places to eat at or visit while you are in town. The students are also well-behaved at games, with no trash-talking, as the school has a very strict honor code. The stands are packed for every home game, as alumni have turned out in large numbers to check out the first new Davidson football stadium in more than 100 years. Access 4 The Davidson campus and the football stadium are very easy to get to from I-77. From Charlotte: Take I-77 North for 19 miles to the Davidson exit (Exit 30). Turn left onto Griffith Street and follow it until you reach North Main Street. Turn left on North Main Street, then right on Patterson Court Circle. There is a large, paved parking lot right outside of the stadium. Gameday parking in this lot is $30, with free parking available in a grass lot next to the baseball field. Overflow parking is available at the Baker Sports Complex just south of the stadium. Davidson College Stadium is much easier to navigate than Richardson Stadium. While Richardson Stadium was charming, it was built well before many of the amenities we expect to see in a sports facility existed. There are multiple ticket windows too so you should not expect much of a line when you buy your tickets. There are several entry points into the seating bowl, so you should have no trouble getting to your seats. The concourse and the aisles are wide enough that you should have no problem getting around the venue. The seating bowl is in a U–shaped, with the concourse circling to the other side of the field at one end atop a berm. The other end of the field is where the videoboard is located. There are three entry gates at Davidson College Stadium. Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Return on Investment 3 Attending a game at the new Davidson College Stadium will not cost you an arm and a leg. The three middle sections between the 40s on the home side of the field feature chairback seats, which are $24 for adults and $12 for youth (under 18). All other seating in the stadium features bleacher seating and is considered general admission. (General Admission also means bench seating… bring a seat cushion!). The general admission seats are $14 for adults and $7 for youth (under 18). The grass berm at the end of the field is also considered General Admission seating. Parking is $30 in the paved lot just outside of the stadium. Parking is free in the grass lot next to the baseball field or at the nearby Baker Sports Complex. As far as concession prices, the stadium standards are reasonably priced. Some of the items on the newly expanded menu such as the Impossible burger, the NC Hot Chicken, and several items on the beer and wine list are somewhat more expensive than you would pay at a retail establishment. Extras 3 Nearly 25 percent of the Davidson student body is involved in one of the NCAA sports at the school. The Wildcats have beaten the University of Georgia Bulldogs. The game took place in 1906, with a score of 15-0. Davidson used the recently approved forward pass to seal the victory over the Bulldogs. Davidson has the 4th smallest enrollment of any school competing in Division I football. Davidson is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference in all sports except football. Final Thoughts After playing in Richardson Stadium for more than a century, the football program has moved to a new state-of-the-art facility just up the street. While the football program is the major beneficiary of the new stadium and the Game Changers Field House, the facility will also service the needs of all 21 Division I sports programs at the school. The training facilities, sports medicine offices, the strength and conditioning rooms and sports performance laboratories housed in the new structure will be available to all Wildcat athletes. In addition, the alumni will have access to the Gallery 18 multipurpose space housed on the top floor of the Field House for their meetings. There are also plans to allow the townspeople of Davidson, NC to use the building for community events as the schedule allows.

Photos courtesy of Columbia Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Robertson Field at Satow Stadium 533 W 218th St New York, NY 10034 Columbia Lions website Robertson Field at Satow Stadium website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 360 Columbia Baseball Tucked away in a remote nook of the Baker Athletic Complex at the northernmost tip of Manhattan on 218th Street, Robertson Field at Satow Stadium is home to the Columbia Lions baseball team. Befitting Manhattan’s trademark space-efficient design, Satow Stadium abuts the school’s football stadium, Wien Stadium, along the third base side and the softball field and parking lot along the first base side. The outfield wall borders Spuyten Duyvil Creek, which connects the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, and the Marble Hill neighborhood of the Bronx serves as the backdrop for fans, catchers, and batters. The Baker Athletic Complex opened in 1921, though it is unclear which year the baseball stadium opened. It is certain, however, that America’s first televised sporting event was held there in 1939, a Columbia-Princeton contest at what was then known as Andy Coakley Field. Coakley, a member of the 1908 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs (he did not play in the Series), coached a young Lou Gehrig at Columbia, though Gehrig’s time at the school occurred when the team was still playing at South Field, now part of Columbia’s campus approximately 100 blocks south of the current stadium. Andy Coakley Field was renovated in 2007 and re-named Robertson Field in honor of 1981 graduate Harold Robertson, a football and baseball player in his time at Columbia. In 2010 Columbia honored Phillip Satow, a 1963 graduate and Lion baseball player, by dubbing the diamond Robertson Field at Satow Stadium. Satow Stadium has four sections (plus one additional strip of two seats per row) with seven rows each of stadium-style plastic seats. The playing surface is FieldTurf, which makes sense given the cold Northeast climate, as it is not conducive to early spring grass growth. The seats, field, and press box are very modern and professional, as are the dugouts. The seats are asymmetrically located from the 7 o’clock position of home plate to approximately half-way up the first base line, with plenty of room to stand on the stadium’s wide concourse. The seats on the first base side abut the fence, while those behind the plate and to the left are slightly farther away. The outfield features a full-color scoreboard displaying photos of each batter as his personal walk-up music plays over the stadium’s PA system. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Satow. A deli and coffee shop are located across 218th Street from the main entrance to the Baker Complex, a few hundred yards from the Satow entrance. These are the closest places to get anything to eat or drink. Fans are allowed to bring in any food they would like. Though alcohol is specifically banned, one otherwise well-behaved fan was spotted drinking beer in his seat out of a blue plastic Solo cup. A few fans set up tables to eat and drink in the parking lot, though this was far from an SEC football-style tailgate scene. Many fans arrived with coffee and other hot drinks on this snowy March day. Atmosphere 2 There is not a single bad seat in Satow Stadium, though there are only approximately 360 of them. Because the seats are so close to the field, and because you wouldn’t have to raise your voice very much for everyone in the stands to hear you, there is a small feeling of community to the proceedings. The security staff, who appear to be student volunteers, are friendly and non-intrusive. Columbia has an interesting 147-year baseball history. Unfortunately, you would never know it from visiting Satow Stadium. There is nary a mention of Andy Coakley or Lou Gehrig to be found, and even the plaques commemorating Robertson and Satow themselves are located on a ramp to the visitor’s dugout on the third base side that is closed to spectators. The only acknowledgement of previous Columbia teams comes in the form of dates signifying NCAA Tournament appearances and Ivy League Championships on the outfield walls. The field at Satow is sunken below the rest of the broader complex, and both baselines feature tall, unsightly cement walls running nearly to each foul pole. The walls serve as a not-so-subtle reminder that this stadium is crammed very tightly into a much larger complex in America’s most densely-populated metro area. The stadium is also dwarfed to the left by Robert Kraft Field at Lawrence Wein Stadium, the school’s 17,000-seat football stadium, which also serves Columbia’s lacrosse and track and field teams. The visitor’s dugout is cut into the wall on the third base side, nestled below the track surrounding the football field. These physical limitations, coupled with the strange outfield configuration (the center field fence is actually closer than the left and right field walls) dictated by an unswimmable river combine to give the stadium a somewhat claustrophobic feel. Neighborhood 3 Compared to most of the country, the area surrounding Satow Stadium is teeming with options for pre and postgame dining or entertainment. Compared to the rest of Manhattan though, the area is fairly quiet. The stadium is located in the Inwood neighborhood at the northern tip of Manhattan, far from the hustle and bustle of New York City’s more touristy areas. Even the heart of Columbia’s campus sits a cool 100 blocks (5.5 miles) to the south, which seems to preclude students with no personal ties to any players from attending. Anything you would come from somewhere else and visit Manhattan to do is a long subway ride away. The neighborhood feels very safe, but aside from the deli and coffee shop on 218th Street, everything in sight of the Baker Athletic Complex entrance is fairly industrial, including several auto-body shops, closed storefronts, and raised train tracks running above Broadway, the closest major thoroughfare. Within a five-minute walk down Broadway are a handful of restaurants and sports bars. A few grocery stores are also only a few minutes away by foot. Fans 3 Crowds typically attract a friends and family-heavy affair, with a few faculty types in the mix, as well. The tailgaters mostly appears to be parents and younger siblings of players on either team. All that said, the chatter mostly revolves around baseball (though not necessarily the game being played) and the crowd cheers loudly at every hit and third out. While a small-time Ivy League baseball crowd doesn’t have the same atmosphere as those you might find at South Carolina or UCLA or some other baseball powerhouse, there are moments that remind you that college kids are college kids, no matter their school’s Princeton Review ranking. During a recent visit, a group of five young men sat together in the sixth of seven rows behind home plate. One of them asked the others where he could get a tin of Skoal and, upon receiving no helpful answers, demonstratively said he would “get a pledge” to bring him one. About 20 minutes later, a young man in a black North Face jacket arrived to deliver a tin of dip to the requesting gentleman. Some things never change. Access 4 Parking is free at the Baker Athletic Complex, and the 54-space parking lot is located adjacent to the Satow Stadium entrance. Softball and women’s lacrosse games may also be taking place at the same time as the Columbia baseball game, and there should still be empty parking spaces available. Parking at the far end of the lot closest to the softball field is not advised, as multiple foul balls land there. As with all things in Manhattan, parking is not the true measure of access. The complex is located within an eight-minute walk from the uptown terminus of the A-train, which runs (mostly) express down the island’s west side to Midtown and beyond, including JFK International Airport. The 1 train, which runs local from the Bronx to South Ferry at the southern tip of Manhattan, is also a short walk from the complex and stops every 8 blocks or so through Harlem and the Upper West Side. Because of its frequent stops, the 1 train takes much longer to reach Midtown Manhattan than the A, which reaches Port Authority in just over 30 minutes (the A also stops at Penn Station for those arriving on Amtrak, Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, and elsewhere). To get from Satow to Columbia’s campus, one can take the A seven stops to 125th Street and then either transfer to the B or C to go one stop to 116th Street or simply walk from 125th Street. There are no bathrooms at Satow Stadium, though the bathrooms at the football stadium are located in clear sight of the Satow entrance and are well-marked and decently maintained. From the most distant seat at Satow, the walk to the bathroom can be accomplished in less than 90 seconds. The stadium is also wheelchair accessible, and the concourse is in plain sight of the field. Return on Investment 3 Admission and parking are both free, so any investment is one of time and $2.75 for a subway fare (for those who do not drive). Despite the stadium’s cramped configuration, the stadium has its charms. Free double-sided programs with Columbia’s schedule and the rosters of each team are available in a small stand by the entrance, and everyone is free to sit wherever they please. When Satow’s 360-odd seats are full, there is ample room to stand and a set of bleachers is located at the edge of the football stadium overlooking the diamond. The fans are friendly and, at times, fairly involved. The feeling of attending a Columbia game as someone with no ties to either team or school is fairly odd, as nearly every fan seems to personally know at least one player. There is also a certain lack of attention to detail, as a baseball and a lacrosse ball were found in the stands that nobody seemed to know what to do with. Random equipment, specifically the netting that protects batting practice pitchers, is simply left in the spectator area. Extras 0 What you see is what you get at Satow Stadium, and you don’t see a lot. There aren’t really any extras to speak of. Final Thoughts Hardcore stadium chasing aside, there is really no reason to attend a game here if you don’t have any ties to Columbia or the opponent, and the stadium is located in a remote area (by Manhattan standards). The Baker Athletic Complex itself is fairly charm free, essentially a larger scale version of a suburban high school with chain link fences everywhere. That said, if you’re a real baseball junkie and live in New York City, admission is free and Satow Stadium is just a subway ride away.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 ZoZo Marine Stadium 1 Mihama Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-0022, Japan Chiba Lotte Marines website ZoZo Marine Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 30,000 Quality, Value, Chiba! In 1990, Chiba Marine Stadium was built on the shores of Tokyo Bay and two years later, the Lotte Orions moved there and became the Chiba Lotte Marines. It didn’t take long for people to realize that building an outdoor stadium next to a large body of water isn’t always the best idea, as the ballpark became famous for its difficult playing conditions whenever the weather turned slightly foul. Swirling winds and bone-chilling temperatures are the norm early in the season and night games sometimes require an extra layer or two of clothing, even in midsummer. In 2011, shopping channel QVC bought the naming rights and the stadium was known as QVC Marine Field. Along with the name change came a newly installed turf and what seem to be some other cleanup projects as the stadium was brighter and more colorful than I had remembered. It is now known as ZoZo Marine Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 As with all Japanese ballparks, you should investigate your dining options before entering. I found a number of interesting stalls, including gyutan tsukune (minced beef tongue on a stick) and sausage and steak tacos. Take your time to explore here and remember that any food you buy can be brought into the stadium. There is also a small picnic area here where you can sit to enjoy your meal. Once inside, the first floor is lined with concessions that offer typical Japanese fare. There’s also a Domino’s (600 yen for a slice of cheese-filled pizza) and Nakau, a fast-food chain that offers udon and donburi and was the most popular stand. My favourite was the honey peanuts from Rie Coffee, a bargain at 250 yen and great for snacking throughout the game. Note that the 2nd floor has limited concessions, so you are better off buying what you want on the 1st floor before walking up. Beer here is served in smaller cups and is consequently a bit cheaper than in the other ballparks. You can also buy cups of shochu, a clear, distilled beverage that comes from wheat, rice, or potatoes for the most part. It is stronger than wine but the distinct taste is one worth trying. For those looking to enjoy a real meal after a day game, try Tony Roma’s on the third floor in the Marive Dining building. Across the street in the Plena complex is the Marines Official Sports Bar, a small outpost that just shows highlights of Chiba games and seems to serve more as a smoking area rather than a full-on drinking spot. There are several other restaurants around here, but nothing that you can’t find at any typical large train station in the greater Tokyo area. Atmosphere 3 The stadium seats only 30,000 but with two seating levels and a relatively roomy upper deck, the atmosphere is not as good as it could be. The upper level is mostly unreserved seating, so fans generally try to spread themselves out. Fortunately the outfield seats are jam packed and it is these cheering groups that keep the stadium alive, particularly when the Marines are enjoying a long rally. As an open air stadium next to the bay, the air is fresh and cool. The sun moves from left field to right during a day game, so you can always find shade if you are looking for it. I found this to be a relaxing and comfortable place to watch the game. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is surrounded by nothing except office buildings and exhibition halls. Only Kaihin Makuhari station provides any entertainment or food options, and even those are fairly limited and uninteresting. My recommendation is to take the train back to Tokyo or over to Chiba to find a more dynamic environment post-game. Fans 4 Lotte fans are infamous in Japan for being tough on their team, but they might also be the most united. The outfield stands are completely white as every fan seems to be wearing a Marines uniform and the energy they showed by jumping up and down throughout the game was fantastic. Even after the game the entire group stayed and continued to cheer as their team had prevailed. The Marines faithful are also famous for their support of one-time manager Bobby Valentine, who spent seven seasons with the club and led them to the Nippon Series title in 2005. When the club announced that they would not retain his services after the 2009 season, thousands of fans signed petitions, wore “Bobby 2010” t-shirts, and waved large signs, all in an ultimately vain attempt to force the team to reconsider. Ironically, the first season after Valentine left, the Marines again won the Nippon Series, this time after finishing third in the regular season but using a strong rotation to win the Pacific League’s Climax Series before besting Chunichi in the final. Access 2 The closest station to QVC Marine Field is Kaihin-Makuhari on the Keiyo Line. It’s about a 40 minute train ride from Tokyo, but then another 15-20 minutes to walk to the stadium itself. Bus service is available from the station for a meager 100 yen, although I prefer to walk; most of the way is via elevated pedestrian walkways. I’m docking points here for a number of reasons. The concourses are narrow and not easy to navigate when crowded. When you go up to the second level, you have to walk through a smoking area, in fact the stadium is filled with them and they should really be moved outside of the concourses. The toilets are limited and you can see right into them, a curious but not uncommon situation in Japan. Even the ladies’ loo was sporting a urinal for some strange reason. Finally, there are far too many checkpoints and you can’t move around the stadium on the lower level before the game without showing your ticket. These minor annoyances, coupled with the distance from the stadium, are why I am giving QVC Marine Field an access rating of just two stars. Return on Investment 3 Tickets here are priced fairly, but be careful of the field level seats, which are on the field but stretch well down the lines, almost to the corners, which seems to be a terrible vantage point. The best option is the second deck unreserved seats at 2,300 yen ($30).You can sit pretty much anywhere in the upper deck, and when the stadium is not full, you can usually get a few seats to yourself. One of the interesting things about QVC Marine Field is the colorful seats. Each section is color-coded in the same way as on the stadium seating map. Red, green, orange, and light and dark blue seats remind you where you are but also provide a welcome alternative to the usual monochrome seating plans. For parents with toddlers, there is a small play area on the concourse which might help pass the time. In other areas, there are not a lot of bells and whistles here. A ribbon board is on the facing of the upper deck and shows the batter’s previous results, while the scoreboard is typically large but provides little more than lineups and the linescore. I do like the wind direction indicator on the right side of scoreboard. It didn’t show higher than 3 m/s at the game I attended, but in the spring and fall, you might see it hit double digits. Another interesting feature is that the batting average and home run stats change immediately after the play, before the next batter is announced. As Lotte is a gum and candy maker, all fans are handed a pack of lemon gum as they enter the stadium. Extras 3 The Marines Museum was a nice surprise as it was not here on my last visit. It is a small Hall of Fame dedicated to the franchise, which has moved around quite a bit. Located just across from the main entrance, the museum is free and only takes a few minutes to explore, but there is a lot of history here. Do take the time to walk through it. The Marine Dance Academy seems to be a cheerleading school that has dozens of dancers from age 4 and up. They were on the field before, during, and after the game. As well, they have a stage outside where the actual team cheerleaders put on pre-game performances that attract mostly guys with zoom lenses. Finally, the day I went was Drug Store Day and they were handing out travel size shampoo and other sundries before the game. It was amazing how long the lineups were for something worth perhaps 50 yen, but in these trying times, every little bit helps. Final Thoughts I was surprised at how much I enjoyed my time here. On a previous visit, the weather was miserable and cold and I hated it, but for an afternoon game, the stadium is pleasant, spacious, colorful , and loud. The friendly staff and few extras mentioned make QVC Marine Field well worth a look if you are in Tokyo or Chiba during the baseball season.