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  • Goodison Park – Everton FC

    Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Goodison Park Goodison Rd Liverpool, England L4 4EL United Kingdom Everton FC website Goodison Park website Year Opened: 1892 Capacity: 40,157 Glorious Goodison, Home of “The Toffees” Originally featured 3/28/2016 Goodison Park, home to Everton F.C, has hosted more top flight English football games than any other club. It first became the home of “The Toffees” in 1892 and is one of the world’s first purpose built stadiums. Before the move to Goodison Park, Everton played on an open pitch at Stanley Park. Nowadays, Stanley Park is a destination where Liverpool wants to construct their new stadium. It had been suggested that Everton and Liverpool would share a stadium at Stanley Park; however, the fans hated the idea and was quickly dismissed. Goodison Park, located in Walton, Liverpool, has a capacity of 40,157 and is referred to by fans as “The Grand Old Lady.” Over the years, Goodison Park has undergone development and is now an all-seater stadium. Food & Beverage 3 At Goodison Park, the food options and quality are nothing special. However, is still appetising and is priced fairly. As expected at Everton, and football stadiums in general, the variety of food is limited, with meal deals (pie and a pint) pricing at £5.90. The pies on offer include cheese and onion, Scouse pie, and Steak pie, all priced at £2.50. In addition to this, a kid’s drink, crisps, sausage roll, and a Milky Way would cost you £4.00, which is a very good price! Also, a chocolate bar and hot drink would cost you £2.90. Lager is on sale at £3.60 for a 600mL bottle, though alcohol stops being served 15 minutes prior to kick off. Like all football stadiums, the queues at halftime can get very bad, so I advise to eat and drink prior to the match. Although the food and beverage options are decent, I feel Everton could introduce the hot dog and a stadium burger. Most of the options are just plain pastries, so a nice juicy burger or hot dog would be nice. The only other option is to eat in the city centre, because other than a few burger stands, there is nowhere to eat near the ground. Atmosphere 4 Everton, when playing well, can have Goodison Park rocking. As it is a tight, enclosed, and old fashioned stadium, no noise escapes. When playing the “big teams”, the roar of the crowd can drive the team to a win. When playing on TV, the commentators have described the stadium as “shaking”, which can only mean good things! However, the atmosphere is at its best when Everton host Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby in one of the most fierce rivalries in world football. If you are a first time visitor, this is not the game to come and witness, as a lot of trouble is caused, and the intensity is off the scale! Whatever game you go and watch, though, the noise made is very good. Neighborhood 3 A person visiting Liverpool wouldn’t think it’s the nicest and friendliest places to visit, and to be honest, it isn’t the most touristic of places, either. However, outside the stadium, it’s a very safe environment, with police manning the streets. I’m not saying it’s some kind of glorious environment, but overall, the area is fine and shouldn’t stop you visiting. Fans 4 I have to admit Everton have got one of the best core of fans in the Premier League. The fans, nicknamed “The Evertonians,” sell out Goodison Park every week. Additionally, the noise made by The Evertonians is unbelievable and are known to be the 12th man. I can only say good things about this set of fans who haven’t seen silverware in 17 years, but boy do they keep their optimism! In 2005, the club reached the Champions League group stage for the first time ever. This was a huge achievement and was a special moment for the fans. Despite being knocked out, the fans were rewarded four years later, where they enjoyed a trip to Wembley Stadium. Unfortunately, they saw their team lose 2-1 to Chelsea in the 2009 FA Cup Final. However, like all fans, they completely change during a grudge match. The fans are very hostile when welcoming Liverpool and Manchester United to Goodison Park. There was a particular incident a couple of years ago where a group of Everton fans hijacked a Liverpool fan’s car when travelling home from a derby match. This is just the culture of derby matches in English football, and to be true, this rarely happens. Access 4 Everton is easily accessible via car, bus, or train. From the M6, you would exit at Junction 26 and continue towards the end. Then, at the gyratory, turn left and join the M57 Junction 7. After, join the M56 at junction 4 and then turn right at the A580. From then on, the ground is well signposted and easily reached. Also on the car front, many parking spaces are allocated less than half a mile away at Stanley Park. This would cost you £5.00 and is approximately a 15 minute walk from the ground. When travelling by train, I would advise to get off at Sandhills. You would benefit from this, as a bus station is located just outside the station providing you with a service directly to the stadium. A bus fare would set you back about £2.00 from the station. Return on Investment 5 Although the ticket prices are fairly expensive, the quality and experience of the match is superb at Goodison. An adult in the family enclosure costs £35 and £20vfor a junior. However, if I were you, I would pay that little extra and go and sit at the “top balcony” in the “Goodison Road End” stand. These are arguably the best seats in the house, and you can experience the match at a high and side view. If you’re not one for heights, it’s not the place to sit, as it is the tallest part of the stadium. For an adult it would cost £43, junior £20, and OAP £26. The ticket prices are often slashed by half price when the fixture is either an F.A or Capital One Cup fixture. The standard of the Premier League football is the best in the world, and with Everton playing attractive football at the moment, the return on investment is brilliant. Extras 4 As expected, a club shop is located just outside the stadium and programmes are on sale for £3.00. Additionally, I was very impressed with the statue of Dixie Dean that was erected in 2001. Dixie was a club legend, scoring 349 goals for the club. This is a fitting way to commemorate him. With Everton being one of the best clubs in Britain, they have an exciting bunch of young players. Record signing Marouane Fellaini has been in scintillating form recently and is considered one of the best players in European football. Also, Everton have two classy and experienced centre backs in Phil Jagielka and Phil Neville, and a highly rated shot stopper, and United States national team keeper, in Tim Howard. Finally, a special report was done on Goodison Park on Halloween as it is considered haunted. Personally, I find this quite cool and I give credit to Everton for letting Sky Sports do this. If wanting to know if Goodison Park is haunted, a usual stadium tour is on offer at £10.00 an adult and £5.00 for a child. Final Thoughts Is it worth visiting Goodison Park? Yes, definitely. Not only would you be visiting one of the most historic stadiums in English football, the quality of the game would be fantastic. Goodison Park is a superb destination to watch football and I highly recommend that you visit!

  • Vitality Stadium – AFC Bournemouth

    Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Vitality Stadium King’s Park Dr Bournemouth BH7 7AF, UK AFC Bournemouth website Vitality Stadium website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 11,700 Cherry Picking at Dean Court Originally featured 1/20/2018 Dean Court, or for sponsorship purposes, Vitality Stadium is the home of AFC Bournemouth of the Premier League. It has been home to the club since 1910 when the land was given to Boscombe FC by the Copper-Dean family in which the grounds bears its name. The ground was the first home to 300 seats but has grown steadily in its century of use. The stands were demolished and the ground was completely rebuilt in 2001, with the pitch rotated ninety degrees from its original position and moved away from adjacent housing that bordered the facility. It reopened as a 9,600 seat ground. Further development continued at the stadium that saw temporary stands and sections of the grounds renamed. It has gone through a plethora of sponsorship names from the Fitness First Stadium, The Seawards Stadium, The Goldsands Stadium In 2015 the stadium was renamed Vitality Stadium but with a capacity of only 11,464–smallest in the Premier League– there has been a discussion on moving the club to a new stadium somewhere in the area. There is also the demand for tickets that outweighs the current seating capacity and improving the size is needed for its viability towards its next 100 years. Food & Beverage 3 Pre-match food kiosks or available midway on the outside of the Steven Fletcher North Stan and opens 3 hours before kick-off offering homemade pies, original-recipe hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. The homemade pies consist of beef & ale, chicken and mushrooms, and three-bean curry. You can buy soft drinks for £2 and beers are also on sale in the concourses under the stands. There are Junior Cherry lunch boxes that are also well priced with chocolate, crisps etc available as well. Atmosphere 4 With under 12,000 seats at the stadium, the atmosphere is quite different in comparison with other grounds in the league. However, the facility does have its own ambiance anesthetics that makes it a curiosity for visitors and fans alike. The Main stand (West stand) houses the hospitality suites and has sections of family seating areas on both flanks. The bulk of the home supporters are located in the Steve Fletcher stand, which is at the north end of the ground and holds some 3000 supporters. The East stand is mainly for home fans but it also houses up to 1,600 visiting fans. It’s a tight space for the away fans and is always heavily stewarded. It is open to the sun and on hot summer afternoons, fans should bring with them sunglass, suntan lotion, or a cap for added protection. The Ted MacDougall Stand is a temporary structure that was erected when the team were promoted to the Championship in 2013 and holds 2,200 fans. his stand is usually only for home supporters, but there have been a few FA Cup and League Cup games when visiting fans of large clubs have been seated there. It is not that often that you’ll find Champagne bars at a football ground, but the Bubbles Bar in the Main stand is exactly that and is used for corporate functions. Most fans are more likely to end up having a drink in the 1910 Club which is also situated at one end of the Main stand building on the first floor. At the opposite left end of the Main stand you’ll also find the Club Shop which is a one-story facility that includes some novel features like a working electronic manikin of Steve Fletcher, complete with goal posts. You’ll also get a good feel for the club and its history by making your way round behind the North stand to the East stand, where the Wall of Fame charts the story of iconic AFC Bournemouth players and teams over the club’s existence. The stadium is well equipped for disabled supporters and has a dedicated Junior fan zone for fun before games. The stadium has seen many upgrades with Promotion to the Premier league. There is now a Pavilion building that houses the media centre and press conference facility and new floodlighting and underground heating has been added to the ground as well as 100 press seats. Even though the corners of the ground are not filled in, fans feel very close to the players and the sound remains inside the ground so you can make your voice heard. It is a much improved atmosphere since the Temporary Ted MacDougall stand has been built. On windy days you will feel the breeze blowing through the corners of the ground though. The Superstore is located on the northwest corner of the main stand and is open until kickoff and then for 20 minutes after the match. This is where you’ll also find the team’s trophy cabinet. match day programs are also sold here for £3.50. The Cherries Community Draw tickets aid the Cherries Community Fund and provide supporters a chance to win great cash prices along with supporting local projects. All the tickets are just £1 each. The Junior Fan Zone is located underneath the family stand in opens two and a half hours before the game. Supporters up to the age of 16 can meet and greet team mascot Cherry Bear and enjoy face painting, games activities, and competition such as FIFIA tournament on Xbox1, table tennis, and penalty kicks. Neighborhood 4 Situated in Kings Park, there are avenues of trees and clear pathways to the ground. Next to the stadium are the training pitches and tarmac car park, which is only a couple of quid on match days. Getting out of the car park can take some time though. The local sub-centre of Boscombe is only a 10 minute walk away and it is well supplied with shops, pubs, and cafes for visiting fans. It is not as attractive as the town centre or the beach, but it’s still a busy area. Bournemouth Square is where you can find a variety of shops and places to eat and drink before or after the game and busses provide transportation at £4.10. Bournemouth Pier is home to Rock Reef, an award-winning attraction offering thrilling family activities including the pier pier racing zipline that hovers over the waves below the pier. The Sovereign Shopping Center offers High Street names, various eateries and retail outlets as well as hosting a wide range of community events. Fans 3 Bournemouth fans have a reasonable selection of chants. They get behind the manager most of all though and love singing his name to Barmy Army. The home fans always do a ‘make some noise for the boys’ appeal going round each of the stands moments before the teams come out. The North stand makes the most noise and singing is fairly good throughout the match, but the fans sing much louder when they are at away grounds. There is perhaps rather a lot of clapping from the Main stand, but some songs will get them going. Access 3 The ground is situated just off the Wessex Way which is a dual carriage way. Visiting fans will find it easy to locate and there is a car park right by the ground for £1 and extra parking facilities at the Sovereign shopping centre in Boscombe and at Harewood College. The train station is a bus ride away if you go to the main Bournemouth station. After the games the roads are busy and it does take 20 minutes to drive out of the area. There are a variety of trains that arrived at the Bournemouth Central train station along with P2 and P3 yellow bus service that is easily accessible from the train station and runs up to every 20 minutes. The X3 service from Salisbury or Bournemouth runs every 30 minutes and M2 buses run every 7 to 10 minutes on matchdays. If driving to the game it is advised to arrive early in order to find a free matchday parking that’s available at Harewood College, a ten-minute walk away from the stadium. There is also parking available to the south of the ground for just £1. However, it is advised to arrive about 75-90 minutes before kickoff to secure a spot for this low price. Sovereign Shopping Center on Christchurch Road, a 15-minute walk, from the grounds, provides parking at a cost of £2 for 4 hours. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are by no means the most expensive in the Premier League. Family stand adult price is £29 and adult prices in the North and South stand are £32 and from £33 in the East stand rising up to £45 in the Main stand. Executive prices are £55. There are concessions and low Junior Cherry and disabled prices. For the style of play that we have seen Eddie Howe’s teams play over the last seven years it has been worth every penny. Extras 4 When you go to a match at Dean Court you can also buy one of the best match programmes in the country, it really is packed with information and has won many awards over the last few seasons. It is also good to get there early as you can really get close to the players who will sign autographs. Final Thoughts With under 12,000 seats, Vitality Stadium offers an atmosphere that is quite different in comparison with other grounds in the league. It is the smallest grounds in English Football. However, the facility does have its own ambiance anesthetics that makes it a curiosity for visitors and fans alike. The concourses and stands are tight and crowds can become dense when moving around the stadium. However, just because you are small in size that you don’t pack a punch.