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Hovey Field 1500 N Lombardy St Richmond, VA 23220 Virginia Union Panthers website Hovey Field website Year Opened: 1907 Capacity: 10,000 At Home in Hovey Home of the Virginia Union Panthers, Hovey Field opened in 1907 and is the oldest football stadium in D2, and is the second-oldest college football stadium still in use overall (second only to Harvard Stadium ); football has been played here continuously since it opened. The stadium is named after the second president of the university, George Hovey, who donated about $8K of his own money to purchase the land for the venue. The stands on the east side of the field are the original ones, but are now mainly used by visiting fans – the bleachers behind the north end zone were added in the 1940s, and the larger stands on the west side were added in the 1980s. The field itself is still the original grass surface, but during the off-season next year the Panthers will install new turf. Located in Richmond, Virginia, Hovey Field is surrounded by some of the campus’ original granite buildings, as well as the Panthers basketball arena (beyond the south end zone). The building housing the basketball arena was actually built for the 1936 World’s Fair and was moved here later – it is one of only two buildings that remains from that World’s Fair. Food & Beverage 3 There are not a ton of options available for sale at Virginia Union Football games, but the limited menu should be more than enough to keep you sated for a few hours. The lone concessions stand is located under the home grandstand, but most fans sit on that side anyway, and the venue is small enough that even if you side on either of the other two sides it is a quick walk to get a bite to eat. Food options at Hovey Field include chicken wings (a sauceless version that is easier to eat on the go), burgers, hot dogs, fries, nachos, chips, popcorn, and candy bars – for these options the prices range from $2 to $6, with the $3 burger a great value for the money. Drink options include canned soda, bottled water, and Gatorade for $2 to $3. Atmosphere 3 A recent news article said that Hovey Field is the worst stadium in college football, but that report is completely untrue. Admittedly the bleachers on the north and east sides could use some work, being wooden bleachers and thus having the potential for splinters, but I was easily able to sit on them without feeling like they would fall apart. Regardless, all the seats here are general admission, so you are welcome to sit on the much newer, metal bleachers on the east side if you prefer. Like at most HBCUs the band is one of the driving reasons for attending a football game, so you should definitely stay in your seat during halftime so you can watch the show – the band doesn’t perform during pregame, but you can watch them march, or should I say, swagger, into the stadium when they take their seats, and you can see them movin’ and swayin’ in the stands throughout the game, with their color guard flags waving and twirling in the breeze. The band plays plenty of great music during the game, too much for the refs’ taste in fact, as the band does occasionally get called out for making too much noise during plays on the field – the Virginia Union marching band is proudly known as the “Ambassadors of Sound”. Neighborhood 3 VUU’s campus and Hovey Field are located near downtown Richmond in probably what is not the nicest area, but there are a few attractions nearby as well as some restaurants. The main area around the stadium consists of other campus buildings and a residential area, but there are a number of restaurants to the east and to the south; college students seem to adore pizza, and they can get their fill at nearby Mellow Mushroom. However, my recommendation would be a quaint little place simply called “Lunch”, which boasts a cool looking black-and-white interior, plus all-day helpings of sandwiches and other lunch choices. The closest hotels to Hovey Field are Diamond Inn & Suites and Enys Hotel, but these are on the cheap side and therefore may not be the kind of place you would be comfortable in; but never fear, there are plenty of more well-known brands to the southeast closer to I-95/Virginia Commonwealth University, such as Marriott and Hilton, as well as some upscale off-brands like Quirk or Graduate. And if you plan to be in town for the weekend, nearby attractions include the Keystone Antique Truck & Tractor Museum or Petersburg National Battlefield Park. Fans 3 The fans at Hovey Field are really into the game – you will see many of them in gear and they cheer loudly for their team. As I mentioned before most fans sit on the west side, so that set of bleachers will be pretty full during most games, while the other two sides will be fairly empty. Still, on the plus side you can sit anywhere you want, so fans who want different views of the action can move around with ease. Virginia Union Panthers Fans, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to Hovey Field is pretty easy since it is only a couple miles off 1-95, although there will be a little traffic coming in and out despite the small stadium size, given that the streets around campus are not very wide and get easily congested, the college and neighborhood being as old as they are. But you can park right next to the stadium (at a cost of $15), or you can park further away and walk if you want to save a little money, which might be a good option anyway if you want to avoid the little bit of traffic right around the venue. Once you get inside there is plenty of room to move around – there are not a lot of bathrooms so they do bring in port-a-johns, but you can find regular bathrooms under the main grandstand to use instead, and most fans seem to do just that. Return on Investment 3 While concessions are on the low side, parking is a little on the high side for this level of college football and ticket prices are as well, being $25 for general admission except for students/seniors, who get $5 off. However, this cost is less than higher college divisions – as a comparison, tickets at nearby E. Claiborne Robins Stadium (also in Richmond and home of the FCS Richmond Spiders ) cost between $30 and $55, and though that stadium is much nicer and more modern, that venue is a little more off the beaten path and concessions cost a little more there. So, if you just want to take in a football game and the team you are rooting for is not a factor, you can weigh the options and decide whether cost or other considerations are more important to you. Extras 3 Unlike some D2 schools, and even some higher-level football schools, the Virginia Union Panthers do have a mascot, and also do some interesting promotions that enhance the game day experience – for example, at homecoming they have antique cars parked on the street next to the stadium for fans to take a look at, and they also invite cheerleaders from past years to perform on the field during the game. The venue also has some history, being the oldest D2 stadium in the country and having some historic buildings around it, so there are certainly good reasons to make the trek. Final Thoughts Virginia Union doesn’t have as much money as some of the other football programs in the area, so your expectations should reflect that when planning your visit. However, the team is solid on the field of late and has even won a National Championship, so Hovey Field is certainly worth a look if you are in the area.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Steven Kerr Memorial Centre 965 Binning St. W Listowel, ON N4W 0G6 Listowel Cyclones website Steven Kerr Memorial Centre website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 800 A Cyclone is in Town Listowel, Ontario is known for a couple of things.  The lead singer of the band Helix, Brian Vollmer, hails from Listowel.  The hit show “Letterkenny” is loosely based on creator Jared Keeso’s experiences growing up around the Listowel area.  Millions of cans of Campbell’s Soup have been produced outside of Listowel.  Possibly the most famous son of Listowel was the “Listowel Pistol” Frederick “Cyclone” Taylor.  Cyclone Taylor is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and an original Ottawa Senator whose number is retired in the Canadian Tire Centre and has a street outside the home of the Senators named after him.  Taylor’s name is on the Stanley Cup in two spots.  It seems appropriate that the local team in the town in which he grew up is also named after him.  The Listowel Cyclones joined the Central Junior C Hockey League in 1972.  By 1979 the Cycs moved up to Junior B and currently remain a cornerstone franchise in the Junior B, Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. The home for the Cyclones is the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex.  Built in 2017 and owned by the Municipality of North Perth, the complex is named after a generous donation by the family of Steven Kerr, who died in a tragic car accident and had played all of his minor hockey in the Listowel area.  The Steve Kerr Memorial Complex replaced the venerable Listowel Memorial Arena.  In 1959, the roof of the arena collapsed and tragically killed eight people.  A movement remains in place to build a park with a proper memorial on the site of the former arena. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand inside the main lobby of the Steve Kerr Complex.  It offers a limited number of options including hot dogs, pizza, nachos, popcorn, coffee, apple cider, and tea.  Coca-Cola products can be found in vending machines around the complex.  The Blueline Room is on the upper level on the east side of the arena and offers beer and spirits that must be consumed inside the room. Atmosphere 3 The Steve Kerr Memorial Complex has a bit of an inauspicious look from the exterior.  A simple, rectangular structure with lower brown and grey brick with upper off-white siding, the Kerr Complex is not by any definition unattractive, but will not wow anyone driving by. Inside the main lobby, fans are met with a few temporary tables, the first of which is for purchasing tickets.  Other tables for Cyclones merchandise, program, and 50/50 draws are front and centre.  A bit of exploring can be done through the lobby, which is bright and clean and looks right onto the ice surface.  The donor display features an inscription and explanation about Steven Kerr and his importance to the arena.  A large trophy case on the right side of the lobby is dedicated to the friends who were lost in the arena tragedy of 1959.  The case includes a large, beautiful piece of art with the visages of all seven of the children and one adult who perished in the accident.  Artifacts including skates, pennants, and hockey sticks can also be found in the case as well as how fans can make donations to the monument and park that is planned on the former site of the arena.  Unfortunately, an opportunity is lost in the lobby, and the larger arena, as there is nothing to be seen about Cyclone Taylor.  This may normally be an acceptable oversight, but when the team is named after the Hall of Famer some acknowledgment is necessary. Inside the seating area, the ice surface runs from west to east with seating on both the north and south sides of the ice.  Behind the elevated seating area with six rows of plastic arena seats is a walking track and railings perfect for standing, which is very popular in Listowel.  When choosing a seat, fans should be aware that tickets are partially general admission.  Seats are reserved for season ticket holders and are marked with an ‘R’ sticker on the back.  The Blueline Room at the east end looks over the ice as well.  Championship banners for the 2018 Sutherland Cup as Junior B Champions, 2018 and 2017 Conference Championships, and the 2005 Cherrey Cup as Midwest Junior B Hockey League Champions, predating the reorganizing of Junior hockey, all hang in the west end.  In the northwest corner of the arena, at the track level is a mini-stick arena under the watchful eye of the honoured jersey of Dan Williams, a former Cyclone who passed away in 1999. The memory of the 1959 arena collapse victims is further galvanized in the seating area with a large banner listing all of their names in the northeast corner of the arena.  The arena has a relatively low ceiling and low profile score clock hanging over center ice surrounded by youth hockey banners. The gameday production at a Listowel Cyclones game is fairly simple.  Promotions include program raffles, 50/50 draw, and shootouts are staples at a Cycs game.  Music is played during down times and some songs that are of interest include “Rock You” by local legends Helix and the somewhat appropriate “Rock You Like A Hurricane.” Neighbourhood 3 Listowel is a small town, which is part of the Municipality of North Perth.  The Steve Kerr Memorial Complex is located on the edge of town and looking for a place for a pre or post-game meal or drink will require a very short trip by car.  Fast food and chain restaurants are easily found in town.  Some more unique selections include Hom Restaurant and Roadhouse 23. The Listowel Cyclones are the only game in town.  Fans looking for other sporting options at or above the Cyclones level will be required to head out of town.  Other tourist ideas in Listowel could include checking out Listowel Paddyfest, the largest St. Patrick’s Day festival in North America.  The Drayton Festival Theatre is found in the nearby village of Drayton.  Heading to the site of the original Listowel Memorial Arena is also worth a stop, more so when the park and memorial are completed.  Fans who wish to stay in Listowel can stay in the Listowel Country Inn. Fans 4 The Listowel Cyclones enjoy strong support.  For the 2024 season, at the time of writing, they have averaged over 500 fans per game.  This is an increase from 355 fans in 2023.  In 2024 they are ranked 8th in the GOJHL in attendance, up from 14th.  The game that was reviewed saw more than 900 fans in attendance, nearly a capacity crowd.  Cyclone fans are typical Southern Ontario fans meaning they are generally quiet and get loud when there is something to get loud about.   Access 4 Listowel is located at the confluence of Highways 23 and 86 and the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex is located at the northwest edge of town.  Getting to the arena will not be difficult at all and traversing town is not difficult.  There is plenty of parking at the complex and it is free.  Fans who wish to take public transit to the game are out of luck, but this should not be surprising considering the size of the town.  Getting around the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the arena. Return on Investment 5 GOJHL hockey offers one of the best returns on investment that can be found anywhere.  Adult tickets are sold for $12, students/seniors are $10 and kids are $6.  Parking is free and the concession prices are about what one would expect.  The product on the ice is solid and the atmosphere that the Cyclones put together is great.  Overall, a Listowel Cyclones game offers great value and is a great activity for the entire family. Extras 3 An extra mark for the hopefully future Listowel Memorial Arena Park which will be located at the site of the original arena and will provide a permanent memorial for those who perished in 1959. An extra mark for the Listowel Cyclones being named after Frederick “Cyclone” Taylor. An extra mark for Listowel being the home of Letterkenny crater Jared Keeso. Final Thoughts When in Ontario, taking in some Junior B hockey is a great way to get a sense of the province beyond just the big cities.  Listowel is one of the cornerstone franchises of the GOJHL and the Cyclones offer a terrific history.  The Steve Kerr Memorial Complex is a solid Junior B venue and a great place to catch a game. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

McCoy Stadium Sunset. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. The news that so many baseball fans dreaded, but still expected to hear was announced yesterday. There will be no minor league baseball in 2020. Obviously, this will have a great effect on those who play, work at and love going to their local ballparks. This is a story about one of these people. With no games being played in 2020, this longtime Rhode Island resident, Pawtucket Red Sox fan and former Pawsox employee will not get a chance to bid McCoy Stadium a proper farewell. After 50 seasons at McCoy Stadium , the Pawtucket Red Sox have played their final game at the old ballpark. The team, wooed by a sweetheart stadium deal, will be moving 45 minutes north to Worcester, Massachusetts, and their new home, Polar Park, for the 2021 season. Since the day it was announced that the Pawsox would be leaving Rhode Island, I’ve been thinking about the massive hole that this team will leave in the fabric of the community. While Rhode Island has lost teams before (the Providence Reds called the Ocean State home for 52 seasons before moving to Binghamton, New York in 1977), this time it feels different. Looking at it from a purely personal perspective, it’s amazing how much of my life has revolved around McCoy Stadium. After Throwing Out the First Pitch at McCoy Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. As a sports-crazed boy living in a home with parents who did not share my passion, my exposure to sports was largely limited to watching games on television. Luckily for me, I had an uncle who was also a big sports fan. My Uncle Sid would take me to McCoy for a game a few times each summer. In those days the Pawsox really struggled to attract fans, so they gave away tickets by the thousands to get people to come to the ballpark. Local schools would receive passes that were good for a selected series of games. Since my uncle was a teacher in a neighboring town, he was able to grab some passes and use them with me. In a Pawtucket tradition that has endured through the years, I would fish for autographs at the games. I can’t remember who my first autograph was, but I can remember my own kids pulling up hundreds of autographs during their time at McCoy. In the early 80s, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League decided to ditch their traditional divisional setup that matched teams of similar size, and have all the schools compete for a single state title. In 1982 tiny Tiverton High School ended up winning the whole thing. The championship game was played at, of course, McCoy Stadium. I can remember the student body piling in busses and trekking on up to Pawtucket to witness our friends and classmates play in the championship game, with Hall and Oates’ “H2O” and The J. Geils Band’s “Freeze Frame” blaring over someone’s boom box in the back of the bus. Paws and Sox. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Years later, when I had a family of my own, it was a given that my kids would be forced to tag along to McCoy with me. The fact that neither of them loved baseball the way I did wasn’t an issue, they seemed to at least enjoy going to the ballpark almost as much as I did. There were rumors in the late 90s that the Pawsox might move (to Worcester, of all places). The International League had mandated certain amenities and minimum capacity for all their ballparks and McCoy didn’t come close to measuring up. The resulting renovations to the ballpark made it the jewel of the minor leagues, for a little while. My friend Ben and I went to the first game of the “new” McCoy Stadium in 1999, arriving early and picking out a prime spot on the new party deck right by the left field foul pole. The spot must have been a good one because we were interviewed by several local news outfits. In hindsight, I wish we hadn’t been enjoying so many adult beverages that night. Posing with World Series Trophies. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. When I later went through a divorce and was struggling with the expense of child support, a friend who was a bartender at McCoy suggested I get a part-time job at the ballpark. I remember my interview with Jim Hogan, who was the Director of Concessions at the time. It consisted of one statement: “Dave tells me you’ll do anything.” I replied in the positive and was immediately hired, beginning my career in baseball. Running a grill wasn’t what I had expected to be doing, but I had no complaints. Our crew always managed to have a good time. A few months later, my children came to live with me full-time. I was worried that I’d no longer be able to handle two jobs with two kids at home. When I talked to Mr. Hogan, his response was “you work at a ballpark-bring them along.” Can you imagine any other place allowing an employee to bring their kids to work? I’ll forever be grateful to the Pawsox for this. My children now had an entire ballpark at their disposal. No other kids could ever collect more batting practice balls and autographs. Name a famous Red Sox player who passed through McCoy, and my kids met them. McCoy Stadium Circa 1999. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Despite the star power of players like Nomar Garciaparra, Manny Ramirez, and Jason Varitek, players like Alejandro Machado, Don Wengert, and Freddy Sanchez are as prominent in their memories as any Red Sox Hall of Famer. The kids got every giveaway McCoy could hand out, had access to most of the ballpark, and hung out with players’ families during the games. They feasted on ballpark food. I blame McCoy Stadium for the fact that their entire diets to this day consist of hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, and pizza. They were undoubtedly the envy of all their friends. Eventually, the kids grew up, coming to the ballpark with dad every night was no longer cool and the time commitment of a second job became too much, so I “retired” from the Pawsox. For a long time, it was strange to return to the place, but it was great to be able to actually sit in the stands once again and enjoy a game with my wife and friends. McCoy Stadium remained a fixture in our summer routine. Pam and Paul at McCoy. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. I was fortunate to find a kindred sports fan when I met my wife, Pam. When it became time to discuss wedding plans, it was a given that we would have the ceremony at a ballpark. Now, Pam had spent many nights at McCoy while I was working in the concession stands, and had developed her own opinions on the old place. I just couldn’t convince Pam that getting married under a giant tent at McCoy was the thing to do. We ended up having our wedding at Campanelli Stadium in nearby Brockton, MA, home to the independent Brockton Rox. Campanelli had a wonderful event center attached to the ballpark. We got married before a Rox game and threw out first pitches in our wedding attire. Former Pawsox manager Ed Nottle and the team mascot crashed the reception. Despite my bias towards McCoy, she was right, As usual. Pam was gracious enough to agree to schedule the wedding when the Pawsox were on the road and `we did stop at McCoy on our way back from our honeymoon. I’ve been able to fulfill so many items on my baseball bucket list thanks to the Pawsox and McCoy Stadium. I’ve played football and softball on the field, thrown out first pitches, laid on the soft outfield grass drinking beer and watching movies on the video board, flipped burgers on ESPN (watch the footage of the 2004 International League All-Star Game), dressed as a mascot, hung out with future major leaguers and Hall of Famers (and Donny Osmond), lifted championship trophies and so much more. Kissing the Governor’s Cup. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. While I was never able to parlay my part-time gig with the club into full-time employment, I have nothing but respect and admiration for those who ran the Pawsox all these years. The Pawsox staff truly treated me like family. I was invited to special events and when money was tight, they were always there to give me extra hours. I’ve never had another employer who treated me as well as did the Pawsox. Whenever Pawsox President Mike Tamburro would see me around the stadium, he would joke “when are you coming back?” My response was typically “you couldn’t afford me now.” That was never really true, I would have come back in a heartbeat. Although I won’t get the chance to hang out at Ben Mondor’s place one last time, the memories will never fade. More than just the games on the field, it’s been the people that filled McCoy that have made it so special. So many of the fans I used to serve and bump into around the ballpark have become dear friends. The teenagers with whom I worked during my time at McCoy are now in their thirties and forties. I would bump into them from time to time with their own families, and of course, we would reminisce about the “good old days,” when McCoy would host crowds of over 7,000 every night. Walking off at the Final Pawsox Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. I had been hoping to share my final Pawsox game with those closest to me. That I won’t get this chance is without a doubt my biggest disappointment with the cancellation of the season. My children, who had been coming to McCoy since they were in diapers, would have been with me. I wonder if this day would have been as difficult for them as it would have been for me. Among the throng of Bakers who would have descended on the ballpark on Labor Day would have been my granddaughter, who would have been eight months old and going to her first baseball game. She would have been the fifth generation of the family I dragged to “The Bucket.” I was six years old when my family moved to Rhode Island, and McCoy Stadium has been a part of my life for close to five decades. While Pawsox fans have taken their anger out on the team over the past two-plus years by staying away from McCoy, I don’t expect that that would be the case at the Pawsox’ last game. We all would have come to say our final farewells. It would have been nice to see the place filled to the brim with Pawsox fans one last time. Saying goodbye would have been really hard. Not being able to say goodbye is even harder. Ben Mondor Statue in the Snow. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. _________ Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Memorial Gymnasium 210 Emmett Street S Charlottesville, VA 22904 Virginia Cavaliers website Memorial Gymnasium website Capacity: 1,500 Year Opened: 1924 Volleyball at Historic Memorial Gym Memorial Gymnasium first opened on the campus of the University of Virginia in 1924 as the home of the Cavaliers' basketball program. The team played here for 42 years before moving into University Hall, and later, John Paul Jones Arena. Today, Mem Gym, as it is known to students, is home to UVA's volleyball program. It also hosts the wrestling team and intramural sports, and there is a small workout facility on the lower level. Food & Beverage 2 One concession stand at Memorial Gym is located to the right of the main entrance. Hot dogs, soft pretzels, and candy are the main food options, with water and soda also available. As is the case at all public universities in Virginia, the water is sold in aluminum cans rather than plastic bottles to be more environmentally friendly. Prices are affordable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars, although this is not posted anywhere so you will have to ask. . Atmosphere 4 Walking through the front doors of Memorial Gym will put you in the main lobby, with the arena straight ahead through another set of doors. There are plastic bleachers on each side of the court as well as behind the baselines. The bleachers on one side have wooden backs, the others do not. There are only a few rows so any seat will put you very close to the action. There is a scoreboard on each sideline that also shows detailed player and team stats, as well as a hype video before the game. One thing to note is that the small number listed next to "score" is the number of sets each team has won, while the larger number indicates how many points a team has won in the current set. It can be confusing at first, but will soon become obvious once the game has started. The atmosphere at a Virginia volleyball game is extremely lively. The PA announcer shouts "Point, Hoos!" after every UVA point about the school's unofficial nickname. Occasionally he will mix it up, shouting "It's a Block Party" after a block by a Cavaliers player. Before the match, the Cavaliers' players will toss miniature volleyballs into the stands. If the match goes to a fifth set, staff will toss t-shirts into the stands after every Cavaliers point. Between the low ceilings, frenzied crowds, and bold PA announcer, it can get extremely loud in here at times. It is a great atmosphere for a volleyball game, even if the setup feels more like a high school gym. Neighborhood 4 Memorial Gymnasium 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 the Cavaliers only average about 500 fans a game according to the official attendance numbers, this is a small gym so it feels like a lot more. As mentioned above, the fans are raucous, and the low ceilings and tightly packed bleachers make it even louder. Many of the fans come dressed in Virginia colors, and it is clear this is not just a friends and family crowd like you would see in some places at more "minor" sports. Everyone from young families to lifelong UVA fans turns out to cheer on their team. Even if the match goes the full five sets, most fans will stay until the end, shouting and cheering on the Cavaliers. While the numbers may not be as high as in some other places, the passion of the fans at Memorial Gymnasium is a large part of why the experience is so great. Access 2 If you come 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 have as good a 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, you have several options to park. The Central Grounds Garage is right next to Memorial Gym, but you will have to pay to park there. This will cost you between $1.50 and $3 per hour, depending on the time of day, except on Sundays when it is free. You can also park in the Culbreth Garage about a five-minute walk away. This is free all day on weekends and after five on weekdays, which should cover all home volleyball games except an early season tournament or two if you want to catch the first game of the doubleheader as well. The restrooms in Memorial Gym are on the lower level, downstairs from the volleyball arena, and are awkwardly located inside the locker rooms (the main ones for students working out - the players have their own.) There is a single-person gender-neutral restroom downstairs if you do not want to deal with that. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Virginia volleyball games is free, with the possible exception of ACC and NCAA Tournament events. Concessions are affordable, and there are options for free parking for most games if you are willing to walk a few minutes. Given the electrifying atmosphere in Mem Gym, that makes this an outstanding value. Extras 2 Look for the trophy case in the lobby with Virginia's volleyball accomplishments—a second star for the marketing table by the entrance with free posters and roster cards. Final Thoughts Although many people don't pay much attention to college volleyball, Memorial Gymnasium proves the naysayers wrong. With raucous, passionate crowds in a historic venue, a trip to a University of Virginia volleyball game can be an exciting experience for any sports fan.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Callaghan Stadium 605 Beckett Hill Rd                                                                                                                                                   Princeton, WV 24740 Concord Mountain Lions website Callaghan Stadium website Capacity: 3,700 Appalachian Mountain Lions Concord University is located in Athens, West Virginia, though your GPS might call it Princeton, WV instead. Their football teams compete in NCAA Division 2’s Mountain East Conference, which includes schools in West Virginia, Ohio, and Virginia. The Concord Mountain Lions play their home games at on-campus Callaghan Stadium, which has a capacity of 3,700. The team’s school colors are maroon and gray, although the athletic teams sometimes don all-black uniforms.   Food & Beverage   2 There are very basic concessions at Callaghan Stadium – a small selection, but enough to get you through a game. On offer are hot dogs, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, popcorn, candy, and drinks (bottled Pepsi or diet Pepsi, water, and Powerade). Prices are low with most items costing $3 or less, though they might run out of food by halftime, so you may want to grab your snacks early.   Atmosphere   3 The gameday atmosphere during a Concord Mountain Lions game is decent – they have a mascot who races kids and teens across the field during breaks in the action. The first 50-yard dash includes kids 11 and younger and is run during halftime; the second is run after the third quarter and includes kids 12 through 17. Another nice feature is that re-entry is allowed; you can leave the stadium during the game and come back later, which is convenient in case you want to hit the Subway in the student center, find better bathrooms, or just want to get out of the sun for a few minutes. Speaking of the sun, there is no shade to be found, even though the facility is surrounded by greenery, although you can bring umbrellas inside the stadium, something a lot of larger venues won’t let you do. Another nice perk is that there are two team gear stands inside, one right next to the main entrance (where the ticket booth is) and another up the short hill next to the grandstand – it is not a long walk between the two by any means but is a nice touch to have multiple locations so that lines are shorter. The facilities seem a bit dated, as there is only one static scoreboard behind one end zone, with no capability for video replays.   Neighborhood   2 Athens is a very small town with almost nothing of note near Callaghan Stadium – though you are only about 5 miles east of I-77 (use Exit 14 for the venue), from the setting you would never know it. There is a pizza place in town, as well as a gas station, and the aforementioned Subway inside the Concord University student center, but nothing in the way of hotels or nice restaurants unless you want to drive about 10 miles back to Princeton proper; if you take Exit 9 from I-77 you will see all kinds of hotels and restaurants, as well as the West Virginia welcome center. There is a small wildlife museum a mile or two from Callaghan Stadium, but it is only open on weekdays, so you wouldn’t be able to visit before or after the game unless you come for the weekend. There is also a railroad museum and a Civil War Museum nearby, but the Civil War Museum is also only open on weekdays, and the railroad museum is only open from 11-4 daily, making it tough to see either of those on football game day, either.   Fans   2 The fans are pretty solid during a Concord Mountain Lions game, making some noise during big plays, but there are not very many of them – the visitor grandstand especially is practically deserted, and the home side stands are nowhere near a sellout. I didn’t notice a real student section either.   Access   4 Except for the potentially out-of-the-way location (although remember you are only 5 miles from I-77), it is easy to access Callaghan Stadium. Even if you arrive close to kickoff time, you should still be able to park at the top of the hill right behind the main stands, either in one of the small lots or along the roadway. There is also a larger parking lot at the bottom of the hill, though it may be reserved. The stadium's main entrance is at the bottom of the small hill, where the ticket office and one of the team gear stands are located. However, I entered through the gate at the top of the hill, without a ticket, and they still let me in through that gate, after which I walked down the hill and got one. It might not look like it, but there is one set of real bathrooms inside the facility, on the home side – the men’s is on the right side of the press box/concessions building and the women’s is on the left. There are also port-a-johns you can use, so you may not think there are real bathrooms, as they are kind of tucked away, but they are there.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets are only $10 each, parking is free, and concessions are cheap. That said, it may not be worth your while to come to this out of the way location unless you are a pretty diehard fan, or unless your team happens to be playing the Mountain Lions that week. Concord football is a pretty basic experience, so some fans may miss the raucous atmosphere of a larger venue. However, on the plus side, it is dirt cheap, and you won’t have to fight any crowds – you can be in and out before and after the contest in no time at all.   Extras   2 Callaghan Stadium has great scenery with all the greenery around the venue, and the mascot is solid. They also have cheerleaders on hand to entertain fans, but the marching band is small.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Myslik Field at Roberts Stadium Stadium Dr Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers website Myslik Field at Roberts Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 2,100 Dread Tiger Roberts Located on the campus of Princeton University, Myslik Field at Roberts Stadium is home to the Tigers' men's and women's soccer teams. Although a previous field also called Roberts Stadium had hosted Princeton soccer since 2008, the current iteration opened in 2022. The stadium's name honors two Princeton soccer alumni, former goalkeeper Thomas S. Roberts, who was the lead donor for the new stadium, and Robert H. Myslik, who died in 2003. Food & Beverage 4 There is one concession stand at Roberts Stadium, located on the east sideline. Options include usual items such as hot pretzels, hot dogs, popcorn, and pizza, as well as food you wouldn't expect to find at a stadium such as salads, grapes, and vegetarian sushi. Fountain soda (Coke products) is available, as is water in aluminum cans. Prices are affordable - most items are under $5 and everything is under $8. Atmosphere 4 Roberts Stadium provides the opportunity to watch a soccer game up close and personal. Bleachers surround the field on all four sides, but there are only a few rows, meaning everyone is close to the action. When the crowd is quiet (which isn't often), you will be able to hear all the shouting among players, coaches, and referees. As at most soccer games, the true atmosphere is created by fans, not the team, and Princeton fans can make it quite loud in here at times. Celebration music is played over the PA system after goals to get the crowd fired up, and it seems to do so effectively. Depending on the game, there may be various activities on the concourse before the match, whether for students, kids, or the general public. Princeton knows fans and atmosphere go hand in hand and does everything it can to get people to turn out. Neighborhood 4 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 4 Princeton does a good job drawing fans out to games at Roberts Stadium, with crowds ranging from several hundred to over a thousand fans. Considering the place only sits about 2.000, it can get fairly full. Although some of the fans are friends or family of the players, most of the crowd is locals or other Princeton fans with no personal connection to the team. This is not always the case in college soccer, so it is good to see the turnout. Princeton students typically sit on ledges behind the north goal, and while they can get rowdy, many of them leave early, which is disappointing. The remaining fans are also passionate about the Tigers, with many of them decked out in orange and black. It can get quite loud at times, particularly after goals, big saves, or other major moments in the game. Access 4 Free parking is available in the Stadium Drive Garage across the street from the stadium. The procedure may be slightly different on weekday afternoons, so check the Princeton website if this applies to you. The Princeton Branch of NJ Transit, more commonly known as the Dinky, is a short commuter rail line (the shortest in the country in fact) connecting Princeton's campus with Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. From the station, the stadium is about a 20-25 minute walk. Once inside, a women's restroom is located on the east side, and a men's room is on the west side. There is also a single-person gender-neutral bathroom on each side. The concourses are more than wide enough to accommodate the crowds as well. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Princeton soccer games is free. Parking is free too, and concessions are affordable. As a result, a game at Roberts Stadium can be an excellent value. Extras 2 Look for the plaques along the concourse honoring the history of Princeton soccer and the signs along the fence showing their NCAA Tournament appearances. Each of those is worthy of an extra star. Final Thoughts While most wouldn't consider Princeton to be a soccer school, the Tigers have a gorgeous new stadium and put a great deal of effort into the matchday experience. As a result, college soccer fans in the Northeast will want to check out Myslik Field at Roberts Stadium.