  • Obscure Sports Stops: Remnants of Metropolitan Stadium

    Metropolitan Stadium, often referred to as “the Met,” was built in suburban Bloomington, MN, just outside of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It served as home to both Major League Baseball’s Twins and the National Football League’s Vikings from 1961-1981. Replaced by the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the old ballpark lives on thanks to the presence of a pair of mementos of the old park in a decidedly unexpected location. The Met opened on April 24, 1956, in an attempt to lure a Major League Baseball team to the Twin Cities area. The location in Bloomington was chosen as it was equidistant to both downtowns and it was thought that would be the best location for a ballpark. After discussions with several Major League teams, it was announced that the Washington Senators would move to Minnesota for the 1961 season. The American Football League announced they were placing a team in Metropolitan Stadium for their inaugural 1960 season. However, the NFL was able to persuade the team’s owners to withdraw from the AFL and join the NFL for the 1961 season. Despite improvements and expansion to the facility, it was never considered to be an ideal home for either the Twins or Vikings. The limited capacity and physical deterioration of the Met led to calls for a new stadium to be built for Minnesota’s teams. Both the Twins and Vikings moved to downtown Minneapolis and the Metrodome in 1982. Metropolitan Stadium Home Plate, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Today the Mall of America stands on the site of Metropolitan Stadium. More specifically, the Nickelodeon Universe indoor amusement park now occupies the spot where major league baseball and football were once played. There are two reminders of the site’s former usage within this amusement park. While dodging the overstimulated youngsters running around Nickelodeon Universe, head to the entrance to the SpongeBob Square Pants Rock Bottom Plunge. There sits a home plate from the Met in its original location. If you are like me, you’ll immediately take your place on either side of home plate and get into your batter’s stance. Harmon Killebrew Tribute Chair at Mall of America, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey If you lookout in the direction of left field, you may be able to see another piece of The Met that has been preserved all these years (there’s a ton of stuff in the way, so this may require some movement to properly view it). Once you get a clear view of the far wall, look up and you will see a red chair mounted on the wall. This chair marks the landing spot of the longest home run ever hit at the ballpark; a 522-foot moon shot launched by Harmon Killebrew off of California Angels pitcher Lew Burdette on June 3, 1967. The seat is located at its original distance from home plate and height off the ground. If you are having trouble locating the seat, look above the log flume chute. Killebrew is also honored with the naming of the street Killebrew Drive, which runs along the southern edge of the mall, parallel to where the third baseline would have been located at the Met. For those baseball fans who enjoy incorporating historic baseball sites into their stadium journeys, a trip to the most certainly un-historic Mall of America will be worth your time. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

  • Remembering Salem’s Waters Field

    The Salem Senators will be one of the four teams in the new Mavericks Independent Baseball League that will play at Volcanoes Stadium in the summer. The historical name harkens back to 1940 when the original Senators brought professional baseball to Salem in grand fashion. The Senators were the last of the four names picked for the new league, and Salem-Keizer CEO Mickey Walker was on the Indy Ball Report podcast and felt the state capital, just down the road from the ballpark, would stand out among other larger cities in the area. “We had a couple of different options to go with and ended up choosing the Salem Senators, because of their history in the Salem-Keizer area. It’s kind of something that people from around here associate with, and going with the Salem Senators felt like it identified with the local community.” The New Salem Senators Logo, Photo Courtesy of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. George Waters announced that he would build a venue in “which the city would be proud of.” Waters had just purchased the Bellingham Chinooks franchise and relocated it to the city. He then picked an 11-acre spot of land and broke ground on September 22, 1939. Waters had been in town since 1891 and made a name for himself as a wholesale tobacco dealer and proprietor in town. He had co-owned an amateur baseball club in 1891 that, despite his efforts, was not financially successful, losing $1,500. Little did he know that he would have to wait almost half a century for his next opportunity to run a baseball operation. He bankrolled the $60,000 ballpark and spared no expenses on making it a first-class venue for both players and fans. The aisles were a little wider than other facilities, the lights were of major league caliber, and player comfort extended from the field to the locker rooms. The ballpark also provided ample space for parking cars. “It will be one the classiest fields in the northwest and have a maximum capacity of 10,000 fans,” proclaimed Waters, who predicted attendance numbers of 100,000 for the season. In reality, the facility held 5,600 between the grandstand and the two bleacher sections, based on the city building inspector. It would be 330 feet to left field, 382 feet to center field, and 370 to left field. Home Plate was 45 feet from the grandstand. There would be wide praise given to the new ballpark from both home and visiting fans. Waters Field Entrance, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The knothole section was constructed for kids and provided free admission for all kids to the games. A total of 500 kids under the age of 15 signed pledge cards to attend games. When league officials warned Waters that he could lose significant money, he said that he would personally pay for every boy and girl to enter the game. He wasn’t interested in making a profit with his new venture and would be satisfied with breaking even on the season. “If people like the club, that’s all I care about. I like my town. I’ve been in business for 48 years, and I think I owe the town something.” On May 1, 1940, the first minor league baseball was held at what was known as Waters Park in front of a record crowd of 4,865–the largest crowd at a sporting event in Salem. The Senators scored five runs in the ninth to edge the Yakima Pippins 11-10 in the home opener. Through the first 23 games, the club attracted close to 25,000 in total attendance for an average of 1,080 persons. This did not include the 5,071 paid attendance for a double-header the night before the report. The numbers were not as predicted, at first, but were good enough for the team to finish second behind Spokane in attendance numbers at season’s end. The Senators played average baseball for most of the season but were surprisingly still able to earn the last playoff spot in the league during the last two nights of the season. However, the Solons dropped a twin-bill to Yakima to knock them three games behind Vancouver in the standings. At season’s end, Capital-Journal sports columnist Fred Zimmerman wrote the following, “Whether professional baseball is a financial success… George E. Waters has provided Salem and the vicinity with some first-class entertainment. Sadly, Waters would succumb to a heart attack on October 19, and perhaps he had a premonition, a few months before, when the community honored him at his ballpark. The 70-year-old businessman was deeply moved and at the initial team banquet, stated that he did not expect to live long and was glad to do something for Salem. Ownership would fall into the hands of his wife, Margaret Waters and after a three-year hiatus for World War II, sold it to the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League. It has been reported that Ms. Waters contemplated closing up shop due to having little interest in the sport and insisted that her husband’s involvement with the ball club was too much for his health. However, she operated as the Solons president, being one of the first women in the sport to hold such a title and keep it in operation during World War II. She would sell the team and the ballpark to Portland Beavers GM Bill Klepper for a reduced price of $30,000, more than half of the ballpark’s $65,000 construction in 1946. Salem Knothole Gang, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The only stipulation was that the ballpark would retain the Waters Field name as long as she was alive. This would come into play when she was on her sickbed, and there were rumors that the stadium’s name would be changed. Shortly before she died in 1964, she stated, “Please don’t change the name–not until after I’m gone.” The two years after the war, crowds packed Waters Field. A record 102,956 walked through the turnstiles in 1946, and another impressive 98,247 came back the following year. However, the dip in attendance was a harbinger for numbers to come as 1949 attendance dipped to 67,495 on the season. This prompted the Beavers to either move the club to another city or abandon it completely. Portland’s new GM Bill Mulligan stated in the newspaper that there was only a “slim chance” of survival for baseball in Salem. One rumor had the club relocating to New Westminster, British Columbia. Salem Senators Looking Sharp, File Photo, The Capitol Journal After the 1950 campaign, the Beavers threatened to move the Solons out of town due to low attendance numbers. A group of 832 stockholders called the Salem Senators, Inc. purchased the team from the Beavers for $20,000 to keep the ball club in town. The sale included the team, ballpark, accessories, equipment, and 14 players. Donald A. Young, manager of the ball club’s board of directors made many efforts to keep the team afloat during the rest of the truculent decade. The club was still having attendance concerns in 1951 and was in financial trouble midway through the season and needed to attract 1,800-2,000 fans a game to stay afloat. Young predicted that 62,500 would have to turn out for the final 33 games to turn a profit. The group managed to make it through the turbulent 1954 Western International League that saw three teams drop out during the season. The “Save the Senators” campaign raised enough money to keep the team afloat which saw 4,124 for a July game against Tri-City that also included a pre-game parade that stretched for six blocks. The festivities included two bands, a color guard, a fire engine, a Shrine marching band, and a police escort that snarled traffic in downtown Salem. Salem Outfield View, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The Senators remained afloat during the truculent decade and would lose an average of $10,000 by the time the city condemned the ballpark after a series of inspections in 1965. A large number of rotting beams underneath the stands and repairs might be too high. This resulted in the parent club, Los Angeles Dodgers, closing up shop after the season. After Al Lightner made one last visit to the ballpark, he wrote about it in his daily column for the Statesman on July 21, 1966. He describes the ballpark that featured dugouts peering over acres of waste, debris scattered all over the place, broken glass, rotten wood smell, and team offices vandalized. There are tall, swaying, brown weeds and overgrown grass on the playing field. “Been sick in the stomach region lately? If not, and you care to try, all you need to do is have a peek at what now resides within the taken walls of Walter Field. It’s almost too hard for anyone to believe if he has any knowledge at all of the effort and energy once applied to the plant, items which four years ago earned it the distinction of being one of the finest parks in all lower minor league baseball. There is no evidence of it now.“ The unused ballpark would be sold to Candalaria Investment Company for $89,000 in May of 1966 after directors decided to quit fielding a team. The sale had hoped to keep the initial stockholders out of debt. As Statesmen Sports Editor, Al Lightner wrote, “Professional baseball in Salem had been dying a slow death for years.” Waters Field Grandstand on Fire, File Photo, The Capitol Journal If baseball was dying a slow death, then the ballpark went quickly as it was set ablaze on the night of November 11, 1966. The fire could be seen for miles and the grandstand was engulfed in flames while the bleacher sections suffered little damage. The abandoned park was wide open allowing trespassers free access. The damage could have been much worse, but the electricity had been shut off for quite some time. This also resulted in many believing the blaze was the work of arson, but there was never a suspect charged. Quickly, what was left was cleaned up and promptly carted away to reveal an empty parking lot, void of any activity. Waters Field Fire, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The fire ended all activity at Waters Field, although it was unlikely that anything would continue before the blaze. The site would be picked for a U.S. Post Office in 1975, and a specialized logo with a baseball theme was picked to honor the erstwhile structure. George Waters would have been deeply saddened by the destruction of his ballpark. He probably looked at it as his legacy to the city and to provide a playground for baseball and other events. Sadly, it has been gone much longer than it was in operation, but the Senators’ name will be revived once again this summer at another ballpark. I am sure Waters would be happy about that. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

  • Crawfordsville Gym Still Standing Strong

    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 @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

  • Former Cactus League Stadiums: Yuma Municipal Stadium

    Photo Courtesy of Yuma County Library District Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Yuma, AZ enjoyed three spring training sites since the Cactus League started in 1947. Municipal Stadium Then, Courtesy of Jim Patrick. Today’s 16th St (US 95) runs along the first base line, 1st Ave runs along the right field line Yuma Municipal Stadium, Yuma, AZ The stadium, also known as Panther Field, stood for more than 20 years on the corner of 16th St and 2nd Ave. It supplied Yumans with horse races, circuses, and other events. Converted to a ball field in 1950, it provisioned the Yuma Panthers – a Class C minor league team. Yuma Municipal Stadium was located here. The Sun Sox in the Arizona-Mexican League (1955-1956) played their home games in the park. In addition, it served as the home diamond for the Kofa High School and Arizona Western College ball teams as well as Babe Ruth Leagues. It hosted the newly branded 1954 Baltimore Orioles spring training, the first year after the MLB club St Louis Browns became the Orioles. They hated it and chose not to return. It had a small field and rickety stands. The foul lines originally were 310 ft but the right field line got trimmed to 288 ft when 1st Ave got widened and paved. A high screen was put up but even so fly balls in other parks became home runs here. 16th St and 1st Ave Yuma , Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey. The expanded 1st Ave and what was once the right field corner of Municipal Stadium/Panther Field. With Desert Sun Stadium completion in 1970 and the Interstate 8 development (with a 16th Street interchange), the land became more valuable for businesses than as a ball field. Today, a Chase Bank and the police station sit on the land. Former Municipal Stadium Infield, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey, Parking lot between the Chase bank and the police department. The infield of was once Yuma Municipal Stadium.

  • Former Cactus League Stadiums: Sun City Stadium

    Sun City Stadium, Photo courtesy of Sun City Historical Society Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Sun City Stadium, Sun City, AZ opened in 1971 in one of many Del Webb retirement communities. It first hosted the Sun City Saints, a nationally known girls’ softball team. In 1972, the San Francisco Giants played a few weekday games there. They averaged almost 50 percent better attendance in the brand-new stadium than in their own Phoenix Municipal Stadium over a similar span that year. The Milwaukee Brewers took residence in 1973 and used the ballpark as their winter home until 1985 when they moved to Compadre Stadium in Chandler AZ. Sun City Stadium served the Brewers well for several years but eventually became outdated, as its size was relatively small (3,000+). It had a small clubhouse for the players, shared with the visiting team on game day. Practice facilities were available, but they were not located next to the stadium–something required in newer facilities being built in Arizona. Limited automobile parking was available. Unique for spring training, many Sun City residents came to the game via their golf carts and parked behind the top row of the bleachers with their view down towards the field. Sun City Stadium Golf Carts, Photo courtesy of Sun City Historical Society The stadium was located at the bottom of a large amphitheater with batters hitting south toward the wall/railroad tracks (Grand Avenue/Highway 60). It had bleachers and a tall chain link fence ran behind home plate and the seating. The backstop was brick and stood about 4 ft high. A fence was also placed in front of both dugouts to prevent fouls from knocking out the players. A small press box stood at the top of the concourse up behind home plate. Sun City Stadium Aerial, Photo courtesy of Sun City Historical Society After the Brewers left, Sun City made attempts to continue using it for softball, senior professional baseball, and amateur baseball, with minimal success. After being sold, a property developer razed the stadium in the early 1990’s. Today, The Place at Fountains at Sun City, a 55+ apartment complex, sits on what once was the stadium property. One can almost feel and envision the game being played in its plush green, sunken courtyard. The fountain in the middle of the courtyard could easily have been the pitcher’s mound and the walkway surrounding the yard, the baselines. Residents still get to watch a train rumble across the tracks as it did when the Brewers played baseball there. Concourse from where Sun City residents watched the game in their golf carts (first base side) Freight train passing beyond what would have been third base side View from where right-center field was located. Special thanks to Ben Roloff and the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum and to Russ at The Place at Fountains at Sun City.

  • Buccaneer Arena - Des Moines Buccaneers

    Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Buccaneer Arena 7201 Hickman Rd Urbandale, IA 50322 Des Moines Buccaneers website Buccaneer Arena website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 3,461 The Madhouse on Hickman Formerly called Des Moines Ice Arena and Metro Ice Sports Arena, Buccaneer Arena is home to the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Known as “the madhouse on Hickman,” the arena formerly housed the Des Moines Oak Leafs/Des Moines Capitols from 1961-1975. The arena has been home to the Buccaneers since 1980. Food & Beverage 3 While there is nothing flashy, the food choices are plentiful for a smaller arena. Pork tenderloin sandwiches, pulled pork, chicken sandwiches from Chick-Fil-A, hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken strips are all available for $5-7 (a few dollars more for a basket w/fries). Pizza, mozzarella sticks, nachos, pretzels and other snacks are also available. Pepsi products, water, and Gatorade are available throughout the arena for $3.25 a bottle. Budweiser, Coors, and Miller products (tallboys or draft) are around $8. Drinks are also available in the enclosed Blackbeard’s Lounge, located on the south side of the arena. Blackbeard’s gives you a great view of the game while being away from the noise of the crowd and the music. Atmosphere 4 The building is about 50 years old and small. That takes nothing away from the experience, in fact, it adds to it. The scoreboard hangs above the middle of the ice and is easily seen from anywhere in the arena. The seats are primarily all wooden benches, but chair backs are available at ice level. Winger, the mascot, makes his way around the arena interacting with fans and taking pictures when asked. The Ice Girls give away shirts and other items throughout the game. There are no bad seats, but bring a cushion for the benches if you can. If you want to sit behind the benches, get your tickets on the west side. Penalty boxes are on the east side. The music is loud as is the organ, which sounds with every Buccaneer goal. The only drawback is the sound system, which badly needs an upgrade. During promotions, it is hard to understand what is being said and the music that plays is blaring and sounds very distorted. Neighborhood 2 Buccaneer Arena is located amongst both residential and retail areas. It is in a safe area but, unfortunately, there is nothing in close proximity to the arena that is notable for visitors. There are a plethora of restaurants about a mile west near Hickman and 86th St. Among your options are: Sam and Louie’s Pizza, Taki Japanese Steakhouse, and Tasty Tacos, a Des Moines area favorite. There is also the usual selection of fast food in the area. Fans 4 The fans are knowledgeable and very into the game. They know their players and are active throughout. Chants begin with the introduction of the teams and extended celebrations, with flag waving fans, occur with every goal scored by the Buccaneers. Fans of the visiting team were subjected to some good-natured fun but nothing that would be considered in bad taste. Access 2 The arena is in Urbandale, west of Des Moines. It is not the easiest place to get to but there are two Interstates (35/80 and 235) that you can access it from and the city does a decent job of having signs posted that keep you on the right track. Parking in the arena parking lot is available for $5. Directly across the side street (73rd St.) is a strip mall with an enormous parking lot and parking there is free. 73rd St. is not a very busy road so it is easy to safely cross and worth saving the $5. Buccaneer Arena has reasonably sized concourses although you do get fans jammed up where they have tables for special events, fundraisers, etc. You will experience lines in the restrooms between periods, especially on the east side where there are more concessions. A warning to the men over six feet tall who use the restroom there – WATCH YOUR HEAD! The restrooms are under the seats and it is very easy to bang your head into concrete if you are not paying attention. Handicap accessibility is acceptable. Those in wheelchairs appeared to all be able to watch the game from ice level. It can be difficult maneuvering through the concourses but fans were very conscious of giving people enough room to get by. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $9-$21 depending on where you sit. There aren’t any bad seats or obstructed views in the arena. The concessions and restrooms are easily accessible from the seats and during play, you can get your food/drink and get back to your seats very quickly. Combine reasonable ticket prices with the ability for free parking and reasonable food prices and you get a good bang for your buck. Extras 3 When bringing children, call ahead and your child may be able to ride on the zamboni between periods. This opportunity is on a first come, first served basis. You can see the banners of all the teams that played in the arena, which are displayed on the north and south sides. If you like beer, there are many 2-for-1 nights throughout the season. Final Thoughts Buccaneer Arena has some issues. It isn’t easily accessible and they could use more restrooms made with taller people in mind. It doesn’t matter. The arena is a great place to watch a hockey game. The dated building adds to the charm and the fans also make the experience very enjoyable. If you find yourself in the Des Moines area during the season, make a special trip to “the madhouse on Hickman.” It’s well worth the trip.

  • Former Cactus League Stadiums: Kino Sports Complex

    Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Kino Sports Complex, Tucson, AZ TEP Park (now known as Kino Sports Complex), the former spring training home for the Chicago White Sox and the Arizona Diamondbacks, opened in Tucson, AZ in 1998. Both teams played their spring games there for over a decade. The complex name changed to Kino after the agreement with Tucson Electric Power ended in early 2011. In addition, minor league baseball graced the diamond at the sports complex. The AAA Tucson Sidewinders called TEP Park their home from 1998 – 2008 prior to moving to Reno. And, when the beloved Portland Beavers were sold, they became the Tucson Padres and relocated to Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium for three years before moving to El Paso for the 2014 season. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium – Tucson Padres Game Aug 2012, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Designed as a comprehensive sports complex, the park has three main areas: North, Main, and South. The spring training diamond – Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium – is in the Main Complex. The North and South Complexes expanded after the spring training moved northeast to the Phoenix area in the late 2000’s/early 2010’s. That development and expansion continues today. When built in 1998, TEP Park was the best of the new spring training ballparks. It provided plenty of training fields for the Diamondbacks and the White Sox and had modern facilities for the two clubs. A majestic view of the Santa Catalina Mountains is featured beyond the outfield seating berm. The field and seating bowl are below street level; a concourse allows fans to circle the entire ballpark without losing sight of the field. A press box, luxury boxes and eight sections of club seats furbish the upper deck. Plus, the complex has multiple practice diamonds, batting cages and practice pitching mounds. Fans capture a nice view of the complex when walking the pedestrian bridge over Ajo Way. Plenty of parking is available without having to cross a bridge. Kino – Seating – Aug 2012, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Today, Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium hosts a dozen or more youth and amateur baseball tournaments. The electric, entertaining, and popular Mexican Baseball Fiesta is held here each fall. Plus, the facility also hosts a number of community events such as: Autism Walk High school graduations Centurions of Southern Arizona annual fundraiser KFMA Day Rock Concert Corporate and Company events TMC Girls on the Run 5K The ballpark itself hasn’t changed that much since 1998 (the green seats are a little sun faded and the nets spread more down the baselines), though the complex has greatly expanded. The sports complex hosted the Tucson Saguaros baseball team the 2023 summer season. First, in 2013, the North Complex, used for soccer, made its debut. The FC Tucson of USL-1 host their matches here and MLS holds their spring training at the complex in the spring. Kino North Complex, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Next, beginning 2020, Phase One of the South Complex opened with rugby, football, and lacrosse fields and lighted pickle ball courts. All-in-all Tucson does a fabulous job continuing to use the ballpark and enhance the sports complex for the city, various sports and community organizations and the residents of Tucson, Pima County, and Southern Arizona.

  • Obscure Sports Stops: Forbes Field Remnants

    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.

  • Former Cactus League Stadiums: Rendezvous Park

    Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Rendezvous Park, Mesa, AZ Originally called Depot Park when it opened in 1895 and later Drew Park (1912), Rendezvous Park’s primary purpose when first created was as a family recreation facility for those living in the eastern suburbs of Phoenix. Throughout the years, the park had roller rinks, swimming pools, horseshoes, croquet, picnic areas, and huge grassy fields where eager players picked up the bat and ball and amateur exhibition games elated the crowds. The park remained a recreation facility until the stadium was demolished in 1976 and other buildings started filling in the once popular and beloved indoor and outdoor play area. When the stadium was first built in the park circa 1930, it had five or so rows of bleachers behind home and along the first base side, trees bordered the outfield (no fence). It was originally outlined as a softball field with a dirt infield and grassy outfield. Rendezvous Park, Photo Courtesy of Digital Ballparks In 1942, Chicago Cubs officials met with Mesa officials to evaluate the city’s ballpark and lodging facilities. On Feb 17, 1952 the first Cubs began reporting for spring training in Mesa, AZ. The Cubs played their Cactus League spring training games at Rendezvous Park from 1952 – 1966, after which they moved to southern California. The Oakland Athletics played their spring training games in Rendezvous Park from 1969 – 1976 and then moved to the brand-new Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, just a mile and a half north, beginning the 1977 season. Rendezvous Park seated 3,000 when the Cubs moved there in 1952 but expanded soon afterwards. The facility used rented bleachers and “hand-me-down” box seats. The club house cramped the players. It had a bare bones announcers booth and a manual scoreboard in right field with a narrow cat walk and a small awning to block the sun. Rendezvous Park Expanded, Photo Courtesy of Digital Ballparks At the time, for many Mesa residents, going to the park meant time bathing in the pools or skating in the roller rinks more than watching or playing baseball. My native-Mesa neighbor, Molly, describes the park as her baby sitter in the summer as her kids went to swimming lessons in the morning and then were able to play in the pool afterwards. It kept them busy till she got home from work in the afternoon. Others remember “the recreation center where we had city wide jump rope and jacks tournaments.” And another memory, “As a young boy me and my friends would shag foul baseballs that would bounce into the street during the baseball games at Rendezvous. I also remember playing football on that long strip of grass along Sirren Street. I remember the tennis court and the shuffle board court and the Park and Recreation station area… Those were the days.. This used to be my playground.” So, more memories on the overall park itself than the stadium. In its place now is the Mesa Convention Center, an Amphitheatre, a Delta Hotel (Marriott brand). The former tennis courts were where the AZ Ballroom in the hotel is now. Constructed in the area in 1981 is a library. The address in Google lists the Convention Center as the former ballpark site but I was told the stadium itself was on Sirrine and 3rd (which at the time was a straight block; not curved like it is now). Sept, 2020 – Mesa Convention Center with Delta Hotel rising beyond – Not exactly where the stadium was located, certainly the rest of Rendezvous Park was on these grounds Sept, 2020 – N Centennial Way and MLK Jr Way, a.k.a., Sirrine and 3rd Pl. I am only guessing but based on what I’ve learned, the ballpark would have be on this corner. Behind the bushes is the Amphitheatre now. If in town to visit the Athletics spring training at Hohokam Stadium, visit the Rendezvous Café just two blocks from where the stadium at Rendezvous Park used to be. This café is named after the park and stadium. The owners used to cater and do the concessions for both ballparks, Hohokam Stadium and Rendezvous Park. Historic photos line one of the walls of the café and Cindy (the owner) has plenty of other photos and stories to share with interested visitors. And, they have a great breakfast and patio for those cooler Arizona mornings. Rendezvous Cafe, Mesa, AZ

  • Former Cactus League Stadiums: Hi Corbett Field

    Hi Corbett Field 1947, Photo Courtesy of Arizona Daily Star Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Opened in 1928, Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, AZ (known as Randolph Municipal Baseball Park when first built) served as the spring training home for the Cleveland Indians (1947 – 1992), and the Colorado Rockies (1993 – 2011) in the Cactus League. It is one of a few former Cactus League ballparks still in use as it serves the Pac-12 Arizona Wildcats baseball team. The facility today is drastically different from when it was initially built just before the Great Depression. In the very early days of Class D and Class C minor league, teams in the Arizona State League and then the Arizona-Texas League (circa 1927 – 1951) played at Randolph Municipal Baseball Park. Considered one of the finer parks of the era, the park had a grass infield where the other parks in those leagues had gravel and hard dirt surfaces for their infield. Grandstand seating was only in the infield. Second level seats did not exist nor were there bleachers or seats beyond the infield baselines. And at that time, no such thing as a grassy berm existed. Located beyond the bases, the dugouts were, quite frankly, ‘dug out’ and below the field level. When the Cleveland Indians came to town in 1947, they, along with the then New York Giants (at Old Phoenix Municipal Stadium), established the beginning of Cactus League spring training. The park received some renovations at that point. Hi Corbett Field – Cleveland Indians Spring Training 1950’s, Photo Courtesy of Arizona Daily Star I discovered the original configuration had an adobe outfield wall where fans sat and watched the games for free; I have not yet discovered when that outfield wall was erected (or dismantled). Hiram Steven Corbett, a long-time Arizona state senator and president of the Tucson Baseball Commission, played a key role in luring the Indians and spring training to Tucson and the city renamed its ballpark in his honor in 1951. Hi Corbett Field Exterior 1963, Photo Courtesy of Arizona Daily Star Besides spring training, it served as home for the Arizona State League Tucson Waddies, Cowboys, Missions, and Lizards and beginning in 1969, the Tucson Toros (AAA – Pacific Coast League and later the Golden Independent League). Hi Corbett Field served as the host of filming the spring training scenes from the 1989 movie Major League. Players from the University of Arizona baseball team acted as extras in the film. In 1997, a $3.77 million renovation to the stadium included new seating and expanded clubhouses as well as a team store and ticket office. Hi Corbett Field – March 2010, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Hi Corbett Field – From First Base Dugout. March 2010, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Spring training ended in Hi Corbett Field when the Rockies moved to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick beginning the 2011 season. Beginning in 2012, the University of Arizona Wildcats baseball team made the field their home. They promptly won the College World Series that same year. Like the ASU Sun Devils and Phoenix Municipal Stadium, the Arizona Wildcats have a history of playing games at Hi Corbett Field from the 1940s – early 1970s. The Wildcats often played double headers where the afternoon contest was played on campus at UA Field and Hi Corbett Field, with its lights, hosted the nightcap. Rivalry games with the ASU Sun Devils and NCAA District Playoffs were commonly played in the evenings at Hi Corbett. Now, down each foul line are additional oversized grandstands with bleacher seats, and down the right field foul line is a grass lawn with shade trees. In 2017, under a 25-year agreement with Tucson, the University of Arizona took over the day-to-day management of the baseball stadium. That year, enhancements included a new hitting center, a retrofitted clubhouse with new branding and graphics, and installation of a new backstop netting and video board. Hi Corbett Field Exterior Sept 2020, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The ballpark sits in Gene C Reid Park, a 131-acre urban park which also features the Reid Park Zoo, baseball practice fields, picnic areas, a bike trail and duck pond, municipal golf courses, a tennis center, and an outdoor amphitheater.

  • Former Cactus League Stadiums: Phoenix Municipal Stadium

    Phoenix Municipal Stadium 2010, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix, AZ opened in 1964, was the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants (1964** – 1981) and then the Oakland Athletics (1982 – 2014). It also served as the home of the San Francisco AAA minor league team from 1966 – 1991 (Phoenix Giants, renamed the Phoenix Firebirds). Phoenix Muni (short name) is one of several former Cactus League facilities still in use today, now hosting the Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils baseball team beginning the 2015 season. The Sun Devils, though, have played ball games at Phoenix Muni over the life of the ballpark. It is the second ballpark to be named Phoenix Municipal Stadium, the original one was located a little closer to downtown. The greatest all around ballplayer, Willie Mays, hit the first home run in front of an 8,583 crowd, when the stadium first opened on March 8, 1964. Several things stand out about Phoenix Muni: its history, beyond the outfield, the pedestrian bridge. The stadium oozes with history. Sixteen markers on its concourse portray Phoenix’s baseball past. There’s even a marker commemorating the use of the stadium by the Oakland A’s after the 1989 World Series earthquake in the Bay Area. The light towers at the venue are the original ones from the Polo Grounds. Discovered when the Oakland Athletics took residence in 1982, the stadium clubhouses doubled as civil defense bomb shelters. Phoenix Municipal Stadium Marker, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Papago Park, its trails and butte rock formations, is the backdrop beyond the outfield. The focal point of Papago Parks is “Hole in the Rock,” which is off in the distance, directly behind the batter’s eye. And the Phoenix zoo is next door. It’s been said an occasional early-morning elephant trumpet can be heard. Except for handicapped parking, the parking lot is located across the street and fans must walk over a pedestrian bridge to get to the stadium. For most fans this is fine but for those with a fear of heights, it is awful and not even do-able for some with acrophobia. Phoenix Muni Pedestrian Bridge, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey After the 2003 season, the stadium underwent an $8 million renovation (the stadium originally cost $890,000 to build in 1964). The 2003 renovation included increasing the press box size from 800 square feet to 3,000 square feet and adding a second floor to the A’s administrative offices. Next, the dugouts doubled in size and dropped below ground level. Approximately 150 premium seats were added behind home plate. Finally, the city added two suites and a 75-person capacity party deck which could be rented on a per-game basis. Phoenix Municipal Stadium 2010, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The stadium’s unique accordion-style roof, which leaked frequently, was preserved after initial plans called for its removal. The leaks were sealed using a spray foam. And, this renovation added the historic timeline markers. === When Sun Devil Baseball moved into Phoenix Municipal Stadium following the 2014 season, a number of capital improvements were made to the facility. These included a clubhouse redesign complete with a player’s lounge, an academic center, nutrition room, weight room and training room, and the installation of a video board. The newest improvement in 2018 is highlighted by a state-of-the-art batting facility. It also includes the installation of a new outfield fence, relocating the home and visiting team bullpens behind the new fence, and changing the dimensions of the playing field. Phoenix Muni Sun Devil Baseball 2019, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Here’s hoping for a return of the sport in 2021 and a revisit by Stadium Journey to see the more of the improvements and remodel. **I found a reference in SABR indicating the San Francisco Giants played the 1964 spring training season at Papago Park Baseball Complex just down the street from Phoenix Muni.