Forbes Field Plaque, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Places of historical significance are often lost to progress. In Pittsburgh, however, baseball fans can still visit the location of one of the sport’s great moments: Bill Mazeroski’s World Series-ending home run in 1960. “Maz,” a Hall of Fame second baseman, crushed the Yankees’ Ralph Terry’s second pitch in the ninth inning of Game 7 over Forbes Field’s left-center field wall to win the game, 10-9, and the World Series, 4 games to 3. It remains the only series-clinching, walkoff home run in MLB history. The land where Forbes Field once sat is now part of the University of Pittsburgh’s campus. “Pitt,” as the university is known, has maintained parts of the ballpark that fans can easily visit. Pitt purchased Forbes Field in 1958 and leased it back to the Pirates until a replacement could be built. That occurred in 1970, when the Pirates moved to Three Rivers Stadium, approximately five miles away. Pitt then razed most of Forbes Field after fires to the structure in December 1970 and July 1971. Pitt has kept portions of Forbes Field’s original outfield wall. The left-center and center field sections remain, with their respective distances from home plate (457 feet and 436 feet) indicated near the bottom of the wall. This is not the wall over which Mazeroski’s home run sailed, however. The Pirates claimed that part of the wall and relocated it to their current home, PNC Park , built to replace Three Rivers. But bricks designate the location of the wall that Mazeroski’s home run cleared. Portions of Forbes Field Wall, University of Pittsburgh, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Another piece of Forbes Field sits a few steps away from the wall, across Roberto Clemente Drive: home plate. After Pitt demolished the stadium, it opened Posvar Hall in 1978, where parts of the Forbes Field infield sat. The home plate used in Forbes Field’s final game is near – although not in – its original location, preserved under Plexiglas. Fans can find home plate in Posvar Hall’s first-floor lobby. Home plate’s actual location would have prevented many fans from seeing it, however. “Had architects placed home plate in its precise spot about half of the Pirates fans could not view it. The reason: it would have to be on display in the fifth stall of the ladies’ restroom,” wrote author John McCollister in 2008. Forbes Field Home Plate, Posvar Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Mazeroski was certainly not the only great to play at Forbes Field. The Negro League’s Homestead Grays called Forbes Field home from 1922 to 1939. Six members of the Grays’ 1936 team have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This group includes Josh Gibson, whom many consider the greatest ever to play baseball. In 1909, Forbes Field’s debut season, Hall of Famers Ty Cobb (Detroit Tigers) and Honus Wagner (Pirates) met in the World Series for the only time. Legions of Pirates’ greats likewise played their home games at Forbes Field, including Al Oliver, Willie Stargell, and Roberto Clemente, who played 15 seasons there. The Pitt campus in the Oakland neighborhood is an easy detour for fans attending a present-day Pirates’ game at PNC Park. The locations only sit about a 15-minute drive apart. When visiting the Forbes Field remnants, bear in mind that they exist on a college campus. Parking can be scarce and students may be in classes. But a visit is worth the slight effort and a great way to remember Pittsburgh’s rich baseball history.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stadio Renato Dall’Ara Via Andrea Costa, 174 Bologna, Italy 40134 Bologna FC website Stadio Renato Dall’Ara website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 38,279 Home of Bologna FC Stadio Renato Dall’Ara is the home of Bologna Football Club. Strongly supported by Leandro Arpinati (podestà of Bologna and president of FIGC), it was built between 1925 and 1926 to a design of the engineer Umberto Costanzini, while the tower that dominates the Maratona was designed by the architect Giulio Ulisse Arata and subsequently erected. The official opening of the stadium took place on May 29, 1927 with a friendly match between the national teams of Italy and Spain, which were the kings of both countries. Italy won 2-0. Over 50,000 spectators filled the stadium on that occasion. In almost ninety years, the facility has hosted six matches for the FIFA World Championships (Sweden-Argentina and Austria-Hungary in 1934, the United Arab Emirates-Colombia, Yugoslavia-Colombia, Yugoslavia-United Arab Emirates and England-Belgium in 1990); saw the Bologna Football Club win the Italian football championship on six occasions; and changed its name on three occasions (first Littoriale, later Comunale and since 1983 Dall’Ara). Renato Dall’Ara was the president of the red and blue team from 1934-1964 and died a few days before the victory of the seventh and last championship in the history of Bologna Football Club. The stadium has undergone major work, specifically at the end of the 1980’s in order to host the 1990 World Cup. Currently, the original building, recognizable by the red brick, is surrounded by a metal frame painted blue and yellow. The facility is composed of a grandstand, two curves and a Maratona. Behind the Curva San Luca (in one alcove of which there are the fans of the visiting team) there is a large screen that projects the score and time of play during the match, as well as updates from other stadiums of the Serie A. Among the pitch and the stands there is an athletics track with eight lanes. Finally, according to the Bologna FC website, in Tribuna Centrale there is Terrazza Fulvio Bernardini. It’s “an area of ​​approximately 900sqm, newly built with glass walls, where the presence of a catering service of high-level, private lounges, large bar, vanguard audio and video technology, are some of the elements that provide in the moments of waiting, interval or after the game, an exclusive and refined atmosphere to live the stadium in a completely new way.” Food & Beverage 3 There is a bar located in Tribuna Centrale. Inside there is the opportunity to purchase hot and cold drinks, hot and cold sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream. Coffee, water, fruit juices and all other drinks are served in paper cups. With € 5 you’re able to purchase a coffee, water, and a salty snack. Atmosphere 3 The entrance of the teams takes place by a tunnel that emerges in front of Curva Bulgarelli. The distance between the two stands and the pitch is about 15 meters. The distance between the two curves and the pitch is approximately 30 meters. The view is great from every section of the stadium. Neighborhood 4 The facility is located in the Saragozza neighborhood, an area southwest of the city center. In this part of Bologna there are many restaurants, cafes, and bakeries to stop in before and after matches. Fans 4 The most passionate fans follow the matches of Bologna Football Club by Curva Bulgarelli. Since 2009 this section of the stadium has been named after former player Giacomo Bulgarelli, midfielder of the team that won their seventh and final championship in 1964. The match against Fiorentina is most heartfelt, called Derby dell’Appennino, named after the mountain range that separates the territories of Florence and Bologna. Other rivalries are with Cesena, Modena, Parma, Juventus, Inter and Roma. The supporters of Siena are considered friends due to the common competition with Fiorentina. Access 4 Getting to Renato Dall’Ara stadium is very simple. If you come from the highway you have to exit at Casalecchio-Borgo Panigale. If you come from the ring road you have to take out 1 or 2. The railway station is 4 km away and is connected with Dall’Ara by public bus (named ATC). Finally, the airport of Bologna “Guglielmo Marconi” is located about 8 km from Renato Dall’Ara. Return on Investment 4 The facility is divided into the following sectors: Poltrona Gold, Tribuna Numerata, Tribuna Laterale, Distinti Centrali, Distinti Laterali, Curva Giacomo Bulgarelli, Curva San Luca, and Curva Ospiti. Fans can buy tickets online to watch the home matches of Bologna Football Club. The most expensive section is called Poltrona Gold, while the cheapest tickets give access to the two curves. Before each match it is helpful to read the team website if there are any discounts and special initiatives. Extras 3 The cuisine of Bologna is considered one of the best in Italy. If you are traveling to Renato Dall’Ara stadium, before or after the match, then you have to make a stop at one of the restaurants in the neighborhood Saragozza. We recommend the lasagna bolognese or tortellini in brodo. For a quick snack there is a piadina with ham, arugula and squacquerone (a typical local cheese). Must-see attractions in the city center are Piazza Maggiore and Torre degli Asinelli. Also in Bologna you’ll find the oldest university in the West, the University of Bologna, founded in the late eleventh century (1088).

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Curtis Granderson Stadium 901 W Roosevelt Rd Chicago, IL 60608 UIC Flames website Curtis Granderson Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,784 A Grand Ballpark with a View One of the lasting memories of visiting a ballpark is the view it provides. I’m not referring to the view of the field, which no doubt is important. However the view I am referring to is the view from behind home plate looking out beyond the outfield wall. BB&T Ballpark provides a spectacular view of the skyline of downtown Charlotte. Oriole Park at Camden Yards has the memorable view of the warehouse beyond right field and the downtown skyline beyond center field. Campbell’s Field in Camden, New Jersey has the Benjamin Franklin Bridge connecting Philadelphia and Camden just beyond the outfield wall. A new ballpark in Chicago is one of the most recent additions to great views beyond the outfield wall. Curtis Granderson Stadium, home of the University of Illinois at Chicago, has a unique view that provides a campus feel important to a collegiate ballpark. Just behind the outfield wall are school buildings and residence halls and beyond that is a great view of the iconic Chicago skyline combining for one of the best views at any ballpark on any level. On February 6, 2013, the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames announced that they were retiring the number 28 in honor of former standout and Major Leaguer Curtis Granderson. During the retirement ceremony, Granderson also announced that he would make a significant donation to build a new baseball stadium for his alma mater. In all, Granderson pledged $5 million. Besides serving as the home of the UIC Flames baseball team, Granderson Stadium will also host youth games in partnership with MLB and Chicago Public Schools. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is located just inside the main entrance to the ballpark behind home plate and provides the regular assortment to choose from. A slice of pizza, nachos, or a hot dog and chips will run you $3, while a bratwurst is $4. Popcorn is $2 and candy or sunflower seeds are $1.50. Fountain drinks, bottled water, and Gatorade are all $2 while coffee and hot chocolate are $1. Everything at the concession stand is very reasonably priced. A large portion of the crowd carries in food and drinks. Atmosphere 3 There is ample seating that stretches from first base around the backstop to third base, and all seats are individual blue chair backs. The seats are comfortable and spacious, providing a very comfortable viewing experience. Since the seats are all located in the infield, all seats have good sight lines and don’t require any head turning to see the action on the field. There are 1,284 fixed seats with capacity for an additional 500 on the berm for a total capacity of 1,784 and is fully ADA accessible with designated space for up to 12 wheelchairs and companion seats as well. One thing that can detract from the atmosphere is the presence of netting from dugout to dugout; the only seating options that are not behind a net are the berm seats. The scoreboard located in left center between the bullpens and the batters eye is easy to read even in the bright daylight. Photos and the name of each batter appear on the scoreboard, a feature not available at many college ballparks. It makes following along and completing a score book a much easier task. Neighborhood 5 Just beyond the ballpark down the right field line is Halstead St. which is full of places to grab a meal before or after the game, or to grab something to take inside the ballpark with you. Joy Yee’s Noodles is an Asian fusion restaurant with a wide selection of dishes. Rosati’s Pizza is a great place to grab a slice or have a sit down meal. If you just want to grab a quick beverage before or after a game, then Jamba Juice, Peet’s Coffee and 7-Eleven are all within walking distance from the ballpark. Another good spot about a mile from campus is Haymarket Pub & Brewery, located on the other side of I-290 at 737 West Randolph Haymarket. It provides a wide variety of beers with both in house brews as well as other regional craft favorites. Haymarket has great pizza and sandwiches as well as a brunch menu if you are attending an early game on Saturday or Sunday. An additional great option is Moxee Restaurant & Mad Mouse Brewery, they combine a small batch brewery with a menu that includes southern inspired favorites such as shrimp & grits, steak tips, Po’ Boy sandwiches, and smoked BBQ. Fans 3 The fans at Granderson Stadium seem to consist mostly of family and friends of both teams, which isn’t a bad thing. While the crowds aren’t huge, they are engaged in the game and have knowledge of what is happening on the field. It is good to see fans discussing the hitter on deck or discussing the ground ball needed for a pitcher to get out of one out jam. These fans are knowledgeable and passionate and into every pitch for the entirety of the game. Access 2 The UIC campus is within easy access of major freeways in Chicago including I-290, I-90, and I-94. There is parking available on the street, and a parking garage and surface lots adjacent to the UIC pavilion is an easy walk. Parking in either location is only $5. Another great option is the CTA “L” train with easy accessibility from both the UIC-Halstead and Racine stops. The only negative is the Chicago traffic that can make your route difficult to navigate, especially for a weeknight game. Return on Investment 3 Admission to Granderson Stadium is $7 for an adult general admission seat with kids 18 and under receiving free admission. UIC students also receive free admission and groups of 15 or more receive tickets at $4 each. While the general admission adult ticket is on the high end in terms of other college baseball programs in the area, it isn’t unreasonable; and is worth the cost for the quality of the facility. Extras 2 One extra point for the fantastic view, one of the better views of a downtown skyline at any ballpark on any level. Another extra point for Curtis Granderson, his generosity and desire to help to improve the program he comes from is commendable. Final Thoughts UIC has a great ballpark that should be an asset to the baseball program but also to the community. This ballpark will contribute to that enjoyment well beyond the games played by the UIC baseball team. It is hard to imagine this ballpark not becoming a destination for area high school and youth tournaments. Just behind the outfield wall are school buildings and residence halls and beyond that is a great view of the iconic Chicago skyline combining for one of the best views at any ballpark on any level.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Eddie Bush Memorial Arena 97 Hurontario St Collingwood, ON L9Y 4V2 Collingwood Blues website Eddie Bush Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 1,200 Definitely Not Singing the Blues in Collingwood The town of Collingwood, Ontario is located in possibly the most perfect place in the province. Right on Nottawasaga Bay, an inlet of Georgian Bay and within minutes of Blue Mountain, one of Ontario’s top ski resort areas, Collingwood is a tourist haven and desirable location for living … and they have the Collingwood Blues who play in an amazing old-time hockey arena. The Collingwood Blues joined the OJHL in 2019 and have quickly become one of the most successful teams in the Junior A league.  Mike Jackson GM, a local car dealership, is the team’s title sponsor.  The Blues are named for their proximity to Blue Mountain, and are owned by Dave Steele.  They are back to back Buckland Cup Champions in 2023 and 2024 and went on to capture the Centennial Cup as Junior A National Champions in 2024. Eddie Bush Memorial Arena is a classic old hockey barn built in 1949.  It is owned by the town and named after Eddie Bush, the Collingwood native who played 26 NHL games in the forties and was interim head coach of the Kansas City Scouts for 32 games. Food & Beverage 3 The west end of the arena is where fans will find the concession options.  Popcorn, poutine, pizza, fries, hot dogs, burgers, nachos and chicken fingers can be found on the menu.  