  • Former Cactus League Stadiums: Compadre Stadium

    Compadre Stadium Postcard Our second of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Compadre Stadium, Chandler, AZ, built in 1985, served as the spring training home of the Milwaukee Brewers from 1986 – 1997. State-of-the-art when it opened, the complex included several batting cages, on-site practice fields, and six practice pitching mounds. Compadre Stadium was the first in the Cactus League to have a lawn-seating area in the outfield. It had its very own little artificial lake. And, for the first time, the Brewers had their own clubhouse in their own spring facility. Compadre Stadium Lawn Seating, Photo Courtesy of Chandler Historical Society “Oh, what a great place to watch a Cactus League game. Fans and players mingled on the concourse before the game as there seemed to be no barrier separating them. The view from anywhere was awesome. The game was right in front of you (think 3D). And the tailgating on the huge grass parking lot was fantastic. That was before Spring Training became the $$$$-producing industry it is today…” reminisces one fan. “Game days were simpler.” It cost two dollars to park when it first opened with the lot located behind the outfield, and the entrance to the park located behind home plate, so it was a decent car-to-bleacher hike for the time. Plenty of fans came down from Wisconsin annually, and yes, tailgating was big back then too. It was, however, the only Cactus League stadium where players had to walk through the bleachers to get from the clubhouse to the dugout, which can be a good thing or not depending on if you were a player or a fan. The press box was open air and private boxes were not part of the design in 1985. The stadium experienced a boiler explosion within the first four days of opening which injured nine players and coaches. Many residents and visitors considered Chandler “too far” back then. At the time, the stadium was built in the middle of farm land when Chandler was not the vibrant town it is today. It was as though the stadium was plopped in a field with only planned residences and subdivisions making up the neighborhood. And, of course, roads and highways were not as developed back then either. The Brewers moved to Maryvale Baseball Park on the west side of Phoenix in 1998. Compadre Stadium remained unused, sat vacant, and was used for livestock grazing until its demolition in 2014. Compadre Stadium – Sheep Grazing, Photo Courtesy of East Valley Tribune Today, restaurants, take out food, a shopping center, and a gated subdivision makes up what was once the ballpark. A Holiday Inn and a golf course sit across the street. In fact, the address where the stadium was located – 1425 W Ocotillo Rd – doesn’t exist anymore. The closest is 1401 W Ocotillo Rd which is a small shopping center with a gated subdivision beyond that. Could this have been the artificial lake? Probably not; shrubbery is too small for being from 1986. Compadre Stadium is a small shopping center now Some greenery in front of the shopping center. No plaques or indication there ever was a ball field here. I find that sad.

  • Dolphin Stadium – Gulf Breeze Dolphins

    Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Dolphin Stadium 100 Daniel St Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Gulf Breeze High School Dolphins website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 4,800 Welcome to the Splash Zone Just over the Three Mile Bridge from Downtown Pensacola lies the sleepy town of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Founded in 1961, the affluent bedroom community of 5,000 residents remains one of the wealthiest towns in the State of Florida. Built in 1971, Gulf Breeze High School remains the only high school in the city and has an enrollment 1,800 students. Notable alumni include former Seahawks All-Pro receiver Doug Baldwin, former Bears Fullback Jason McKie, former Phillies and Royals pitcher Ben Lively, MLS player Keith Savage, and actress Abigail Spencer. Nicknamed the Dolphins, the team plays at 4,800-seat Dolphin Stadium, which is located across the street from the high school. The stadium opened when the school opened, and since that time the Dolphins have only made 10 playoff appearances and have yet to win a playoff game as of 2020. The Dolphins currently compete in Class 6A District 1 which includes 7 other high schools in the Pensacola metro area. Food & Beverage 4 Unlike most high school football games, Gulf Breeze High School has an expansive concessions menu. The Blue Dot Café is the main concessions stand, located in the south end zone, and serves the basics with reasonable prices, including stuffed bacon cheeseburgers ($4.50), cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches ($4), hamburgers ($3.50), chili dogs and boiled peanuts ($3), and hot dogs, fries, and nachos ($2.50). There is another stand located in the south end zone called Greek’s Catering. This makeshift stand serves a more expansive list of items that would normally not be found at a high school football game – foot-long corn dogs, chicken kabobs, chicken pitas, gourmet burgers, gyros, Polish dogs, loaded fries and nachos, buffalo chicken sandwiches, and Greek salad round out the menu. The prices vary between $6 and $9, but I thought it was a nice added touch that they bring all these impressive concessions in just for a high school football game. There is also a Kona Ice food truck located at the stadium. All in all you should be able to find plenty to eat at Dolphin Stadium, so come to the game hungry. Atmosphere 3 Dolphin Stadium is a nice stadium with a set up similar to other high schools in the area. The field faces north and south and the stadium is part of the high school sports complex, which includes the three practice fields behind the west grandstand, and the baseball and softball fields behind the north end zone. In 2015 the whole complex received a face lift, so all the buildings would match and be pleasing in color; as such all the school’s athletic buildings have brick exteriors, and there’s no denying you are close to the beach. Plus, the whole area is lined with palm trees, and the Dolphins team colors of blue and yellow are scattered throughout. The visiting side is a concrete grandstand with about 20 rows of seating. There are no metal bleachers on this side so you sit on the concrete steps, and you can also not walk under the grandstand on this side – you enter by walking in front of the grandstand and then walk up to your seat. The home side features a concrete grandstand with about 20 rows of bleachers as well, but there is metal bleacher seating on this side, except for the seating on the 50-yard line which includes about 200 blue chairback seats for season ticket holders. You are allowed to walk under the stadium on the home side as the restrooms and one locker room are located under the stadium there. The south end zone features the numerous concessions stands and a small table set up selling t-shirts and other Dolphin team gear. Beyond the south end zone fences lies the team’s fieldhouse; the $1.5 million building opened in 2010 and includes the team’s locker rooms and weight rooms. Located across the street lies the beautiful St. Ann Catholic Church – the church’s steeple can be seen from the stands and provides a nice backdrop when watching the game from the home side. Neighborhood 4 The City of Gulf Breeze is located on a peninsula, with two bridges that separate it from Pensacola to the north and Pensacola Beach to the south. The actual city is mostly residential; many of the residents work in Pensacola so there is not a lot in terms of industry. Because of this Gulf Breeze has a kind of small town feel where everybody knows everybody. The stadium sits across the street from the high school in a residential neighborhood, but across the street to the southeast lies a parking lot that includes a Publix, Marble Slab Creamery, Panera Bread, and Rotolo’s Pizzeria, while a Walmart and Chick-fil-A are located across the street to the north. Don’t let the small town fool you though – there are plenty of attractions in Gulf Breeze. About 15 minutes away lies the Gulf Breeze Zoo; the 50-acre zoo has over 900 animals and is the largest zoo of its kind in northwest Florida. Also nearby is Gulf Islands National Seashore, a protected 1,300-acre forest includes numerous bike trails, piers, beach access, and an interactive learning center. Andrew Jackson Road, the first road in the state of Florida, runs right through the forest as well and includes an access point to the Bluffs, a hidden spot known only by locals. The Bluffs includes stunning views of Pensacola Bay, and if you’re brave enough, a rope swing with about a 60-foot drop to the water below. Another popular spot is to walk or bike the Three Mile Bridge, which connects the city with downtown Pensacola. The bridge just opened and includes a well-lit path for walking or biking along the bridge. And if you happen to have a kayak or boat you can head out to Deadman’s Island about 100 yard offshore from the bridge; the popular private island has a beautiful artificial reef created around the site of an old shipwreck believed to be from the 1600s. Also on the south side of the peninsula lies Shoreline Park, a perfect spot to fish or launch a boat. The park also includes a gazebo, beach volleyball court, boat ramp, several different walking trails, and a pier with nice views of the Pensacola Beach skyline. One could spend forever in the area and still have plenty of new things to do. Pensacola Beach is located just across the bay from the south on Santa Rosa Island. Pensacola Beach includes numerous high-rise condos found on the Gulf Coast, but is not as big in terms of area as other beach towns like Destin and Orange Beach. Popular attractions in Pensacola Beach besides the beach include the Casino Beach Pier area, Quietwater Beach Boardwalk, and Fort Pickens, which is an old Civil War fort. In addition, there’s countless bars and restaurants located on the island as well. Fans 3 Because of its small town feel Gulf Breeze has a very loyal and dedicated fan base. Many of the residents of Gulf Breeze grew up here and attended high school here, so you’ll find tons of alumni who still support the Dolphins. Because the stadium is located in a residential neighborhood, I actually saw people with tents in the front yard tailgating. There is a very vocal student section as well located right next to the band, in the section known as the Splash Pad. The Dolphins’ main rival is nearby Navarre High School, so when those two teams play each other expect a packed house on both sides of the stadium. The Dolphins compete in FHSAA 6A District 1, which includes seven Pensacola area high schools, so expect a good number of fans on both sides as the schools are located close enough. Access 3 Gulf Breeze High School is located on the far west end of Fairpoint Peninsula, just off the main highway through Gulf Breeze Highway 98. The school is conveniently located about ten minutes south of Downtown Pensacola just over the bridge that separates the two cities. The elementary, middle, and high schools are all located on one side of the highway, while the athletic facilities are located across the street. A pretty nice and scenic covered walkway over Highway 98 separates the school from the stadium. There is some parking across the street at the high school but is $5, so I found plenty of free parking in the church parking lot just across the street from the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the most recent game were $7, and for the 2020 season tickets could only be purchased through the FanDuel app. I consider this a good return on investment – while Gulf Breeze does not traditionally put out a lot of D1 talent, the small beach feel and charming fans make this a great place to watch a high school football game. Extras 3 One extra for the Andrews Institute. who are the team physicians for Gulf Breeze High School Athletics; the famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews is known as one of the top doctors in the country when it comes to working on sports injuries, and he has performed surgeries on top athletes such as Drew Brees, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, John Smoltz, and Bo Jackson. The Andrews Institute is based in Gulf Breeze, and Dr. Andrews splits his time between here and Birmingham. When in town Dr. Andrews can sometimes be spotted at Gulf Breeze football games as well. Another extra for the close proximity of the stadium to Pensacola Beach. The beach sits on Santa Rosa Island, and one could go from the beach to the stadium and be there in about 10 minutes. Pensacola Beach has numerous public beach access points for you to choose from, and because of the warm climate it’s not uncommon for people to go swimming well into October, so if you’re lucky you can even go swimming before the game. To get to the island just go east on Highway 98 about a half mile and look to the right for the famous, lit up, 50s-era Pensacola Beach sign, and follow that road over the bridge to get to the island. Only about 2,000 residents live on the island, but Gulf Breeze High School does serve this community as well.

  • Sports Oddities: A Tree Grows in Center Field

    Long before major league baseball arrived in Atlanta from Milwaukee in the mid-1960s and moved into the brand – new Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the city had a long and glorious history with baseball. Its team was known as the Atlanta Crackers, and they were the winningest team in Southern League history. The Crackers brought home 17 pennants, more than any other professional baseball other than the New York Yankees. Their home field was known as Ponce de Leon Park, which was ahead of its time in many ways. Built in 1924, it could hold more than 20,000 fans and featured bucket seats attached to a concrete frame, a major improvement over the wooden bleachers found in most minor league parks of the day. However, what set Ponce de Leon Park apart from all other ballparks was “the tree.” The tree was a Southern Magnolia located more than 500 feet from home plate in dead center field…. inside the field of play! This necessitated special ground rules to be established for plays involving the tree. It was decided if a ball was hit into the tree (quite a blast) the ball was still in play. Babe Ruth and Eddie Matthews were the only two players to be awarded home runs for this feat, as their moonshots went into the tree’s branches and never came down. The Magnolia was also very popular with both batters and catchers, as the deep green hue made the ball coming off the mound much more visible in an era where the field lights were somewhat dim at best. The Crackers fans saw the tree in center field as a good luck charm, responsible for the many pennants won by the team. It was also seen as a point of civic pride, as no other ballpark in America could boast of such a unique element in the field of play. In 1947, new ownership took control of the Crackers and Ponce de Leon Park. They saw the tree as a nuisance and announced plans to cut the tree down. This caused outrage amongst the loyal Crackers fans, and a compromise was quickly brokered. The tree would stay, but the outfield wall would be brought in 50 feet, putting the magnolia just behind the outfield fence. It may have lost its official position as a centerfielder, but in the end, it outlasted the ballpark itself. Ponce de Leon Park was demolished in 1966, as baseball moved on to the new Braves stadium south of downtown. Ironically, the owner who had once wanted to have the tree cut down wound up requesting that his ashes be spread at the base of the tree, a request that was honored. Ponce De Leon Park Tree Today Nearly a century later that magnolia tree is still standing above a shopping center erected on the former site of Ponce de Leon Park. It is lovingly tended to by a local arborist at no charge. The tree is located just below the Atlanta Beltline, a hike/bike trail that encircles the city of Atlanta. The arborists have taken small cuttings from the tree and the clone saplings are now growing back at the nursery. The plan is that once they mature, they will be planted along the Beltline to provide a bit of shade for the next generation of Atlantans. Any other teams looking for a tree to play center field?

  • Former Cactus League Stadiums: Geronimo Park

    Our first of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Geronimo Park, Apache Junction, AZ was the first spring training home of the expansion league Houston Colt .45s. It opened in the fall of 1961 with a construction cost of $150K. The first game was played on December 5, 1961; the Colts dropped a 5-3 decision to San Francisco in winter league play. The first spring training game at Geronimo Park was held on March 12, 1962. Geronimo Park Dugout and Bleachers, Photo Courtesy of astroland.net The team only played their spring ball at Geronimo Park for two seasons, then moved to Cocoa Beach, FL where the Colts/Astros trained at Cocoa Expo Sports Center until 1984. Along with the move to the east coast, the team name was changed to the Houston Astros. Geronimo Park lay dormant for seven years, withering, becoming victim of the elements with no maintenance performed and harmful vandals causing damage to the club house and other areas of the park. Geronimo Park – Vandalized Clubhouse, 1965, Photo Courtesy of astroland.net The park was sold to the Mesa School District in 1969 and was dismantled. The Loyal Order of the Moose sits on the former site in a suburban neighborhood and I imagine very few residents in Apache Junction even remember or recognize that major league baseball was once played there. Geronimo Park – Current Site – Loyal Order of the Moose, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey. Depending on how and in which direction the bleachers faced, fans had a beautiful view of the Superstition Mountains.

  • Historic Warren Ball Park

    Warren Ball Park in Bisbee, AZ (about an hour and a half’s drive southeast of Tucson) is the oldest operational multi-use sports park in the U.S. The first ballgame recorded is June 27, 1909 when the El Paso Browns matched up against the Bisbee Beautiful. And yes, ball park was spelt as two words back in the day. Sitting at the corner of Ruppe Ave and Arizona St, the stadium is not built in the downtown area of Bisbee (now known as Old Historic Bisbee) but in the at-the-time, very affluent Warren District just a few miles south of downtown. Downtown was (and is) just too hilly to build a stadium. When arrangements began in the early 1900’s for a ballpark, more and more copper was discovered when inspection began at other potential sites in the neighboring area. That, due to the financial impact and income, took precedence. Bisbee was once known as the “Queen of Copper Camps.” The ball park, first built of wood, was purposely designed to accommodate baseball, football, and a variety of other sports. Phelps Dodge (a former copper mining company) first owned the ballpark, and after the depression by the mid-1930’s, the park showed its age. In order to get WPA funding, Phelps Dodge sold the then-unused, deteriorating ballpark (it shut down during the depression) to the Bisbee Unified School District for $10. Subsequently, in 1936/37, the venue received a renovation that included adding plumbing, a hot water heater, restrooms, locker rooms and offices enclosed in raw adobe main walls, a concrete grandstand, and a fence surrounding the park. Warren Ball Park Hallway – 1936/1937 Renovation, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Warren Ball Park Urinals – The hope is to one day get these restored and used for museum artifacts Warren Ball Park hosted a slew of teams and leagues dating back to 1909: Arizona State League Bisbee Bee’s, minor league Bisbee Yanks, mining company leagues, town teams, outlaw baseball – known as the Copper League, semipro leagues, spring training/exhibition games, and barnstorming matches. And in addition to baseball, it hosted captivating soccer, football, cricket, rugby, and softball contests. Its last, though unsuccessful, professional team was the Bisbee Blue of the Pecos League in 2014. Warren Ball Park Grandstand – First Base Side, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Deportation 1917 The ballpark was used in a horrific event on July 12, 1917 known as the Bisbee Deportation. Copper mine strikers and their sympathizers were rounded up in the early morning and marched four miles, under armed guard, and held in the ballpark for several hours. About 1200 individuals were then herded into filthy boxcars (the trains tracks ran just behind right field at the time) and deported to New Mexico and were abandoned. Twelve hours later, a nearby army camp provided some water and food was sent from El Paso. Most of the deportees slipped away and never returned to Bisbee. It was a turning event in the town’s history and boosted pro-labor union efforts across the country. Striking miners and others rounded up by the armed posse on July 12, 1917, sit in the bleachers in Warren Ball Park. Armed members of the posse patrol the infield (University of Arizona Library) Performed two years ago, an archaeology dig/undertaking along the first and third baselines took place as part of a community college and high school training project. Amongst other items, recovered and analyzed were mason jars, and based on old photographs, archeologists verified cars used to park along those baselines during Prohibition. That “parking arrangement” allowed fans to watch games from their cars while being able to drink their own moonshine. Cars parked along the baseline during Prohibition at Warren Ball Park, Photo Courtesy of Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum Today, the Bisbee high school baseball and football teams continue to use the field. I’m told the second biggest high school football rivalry played in the U.S. is played here between the Bisbee Pumas and the Douglas Bulldogs. Each season, a crowd-pleasing vintage baseball game, called the Copper Classic, is hosted and proceeds go towards the Friends of Warren Ball Park to help with upgrades and maintenance to the park the school district is just not able to provide. Other successful events the park hosts are Mariachi Festivals, mining safety classes, wild west shows and a circus or two have also been held here. Warren Ball Park View From Home – Football bleachers and goal post are seen in the outfield Bisbee is a quaint, historic town with a thriving arts scene and is well worth a trip. Visit the Copper Queen Mine and the Bisbee Mining & History Museum, have a beer at the Old Bisbee Brewing Company, a cup of specialty coffee at Old Bisbee Roasters, tour the art galleries and eccentric shops, and see the ballpark. The town has a few hotels and visitors will find plenty of VRBO and Airbnb places to spend a night or two. It’s just a day trip to/from Tucson and three hours from Phoenix. Definitely a good get away for some rich history and charm. And the weather is cooler. Special thanks to Mike Anderson, Warren Ball Park Historian, for the tour and the chat.

  • Homer Bryce Stadium – Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

    Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Homer Bryce Stadium 2299 Jim Hayter Road Nacogdoches, TX 75961 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks website Homer Bryce Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 14,575 Lumberjacks Bring the Axe in the Texas Piney Woods Tucked away in the Piney Woods of East Texas is the city of Nacogdoches, home to the campus of Stephen F. Austin University and their athletics teams the Lumberjacks. One of the oldest cities in Texas, Nacogdoches is the largest city in the Ark-La-Tex area of Texas; Stephen F. Austin University, named for one of the founding fathers of the state, opened in 1923. This is also the same year they began playing organized football. The Lumberjacks moved into Homer Bryce Stadium, named after a beloved former member of the school’s Board of Regents and an ardent supporter of SFA athletics, in 1973. Since then, the ‘Jacks have found tremendous success and become a power on the FCS level. They’ve accumulated 34 All-Americans and 33 NFL Draft Picks in their history. Such luminaries to have donned the purple and white are former NFL All-Pros Larry Centers and Jeremiah Trotter, and legendary future head coaches Bum Phillips and Spike Dykes. NOTE: This review took place during the 2020 season; all ratings take into account the limited seating capacity and attendance due to COVID-19 precautions. Food & Beverage 3 There are currently four concession stands, two on the home team’s side and two on the visiting team’s side, at Homer Bryce Stadium. These stands offer up all the traditional game day fare, such as hot dogs ($3), nachos ($5), popcorn ($2), and bottled water, sodas, and sports drinks ($3). There are also traditional offerings such as boxes of candy and soft pretzels. The stands also offer some upscale spins on the traditional offerings such as a cheese dog ($4) and pork nachos ($8). In 2020 all of these stands are paperless, accepting only credit and debit cards. Each stand has multiple windows, so orders tend to move through very quickly. Atmosphere 4 Nacogdoches is, in my opinion, the prettiest college town in all of Texas. Homer Bryce Stadium is situated right in the middle of the SFA campus and serves as a picture-perfect backdrop on game days. The south end zone – home of the student section and the largest video board in the Southland Conference – fronts an active pond (make some time to feed the ducks and geese, if you can) and a walking trail that is lined with pine and cypress trees. From the home side stands you can look beyond the stadium and see the famed piney woods that give this region of Texas its name. The stadium itself sits low betwixt two hills, with the playing surface sunk down in the valley in the middle. The south end zone student section is a lush green hill that perfectly lends itself to some leisurely game watching. While built in 1973, the stadium has also seen numerous renovations, the last of which was completed in 2016 and was highlighted by the unveiling of the aforementioned video board. The stadium looks new and yet still retains its old school charm. One of the more innovative features that the stadium has to offer is a series of refurbished shipping containers that sit in the north end zone – these end zone Suites offer a luxury viewing option for up to 20-plus fans per suite. Neighborhood 4 Nacogdoches is the largest city in the Ark-La-Tex region of Texas. Tucked away in far east Texas, it is a bit of a drive from the major cities in the state. It is roughly two hours from Houston, but only an hour and forty-five minutes from Shreveport across the border in Louisiana. Once you get to town, though, Nacogdoches has everything you need. In terms of attractions, Nacogdoches is a nature lover’s paradise. Not only is it situated just outside of the Angelina National Forest, but the city proper is home to no less than six parks and walking trails. Also, in the nearby city of Lufkin, the Ellen Trout Zoo is a beloved institution and is home to over 800 species for visitors to admire. When it comes to food and lodging, you have more than enough options that you can choose from. I will highlight a couple of great options for you though. The Fredonia Hotel is not only one of the city’s main attractions, but it is also one of the nicest hotels in the region. Located right in the heart of downtown Nacogdoches, this old-school luxury hotel has lodging, dining, and shopping options all under one roof. For food either before or after Lumberjacks games, I would recommend either Mike’s Barbecue House or the Bottlecap Alley Ice House Grill; you can’t go wrong with either. Fans 3 For the 2020 season, attendance at Homer Bryce Stadium is currently limited to 50%. The Lumberjacks have a die-hard, devoted fan base, so even with 5,000-7,000 fans in the stands, it will not feel empty at all. In typical years, the Lumberjacks are one of the best attended teams in the Southland Conference. It is a safe bet that once the world returns to a semblance of normalcy, this will be the case again and Homer Bryce Stadium will once again be filled with the purple and white on Saturdays in the fall. Access 3 It takes a little effort to get to Nacogdoches, but once you get there, it could not be easier to find Homer Bryce Stadium. There is signage throughout the city marking the way to the campus and from there, even more signage to the stadium. There is ample free parking on site, including street parking right across from Homer Bryce Stadium. This might not be the case after the pandemic, but for now it is a refreshing change of pace to not have to “hassle” with parking at games. One more point of interest on this subject. As is the case for any consenting adult, alcoholic beverages (beer mainly) is sold on site at Lumberjacks games. If you were to find yourself in the position of having consumed too much, there is a free service that will take you from the game to your home/hotel destination – it is called Driving Jacks and its service is frequently mentioned throughout the game. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for Lumberjacks games start at $40 for general admission seating. This is a pretty good bargain considering the caliber of team that SFA not only puts out on the field, but also in their opposition. Couple this with the low cost in concessions and the potential for free parking, and you’re getting a bargain for your Division I college buck . Extras 4 What I personally love about college football is how the action on the field is perfectly married to the sport’s history, and how all of it is wrapped up in the pomp and circumstance of tradition. All of that can be found at Lumberjacks games at Homer Bryce Stadium. All of the tropes of college football are on hand: the cheerleaders, the dance team, the color guard, the band, and of course, the mascot. While in the reality of social distancing they do not venture beyond their designated areas of the stadium, they are still all present and add immensely to the overall game day experience. Final Thoughts I greatly enjoyed my visit to Nacogdoches; this has rapidly risen to the upper echelon of my favorite college football settings. The charm and beauty of the city are perfect compliments to the setting of the stadium and make for a great game-watching experience. If you can find your way to this part of the world, I feel confident you’ll fall in love with it too. While you’re there take in an SFA Lumberjacks game while you’re at it – Axe ‘Em Jacks! Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

  • Desna Chernihiv Stadium – FC Desna Chernihiv

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

  • Forgotten Stadiums: Mark's Stadium

    Photo courtesy of marksmenfc.com The growth of soccer in the United States continues to happen in fits and starts. Over the past decade or so, several teams in Major League Soccer have moved into soccer-specific stadiums. Not all teams enjoy the luxury of having their own home, as fans of the New England Revolution know all too well. But the soccer-specific stadium is not a new phenomenon in this country. In fact, a large open lot in the north end of the small town of Tiverton, Rhode Island once was home to a long-lost piece of American soccer history. The city of Fall River and surrounding areas already had a long and successful soccer history. In fact, the area was known as the “Golden Crescent” of American soccer. Teams from Pawtucket, New Bedford and Fall River were among the most successful in the country. Photo courtesy of RhodeTour.org During the 1920’s and early 1930s the Fall River Marksmen were one of the most successful soccer clubs in the country, winning the American Soccer League championship six times and the National Challenge Cup an unheard of four times. In 1930 the Marksmen won the ASL title, the Challenge Cup and the Lewis Cup before embarking on a tour of Central Europe. In 1922 Sam Mark (born Sam Markelevitch) purchased Fall River United and renamed them the Marksmen after himself. He built the team a stadium right across the state line from Fall River in neighboring Tiverton, Rhode Island. This allowed the team to avoid Massachusetts’ blue laws and play on Sundays. The facility, which seated 15,000, was also used for baseball and featured an L-shaped grandstand to accommodate both sports. A dirt track for auto racing was also located on the site, which interfered with the size of the soccer pitch. Mark’s Stadium was often the site of prestige friendlies between the Marksmen and international squads. Photo courtesy of RhodeTour.org Mark moved his team out of the Fall River area at the height of their success in 1931, relocating to New York and calling the team the Yankees. The team floundered right out of the gate and soon found itself back in the area as the New Bedford Whalers. Mark’s Stadium was rented out to new local teams. Fall River F.C. and Ponta Delgada F.C. called Mark’s Stadium home over the ensuing years. Prestige friendlies continued to be held here. The land on which Mark’s Stadium once stood has gone through many changes over the decades since Mark’s Stadium was demolished in the 1950s. For years it was home to the Ponta Delgada Social club, which housed a restaurant and banquet facility as well as a drive-in movie theater. Today a small bar/restaurant and a karate studio stand on the site. The large empty lot behind this building is no longer used for soccer games, and not many in the area know about this pitch’s noteworthy past. For more information on the Fall River Marksmen and Mark's Stadium, visit the following websites: MarksmenFC.com and RhodeTour.org.

  • Forgotten Stadiums: Rhode Island Auditorium

    Photo courtesy of the Providence Journal If you find yourself driving around the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island, you may find yourself passing by what was once the center of the area’s hockey universe without even knowing it. A nondescript parking lot at 1111 North Main Street once buzzed with activity every winter Saturday night. It was on this spot that the old Rhode Island Auditorium once stood. From 1926 until 1972 the red barn on North Main was the home to the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League. At the time of its construction, there were only two professional hockey teams in the United States, the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. The new arena was built to capitalize on the growing popularity of ice hockey in the area. As the only indoor rink in Rhode Island at the time, teams from all over the state drove to Providence to get ice time, no matter what the hour. The first event at the new rink was an ice-skating show which attracted an overflow crowd of over 6,000. The Reds won four Calder Cups while playing at the Auditorium. The franchise, which left Providence in 1977, still operates today as the Hartford Wolf Pack after spending 20 seasons in Binghamton, New York. It is the oldest continuously operating franchise in all minor league hockey. Photo courtesy of RIReds.org In addition to serving as home to the Reds, the 5,300 seat Auditorium was home to the NBA’s Providence Steamrollers from 1946 until 1949 and the Providence College Friars hockey team from 1952 to 1973. Through the years, the venue hosted concerts, The Ice Capades and religious events. Rocky Marciano held 28 of his 49 fights at the Auditorium. A riot after a 1969 concert by Sly and the Family Stone here caused a temporary ban on all rock concerts in the city. After the Reds left for the new downtown Providence Civic Center (now named the Amica Mutual Pavilion), the old barn tried to hang on, hosting small events and concerts as “The Main Event” (U2 played here in 1980), was used as a tennis venue, and was even converted to a disco/roller skating rink (called “11-11”). Photo courtesy of ArtInRuins.com The Auditorium was finally torn down in 1989. Parking for employees of The Miriam Hospital now occupies the site. In 2009, the Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society, a group formed to commemorate the hockey team, marked the site with a plaque commemorating the team’s existence. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

  • Legacy in Bronze: Pat Tillman

    Two memorial statues for Pat Tillman have been designed, sculpted, and placed at two US football stadiums in the Phoenix, AZ area and additional memorials have been designated across the United States to honor and remember the athlete and veteran. The first statue is located outside State Farm Stadium (NFL Arizona Cardinals); the second sits inside Sun Devil Stadium (ASU – Arizona State University). Tillman was a linebacker for the Sun Devils from 1994-98 and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1998 NFL draft. As a Sun Devil linebacker, he helped his team to an undefeated regular season before losing to Ohio State in the 1997 Rose Bowl. Over time in the NFL, he earned his place as a starting player and, in 2000, set a new team record for the number of tackles. Loyal to the Cardinals, in 2001, he turned down a substantial contract with the St. Louis Rams to stay with the Cardinals. After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Tillman put his professional career on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army. In April 2004, after serving several tours, Tillman was killed in Afghanistan. The first statue is located on the north plaza (known as the Tillman Plaza) of State Farm Stadium adjacent to 95th Ave and Maryland Ave in Glendale, AZ. It is open to the public and parking is available just to the north of the Memorial. Pat Tillman Statue at State Farm Stadium, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The Memorial (statue) is a larger than life 8-foot bronze/stone sculpture. It portrays Tillman about to charge the field, helmet in hand, hair flying, voice shouting. It was conceived and designed by Peter Eisenman and Michael Dollin and sculpted by Omri Amrany, an expert in this art form. Opposite the statue is a 60-foot diameter negative edge reflecting pool. The pool has a low seat wall that allows fans to experience the Memorial and plaza area. The Memorial statue and reflecting pond were in place when the stadium opened in 2006. Reflecting Pond at State Farm Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey It took sculptor Jeff Carol Davenport just a few short months to complete the ASU campus sculpture. The sculpture is a life-size bronze figure of Tillman in his #42 ASU uniform, posed ready to sprint onto the field. On top a pedestal, it stands 7 ½ feet tall and is placed in front of the Tillman Tunnel that leads the football players onto the north end of the Frank Kush Field at Sun Devil Stadium. A plaque at its base reads “Somewhere inside, we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of who we wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow.” – Pat Tillman Pat Tillman Sun Devil Stadium, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Since the unveiling in Aug 2017, the ASU football team has started a tradition of touching the statue as they charge the field. Both the Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils and the Arizona Cardinals have retired Pat Tillman’s numbers.