Local favourite, Mr. Norm’s Ice Cream is also available.   The main stand also serves soda, coffee and tea for soft drinks.  A beer stand is inside the arena in the southwest corner.  They offer a number of local craft beers from Collingwood and Northwoods breweries. Atmosphere 4 Many have driven through downtown Collingwood and never noticed Eddie Bush Memorial Arena. The front of the arena, on Hurontario Street, fits right into the downtown vibe. The main entry to the arena is just to the side of the clock tower and town offices. The bell tower still chimes on the hour and there will be plenty of people taking pictures by the “CWood” sign. The brown brick clock tower and arched facade is the centrepiece of downtown.  Locally painted Muskoka Chairs dot the downtown and are a feature of Collingwood.  There is some art located on the exterior south wall that welcomes fans in from the parking lot. As fans pass through the main entrance, they are welcomed by plenty of Blues markings as well as the Collingwood Sports Wall of Fame.  The Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame is found inside the Founders Lounge at the west end of the arena and there are plenty of photos and artifacts that are there for the exploring.  It may require sneaking in as it is a VIP lounge.  Inside the arena fans are welcomed with the aura of an old-school, hockey barn.  From the peaked roof with silver insulation over hardwood, to the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the east end, to the old paintings on the walkway walls, fans are inundated with a feeling of nostalgia for a time past.  However, the Town of Collingwood has not left Eddie Bush Arena back in outdated mode.  The ice runs from west to east and the centre logo can be viewed from the south side.  Travel is done behind the seating on the north and south sides of the arena, with stepping down to ice level at the east and west ends a necessity.  The seating is made up of blue, modern plastic seats and unlike the majority of venues in the OJHL, Collingwood has reserved seating at the point of purchase.  Above the Founders Lounge in the west end are a plethora of championship banners for minor hockey while the OJHL Championship banners hang on the east side with the flags.  A massive Blues goalie mask is propped up in the northeast corner, adding to the ambience. A brand new, four-sided video board hangs above centre ice. The gameday production is not too over the top and fairly traditional.  Typical promotions including a 50/50 draw, Chuck-a-puck and intermission centre ice shot are all present.  A local minor hockey player is the first to take the ice with a Blues flag at the beginning of the game and the mascot, Eddie, can be found moving around the crowd.  The PA system is not the greatest and announcements can be difficult to understand. Neighbourhood 5 Eddie Bush Memorial Arena is located right in Downtown Collingwood on the north side of town.  It is a mere three blocks from the waterfront of Nottawasaga Bay.  There are a ton of spots for food or drink before or after the game.  Black Bellows Brewing is right next door to the arena and a popular pregame stop.  Other options include 1858 Caesar Bar, Gibson & Co, Prime Seven Nine, The Huron Club and The Iron Skillet.  There are not many other spectator sports in the area.  The Stayner Siskins of the PJHL are not too far as well as the new Wasaga River Dragons of the GMHL.  However, Blue Mountain Ski Resort is one of the top ski resorts in Ontario and it is just minutes from Collingwood.  Early in the season fans may be interested in playing a round at one of the numerous golf courses in the area.  Other tourist attractions in the area include Collingwood Museum, the Historic Gayety Theatre or one of the local beaches.  There are a number of independent hotels or boutique inns in the area.  The Comfort Inn is a good option in town. Fans 5 Hockey fans in Collingwood are among the class of the OJHL.  In the 2022 season the Blues averaged over 580 fans per game, which was the best in the league.  For 2023 the team fell to second, but attracted nearly 750 fans per game.  It is not unheard of for the Eddie Bush Arena to sell out for games or attract over 1,000 fans.  The fans are knowledgeable and supportive of the team.   Access 3 Getting to the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena is not difficult.  It is located on Hurontario Street with Ste. Marie Street to the East.  Highway 26 enters Collingwood from the east and 124 from the south.  As with most small towns, traversing some of the town to get to the arena is necessary but not difficult.  Parking can be a challenge so getting there early is the best plan.  There is a lot just south of the arena that requires payment through an app until 6.  Otherwise, street parking could be an option.  There is public transit along Hurontario and Ontario streets.  Fans should consult the Colltrans website for fares, maps and schedules. There are plenty of stairs inside Eddie Bush Memorial Arena and traveling 360 degrees around is not the easiest requiring some stairs.  However, this is not uncommon for an older arena.  The washrooms are not huge in the arena. Return on Investment 5 OJHL hockey is a bargain for the sporting dollar.  Seating can be purchased online and is reserved, which is abnormal for this level of hockey.  However, it is welcomed given the large season ticket base which has reserved seating.  Adult tickets are $15 for seated or standing room.  This is average for the league.  Friday nights are hockey night in Collingwood and attract the biggest crowds.  Concession prices are decent and parking should be found at no charge.  The action on the ice is high calibre and the atmosphere is solid.  Overall, a great value. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Collingwood Blues being the only game in town. An extra mark for the strong community support in Collingwood. An extra mark for the display of history in the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena. Final Thoughts Being able to enjoy hockey in one of the top resort towns in Ontario is a treat.  The Eddie Bush Memorial Arena offers that old-school hockey barn aura, with plenty of history to take in while offering modern comfort.  The Collingwood Blues have excellent fan support and put a great product together.  In Collingwood, nobody is singing the Blues. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 FAU Baseball Stadium 777 Glades Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33431 Florida Atlantic Owls website FAU Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 2,000 Boca Baseball Though one of the most successful teams in Florida’s college baseball ranks, FAU rarely draws nightly sellouts. Despite this, their home field offers a comfortable setting, with the biggest draw being the affordability of going to a D1 college baseball game with the whole family while on a tight budget. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are actually quite varied for college baseball and the price points are great. Nothing costs more than $5 which is great for a family or large group. At the high end of the price slider are bratwursts, chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, and fried oreos at$5 each. Next, you will find burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, and quesadillas for $4. Nachos, italian ice, and large bags of sunflower seeds run $3 while hot dogs, peanuts, churros, cracker jacks, and small bags of sunflower seeds run $2. Drinks range from $1 to $3. Beer will run you either $5 for domestics or $6 for imports. Atmosphere 3 The smaller crowd sizes tend to keep the pumped up energy you would look for at a college athletics event on the lower side, but you still can get the place rocking with a few big plays on the field. The fans who show up are a good mix of students, family & friends, and alumni. The seating is elevated in the main grandstands, giving you a higher view behind home plate than most baseball stadiums where the first row is at or just slightly above plate level. The appearance of a water treatment facility in the outfield is a bit of an eyesore though, and depending on the direction of the wind, can bring a slight chemical smell to the air. Along the left and right field lines are two big berms that give fans the best view of the action, with the right field berm being shaded by big palm trees. Neighborhood 4 Boca Raton is a beautiful part of Palm Beach County. In addition, FAU's campus is clean, South Florida-esque in appearance, and overall visually appealing. Not far from the campus is a beautiful strip shop that plays host to a P.F. Chang's, J. Alexander's Restaurant, Shake Shack, Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, and more. Equidistant to the east of campus is the Atlantic Ocean. There, you can find a beautiful beach, as well as the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where visitors can get a look at some of coastal Florida's natural habitats and inhabitants, thanks to boardwalks through the mangroves and natural butterfly gardens. Near the beach, hotels are easy to find. What Boca Raton lacks in nightlife more commonly found in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the area more than makes up for in relaxation. In addition, Palm Beach International Airport isn't far from Boca Raton, with Fort Lauderdale and Miami less than an hour away, as well. Fans 3 The fans who show up tend to be sport knowledgeable, and the alumni who come are more than willing to tell you the stories of how the team played when they went to FAU. The lack of crazy rowdiness may cut back on the energy one may want in a college baseball game, but it also makes this a great place to bring kids without worrying about the words they may be hearing shouted at the referees. Access 5 Getting to FAU is easy to do. Unlike several sports teams or colleges where the campus stadiums are miles away from the highway exits, FAU is quite literally bordered by I-95 in Boca Raton. Also, just a few miles west is the Florida Turnpike. Once off the exit from I-95, the FAU campus is immediately visible. Parking is quite plentiful, and even if you get stuck in a lot or garage that is a little further from the stadium, the walk is not very far and is through a beautiful campus. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for FAU baseball are relatively cheap, starting at $5 for pre-sale and $7 for walk ups, with those prices rising to$12 for premium games. Group tickets can be purchased for as low as$1 each for groups of 50 or more. This low price point added to the low price of concessions means you get a lot of bang for your buck, especially when looking to take the kids out for a night of baseball. Extras 2 FAU’s owl mascot wanders around the games from time to time, entertaining kids in attendance. The school also usually has some sort of giveaways, whether they be team posters when you enter the stadium or through games played in between innings with the fans. Finally, the stadium features a dog area for those fans who want to bring their furry friends to the game. The left field berm is marked for fans with dogs, allowing you to still have a great view of the field while being allowed to bring Fido along with you. Final Thoughts The FAU baseball experience is solid and simple, making it a great choice for families. The facility may not be the biggest or most opulent, but its affordability is hard to argue with. If you’rein the area, one should consider an Owls baseball game, especially if visiting another of the nearby FAU sports facilities for another game that same day.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 J. Richard Awalt Field at the Ridley Athletic Complex 2221 W. Cold Spring Lane Towson, MD 21209 Loyola Greyhounds website J. Richard Awalt Field at the Ridley Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 6,000 Greyhound Field Richard Awalt Field at the Ridley Athletic Complex is the home stadium for the Loyola University (Maryland) Greyhound soccer teams. It is also the home of the lacrosse and field hockey teams for the university. The 6,000-seat grandstand at Awalt Field opened in 2010. Lacrosse is the biggest sport at the university, with the men’s team winning the national championship in 2012, and the women’s team ranking fifth all-time among NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse teams, in terms of wins. Former Major League Soccer goalkeeper Zach Thornton is a Greyhound alumni. Thornton was the starting goalkeeper for the Chicago Fire when it won the MLS Cup in 1998, and won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 1998 and 2009. The Ridley Complex was named after Rev. Harold Ridley, S.J. at the request of an anonymous $5 million donor. J. Richard Awalt Field is named after a member of the Class of 1950 at what was known then as Loyola College, who also happened to be a big proponent of the new facility. The complex was also home to USL Premier Development League Baltimore Bohemians in 2013. Just south of Awalt Field is Sean Lugano Memorial Field. It is named in memory of the 1995 Loyola graduate and former captain of the university’s men’s rugby union team who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. It is the home of the Loyola rugby union club team and is used as a practice field by other sports. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single food stand in operation selling Chick-fil-A items. A chicken sandwich is $4.50, with the spicy option for $5. Bottled soft drinks are $3. The menu is rounded out by chocolate chip cookies ($1.25) and chips ($1). The prices are good, but the selection is just not good enough to award more points here. Atmosphere 3 The single grandstand is double-decked and goes along the length of the field. It is located only on the west side of the field, as the east side opens up to the Jones Falls Valley. You can see the main part of campus off in the distance. The busy Jones Falls Expressway is right next door, but is barely visible and offers no negative effects to the game time atmosphere. The two seating areas are separated by a wide concourse with concession and merchandise stands. Above the upper seats are a large press box and a few luxury suites. Since the player benches are on the same sideline as the grandstand, the seats are too high from the game play. You feel a bit removed from the action, and the atmosphere is not as strong as it could be. The field is also a synthetic surface, with many different line markings permanently displayed. Neighborhood 4 Baltimore is a great metropolitan city with many fun and exciting places to spend time both before and after a game. Relatively close to the stadium is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys is the closest hotel, and has a new and exciting lobby restaurant that is another option. Right down the street is Miss Shirley’s Cafe on Cold Spring Lane. Their fried green tomatoes are quite tasty. They are also quite well-known for their breakfast offerings. Also close to Loyola is the Hampden neighborhood with its variety of quirky shops and restaurants. A favorite of mine is Ma Petite Shoe Cafe. Fans 3 The stadium does not fill up for soccer like it does for lacrosse. But there is a respectable crowd that seems to be quite knowledgeable about the game. Many of the fans are family and friends. Local youth soccer teams are also a big part of the crowd. Access 4 The entire complex is located off campus, behind the Northern District Station of the Baltimore City Police at the intersection of the Jones Falls Expressway and Coldspring Lane in the Woodberry neighborhood of Baltimore city. For ease of finding the stadium, the complex is also right behind TV Hill and directly underneath the iconic television antennas. Parking is free and plentiful for soccer games. It would be much more difficult if coming for the more high-profile lacrosse matches. The parking attendants are a bit aggressive and border on rude. Most of the parking is on cement lots, although there are grass overflows just west of the main stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. That is probably a buck or two too high, but still a decent value. Coupled with the free parking, attending a Loyola soccer game is a decent value. Extras 2 One should make sure to stop back at the main part of campus to visit the Diane Geppi-Aikens Field. This is the former home to the men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse teams. Geppi-Aikens was a former star athlete and women’s lacrosse coach at Loyola who died of brain cancer in 2003. Located just outside of the Reitz Arena, the field is valuable space, so visit it while you can. Hopefully if they do remove the field, the university can still find a way to honor the beloved former coach. Stop by the table in the entrance plaza and pick up flyers, posters and other giveaway items for the various Loyola sports teams. Final Thoughts A decent value for visiting a soccer program with a strong history of success means that J. Richard Awalt Field at the Ridley Athletic Complex is worth a visit by the soccer fan.