  • NSC Olympiyskiy – FC Dynamo Kyiv

    Photos by Adam Pate, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 NSC Olympiyskiy Velyka Vasylkivska St, 55 Kyiv, 02000, Ukraine FC Dynamo Kyiv website NSC Olympiyskiy website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 70,050 NSC Olympiyskiy The NSC Olympiyskiy, located in the heart of downtown Kyiv, is Ukraine’s pinnacle of stadium experiences. Excellent facilities allow over 70,000 fans to pack in to enjoy their match days. Since the reopening in 2012, the stadium has held both the final of the Champions League in 2018 and the Euro Champs of 2012, placing it at the forefront of European football. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage options at the Olympiyskiy varies vastly depending on which match day you are attending. Sitting in the VIP section for a big final, offerings are abundant. A quiet league in the main stand and bringing your snacks is preferable. When sitting in the VIP area, there is a hot buffet with various sausages and potatoes available and a popcorn seller for the children. Lines move quickly there but slow down when in the main stands. Depending on the attendance, there will be several food outlets around the main concourse, with similar food. Credit cards can be used as well as cash. Alcohol is available in the VIP section only at Olympiyskiy for visitors. There is a full bar, with spirits and a wine list, so it is advantageous to arrive early. In the main areas, there are several soft drink options as well as alcohol-free beer. It is worth paying the extra money to visit the VIP section; tasty sausages await those who dare. Otherwise, many restaurants around the ground offer other eating options pre-game. Atmosphere 4 With a full crowd, the NSC Olympiyskiy will provide an experience on a par with all the other great stadia of Europe. It is a testament to the building prowess of the 21st century. Sadly, Ukrainian football fails to fill even half the ground for even the biggest match. The two-tier bowl is reminiscent of many other stadiums around Europe, with the primary side of the ground reserved for VIP visitors and journalists. The speaker system is pumped full volume before the game, with the Dynamo anthem played and the National anthem sung. The concourse runs around the ground, with the visiting section fenced off for protection. Nevertheless, it is feasible to mix with many supporters during the game. The second tier is accessible via escalator and staircase, while extensive toilet facilities are available underground. The modern scoreboard keeps fans engaged with the game while offering highlights of key action moments. The PA announcer is quite happy to share positive news throughout a Dynamo Kyiv game at the stadium. He likes to get the crowd involved at all times. There is a quite professional-looking organization for the pre-game flag-waving. Sadly, though, the club goes a little further than that at the moment. The main Ultra groups sit behind the goal, so best to head there for the atmosphere. They prefer the goal nearer to the city centre. Each section has its own price range, but there are few checks to view the game from many locations. The VIP seats have additional padding and a beer cup holder – a bonus. All places have a great view of the pitch despite the running track getting in the way. Neighborhood 5 The NSC Olympiyskyi is the beating heart of downtown Kyiv. Located within a five-minute walk from the main thoroughfare, it is served by all the amenities of a global city. Arena City, just a few hundred metres from the ground, is host to many restaurants and a popular meeting place for tourists. Closer to the ground, Dogs and Tails provides tasty hot dogs while Pervak can give a more traditional experience. The Just Beer Bar and BelleVue offer delicious drinks to get ready for the game. Milk Bar is a trendy breakfast hangout for those needing a next day cure for their hangovers. With Kolos Kovlivka and Olimpik Donetsk using Kyiv as its base this year (2020), you will not be short of teams to visit in the city during football season. In warmer weather, enjoy strolling down the main street or take a trip to the city’s beaches. Around the stadium, there are endless coffee shops to pass the time in. For cultural vultures, the city hosts numerous museums and art galleries, all walkable from the complex. Hotel’s Rus, President, and Aloft are all within a few hundred metres of the ground and offer international level facilities. They are worth considering for a visit. On the other hand, there are numerous apartments to rent in central locations for a weekend via Air BnB. Being the capital city of Ukraine, the choice is endless. Fans 4 NSC Olympiyskyi is home to Dynamo Kyiv, followed by some of the most loyal fans in European football. The Ultra section will sing throughout the game, with other fans joining in intermittently. Dynamo’s home average of over 14,000 people is the highest in the league despite supporters being banned for the first game of the year. Sadly though, this number does get lost in a stadium as large as NSC Olympiyskyi. For bigger games against Shakhtar or European nights, the stadium can reach over 50% capacity and gets incredibly noisy. Avoid Sectors 41-45 if you are not a fan of loud noises, plenty of fireworks are set off in that part of the ground. Pre-game, the Dynamo song is played to get fans in the mood for the game, and the Ultra sectors start preparing their banners for the fan entrance. Throughout the match, there is a cacophony of noise from these Sectors, with the leaders responsible for keeping the sound going throughout the game. It is noticeably more engaging than other stadiums around the country. Access 5 NSC Olympiyskyi is one of the easiest grounds to visit in Europe. Numerous access points and ease makes it a delightful experience. Being at the crosspoint of Palats Sportu and Olympiyskyi metro stations, public transport is easy for games. On more significant matches, they close these stations straight after the game, but the next stops are ten minutes’ walk away. The underground system makes bus and car transport unnecessary as traffic is quite unpleasant in central Kyiv. Nearest airports are Borispol and Zhuliany, both on the edge of this great city. Being located in the heart of the city, the traffic is quite fierce at all times. However, there is a parking option under the stadium if you really desire. All gates enter into the main compound where you can walk freely to all parts of the stadium. Every entrance has electronic ticket readers and security checks. The security will also check bags if you need to take one in with you. Being an international standard stadium, the accessibility is world-class, there are escalators and lifts to go between the floors. Wide concourses allow for a smooth flow of people. Visitors, who need more support, will find plenty of seating options at ground level where the pitch is underneath them. Return on Investment 5 Being located in the heart of Ukraine’s capital, a trip to NSC Olympiyskyi will set you back a bit more than elsewhere. Nevertheless, the facilities, which this international stadium has on offer, will make it worth your while. Tickets can cost between 1 and 15 USD, depending on where you choose to sit in the ground. I recommend the top end as it provides you with access to the VIP lounge before the game. Public transport to the stadium can cost as little as 0.25USD. However, eating out in Kyiv is slightly more expensive, with prices more akin to central Europe. You should remember that if you wish to avoid the VIP area, the cheapest ticket will grant you access to all areas. More often than not, seats are available. There are affordable food options around the stadium, but it is worth doing your research ahead. Extras 2 The Club Shop and museum are exceptional extras at NSC Olympiyskyi. They are undoubtedly worth dropping in to visit. Final Thoughts A trip to NSC Olympiyskyi is a highlight of any Ukraine visit. The standout facilities are equal to any other experience around Europe. Sit back and enjoy your day.

  • Ukraina Stadium – FC Karpaty

    Photos by Adam Pate, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Ukraina Stadium Lviv, Lviv Oblast, 79000 Ukraine FC Karpaty website Ukraina Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 28,051 Ukraina Opened during Soviet times in 1963, the Ukraina Stadium in the south of Lviv city has seen grander days. The 28,000 capacity all-seater stadium still hosts Premier League football, with Karpaty and FC Lviv staging their home matches this 2019-2020 season. The city also has several other grounds, making it a great weekend break. Food & Beverage 4 The Ukraina Stadium is scheduled for a big renovation job in the near future. Due to this, most of the facilities inside the ground are not the greatest. However, it is unusually pleasing to see a barbeque on the go. Low attendance also ensures that queuing time is minimal, an added advantage for any supporter. The barbeque that burns throughout the game is a real treasure at the Ukraina Stadium. It is a great chance to grab a hot dog or shaslik stick during the game. However, the authentic delights are in town. Lviv is a tourist hub, better known as the Vienna of the East. The old town – around 5km is a great walking district, full of all types of restaurants. The Lviv coffee shop serves local delicacies that are popular all over the world. Beer is available in the ground for 30uah a cup. In Lviv, a local beer, Lvivske, is nationally famous and available on all corners. There are a couple of beer places that are really worth checking out (Pravda Beer Theatre is one recommended site in the square). Lviv chocolate and coffee are internationally famous, so they must be tried, especially sample a miners coffee underground at the Lviv Coffee Manufacture. It is also worth testing the cherry liqueur that is available at various outlets around the Old Town. Atmosphere 2 The Ukraina Stadium is a classic old-style Soviet ground, built on the side of a hill in Snopkiv Park in south Lviv. The bowl shape is a single-tier with fans having to walk down to pitch side from the entrance at the top of the stand, an unusual concept across Europe. The stadium is a large bowl, which sits in a valley within a hilly suburb of Lviv. As you enter the ground, the bowl descends below you, making it quite unusual in its construction. A merchandise shop is by the entrance, with a decent selection of gear to buy. It is clear that the club has money and is poorly spending it on the playing squad. The supporters are decked out in a good selection of the club colours, highlighting how they invest in the club. With only 800 supporters in attendance, the stadium looks vast, and several sections are utterly unused. You can walk around the top of the stadium throughout the game, taking in an excellent array of vantage points. It is nice to see the food and merchandising available for purchase around the complex. Two scoreboards at either end of the pitch share the goals with the fans. The VIP section is the only area undercover, and those seats have additional padding there. Karpaty is struggling financially, so little is invested in the game day. It is quite surreal, witnessing the dying embers of this club. Although the team is announced to the spectators, little else is. You find your own entertainment during the game. As attendance is tiny, you have a great selection of seat options available. Once you purchase the entrance pass to the gangway at the top of the stadium, you can choose where to sit and have the option to sit in many places throughout the match. Visiting supporters congregate in a section at the opposite end from the home supporters as ,usual. However, the only area covered is on one side of the pitch near the halfway line – if you want to go there, you should pay VIP. Neighborhood 3 The Ukraina Stadium is located in the south of Lviv, around 5 km from the center of the city. Although the stadium is in a picturesque park, downtown is a lot more enjoyable and it is worth spending your time there. If you are eager to eat near the ground, For Rest Meat Club sits very close to the ground, within walking distance. However, a trip to Lviv requires more exploration than just the stadium district. Kryivka in the old town square takes you back to times of the revolution as it is themed on Ukrainian independence – the entrance price is a vodka shot! Baczewski’s, also found in the old town, has excellent menu recommendations and attracts a more luxurious level of clientele. Being the main tourist center of Ukraine, a trip to Lviv is not short of highlights for any visitors. However, for sports fans, there is the Arena Lviv, where the National Team of Ukraine put in performances – sadly, it is too expensive for league teams to rent. Away from football, time spent walking around the old town and visiting the different districts within it is a must. The city thrives on coffee, so dive in and enjoy as much as you can handle. The higher standard of the hotel is more central and commutable by public transport to the ground. Many tourists choose to rent apartments in the old town through Air BnB or Bookings.com. However, ‘Burger+’ is a 3-star hotel with rooms available for 25USD near the ground. A little further afield, you can find ‘Delice’ for around 60USD. Fans 2 Sadly, Lviv football is struggling now, and attendance can number less than 1,000, making the stadium feel empty. Nevertheless, the supporters, who do turn up, try their hardest to build an atmosphere to cheer on their team. Both FC Lviv and Karpathy have seen their audiences drop by over 10% this season, as the teams have struggled at the bottom of the league standings this year (2020). The massive stadium has allowed for bigger gates when Dynamo and Shakhtar have shown up. Nevertheless, both clubs have bottomed out with less than 1,000 attending games (around 3% of the potential capacity). Behind the one goal, a group of hardcore supporters assembles, which numbered around one hundred at the match of this review. They sing throughout the game and bring color with their flags. However, given the arguments that they have with players, it is worth watching from afar. The rest of the ground is silent apart from chatter among spectators – very surreal. Access 3 Given the location of the stadium, access to it and movement around the stadium is top quality. Even on larger games, I would expect a positive experience from visiting the Ukraina Stadium. Lviv offers both train and air hubs for travelers in western Ukraine. It is an accessible city to visit, with trams and buses readily available to whisk you to the stadium. Happily in Lviv, companies like Uber and Bolt exist to improve the taxi and ride-sharing experience at affordable prices. Traffic is an issue in the center of Lviv. If you decide to drive, allow time to leave the downtown district. However, parking options are abundant near the ground, and you should feel secure leaving your car nearby. There are two main entry points to the stadium complex from either end of the pitch. From there, you have access to the walkway around the top of the stadium. Security is on hand, with no significant problems getting into the ground. On more significant match days, there may be a holdup. While the concourse is a real highlight, the steps down to the seating area are quite severe, so take care. You have the option though to watch the game from the concourse. The toilet facilities, on the other hand, are not the greatest and need a desperate upgrade. It is better to go elsewhere and try to avoid those dark pits of despair. Return on Investment 5 Compared to other trips in Ukraine, Lviv is a bit more expensive. However, given the tourist facilities that are on offer, it offers a great return on investment. The stadium complex is similar to others in Ukraine, with the entrance at around 2USD and snacks reasonably priced. It is away from the ground, where expenses exist. The cost of eating out in Lviv and finding accommodation is more on par with central Europe. You can expect to pay up to 20USD for a meal and 50USD for lodgings on average. Although savings are not possible in the ground, there are options elsewhere. Rented apartments provide better value as accommodation in Lviv, with the market very strong. You can also shop around for meals. It is unnecessary to eat in central restaurants for your meal every night, even if some should not be missed. Extras 2 Ukraina Stadium does deserve a couple of extra points. The programme is of good quality and easy to locate on the entrance to the ground. You need to be able to read a good level of Ukrainian, though. There is a souvenir shop at Ukraina Stadium, stocking a variety of merchandise. You may be able to locate some independent sellers around the concourse as well. Final Thoughts A trip to Lviv is a highlight of any Ukrainian experience. Take advantage of the journey and explore the region; you will not be disappointed. Even the Ukraina Stadium provides a clue into the Socialist past of the area.