Photos Courtesy of Ralph Simpson Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Hampton Convocation Center 1610 Coliseum Dr Hampton, VA 23666 Hampton Pirates website Hampton Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 7,200 All Roads Lead To Hampton The Hampton Convocation Center is located on the university campus and is home to the Pirates basketball team. Opening in 1993 and replacing Holland Hall, which the volleyball team still calls home, the Convocation Center seats about 7,200 fans. Since joining the MEAC in 1995, Hampton has captured two regular-season conference championships and four conference tourney titles, the most recent in 2011. The program’s biggest success came in 2001 when as a #15 seed, they upset Iowa State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Banners representing their past accomplishments hang with pride in the Convocation Center in the school colors of blue & white. The Pirates basketball team moved to the Big South Conference beginning the 2018-2019 season. Food & Beverage 2 The concession prices at the Hampton Convocation Center are rather inexpensive. With that said, variety and selection vary at the two concession stands located in the arena. I started at the one behind section B4 and down the stairs. The menu board offers wings ($6) and a hot dog ($3) as the main proteins. However, cheeseburgers and Chick-fil-A sandwiches are also offered for $4 (neither listed), so I purchased one of each. The most popular item appears to be popcorn, and for $1 a serving, I can see why this is the case. Bottled Pepsi products are available for $3 and chips/candy are $1.50. I visited the second stand located behind section A4 (again, down the stairs) at halftime and only found nachos and popcorn. I’m assuming the first stand is the main one, as this one almost appeared out of business. Concessions stay open throughout the game, but if you’re looking for a burger or chicken sandwich, I would recommend getting them early as they were out late in the game when I visited. An interesting note here – the first concession stand did accept credit; however, it was through the cashier’s iPhone. I’m all about technology and I was OK (surprised, but OK) with the process, but if you don’t have a high level of faith or trust in the security of this type of transaction, bring cash. Another thought that crossed my mind after leaving – what if she is on break or the only cashier that had the phone/app? You may want to play it safe and bring some green. Atmosphere 2 As you approach the Convocation Center, you notice a nice water fountain in the foreground of a modern building. Entering the front doors behind the fountain, you find a well-lit lobby-type area. This area gave me a good first impression of the arena. I then saw the metal detectors, and my mental state slightly changed. Being safe and secure is great, but I haven’t typically seen this at other college venues I have visited in the past. Getting through wasn’t too much of a chore, though, and it was off to find a good seat. I was told seating is general admission. Stairs to take you up to the main seating bowl are located right behind the concession stands. There are a few seats marked ‘Reserved’, but for the most part, you have your pick. Of course, most of the lower-level seats were already claimed, so I made my way up to the upper level. One thing that is notable here is the amount of railing inside the building. If you are going to be on the upper level, your best bet is to sit at least 10 rows up, or you will more than likely have a railing partially obstructing your view. All seats are plastic and your comfort may vary. The floors are all concrete and need maintenance, as many areas are well-worn. This isn’t a major deal, but it does take a little bit away from the overall atmosphere. The pep band and dance team are located in the stands behind the basket adjacent to the visitors’ bench, and you will find cheerleaders on both ends of the floor throughout the game. Their effort and work do not go unnoticed and keep what atmosphere there is in the arena going. Neighborhood 4 The Convocation Center is located right on campus, so there are not a lot of things to do in the immediate area. Located in the Hampton Roads area, you have so many options for before or after the game, I couldn’t possibly list them all here – Williamsburg, Jamestown, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach are all reasonable drives from Hampton and a web search will provide you with must-see opportunities. If you’re into the water, there’s plenty of it around. If you’re in the area for a few days, take a drive out to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. It’s over 20 miles long and connects the Virginia Beach area with the peninsula across the bay. There’s even a rest stop along the bridge where you can get a bite to eat or even go fishing. Looking for something to eat before or after the game? Head over to the Coliseum area (about a five-minute drive) and head to the Greene Turtle, a great sports bar with plenty of TVs. Cinebistro, located in the same shopping center, has first-run movies, along with in-theater dining and beverages. It also has a full bar and bowling alley and is a great place to spend an evening with friends. Fans 2 The Hampton fan experience is nothing out of the ordinary. A great number of fans appeared to be bored or into conversations with others and not really into the game. The most recent game I attended was a late 2012-2013 season contest, but if you are going to go to the game, at least pay attention and support your team. The energy level in the stands was very low, and if I felt it, I’m sure the players did too. Access 3 Getting to the Convocation Center is simple – it is located right off I-64 and right on the Hampton campus. Parking is located right across from the arena, and there is plenty of it available. Getting inside and through security can be a little bit of a hassle, depending on crowd size, so be aware of that if you are tight on time, and being in your seat at tip-off is a must for you. Once inside, you won’t find the typical round concourse. The concourse is really inside the seating bowl, and most utilize that to get from one side of the arena to the other. Outside of the seating area, you will find two sets of restrooms, one each by the two concession stands. It was a little confusing at first, but I found the orange-clad ushers helpful and they were able to guide me where I wanted to go. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids – you really can’t go wrong here. Parking is free, and even if you do partake in the concession stand, you are still getting a decent value for your money here. Extras 0 If you’re looking for a competitive college basketball game, that is what you will find. Otherwise, there is not much in terms of extras. Final Thoughts If you’re a fan of Hampton basketball, some of the things that I mentioned above may seem unimportant to you. If you’re a fan of arenas and planning a trip of those that you must get to, the Convocation Center is missing that special something that would put it at or near the top of your list.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Armstrong Stadium Marshall Ave Hampton, VA 23669 Hampton Pirates website Armstrong Stadium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 12,000 All Ahoy for Pirate Football! Hampton University is a historically black college (HBCU) located in Hampton, Virginia, in the southeast portion of the state. The school was founded in 1868 and is considered one of the Black Ivies. Hampton’s athletic teams, the Pirates, previously competed in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference MEAC) along with many other HBCUs. However, in 2018, the school moved to the Big South Conference. By the time they elected to move, the conference football schedule had already been set, so the Pirates competed as an independent in the sport for one season before joining the Big South in 2019. Armstrong Stadium has played home to the football team since 1928. It originally had a capacity of just 1,500, but through a series of expansions and renovations over the years it has been expanded to 12,000. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few concession stands throughout the stadium – one in each corner of the open end and a third behind the home bleachers. However, the menu at each stand is the same, so just go to whichever one is closest. Main courses include hot wings ($7.50, or $8.50 with fries), chicken tenders ($6.50), hot dogs ($4, or $4.50 with chili and cheese), and nachos ($3.50, or $4 with chili.) Snacks include French fries ($2), peanuts ($2.50), chips ($2), and king-size candies ($3). Various bottled beverages are available for $3.50 each. Atmosphere 5 There are stands on three sides of Armstrong Stadium, all bleachers except for a few chair backs at midfield on one side reserved for large donors. Some of the bleachers are metal, while others are of the more uncomfortable wooden variety and showing their age. A large video board is located in the open end zone somewhat off-center, while a smaller scoreboard showing just the basic information is located behind the other end zone. The real strength of the atmosphere at a Hampton football game, like at many of the HBCUs, is the marching band. They perform a lengthy pregame show and continue to play during the game and at halftime. The Hampton marching band is one of the best in the country and has played at parades and other events around the world, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the New Year’s Day Parade in Rome. They are truly something special and add a lot to the atmosphere. Hampton Pirates Half Time Show, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey There is also a Pirate mascot as well as cheerleaders, but they pale in comparison to the band. Neighborhood 3 Armstrong Stadium is located on the Hampton University campus, so you will have to travel at least a little bit to find much of anything. There is a shopping center located across the street from campus that has a few chain restaurants as well as a local Chinese place. If you’re willing to head further away, there are several hotels and restaurants located near the Hampton Coliseum a few miles off campus. If you go to a game early in the season, you can head about half an hour down Interstate 64 to Virginia Beach and have a whole weekend getaway, but later on, the weather will likely not be desirable. Fans 2 When we entered the stadium, the ticket taker told us to “enjoy the show.” While she likely misspoke, this reflects how the majority of Hampton fans see the game – as a marching band show with a football game on the side. Although they’ll stay in their seats and give at least some effort to cheer for the first half, after the marching band has their show at halftime, most fans will head home. Those that remain behind do get into the game, but with a mostly empty stadium, that doesn’t help a whole lot. Access 3 This rating really does not tell the whole story. While a 3 is considered average, to claim access to the stadium is average is akin to sitting with your legs in the freezer and your head in the oven and claiming your body temperature is average. First, the good – getting on campus is extremely easy. Take Exit 267 off Interstate 64, head straight through the light at the end of the exit ramp, and you’re already on campus. Now, the bad – once you get on campus, things can get messy. The parking areas are not clearly marked, and you will often receive conflicting information from different people on where to park. Supposedly parking is $5 according to the website, but when we finally found the right lot, there was nobody there collecting money. Bring cash just in case. After you park, you have to figure out how to get in the stadium. Depending on what kind of ticket you are buying or picking up at will call, you may have to go to one of four different ticket windows in completely different locations. Often, only one gate opens on time, in the far corner of the stadium. Access through this gate requires cutting through the soccer stadium to get in. It should not be this difficult to get into a game. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $20 each for general admission, with discounts available to youth, seniors, and military. Parking may or may not be free depending on whether they have anyone working the lots that day. Concession prices are about average too. All in all, the value here is average, nothing more. Extras 2 One star for all the great energy the marching band brings. They are truly something special. There is an inflatable pirate ship behind the open end zone which doubles as a bouncy slide for the kids. Final Thoughts Attending a Hampton football game is a tale of two halves. For the first half, the crowd is large and at least somewhat into it. Then the marching band does their thing at halftime and most of the crowd goes home. At that point, the atmosphere greatly diminishes. However, this should not be considered a poor reflection on the marching band itself, which is truly one of the best in the country.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Marvin R. White Coliseum Poplarville, MS 39470 Pearl River Wildcats website Marvin R. White Coliseum website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 4,500 Welcome to the River Pearl River Community College is one of 15 schools that play basketball in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) in the NJCAA. The school began as a high school in 1911 before becoming JUCO in 1925 and joining the MACCC in 1927. 1927 also marked the first year of basketball at Pearl River, and since that time the Wildcats have had several historic seasons – Pearl River has won 19 MACCC Championships, more than any other program in the conference. The Wildcats have also advanced to the NJCAA Basketball Tournament three times, with the most recent one after the 2021-22 season. The Wildcats also had the number one ranked team in the country heading into the 2020 tournament that was cancelled due to COVID. The Wildcats originally played at a local high school, until Shivers Gym opened in 1948. Marvin White Coliseum opened in 1972 and played host to the Wildcats until 2005, when Hurricane Katrina destroyed the facility. The Wildcats would play the next nine season in the old Shivers Gym, until the new Marvin White Coliseum was built in time for the 2014-15 season. Food & Beverage 2 As usual in a small venue like this don't expect a wide range of concessions. They have one stand at the main entrance and the basics can be found; hamburgers, nachos, popcorn, sausage dogs, boiled peanuts, candy, pickles, and chips round out the menu. The most expensive item costs $4, so prices will not break the bank – 20 oz. Coke products, Powerade, and Dasani bottled water sell for $3. Atmosphere 3 The Wildcats play at the beautiful and spacious Marvin R. White Coliseum. Named after a long-time president of the college and former Korean War paratrooper, the state-of-the-art, $8.9 million venue is entering its 10th year hosting basketball games. The building is a large brick building with a slanted roof, located right across the street from the Wildcats football facility Dobie Holden Stadium . Like most athletic facilities at PRCC the coliseum stands out, and is nicer than most JUCO basketball facilities. There is one entrance on the south side of the building with a small ticket office and lobby; a nice trophy case and the concessions stand are located here as well. Shiny marble floors, in the school colors of maroon and yellow, greet you as you walk around the lobby. Inside the building the court faces north and south, with 4,500 seats spread out across two levels on the east and west sides of the court. The first eight rows are chairback seats, while the last 6 rows are just plastic bench seating. Each seat is cushioned and has a cupholder – these are major league quality chairback seats. There is a walkway that separates the first and second level of the building, with coaches offices and classrooms on the second floor overlooking the court on the south side. The north side of the building is lined with banners of the Wildcats basketball achievements. A four-sided center hung scoreboard hangs at mid-court and just shows the score. Unfortunately, the view from the last six rows is obstructed by the A/C duct work that hangs from the ceiling, blocking some of the view of the court and the scoreboard. Basketball is the main focus here, so it could be kind of boring for some – there are no promotions or giveaways during timeouts or breaks in the action. There is also no pep band, although there are cheerleaders. During halftime they just play music over the loudspeakers for 15 minutes, although they do let fans onto the court to shoot basketball during halftime. A beautiful new shiny court with the Pearl River logo centered on a shadow of the state of Mississippi is the only renovation the coliseum has received since its re-opening. Neighborhood 2 The MACCC schools are in small towns spread out throughout rural areas of Mississippi. Poplarville is one of the larger towns in the conference and is the county seat of Pearl River County, and PRCC is located several blocks west of downtown. Poplarville has a population of 2,000 and is typical of a Mississippi town, with the southern small town feel where everybody knows everybody. There are a few restaurants worth checking out downtown – Scooter's is a popular place for po'boys, and Deb's Pizza is a popular pizza joint in downtown. However, as Poplarville is located in a dry county, alcohol is not sold inside the city limits. Poplarville also doesn't have any hotels; instead, I would recommend staying about 30 minutes south in Picayune. Poplarville is also about 30 minutes south of Hattiesburg and an hour north of New Orleans, where there are plenty of hotels and better food options. Fans 2 There was kind of a low turnout at the most recent game I was at – maybe 100 fans total at tip-off, with probably another 100 who came in during the game. There is a small student section in the west bleachers, but they didn't make a lot of noise, and only a few fans sitting in the upper levels. It is a shame more people don't come out for Pearl River basketball games because Marvin White Coliseum is a really nice building, but the atmosphere can be kind of dull without a lot of fans. Access 3 Getting to the PRCC campus shouldn't be too hard. Poplarville is located right off Interstate 55 about an hour northeast of New Orleans, and about 30 minutes southwest of Hattiesburg. Exit 29 to Highway 26 will be your best bet as it is the main road that heads into town; the campus is located a few minutes down 26 just north of downtown. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Wildcat basketball games are priced at $8 for all general admission tickets, which is about average for this level of JUCO ball. With the $8 ticket you are able to sit anywhere you want in the coliseum. The fans were kind of spread out at the most recent game I was at, so you are free to sit on the first row or the last row, or anywhere in between, and nobody will hassle you. I was also free to come and go as I wanted, which is always a plus. Extras 5 Pearl River has a few famous alumni, but perhaps the most famous alumni is Jimmy Buffett, who attended here for one year (1966-67). Buffett hated Poplarville as there are no bars in town to play music in, so he resorted to playing his guitar from his Huff Hall dorm room, which is still standing just down the street from Marvin White Coliseum. Pearl River also has one alum who made it to the NBA, in journeyman player James Singleton. If you are interested in exploring old gymnasiums, the historic Shivers Gym is still standing on campus right across the street from the coliseum. The old gym has quite an interesting history – it was constructed on the Army base of nearby Camp Shelby during World War II to serve as the recreational facility and barracks for soldiers stationed there. It was later moved to the Pearl River campus and played host to basketball games until 1972, and then again from 2005-2014. The old gym currently houses PRCC's recreation facilities, as well as is the home venue for Wildcat volleyball matches. There is also a neat history museum on campus that I recommend checking out; inside are tons of artifacts and sports memorabilia related to the history of the college. You'll find past basketball championship trophies, former player jerseys, and even the original scoreboard and shot clock from the Shivers Gym on display. There is also a pretty cool little bookstore right outside Marvin White Coliseum called the Wildcat Den. This is one of the nicest bookstores I've ever seen for a Junior College – inside you'll find a wide selection of different Pearl River gear, as well as a small coffee shop with an outdoor patio where you can watch the game on TV. Marvin White Coliseum also played host to the 2022 MACCC Tournament, as well as hosted the 2020 Mississippi High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) South State Regional. Shivers Gym hosted the 2013 MACCC Tournament as well. In 2019 the facility received its first upgrade when it got a new playing court – at midcourt is a shaded out image of Mississippi with the Wildcats logo in the center. The new court is quite shiny, and the state outline at midcourt under the national championship banner definitely adds intimidation for visiting teams.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Vince Genna Stadium 401 SE Roosevelt Ave Bend, OR 97702 Bend Elks website Vince Genna Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 3,500 Baseball and Beer Highlight a Bend Elks Game Vince Genna Stadium has been the epicenter of baseball in Bend, Oregon, since its opening in 1964. Named after its builder–known locally as Mr. Baseball–Vince Genna, the ballpark has seen its share of baseball throughout the years from semi-pro, American Legion, Minor League, and now Summer Collegiate League. The Bend Elks debuted in 2000 and have been a mainstay in Central Oregon for 20 seasons. Before the club’s arrival, it was in danger of being razed after sitting idle for a couple of years without professional baseball that dated back to 1970, with the arrival of the Bend Rainbows. The next three decades saw various affiliated ball clubs call Vince Genna Stadium, home from the Bend Phillies (1979-1987), Bend Bucks (1988-90), Bend Rockies (1991-1994), and the independent Bend Bandits (1995-1998). The attendance figures would range from around 600 a game for many of these teams. This caused many to wonder if the natural wonders of the area were too much of a distraction. How can baseball compete with scenic hiking trails, white water rafting, mountain trails, and various craft breweries to entertain fans the Elks have found a way to make things work in the city with average crowds of over 1,000 per game. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark offers three areas for concessions: BBQ Deck, Genna’s Grill, and Mini-Concessions stands. The stadium also features a beer garden for the 21 and up a crowd. The BBQ Deck serves burgers, hot dogs, brats, and Beyond Burgers. Genna’s Grill is home to chicken strips with fries, Polish sausage, and corn dogs. The mini-concession areas offer soda and ice cream treats. Domestic and craft beers are $4 to $5 for a 16-ounce. The price increases to $7 and $8 for a 24-ounce beer. Fans can also enjoy glasses of wine and White Claw and Mike’s Hard Lemonade if they are not beer fans. It should be noted that the garden is closed on Wednesdays. Atmosphere 3 Genna Stadium is a mundane facility that is a relic of the minor league baseball past. It features a main grandstand behind a home plate with a press box at the top, bleachers seating down each foul line, and a stadium box seating section. The field is well taken care of with views of lush trees behind the outfield walls. The walls are speckled with numerous ads from local businesses, adding to its old-school minor league baseball feel, and small video scoreboard in left field. Also adding to that feeling are written lineups and small kiosks offering menu items. The beer garden is a hub of activity, with folks enjoying a pint or two throughout the game, but you have to be 21 and up to enter the area. A typical crowd is usually over 1,000 fans a game and keeps things buzzing at each home game. The PA announcer also does a great job entertaining fans in the stadium and announcing promotions, ads, and on-field gimmicks in between innings. A Bend Elks game is a comfortable and casual environment in a bare-bones kind of ballpark. There is just the right amount of food, beer choices, and fan interaction to make watching a baseball game an enjoyable experience. The sun setting beyond the outfield walls above the Cascades is quite the setting for a baseball game. Neighborhood 4 Vince Genna Stadium is located in a residential neighborhood, and the left-field borders a small strip mall. The Old Mill District is west of the ballpark a few miles away and is a retail mall inside the historic mill buildings along the Deschutes River. The Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room is not far away and is one of the most popular breweries in Bend. However, there are quite a bit others to choose from that including Bend Brewing Company, GoodLife, Silver Moon Brewing, Worthy Brewing Company, and Crux Fermentation Project, to name a few. Crux offers outdoor seating for watching the sunset. The outdoor activities include hiking trails, mountain biking, kayaking, and even surfing on the river. If you enjoy scenic views, then visit Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint to enjoy the wonders of the area. Newberry National Volcanic Monument and Smith Rock State Park are about a 30-minute drive outside of town for more natural beauty. Tumalo Falls is a 97-foot waterfall that is worth viewing when in town. Downtown Bend offers local boutiques, hotels, award-winning restaurants, art spa services, and plenty of entertainment and events to satisfy many who like the nightlife or need a break from outdoor activities. The Broom Closet, The Capital, Chomp Chomp, The Drake, and Jackalope Grill are a few restaurants and nightlife options. Access 4 Crowds never attract more than 1,000-1,200 per game, making it a very accessible stadium for fans. Concessions are located outside the main grandstand. The location of the ballpark is east of SR-97. Return on Investment 4 The price of a general admission ticket is $7, preferred seats are $10, and field-level box seats are $15 per game. The preferred seating is an elevated section behind home plate, and field-level box seats are stadium seats closest to the action on the field. Merchandise is reasonable with other clubs in the WCL, and food prices are the same. GA tickets, hot dogs, sodas, and 12-ounce Coors Banquet and Light are $2 on Tuesday nights. Extras 3 The ballpark earns points for the Beer Garden, affordable pricing of craft beer, and a wide variety of locally brewed beers. Bend is also a great town to be in when you are not at a ball game. To see a game here is enjoyable, but there is also everything from outdoor adventures of hiking, canoeing, and biking to shopping and touring the city's multiple breweries. Final Thoughts Vince Genna Stadium is a nice place to watch a baseball game in front of a few thousand people on a cool, summer night in Oregon. The city is a wonderful place to spend a few days and enjoying a local craft beer at an Elks game is a great way to spend an evening in town.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 John F. Coughlin Memorial Field 486 Chandler St. Worcester, MA 01602 Worcester State Lancers football website Coughlin Field website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 2,000 The Home of Lancer Football   Worcester State University is the fourth largest of Massachusetts’ nine state universities, with an enrollment of over 5,400 students in 80 undergraduate majors and 39 graduate programs. WSU was founded as a normal school in the 19th century before evolving into a state college in the 1960s, becoming a university in 2012.   John F. Coughlin Memorial Field is home to the Worcester State football, soccer, field hockey, and women’s lacrosse teams. An eight-lane track surrounds the field and is used by the school’s track and field teams. The stadium has been the host of state championships in several sports. Upgrades to the facility in 2019 saw the installation of new turf, light, and sound systems as well as a new scoreboard in the north end zone.   John Coughlin was the coach of some legendary Worcester State hockey teams. Under his leadership, the Lancers won the ECAC championship four times (1972, 1973, 1974, and 1977). The 1972 team scored 252 goals in only 24 games. Mr. Coughlin was also the founder of the Worcester Little League and was instrumental in the formation of the Worcester PeeWee Youth Hockey Association.   Football has been played at Worcester State University since 1969, first as a club team, then as a varsity sport starting in 1985. Today the Lancers compete in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) alongside several other schools in and around Massachusetts. Worcester State has won three conference championships over its history and has played in seven bowl games, most recently in 2011.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a small concession stand near the entrance to Coughlin Field. This stand serves up burgers and hot dogs right off the grill, as well as assorted candy, bottles of Pepsi products, and water. It’s a basic menu, but prices are cheap and the quality is decent.   Atmosphere 2   The game day presentation at a Lancers football game is pretty basic, as you would likely expect at a small facility such as this.   Music plays over a decent sound system throughout the afternoon. The cheerleading and dance squads perform on the sidelines throughout the games but are difficult to hear unless you happen to be sitting near them. Scoreboards on either end of the field display basic game information. The PA announcer doesn’t bring a lot of energy to the proceedings, but that isn’t a knock against his work. His workmanlike delivery fits in perfectly with the surroundings.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester State University is located in the Tatnuck neighborhood of Worcester, a residential neighborhood known as a safe and quiet part of the city despite its proximity to downtown. The name Tatnuck means “up the great hill.” The school does indeed feature several buildings constructed on a steep hill.   While there aren’t many dining or lodging options right around WSU, downtown Worcester is only two and a half miles away. Located here is the city’s famous Restaurant Row, Shrewsbury Street, where dozens of restaurants, shops, and businesses are concentrated along a two-mile stretch of road. Also located downtown is the DCU Center , home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers. The up-and-coming Canal District is home to Polar Park , home of the Worcester Red Sox. Even though there are 14 colleges in and around Worcester, Holy Cross fields the only Division One teams. Fitton Field and the Hart Recreation Center  anchor the facilities there.   More information about the city of Worcester and things to do around campus can be found here.   Fans 2   The crowds at a Lancers football game can vary greatly in size depending on the opponent, day of the week and weather. Most crowds top out at around 1,000 people, a respectable number for a school of this size. Stadium Journey often refers to crowds of this size as a “friends and family” type of crowd, as the majority of fans in the stands have a connection with the players down on the field. As a result, most of the fans are knowledgeable about the game and boisterous in their support.   Stadium Journey attended the 2024 season opener against cross-town rival Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The announced crowd was 1,150, with those numbers bolstered by WPI fans, who outnumbered Worcester State fans by a factor of two to one.   Access 3   WSU is located in the northwestern part of Worcester, about two and a half miles from downtown and near many of the other colleges located in the city. Detailed directions to the WSU campus can be found here . While most visitors to WSU will drive to campus, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority runs a “ college route ,” a shuttle connecting Holy Cross, Assumption University, and Worcester State University. WRTA’s number 2 and 6 buses also stop at the entrance to campus on May Street.   Coughlin Field is located on the western edge of the WSU campus alongside many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Rockwood Field and Lancer Gymnasium. There is a parking lot to the north of the football field which is large enough to accommodate a typical Lancer crowd, with additional parking on the east side of the stadium. With the small footprint of the college, any point on campus is just a short walk away.   Seating at Coughlin Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in one large grandstand. All seats are between the 30-yard lines. There is plenty of standing room along the fence on the east side of the field. This is also where the entrance to the field, concession stand, and port-a-johns are located. Unfortunately, there are no permanent restroom facilities here. The school’s track circles the football field, pushing the grandstand further from the gridiron.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to a Lancers football game costs just five dollars, with seniors and students admitted for three dollars. Youths under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the stadium. Concessions are inexpensive, with no item priced more than six dollars. Make sure to bring some cash with you, as cards of any type are not accepted at Coughlin Field. You won’t need much.   Extras 1   There is a 50/50 raffle held at each game to raise funds for the other Lancers athletic teams.   Final Thoughts   Coughlin Field is a basic facility that suits the needs of the Worcester State Lancers football team well. What this field lacks in flash, it more than makes up for in value. Fans of small college football will feel right at home here at Worcester State University.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Stadio Comunale Via Aldo Gastaldi, 22 16043 Chiavari (GE) Italy Virtus Entella website Stadio Comunale website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 5,535 Stadio Comunale Virtus Entella is the main football club in Chiavari, a city 40 km away from Genoa. It owes its name to the river that runs through the city and flows into the Ligurian Sea. The company was founded in 1914 and one hundred years later (after changing several times designation), in the 2014/2015 season, it played for the first time at Serie B championship, the second level of Italian professional football. Its colors are white and light blue (in honor of Argentina), while in the coat of arms appears a little devil with pitchfork in hand and ball for football near the foot (because Dario Costa, president of the Thirties and Forties of the XX century, defined his players “blacks devils).” Since 1933 Vitrus plays their home games at the Stadio Comunale, which was built with the name of the Stadio Littorio. The match of inauguration of the system was Entella vs. Albenga of October 29, 1933, match that ended with a 1-1 score. The facility was renovated several times during its history. In 1935 the grandstand, which still exists, was built. In 1945 it was renamed Stadio Comunale, abandoning the name that had been given during the fascist period. Between 2011 and 2015 further improvements have enabled the structure to receive the OK from the authorities to host competitions of Lega Pro, and later Serie B. Curiosity: Giampiero Ventura, the head coach of Italian National Team after Euro 2016, trained the Virtus Entella for three seasons (1982/1983, 1984/1985 and 1985/1986). Food & Beverage 3 Like all sports facilities, Stadio Comunale is equipped with inside dining options. The bar located in the grandstand sells sandwiches, sweet and salty snacks, and ice cream. Pizza and sandwiches cost 2,00 euros. The water (half-liter bottle) costs 1,00 euro. There is also a cafeteria service. Additional refreshment points are located in other areas of the stadium. Outside the stadium we did not find the classic peddlers of sandwiches and drinks. Not far away stands the Bar Entella, meeting place for fans “Biancocelesti”. Near the facility, there are a few restaurants and pizzerias. Atmosphere 4 Stadio Comunale has a rectangular layout (and remember, in fact, the British systems), with four sectors which are disconnected from each other: Tribuna (in turn divided into: Lateral – Central – Authority), Distinti (central covered – lateral uncovered), Gradinata Sud (reserved for local fans and from October 2015 entitled former footballer Ermes Nadalin), and Gradinata Nord (reserved for visiting supporters). Four towers for lighting rise near the corner flags. Among the Gradinata Nord and the sector Distinti is a big screen on which, before the match, run the names and images of the players of Virtus Entella. The grandstand is covered, the Distinti (with alternating seats in white and light blue) partly covered and partly uncovered. The two tiers are uncovered and made with a metal structure. The playing field measures 103×62 meters and the turf is a natural-synthetic mix. Neighborhood 2 All around the structure are small buildings of five or six floors (during the match some fans view the game from the terrace or the window of the house). Not far away is the touristic port and the course that runs along the Ligurian Sea. Fans 2 The supporters are organized and more passionate following home games of Virtus Entella from Gradinata Sud. Flags and scarves that are white, light blue and black paint this part of the stadium. In Serie B the most heated matches are against Spezia (the two cities are about 50 kilometers away) and Pro Vercelli. However, the historic rivalry (and formerly also political) is the one with Sestri Levante and giving life to the so-called Derby del Tigullio. Access 4 Reaching the Chiavari Stadio Comunale is quite simple. The city is located on the A12 route linking Genoa to Rome. Coming from the south is recommended exit to Lavagna. Coming from the north, use the Chiavari exit. Upon exiting the highway, in both cases, it is necessary to drive for about three kilometers. Chiavari Train Station is about one and a half kilometers from the stadium. The nearest airport is Genoa – Sestri. Return on Investment 4 Both online and in Chiavari, points of sale are given on the website of Virtus Entella. You can buy tickets to attend home games of the team. The cost of tickets varies depending on the chosen section and the day of purchase (the day of competition the price is higher). Season 2016/2017: Tribuna Centrale: 30,00 euro full price (25,00 reduced). Tribuna Semicentrale: 25,00 euro full price (20,00 reduced). Tribuna Laterale: 20,00 euro full price (14,00 reduced). Distinti Centrali: 16,00 euro full price (13,00 reduced). Distinti Laterali: 13,00 euro full price (10,00 reduced). Gradinata Sud “Ermes Nadalin”: 10,00 euro full price (5,00 reduced). Gradinata Nord – Settore Ospiti: 10,00 euro full price. The reduced ticket is reserved for over 65 years old, women, boys aged 12 to 17 years old, and the disabled. Children aged 7 to 11 years pay a 2.00 euro ticket, while children under 6 years and disabled can take advantage of free tickets. For all methods of purchase, the prices and the necessary information is available on the website of Virtus Entella, in the “Stadio” section. Extras 3 Chiavari is a romantic village along the Ligurian Sea to spend pleasant holidays. The Cinque Terre, World Heritage Site, a stretch of the Ligurian coast from Riomaggiore and Monterosso, and Portofino, a famous holiday resort for VIPs and stars of show business, are all in the area. The city of Genoa with its great and famous aquarium and many other attractions, is situated about 40 km away.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The first game played at the Crawfordsville gym was on January 31, 1940, in front of a sold-out crowd of around 2,673 that witnessed the Athenians defeat the Clinton Wildcats 46-33. All seats were reserved and had been sold out by noon of the first game. Even a few days earlier the visiting Clinton newspaper urged its fans to purchase tickets before arriving at the arena before making the journey to Crawfordsville.  The new quarter of a million-dollar “temple to Indiana high school basketball” was a beautiful building and a much-needed gym for the Athenians. The team had played at the old YMCA gym, the Crawfordsville Auditorium, the Wabash College gym, and the Armory since beginning its program in 1911.  The gym offered seating all the way around with four corner entrances that kissed the corner of each foul line. The crowds were close to the action on the court but were both courteous to the opposing players and supportive of its home club.  Former school athletic director Bruce Whitehead mentioned at the time of its closing to the Indianapolis Star that “there was not a bad seat in the house – no matter whether you are in the top row, the end for the side. It was compact, cozy, and great.” The size of the gym did get a bit cozier towards the end of its timeline from 2,673 to 2,100. The gym was both modern and state-of-the-art when it opened and was one of the earliest places to feature electronic scoreboards. In its 53-year history, a total of 600 games were played at the old gym, including being the home for sectional games from 1940 to 1971. Crawfordsville High would capture 40 regional championships and earn one trip to the state title game in 1958 during that span. The last game that took place was on February 26, 1993, in a 75-67 overtime loss to Greencastle. Crawfordsville had tied it up at 61 on a 3-pointer at the buzzer to provide a little extra time to the historic facility. After the game, the crowd said goodbye to the memories and the basketball.  After the game, a section of the bleachers was donated to the Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle, and all fans in attendance who purchased a $3 seat took home a souvenir keychain with an etching of the gym on one side and the history of Crawfordsville basketball on the opposite side.  The game ball that was used for the final game was used one more time at the school’s new gym when it opened later that year. It now resides in a trophy case at the new high school’s gymnasium. “It was a great place to play,” said former player McCarty at the time of the gym’s closing. “It’s dark in there, and I kind of like the dark background. The only time it’s hard to shoot is when you get all the fans packed in there behind the basket.”  The town has honored the game ever since the first basketball game was played in March of 1894 between the YMCA of Crawfordsville and the YMCA of Lafayette. During the dedication services in 1940, the state champions of 1911 were invited back to the building for a pre-game ceremony. A total of six members made the trip back into town to acknowledge the state’s first hardwood champions. “Maybe approved basketball isn’t such a killer after all,” quipped head coach and future Indiana High School Hall of Famer H.T. McCullough to a stunned audience. He must have been amazed at the physical appearance of the former players who were close to 30 years removed from their high school championship. After the new high school gym was built, the facility was dormant and reopened in 1999 as the Athena Fitness Center.  For the next 20 years, it was maintained and used for various sports and events in town. However, in the spring of 2019, the building closed, and its future is in some question as of this writing. Construction was taking place in the gym as a large crane was outside one of its entrances, while bags of materials were stacked up on the court. Workers were visible moving material inside the interior hallways of the venue. There didn’t appear to be any damages or work being done to the gym or the court during our visit. The residents that now live in The Lofts apartment complex that once housed classrooms next to the gym didn’t seem to know what was taking place with the former basketball cathedral. There was no one in the building to answer any questions, and phone calls have yet to be returned. The gym appears to be a sound condition and ideal for a pickup game of basketball. However, what does one do with an old gym that hasn’t housed a high school game in almost 28 years? Has it outlived its usefulness, and can it find new life as other gyms in Peru and Lebanon? One can only hope. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Miami Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field 5250 University Dr Coral Gables, FL 33146 Miami (FL) Hurricanes website Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 5,000 Excitement Under “The Light” Catching a college baseball game is something that everyone who has loved the sport has done at some point. It is the launching pad for what many consider to be the truest American sport, showcasing the young talent of the future of MLB. University of Miami baseball is a program steeped in history. Having won multiple national championships and having been the home of many MLB stars before they were famous, a game at ‘The U’ is one that many would expect to be top notch. However, disappointing seasons of the past have led to decreased excitement among the fan base (as is the case with ANY Miami-area team). Despite this, there are many things on the good side when considering a baseball game at Mark Light Field. Food & Beverage 3 There are the standard items on the menu, and that should not come as a surprise. After all, it is a baseball game. Hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, and yes….peanuts. What makes UM baseball stand apart however is their specials which change game by game. Additionally, students have from time to time free food options. During my most recent visit, there was a student association on campus that was serving free Cuban food to students and their families as it was Family Visit weekend on campus. During those hot days, of which there are many in South Florida, there are plenty of drink options spanning from water and soda to fresh frozen lemonade. Atmosphere 3 Fans of the Hurricanes are very loyal. Most are legacy graduates who love the school and all of their teams, and thus express their love for their teams with great excitement during games. Throughout the game, the conversation among fans is lively and enjoyable. The sound of baseball fills the air, and it is hard to not fall in love with the sport all over again. With that said, there are some things lacking in the game experience. UM baseball doesn’t have the same buzz as say a Vanderbilt game or an Arizona game. There are just some teams that scream baseball rocks here, and unfortunately Miami doesn’t seem to have captured that. Perhaps the only prescription is another College World Series run… Neighborhood 5 UM’s campus is situated right in the middle of the nicest part of Miami, in Coral Gables. To the south, east, and north are more great neighborhoods, with Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay, Coconut Grove, and Brickell bordering the area respectively. The architecture of the area, all the way down to the old stone corner street markers, makes the area feel as if it is still in the older days of Miami. The trees are large, old, and majestic. The food and shopping options are plentiful, with Sunset Place mall just a stone’s throw away, and Dadeland Mall not much farther. One of the safest feeling places in Miami, Coral Gables also has plenty of places to stay, with everything from your basic hotels to upscale resorts just a few minutes’ drive away. Fans 4 The fans of UM baseball are among the most loyal there are. NOBODY comes to a UM baseball game without wearing green and orange and being proud to do so (unless you’re a fan of the visiting team of course). On the same hand, they are among the nicest fans I have ever met at a college baseball game. There aren’t obscenities yelled at umpires. They also are very pleasant when asking for directions or questions regarding the current players. And when the other team makes a great play or hits a home run, they are there clapping in appreciation for good play instead of booing their opponents. Access 4 The University of Miami isn’t exactly close to the highway. However, it is only a few miles down the road from an exit off one of the offshoots of the highway, and is right on US1, one of the main roads in South Florida. For those who do not wish to drive into Coral Gables, there is a metrorail station literally across the street from the ballpark, making it perfect for a park-and-ride situation. There are also several metro bus routes that pass by or around the UM campus. On-campus shuttles (the Hurry Cane) can take students (and anyone who happens to just blend in with students) across the campus and even to local places of interest like the Sunset Place Mall. Additionally, there is plenty of parking on-site, so you won’t have to walk far if you do decide to drive up to the school. The massive parking garage in right field is a great option for those visiting the campus for the purpose of taking in a game. Return on Investment 4 There is a great return on investment for UM baseball games, as this is easily a family friendly sporting event. In addition, there is a great tradition of success at this school when it comes to baseball that you can’t help but feel you may be witnessing the beginning of a great professional career of someone on the field. While getting to UM isn’t exactly the most enjoyable experience on a busy traffic day, the experience that awaits when you arrive is excellent. Extras 3 When walking down the halls of Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field, you will be introduced to some of the biggest names in UM baseball history on their wall of fame. Another fun uniqueness of a game at ‘The U’ is that the baseball team has their own mascot, separate from Sebastian the Ibis. Looking like a giant feather duster-covered creature, he makes appearances in the stands and greets kids in attendance. To make things even better, there are always some sort of giveaways at the game. Whether it is through a contest between fans or a t-shirt toss, there is always something free being handed to UM’s faithful. Final Thoughts UM baseball has enjoyed the peak of success in years past, and may be in a down period for the team, but the enjoyment of attending a game is just as high as before. It is America’s Pastime after all, and what better way to enjoy the most American sport there is than at a college ballpark on a sunny South Florida day?