  • Slavutych Arena – FC Zorya Luhansk

    Photos by Adam Pate, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Slavutych Arena Lobanovskoho St, 21, Zaporizhzhia, Zaporizhia Oblast, 69000 Ukraine FC Zorya Luhansk website Slavutych Arena website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 12,000 Slavutych Arena British Style Opened in 2006, the 12,000 capacity Slavutych Arena in Zaporizhia City, has hosted top-tier football in Ukraine ever since. However, for the last six years, it has welcomed not only the local Metalurg Zaporizhia but also the exiled Zorya Luhansk from the rebel-held eastern regions. Located in the western part of downtown, the stadium is at a good juncture for exploring the treasures of the city and the riverside beaches near the ground. Food & Beverage 4 The stadium location allows supporters to enjoy the restaurants in the city before the game. We have enjoyed a number of them over the years in Ukraine and, on this occasion, visited Bar B.Q just five minutes from the ground. Inside the ground as well, there is a pleasing selection for hungry fans, so do not despair if you arrive late for the game. Within 200 meters walk of the complex, there is a vast array of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars located within a block of Sobornyi Avenue (one of the main roads in the city). They meet all needs ranging from cocktails to small sandwiches – there is even a McDonalds not too far away as well. Most food outlets outside the stadium will accept cash and card, but it is cash only once you enter the arena complex. Bar B.Q has some delicious deluxe burgers on the go, and service is quick. The Old Rabbit coffee shop is also highly recommended as a free space and an excellent place to relax before the game. Being in a city the size of Zaporizhia, there is naturally an Irish bar to visit. Happily for football fans, it is just a few kilometers away from the ground, with beers for a couple of dollars. When nearer, it is best to drink inside the ground. They offer not only a selection of beers, with and without alcohol but the unique surprise of cider (all of more or less a dollar US). I definitely recommend enjoying the cider on offer inside the ground as it is pretty unique in Ukraine. It is also sweet being allowed to take alcohol on to the terraces in the Premier League, so take advantage while you can. Atmosphere 4 The Slavutych Arena takes on a British style than seen elsewhere in Ukraine, providing good vantage points from all sides of the ground. The raised four stands allow a good atmosphere to reverberate around the stadium, encouraging the team on to great results. The four stands are very similar in make-up, with the side terraces being covered in part by a roof. All of the stands are raised quite a degree improving the view of the pitch. However, in Zaporizhya, there is finally a ground without an athletics track. The premium seats are located center pitch, but we were happy with our seats for less than US$2. The sizeable electronic scoreboard stands behind the goal and counts down the seconds until another Zorya victory. That area behind the goal houses the visiting fans It is an impressive building for Ukraine and quite deservedly holds European football within it. The stadium announcer introduces the team before the game and presents the halftime festivities with enthusiasm. It encourages the majority of fans to get involved. There is little of in-game entertainment as the fan engagement is still in its infancy. However, after the game, it is great to see fans gather outside the main stand, waiting for their heroes to appear from after game warm downs. I have seen images in the past of supporters and players celebrating their favorite victories together. We chose to sit in the side stand, but both appear equally recommendable, given that they are covered from the elements. Low attendance in Ukraine means that you have a good selection. Behind the goals, it is open to the elements, but the atmosphere is livelier there if that is your thing. All four stands have access to food courts, pleasingly on the Ukrainian landscape, so take your pick. Neighborhood 5 The downtown district of Zaporizhya stretches along the Dnipro’s right bank, and the stadium is found on its western tip. Just a couple of minutes walk from the main commercial road, the stadium has got access to an abundance of sights and facilities to enjoy while in the city. The ground is located in a prime neighborhood to explore. Several bars, such as Cloud Lounge and Virny are within a few hundred meters walk and serve a full range of beverages. The district also hosts restaurants like Olimp, JP’s, and Kvatira for hungry visitors. A little further afield in central Zaporizhya, the Lviv coffee shop is a necessity to see. Tasty chocolate treats and delicious coffee await its guests. No visit to Zaporizhya is complete without a visit to the island of Khortytsia, where you will find endless legacies to the Ukrainian Cossacks. When visiting in warmer weather, the riverside bars and beaches provide many opportunities for fun and relaxation before the game. Sport-seekers will be happy to know that Motor Sich Company has some teams, most successfully handball and football, which play regularly throughout the year. At the same time, Dnipro is only two hours away for those craving more top-league action. The Platinum Hotel, located just a few hundred meters away from the ground on the riverfront, provides a good option for overnighters near the ground. Comfortable lodgings are available for less than $US50. Further afield, the city offers a great variety of possibilities accessible through several websites. You can choose from beach side lodgings to being in a central downtown location based on your wishes. Fans 3 Given the fact that the host club ‘Zorya Luhansk’ plays in exile, the city of Zaporuzhya has taken the club to heart. The stadium regularly holds attendance within 1,000 of its near competitors, even though the journey from their home city can take over four hours. The ground usually is around 20% full but can grow to half full for the more significant matches. They sit in the lower half of the league table for attendance, but most clubs are in the same ballpark between 2,000 to 3,500 spectators. As a comparison, Shakhtar Donetsk has lost around 50% of its attendance while having to play in exile. Most fans are quite quiet during the game, with Zorya’s chants breaking out around the pitch during high points in the entertainment. For something more exciting, behind the goal to the left of the main stand, you will find the Zorya Ultra, who continually sing throughout the game and are known for their use of pyrotechnics. You are guaranteed an exhilarating experience on that terrace. Access 4 With the central location of the ground, supporters have plenty of methods for easy access to the stadium location and from afar. Given the cost of public transport in Ukraine, it is worth considering staying further away from the stadium to enjoy more of the city. Buses in Zaporizhya are plentiful and cheap, with maps easily accessible via mobile phone applications. Although Uber or rideshare services have not arrived in Zaporizhya yet, many taxi companies offer affordable trips for visitors. For those arriving by train to the city, the station is at the other end of the town, so public transport is necessary. With the stadium set back from the main road, there is an abundance of parking places. In Ukraine, street parking is a legal option, so any of the side streets are opportunities not worth ignoring. It usually is entirely free as the local fans take public transport to and from the game. Tickets are purchasable from several outlets around the ground before the game, where you can choose your gate entry. Each of the four stands has its own access points, gate barriers, and an outside gathering area before entering the stands. It certainly reminded me of a lower league UK variant. Once inside the ground perimeter, people’s movement and flow are very fluid, mainly due to the low attendance figure. Access to the stands is straight forward. However, the raised terraces may provide an issue with the staircase. Toilet facilities are to a reasonable standard and easy access from the ground floor – the space can hold up to 12,000 people, they are at 20% capacity most of the time. Return on Investment 5 Being a larger commercial center, the trip to Zaporizhya city is one of the pricier in Ukraine but worth it compared to its European counterparts. The Slavutych Arena has all the components of a great match day experience. Ticket prices are very affordable, with the most expensive being around 2 dollars USD$. If you are looking for comfort, the main stand provides the most excellent facilities, but the goal’s atmosphere is more lively. I enjoyed the burgers near the stadium for my own preference, but if you check Google Maps beforehand, numerous restaurants are available near the ground. Alcohol inside is another advantage. The extensive public transport system with its unbelievably low prices makes movement around the city straight forward and opens up the space for car parking. Given the vast array of food and drink outlets near the arena, it is worth shopping to find good value. The cheaper seats opposite the main stand provide an equally pleasing view for a smaller price as well. Extras 3 My visit to the Slavutych Arena was the most English of experiences that Ukraine had to offer. You can park easily around the ground and walk up to the stadium. The food courts also resemble a British occasion. Final Thoughts A trip to the Slavutych Arena will provide the big city experience that is comparable to other countries. It is an impressive setup even if the attendance (at least for my game) was low. The facilities around the city scream for a more extended city break that will allow you to enjoy more than just the game day.

  • Shuttleworth Park – Amsterdam Mohawks

    Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Shuttleworth Park 65 Crescent Ave Amsterdam, NY 12010 Amsterdam Mohawks website Shuttleworth Park website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 3,000 Carpet City Baseball Shuttleworth Park was built in 1914 as part of a larger amusement center. Named Crescent Park, the facility opened on Memorial Day and featured a midway that included a dance hall, shooting gallery, motion picture theater, miniature railroad as well as “boating and bathing on Lake Crescent.” The first game featured the local semi-pro Empires taking on the Philadelphia Colored Giants. As the amusement park passed through different owners and names through the 30s and 40s, the Amsterdam Rugmakers of the Can-Am League called Crescent Park home. Affiliated with the Yankees, the team won a league title in 1940. Herb Shuttleworth, the future namesake of the ballpark, worked for Mohawk Mills and helped to install lights at the ballpark. In 1942 tragedy struck the old ballpark when the wooden grandstand burned down just eight days before the Rugmakers were due to play an exhibition against the Yankees. The park was rebuilt in a week and 4,000 were in attendance to see the Yankees beat the Rugmakers 9-5 in ten innings. The Can-Am League shut down for good in 1951, taking professional baseball in Amsterdam with it. The ballpark was eventually renamed Herbert L. Shuttleworth Park in honor of “Amsterdam’s No. 1 Citizen.” Renovations in the 1970s and 2000s altered the design of the park but retained its historic charm. The Mohawks began play in Schenectady in 1978 as members of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. The team moved to nearby Amsterdam in 2003. In 2011 the team transferred to the newly formed Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, considered a superior circuit due to its partnership with Perfect Game scouting. Over the course of the team’s history, the Mohawks have won a combined ten NYCBL/PGCBL championships, establishing itself as the marquee team in New York. Over 100 Mohawk alumni have graduated to professional baseball careers. Nine have reached the Major Leagues, including Hunter Pence, Luke Maile and Logan Darnell. The history and success of the Mohawks have made them one of the more popular summer destinations in the area for players looking to play some summer ball. For the 2020 season the Independent Collegiate Baseball League was formed to fill the void left behind when the Perfect Game League cancelled its season due to the coronavirus. Four teams will play this year based out of Shuttleworth Park and East Field in Glens Falls. Food & Beverage 4 The Mohawks offer an impressive menu for a ballpark of this size. In addition to ballpark staples hot dogs, burgers and chicken tenders, snack items including mozzarella sticks, french fries, pretzels and popcorn are available. Brownies, sno-cones and cotton candy can also be found on the menu. Fans looking to save a dollar or two can order a combo consisting of a burger, hot dog or chicken tenders with fries and a drink. Coca-Cola products are featured at Shuttleworth Park. Visiting fans looking for an adult beverage will find various beer brands, including Corona Light, Miller Lite, Blue Moon and Voodoo Ranger IPA. Twisted Tea and Truly Hard Seltzer is also sold here. For the 2020 season, the Mohawks have devised a rather ingenious plan for concessions. Fans are seated at picnic tables around the ballpark. Concessions are only available via wait service. Spots at picnic tables are sold in groups of 4, 6 and 8 for $10 per person, with a $10 food credit given for each ticket. The concession menu for 2020 is virtually identical to what is served in previous years. Atmosphere 4 The tree-lined setting and old covered grandstand set the tone for a wonderful evening at the ballpark before you even enter Shuttleworth Park. Among the league leaders in attendance annually, there is a definite buzz at a ballgame in Amsterdam. With the ballpark’s location in a middle of a larger park, there is plenty of activity in the picnic grove, tennis courts and shores of North Chucktanunda Creek. The Mohawks have tried their best to create a typical game day atmosphere given coronavirus restrictions in place for 2020. There are giveaways (including hand sanitizer, which is most appropriate for 2020), raffles and 50-50 drawings. Music plays between innings and fans are engaged in the action on the field. Neighborhood 2 Shuttleworth Park is located in a residential neighborhood in the small city of Amsterdam. Visiting fans will not find any dining or lodging options within walking distance of the ballpark, but fans who come prepared can take advantage of the many activities within the park itself. Route 30, the main thoroughfare through town, is located about a mile and a half from Shuttleworth Park. Visiting fans will find many dining options along this stretch of road. Downtown Amsterdam is located on the shores of the Mohawk River right off Interstate 90 about 2 ½ miles from the ballpark. Most local lodging options are located by the New York State Thruway. Fans 4 The Mohawks average around 1,200 fans per game annually, which ranks them in the upper third of all Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League franchises. Fans pack the old grandstand and party decks around Shuttleworth Park, giving the old place a great energy throughout the season. With many of the players on the field having local roots, there is a strong connection between the fans and the team. With many of the teams in the PGCBL located nearby, there is also a strong presence from visiting fans. For the 2020 season New York State has limited outdoor gatherings to no more than 50 people. The Mohawks sell tables on various party decks located all around the ballpark for fans. Tables are sold in groups of 4, 6 or 8. Tables sell well, with the majority occupied throughout the 2020 season. Access 3 Amsterdam is a small city with a population of about 18,000 located 45 minutes northwest of Albany. Shuttleworth Park is located on the northeast edge of the city. Fans visiting the area will take Exit 27 off the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) and travel 3 ½ miles through the city to get to the ballpark. Detailed directions to the ballpark can be found here. Access into Shuttleworth Park requires crossing a creek over a one-lane bridge, which will bring you to the parking area. The park’s tennis courts, softball field, playground and picnic area are all easily accessible from here. Fans enter Shuttleworth Park on the first base side of the facility. The majority of the seating is located in the covered grandstand. The seats here were purchased from Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia during the 2008 renovation. There are some additional box seats located down the right field line. The remainder of the seating consists of several party decks which are located throughout the facility. Fans can rent out the picnic tables on these party decks and enjoy the action from many different vantage points complete with wait service. Getting around the ballpark is fairly easy. Restrooms are located behind the grandstand and are small for the average Mohawk crowd. They are clean and well-maintained. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Mohawks games are most affordable, with box seats priced at five dollars and general admission tickets sold for four dollars. Students are admitted for two dollars. On fireworks nights prices of all tickets are increased by one dollar. Parking is free in the lots around Shuttleworth Park. Concessions are very affordable, making a night at a Mohawks game a most affordable entertainment option for local baseball fans. Hungry fans looking for a bargain may want to wait until the end of the game, when leftover food is offered for a dollar. It’s a good chance to pick up a cheap snack for the ride home. For the 2020 season admission to Mohawk games are sold only at picnic tables on the party decks that surround the field. Tables seat between 4-8 persons, costing $10 per person. With each seat at the table comes a $10 food credit, meaning you eat for free (or get in for free, depending on how you look at it). Extras 2 An extra point is awarded to the overall setting of Shuttleworth Park. Surrounded by running streams and trees, it’s a most picturesque setting. The old-style grandstand only enhances the nostalgic feeling here. Game day touches including free rosters, discounted merchandise and concession items offered throughout the game deserve an extra point. Final Thoughts Shuttleworth Park is baseball nostalgia at its best. From the moment you cross the one-lane bridge across North Chucktanunda Creek until you enter the old covered grandstand, there’s a feeling here you don’t find in many places anymore. The Mohawks have created a family-friendly atmosphere where value is emphasized. It’s no wonder Amsterdam has become one of the marquee destinations of the Perfect Game League. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