Photos by Joseph Oakes Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Chartway Arena 4320 Hampton Blvd Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website Chartway Arena website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 8,639 Constantly Impressive Old Dominion University is a public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia, with over 24,000 on and off-campus students. Old Dominion was formerly a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, but since 2013 has competed in Conference USA. Old Dominion began playing basketball in the Constant Convocation Center in 2002, when the arena opened. The arena seats just under 9,000 for basketball and is the perfect-sized arena for the Old Dominion basketball team and its fans. Note: In June 2019, the name of the venue changed from Constant Convocation Center to Chartway Arena. Food & Beverage 3 There are four main concession stands at the Constant Convocation Center, each located on the concourse level above the main seating bowl in the four corners of the arena. The concourse is open in the corners where the concession stands are, which allow patrons to still view game action while standing in line for concessions. The majority of the concession stands are manned by ODU student groups, such as the ROTC. One major plus is that the concession stands accept all major credit/debit cards. There is an average selection of food at the Constant Convocation Center, which includes pizza, chicken tenders, hot dogs, chicken Philly, fries, soft pretzels, popcorn, nachos and cheese, churros, and candy. A good choice is the pizza that is from a local Hampton Roads based chain, Ynot Pizza. Individual slices are available for $5. One disappointment is that the Constant Convocation Center’s website states that barbecue nachos are available. However, on my visit, barbecue nachos were not offered. Pepsi products are the brand of choice at the Constant Convocation Center, and are offered in fountain style in both small paper cups ($4) and large souvenir cups ($6). Bottled water is also available. Alcoholic beverages are not available in the Constant Convocation Center for ODU basketball games. Atmosphere 5 Upon entering the Constant Convocation Center, one is immediately met with a tremendous sense of ODU pride. In the main lobby area, there is a Hall of Fame area with memorabilia from past teams and championship trophies. The majority of the seating in the Constant Center is in the large lower bowl, with the main concourse above the seating bowl. All seats in the lower bowl are nice plush, cushioned seats with cup holders. Above the concourse level is the suite/club level. The suites are located on the sidelines, while club seating is in the corners and end zones. A large four-sided LED video board hangs directly above center court. This provides high-definition video replays, along with the score, fouls, shooting percentage, etc. The ODU pep band is located in one of the end zone sections, and does a great job getting the crowd pumped up and leading cheers. ODU’s mascot, a lion, is nicknamed Big Blue and makes his way around the crowd throughout the game. There are also several t-shirt tosses throughout the game. There is not a bad seat in the house at the Constant Center. However, sitting in sections 103-105, you will be facing the scorer’s tables and team benches, while being able to see the center-court ODU logo correctly. Neighborhood 4 The Constant Convocation Center is located on the ODU campus about approximately four miles from downtown Norfolk. While there are a few restaurants within walking distance of the Constant Convocation Center (Monarch Recovery Sports Grill, La Herradura Mexican Restaurant, Sakura Sushi Bar), the majority of the restaurants are located in downtown Norfolk. The downtown area boasts many great restaurants, including Freemason Abbey, Hell’s Kitchen, and Shula’s 347 Grill. There are also chain restaurants, such as Buffalo Wild Wings, located in downtown Norfolk. Overall, there is a wide variety of both local and chain restaurants located in the area. Being located in the Hampton Roads area, there are several attractions and entertainment options for out-of-town visitors to the Constant Center to check out. One can’t miss would be Nauticus, which features the U.S.S. Wisconsin, which is located in downtown Norfolk. Another must-see is the MacArthur Memorial, also located in downtown Norfolk, which features a museum, learning center, and theater honoring General Douglas MacArthur. Other areas worth visiting are Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, all located within a 30-minute drive of downtown Norfolk. The SpringHill Suites, located across the street from the Constant Center, is the only hotel within walking distance of the arena. However, again, there are several lodging options located in downtown Norfolk. Fans 4 ODU has one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in Conference USA. While the attendance is not always at capacity, ODU typically averages 6,000-7,000 per game. The game I attended saw just over 6,500 fans in attendance. Even though ODU was behind the whole game that I attended and eventually lost, it seemed like the fans really wanted to get into the game, but the team’s play kept the crowd mostly quiet. However, in a couple instances when ODU cut the game to eight points, fans would get on their feet and the building got really loud. The student section was a disappointment, as it was not very full, and the students that were there remained mostly seated. Access 5 Overall, the Constant Convocation Center is not the easiest venue to get to; however, once inside, the concourse is easy to maneuver and quite fan friendly. ODU’s campus is serviced by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) buses, which provide service into downtown Norfolk. Norfolk is serviced by the Norfolk International Airport (ORF), and provides access to several major airlines including Delta, American, Southwest, and Continental. One plus of attending an event at the Constant Convocation Center is free parking available in the parking decks across the street. Access to the arena can be sometimes slowed, as a narrow four-lane city street takes you from downtown Norfolk to ODU, and can sometimes get backed up as you get closer to game time. If driving to ODU from either the Midtown or Downtown Tunnels, be sure to allow a little extra time, as they can easily get congested. The best entrance to the Constant Center is through the main lobby, as there are several lines. Security is a breeze, as all they check is purses and large bags. The ticket office is located to the right of the main entrance lobby along Hampton Boulevard. Moving about the concourse is fairly easy, even though sometimes concession lines can impede flow, especially during halftime. In the corners where the concession stands are located, the concourse is open, allowing a clear view of the court. Restrooms are located on the main concourse and are extremely clean. Handicapped-accessible seating is located at center court at the top of the seating bowl. Return on Investment 4 Attending an ODU basketball game is very economical for Division I basketball. For conference games, concourse-level tickets are $20, while club level seats are $34. Concession prices are comparable to any other similar venue. Free parking and a free game program just add to your experience. One special package ODU offers is the voucher book, in which you can get tickets to any 10 games for just $99. Extras 2 Besides hosting ODU basketball, the Constant Center also hosts ODU wrestling and other events, such as concerts. I was able to attend an ODU wrestling match, as well, and saw them take on top-10 ranked NC State. Tickets for wrestling matches are only $6, and the seating is general admission in the concourse level. As an added bonus, ODU wrestling fans are very knowledgeable as to the rules of college wrestling and are very vocal. After each match win for ODU, t-shirts are thrown into the crowd. Also, a short video of college wrestling rules is shown before the meet begins to inform fans who are not familiar with the rules.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex 19593 South 48th St Chandler, AZ 85226 Phoenix Rising FC website Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 10,000 Rising As One Para leer esta resena en espanol, haga clic en este enlace Phoenix Rising FC is a soccer club in the USL-C, the second level of soccer in the United States, one step below MLS (Major League Soccer). The club began operation in 2014 as the Arizona United SC and rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC in 2017. The team has been quite successful the last few years clinching the USL Championship regular season title in 2019. They made it to the Championship playoff finals in 2108 and 2020 (which unfortunately got cancelled because of COVID) and the playoff quarterfinals in 2021. The club moved from its former home in Scottsdale to a brand-new stadium at Wild Horse Pass in the Gila River Indian Community in Chandler, AZ. The first match played there was April 30, 2021. Fans had mixed reactions to the move, largely due to their location in the Valley. Some find getting to the new stadium easier; others not so much. Regardless of where you live in the Valley, attending a match is an enjoyable evening out, so we encourage you to check one out. We recommend in the early spring or fall as temperatures are more comfortable during those times of the year in Metro Phoenix. Food & Beverage 5 Concession offerings of food trucks and concession kiosks have plenty for soccer fans to treat themselves. The food points of sale are on the grounds outside the stadium seating area (except VIP sections) with stalls on the east, south, and west sides. A large picnic area called The Park is on the south lawn (near the entrance) that provides lots of picnic tables and a row of tempting food and drink choices. The complex has plenty of additional choices on the west side, with a few more on the east side. Fans won’t go hungry or thirsty. Expect queues at the concessions, especially before the match and halftime. Several stands offer tacos ($3 each), burritos, nachos, quesadillas, fries, guacamole and chips, wings ($3 – $15). Maya’s Cajun Kitchen sells vegan food. Hot dog and sausage choices run $8 – $12. Sonoran Grillz sells cheeseburger varieties, chicken tenders and sandwiches, and shrimp baskets ($12 – $18). Mobile Pizza even has wood fired pizza (from cheese and pepperoni to Hawaiian and everything in between) for $14. Shaved ice, funnel cake, kettle corn and soft pretzels are just some of the snacks available. Soda and water generally run $3 or $4. Adult drinks cost $10 for cocktails to $11 for 24 oz premium beer. Stands sell a variety of beer choices in cans, not just domestic brands. Our recommendation is to walk around the stadium first to see all the choices before deciding what to get. Atmosphere 4 Phoenix Rising FC soccer games are fun! The organization does a great job at providing a family friendly environment with passionate but not unruly fans, a field for the young ones to run around, and an entertaining game. The PA announcer is fantastic. Absolutely outstanding. He calls the lineup clearly and slowly in English; it’s easy to hear and understand. The music volume is fine; it is easy to have a conversation with your neighbor without having to yell over the music. Even better, they turn the music off when announcing the starting lineup. Some baseball organizations should take note of this. Inside the stadium, seating is on all four sides of the pitch. VIP and premium seating consists of a second level terrace on the east side, cushioned field level seats, and field level seats with hi-top tables. These field level seats allow fans to be up close and personal. The rest of the seats are grey fold-down seats raised above the ground level, with no arms or cupholders. These seats are more comfortable than they look. The east side stand offers rows A through K and above those are suites and the premium terrace. This stand provides dramatic views of stunning sunsets. The rows are long (28 seats across), so if you’re a fan who needs to get up often during the match, choose seats closer to the aisles (1-4 or 24-28) to prevent disrupting other fans. The west side stand has two levels and goes up 28 rows or so. Lots of steps on that side. The raised seats behind the goals are general admission (bleachers with no backs). The club installed a huge scoreboard on the south end. It shows the score, half, and time with some videos and advertisements. A cool thing about the scoreboard is it broadcasts on both sides. Fans hanging out in The Park area can also see what’s displayed on it and keep up with the game score. The Park is across from the entrance. It is a large grass berm with picnic tables, surrounded by food kiosks and games for kids (and adults) to participate in. It’s a very popular place before and even during the match. Four light stanchions illuminate the field. Phoenix Rising FC only hosts evening matches. Neighborhood 2 Phoenix Rising Stadium is in the Wild Horse Pass entertainment area. While not in the hustle-bustle of a downtown area, a few things are available for other forms of entertainment within a few miles. A mile and a half from the stadium is Gila River Resort and Casino . Just north of that is Phoenix Premium Outlet Mall for all your shopping needs. For those who like the outdoors, visit the South Mountain Park and Nature Preserve for some hiking. The Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass is just a little over a mile away. Downtown Chandler, a vibrant community with plenty of bars, restaurants, and breweries is 11+ miles from the stadium and is certainly worth a visit. Check out San Tan Brewing or The Perch Brewery (it features tropical rescue birds) for beers, Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup, The Hidden House (American cuisine), or The Brickyard Downtown (gastropub). For hotels, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass or the Gila River Resort are the closest though pricey. A Best Western is right across I-10 and there are plenty of lower-priced lodging choices three miles north two exits off I-10. Other sports to see nearby might include Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, a local drag racing track. Other than that, it is 12+ miles to other sporting events like ASU and some spring training ballparks. Chase Field (Diamondbacks) and Footprint Center ( Suns , Mercury , Rattlers ) are eighteen miles away in downtown Phoenix. Fans 4 Phoenix Rising FC has two strong supporters groups, Los Banditos and Union 602, both welcome all fans. Drums, flags waving, colored smoke, singing, clapping, jumping up and down – they have it all. Most supporters sit in the south end zone under the scoreboard but you’ll find patches of the groups’ supporters throughout the seating area. Lots and lots of kids and youth soccer clubs attend matches. You’ll see a whole host of families and friends in attendance. The fans are engaged in the play on the pitch. And, you certainly know when the crowd disagrees with the umpire’s calls. The fans make it a comfortable sporting event to attend where all visitors are accepted. Phoenix Rising fans have an active presence on social media. The club posts ‘the team is wearing red for tonight’s match,’ per se, and fans dress in red when attending the match. And, if in and around the Phoenix metro area, you will see a Phoenix Rising FC sticker or decal on a car in almost any parking lot. Attendance is strong at Phoenix Rising FC matches with the club ranking in the USL-C top five to ten in attendance the last few seasons with an average of 6,600 – 6,800 fans. And, crowds in 2022 have increased to over 7,000 so far. Access 3 Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex is in Chandler AZ, a southern suburb of Phoenix. The stadium is right off Interstate 10 and the southern part of the 202 Loop. Expect considerable traffic before and after the match. The complex is 14 miles south of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. No noticeable public transportation is available. However, Phoenix Rising FC has a Pub2Pitch transport shuttle where fans go to select bars and buses take them to/from the matches. That’s a pretty slick service. Upon entering the complex, parking is free. The stadium has three entrances: one for media and vendors, another for VIPs and another for other visitors. Security wands all fans at the entrances. Clear bags are allowed. There are a lot of steps to get in and around the venue, though ramps and ADA lifts, and wheelchair seating are available for those who need it. The complex has multiple sets of restrooms around the perimeter in what look like semi-trailers. But don’t fret, they are plenty clean and nice looking on the inside (at least for the ladies room). Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets run $22 – $41 and are comparable, if a little higher than other USL-C teams. The price increases $4 or $5 if purchased on game day. Be sure to check their website or social media pages for any specials. The club offers ticket discounts for groups or mini-plan (4 or 8 matches) purchases. Phoenix Rising introduced digital-only tickets this 2022 season. Parking is free, which is a bonus. The stadium’s food and drink prices are less than the other professional sports venues in the area. Visitors can bring in two sealed bottles of water per person. Fans definitely need those at matches in warmer months. Extras 5 Phoenix Rising has many additional items worth noting. The organization provides roster sheets at the entrance. A nice-looking merchandise tent with a vast supply of Phoenix Rising gear is near the entry. The lawn area is a handy feature for fans to eat their refreshments and play before heading into the seating area. Having the scoreboard broadcast the game towards the lawn area shows the organization’s appreciation for the fans. The Phoenix Rising FC organization and the complex offer a wealth of youth camps and training programs. And, I must commend the PA announcer again. Final Thoughts Going to and watching professional soccer matches is on the rise in Arizona. The club is currently an applicant for a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise expansion. Time will tell whether that comes to fruition or not. Phoenix Rising FC does a remarkable job at providing an enjoyable, crowd pleasing, and safe sports entertainment evening. The new soccer stadium is an excellent place for fans across Arizona to visit and watch a winning soccer club!