  • East Field – Glens Falls Dragons

    Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 East Field 175 Dix Ave Glens Falls, NY 12801 Glens Falls Dragons website East Field website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 6,000 East Field East Field is a multi-purpose facility which opened in 1980. It has been home to several teams over its 40 years, including the affiliated Glens Falls White Sox, Tigers and Red Birds, the independent Adirondack Lumberjacks and the summer collegiate Glens Falls Golden Eagles. Since 2015, the Glens Falls Dragons of the Perfect Game Collegiate League have called East Field home. For the 2020 season the Independent Collegiate Baseball League was formed to fill the void left behind when the Perfect Game League cancelled its season due to the coronavirus. Four teams will play this year based out of Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam and East Field in Glens Falls. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand tucked in behind the bleachers down the right field line. According to the handwritten menu tacked to the wall, a decent selection of food is served here, including many ballpark favorites. Hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza slices and sausage and pepper sandwiches are listed. Snacks, including chips, popcorn and ice cream treats are available. With many of the items crossed off the menu, it would appear that the menu may vary from night to night depending on the crowd or other factors. For the 2020 season, the Independents offer pizza slices from a nearby Little Caesar’s and bottled beverages for some games. Atmosphere 1 Baseball purists enjoy the atmosphere at many summer collegiate ballparks because the game day presentation is much simpler and more laid back than the all-out assault on the senses found at most professional ballparks today. The atmosphere at East Field fits this description, as it is very laid-back, almost to the point of being bare bones. There is little extraneous noise to distract fans from enjoying the action down on the field. What little noise that does not come from the buzz of the crowd comes in the form of music played between innings on East Field’s excellent sound system. PA announcements are limited to lineup changes and upcoming batters. Since there is no operational scoreboard at East Field, increased game information would be welcome. Neighborhood 3 East Field is located in a mixed-use neighborhood about a mile and a half from downtown Glens Falls, a small city of 14,000 residents about an hour north of Albany. Fans visiting Glens Falls will definitely want to head downtown to find a bite to eat before or after a game at East Field. Aside from a small ice cream shop across the street from the ballpark, there is nothing in the immediate vicinity to attract fans. Now, downtown Glens Falls is another matter entirely. For a city of this size, there are an amazing number of quality choices for visiting fans looking for a place to eat. Craft beer fans should head to Davidson Brothers Brewpub to sample their selection of house brews and American fare, or Cooper’s Cave Ale Company, where you can pair your craft beer selection with homemade ice cream. While walking around the downtown area be sure to check out Downtown City Tavern, known for their pizzas, burgers and ice cream menu, which features a great selection of adult milk shakes. Lodging options nearby include the historic Queensbury Hotel. Cool Insuring Arena, home of the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder, is located right downtown as well. Again, for a small city, there are many things to do here. The Hyde Art Museum, Chapman Historical Museum, the World Awareness Children’s Museum and Saunders Gallery of Fine Art highlight the many offerings. During the summer months the nearby Adirondack Mountains offer countless options for visiting fans. The Adirondacks Welcome Center is located in Glens Falls. Also located a short drive from Glens Falls is the Saratoga Race Course and Saratoga National Historic Park. Lake George, a popular summer vacation destination, is located nearby. Fans 3 The Dragons average around 1,000 fans per night at East Field. This places the team in the upper third of the Perfect Game League attendance rankings. As you would expect, the crowd is a mix of locals, families looking for an affordable night out and die-hard fans who follow the team closely. A great many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the team. For the 2020 season New York State has limited the size of outdoor gatherings to 50 persons. Each player is allowed to have two family members in attendance, limiting the number of unaffiliated fans who are allowed to attend. During Stadium Journey’s visit to East Field, the crowd numbered around 50 fans. Access 2 East Field is located on the eastern edge of the city of Glens Falls. Fans coming to the area will take exit 18 off of Interstate 87 and drive a ways through the city to get to the ballpark, which is part of a larger complex which includes softball fields, a pool, a playground and an outdoor skating pond. There is plenty of parking in a lot adjacent to the ballpark. Seating consists of several sets of bleachers which encircle the field. These bleachers are in need of some serious TLC, as they are splintering and buckling in spots. Plans are in the works to replace some of these bleachers with 1,500 seats taken from the former Riverfront Stadium in Newark, NJ, but there is currently no schedule as to when this will happen. For now, choose your seats wisely and move carefully around the seating area. There are some individual bucket seats behind home plate. These seats are among the most coveted in the ballpark. Nets and light poles obstruct views from most seating areas in the park. There is a concession stand and building containing rest rooms behind the bleachers on the right field line. These buildings are closed for the 2020 season. Additional rest rooms are located in the press box building behind home plate. These rest rooms are more than adequate for the crowds at an Independents game but are in need of some serious maintenance. The facilities at East Field are definitely showing their age and some attention is certainly needed to many areas of the ballpark in order to improve overall fan comfort and field conditions. A microcosm of these issues can be found when looking for the scoreboard, located in left-center field. It’s no longer there. Taken down in 2019, it has yet to be replaced. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Dragons games are sold as general admission for five dollars. Tickets for children aged 12 and under are discounted to three dollars. With the large capacity of East Field, there are plenty of choices as to where to sit. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. Concessions are reasonably priced, making a night at East Field a most affordable entertainment option for local baseball fans. Extras 1 There’s not much that can be considered extra at East Field (there’s not even a working scoreboard here). There is a small mural located by the entrance to the ballpark which features the logos of all the teams to call East Field home. Final Thoughts East Field is typical of minor league ballparks built in the 1980s. A bare bones facility without a lot of amenities or charm, this collection of bleachers is what passed as state of the art at that time. It’s hard to believe that this facility hosted AA baseball back in the day. East Field is in dire need of some TLC, which is apparently on the way. Warts and all, it’s great to have a place to catch some organized baseball in the summer of 2020. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

  • Turtle Creek Stadium – Traverse City Pit Spitters

    Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Turtle Creek Stadium 333 Stadium Drive Traverse City, MI 49684 Traverse City Pit Spitters website Turtle Creek Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 4,660 This Ballpark Isn’t the Pits Traverse City, Michigan, is a popular tourist destination spot during the summer season. Visitors can choose from boating, swimming, walking the downtown streets, and touring the vast wineries in the region, and for the sports fan, a baseball game at night. Sponsored by a local casino, Turtle Creek Stadium’s design blends in nicely with the modern lakefront housing that is popular in the region. The exterior and interior of the ballpark set it apart from many other designs in the country. Today, the ballpark is home to the Traverse City Pit Spitters, members of the Northwoods League, who took over from the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League from 2006-2018. The summer collegiate club is owned and operated by the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Midwest League who has brought the excitement back to the ballpark. The facility was originally named for Beach Bum owners John and Leslye Wuerfel when it first opened in 2006 to record crowds. The FL club was the city’s first professional baseball team since the Traverse City Resorters operated from 1910-1914 in the Michigan State League. Ironically, this was the name used for one of the make-shift clubs during the 2020 season, a nice connection to the city’s baseball roots. During the 2020 season, the club joined a Michigan-pod with Battle Creek and Kalamazoo to play an abbreviated season. The Resorters and Spitters were joined by the Northern Michigan Dune Bears, but after two weeks of play shut down due to COVID-19 cases. The play was resumed without the Dune Bears, who quietly folded after several games. Food & Beverage 3 The normal food and beverage items were on pause of the season but there were more than enough options to choose from during the game. Your standards were all here plus great craft options from the state, spirits, and even a custom made burger for the club. The items available are hot dogs, burgers, nachos, pizza slices, brats, chicken fries, pretzels, peanuts, and foot-long corn dogs. Down the third baseline, the club sells the cherry burger that features dried cherries mixed with the beef and topped with cherry salsa. The desserts feature local Moomer’s ice cream, lemon chill, caramel corn, and licorice rope. For something a bit sweeter that packs a punch, fans can order a Pit Spitters Punch. There is a lot of beer to choose from at the ballpark and range from a small domestic pint for $5.50 to 32-ounce craft beer for $9. There are two bar areas in the stadium: Spittoon Salon and Craft Cave. The Saloon features hard liquor and beer choices. The Cave offers 12 draughts from Michigan breweries of Short’s, Petosky, Earthen Ales, Founders, and Bells. Atmosphere 4 A grand total of 500 folks were in attendance, considered a sell-out during the pandemic, and even though the crowd was light, the atmosphere did not reflect that actual number of fans at the game. It was almost business as usual for the management of the club, which can be quite hard to do during these times. Part of that might just be the design of the stadium that seats 4,600 people and features a massive grass seating section behind the outfield from the foul line to foul line. The area was closed off, relegating fans to the main concourse area. Staff members greeting fans walking through the main entrance, programs were handed out, and the wait staff was ready to assist visitors with their food options. There was even a mascot for both clubs who stood on the concourse before the game. It had the feeling of a normal summer evening baseball event, much different than other ballpark experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout the game, fans were entertained with a variety of in-between inning promotions from frozen t-shirt contests between players, mascot tossing, dizzy bat racing, and Spitters mascot Monty bagging a drum behind home plate to stir up the crowd. The familiarity of a baseball game was highly noted and much appreciated to many in attendance. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is located seven miles from downtown and the Grand Traverse Bay; there is everything from fine dining, craft breweries, distilleries, retail shops, hotels, and leisure activities. The town of 15,000 is picturesque, full of commerce on the pedestrian-only Front Street. There is an assortment of food from Sparks and Blue Tractor BBQ, Red Ginger, Scalawags Whitefish & Chips, Midland Burger, The Franklin, Little Bohemia, and Mama Lu’s. Many of these restaurants are located on Front Street, and easily walkable from one another. There is a host of spots for beer, wine, or spirit. North Peak, Workshop Brewing, State Street Market (an adult food court with beer and barbecue), Mackinaw Brewing Company, and Rare Bird Brewpub are just a few of the many places to enjoy a drink or two. There are also 15 plus wineries in the area that include Left Foot, Mari Vineyards, 2 Lands Winery, Cherry Republic, and Hawthorne Vineyards. Visitors can also enjoy a dip in the crystal clear waters of the bay, kayak, rent a boat, or ride a bike along the scenic waterways. You can also find yourself reading a book underneath the shade of a large tree, get into a game of volleyball with locals, or have a picnic on the massive green spots near the water. Fans 4 There were 500 fans in attendance, but it felt like more, many cheered loudly for the hometown team, others picked their personal favorite and made sure they were able to be heard from their seats. It was if everybody had a vested interest in the players on the field. Many were just happy to have the opportunity to enjoy baseball after the club had canceled games after an undisclosed number of players tested positive for coronavirus earlier in the month. Baseball resumed shortly after and many were willingly back to enjoy their summer passion of nights at the ballpark. Access 4 Traverse City is a bit of a drive for many visitors and is somewhat off the beaten path in regards to its location from other cities in the state. The closest major city is two-hours south in Grand Rapids, and part of that journey is a 30-mile trek on two-lane roads through small towns. Although quite a charming drive, it does require some planning, the rewards are gratifying and the ballpark is located on the edge of town right off Highway 31. The ballpark itself is easy to move around with concessions, the Pit Shop souvenir store, bathrooms and exits all located behind the infield playing area. There is also plenty of parking outside the venue and maybe the only complaint is that the entrance can sneak up on you if you are not looking for the lights of the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket this year is $10 apiece and limited to 500 people, due to the pandemic, and it would be wise to purchase them in advance to avoid being disappointed at the window. Normally, the lawn seats are available for $6, but the area has been suspended for the current season. The concession items range from $3.75 for a hot dog to $8 for a cherry burger. The beer prices also range from domestics at $5.50 to 32-ounce craft beer for $9. The Spitters do have a nice promotion where one its players take three cracks of smacking a homer from the second base over the outfield wall in order for fans to purchase half-price domestic beers, many lined up for a $4 32-ounce beer that was ideal for the hot, summer day. The price to park is $5, somewhat reasonable for any level of baseball and concession items ranging from t-shirts, caps, children items, replica jerseys, and other souvenirs. A baseball cap will cost anywhere from $21-$25 before tax, on-field caps a tad higher. However, the team has a great looking double-cherry logo that had me pull out my credit card. Perhaps the biggest hindrance to the return of investment is something that management has no control over, the price of lodging in the region. Hotel rooms are at a premium during the months the Spitters operate at the ballpark, and a typical hotel online can range in price from $140 to $350 depending on the brand. Extras 3 The club earns a point for the name and logo that reflect the region being known for its cherry production. Cherries can be found at local markets and incorporated into salsas, juices, The logo features two cherries spitting out pits is ingenious. The ballpark earns another point as it does not look like any other venue in the country. The interior matches the exterior of a cottage home, and the concourse features overhangs that provide a nice bit of shade during sunny days. The tabletop seats looking as if they belong at a beach club but blend in well with the overall atmosphere of the ballpark. The tables are for four, include wait staff, and feature umbrellas for extra shade. Final Thoughts Turtle Creek Stadium is one of those ballparks that’s a little bit out of the way but once you arrive at it and take in the surroundings, you will be glad you made the journey. The design and aesthetics of the ballpark is one-of-a-kind, the staff is friendly, the logo is awesome for fans of any ages, and then you get to enjoy the many restaurants, wineries, and breweries of Traverse City.

  • Witter Field – Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

    Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Witter Athletic Field 521 Lincoln St Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 Wisconsin Rapids Rafters website Witter Athletic Field website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 1,588 Cranberry Country Built in 1928, Witter Field in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin housed various minor league baseball teams from 1941-1983. When the Wisconsin Rapids Twins moved to Kenosha following the 1983 season, the park had a 17-year absence of anything above high school baseball. In 2010, the summer collegiate Northwoods League moved into town and the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters were born. The stadium got a fresh coat of cranberry-colored paint on the inside and 227 seats that were removed from Milwaukee County Stadium before its demolition. Food & Beverage 5 There are plenty of food options at Witter Field for all tastes. Three different food stands are located from behind the home plate and down the third baseline. The Triple Play Taqueria offers chicken, steak, pork, and classic tacos for $6.50 (for two tacos). They also have three flavors of boneless chicken wings ($5), various sandwiches such as a Rosco Philly, Smoked Pulled Chicken, or BBQ Pulled Pork ranging from $4.50-$6. The standard hamburger ($3.50), Hot Dog $2.75), and Bratwurst ($3.25) are also available. Side dishes include Skin-on French Fries or Mac-N-Cheese for $3.50. Desserts include Churro Bites or Funnel Cake for $4 with optional Strawberries and Whipped Cream or Chocolate and Caramel for $1 more. Further down the line is a “snack barn” which has Loaded Nachos ($6), Pretzels with Cheese ($3.75), Pizza ($5), Breadsticks with Marinara ($4) and several more desserts such as Ice Cream ($2.50/$3) and various Sundaes for $4. Root Beer Floats are made with Point Root Beer, which is a local brewery in Stevens Point. The third food stand is called “The Homestand” and is further down the third baseline. They sell a few items that are also available at other stands, but they also have a Black Bean Veggie Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and a Chicken Salad Sandwich ($4-$5 each). This is also the place to get your Brew City Cheese Curds with Ranch ($6). Cheese curds are a statewide delicacy and one of my favorite things about visiting Wisconsin. Beer stands sell 16-ounce draft beers such as Budweiser, Bud Lite, Busch Light, and Point Special Lager for $4.50 or Stella Artois, Goose Island IPA, Golden Road Mango Cart, and a few local brews Point Drop Dead Blonde and Amber Lager, Hillsboro Leaping Lemur Cream Ale, Good Old Potosi Golden Ale, and Farm Girl Saison from Lift Bridge Brewery for $5.50. Non-alcoholic drinks include bottled Pepsi products, Gatorade, and Vita Ice, each for $3.50. Atmosphere 4 Witter Field is an old stadium, and from the outside, it gives the appearance of a park that has probably seen better days. It has an old light-green paint job on the outside. Once inside, though, you can see that the park has been kept up well. Renovations were made to the park in 1950 and again in 2010 when the Rafters moved in. The covered grandstand extends from dugout to dugout. There are 227 box seats which were formerly inside Milwaukee County Stadium. County Stadium was demolished in 2001 after the Milwaukee Brewers moved next door to Miller Park. Several rows of metal bleachers behind the box seats stay nice and dry even when a drizzle falls. An interactive accessible seating area is down the first base side. These seats come with wait service and pads for an interactive experience. The highlight of the park, though, is the Point Craft River. For $31-$36, you can have access to the “River” area. All the beer you can drink until the 7th inning, and when you order a drink, they put it on a wooden “raft” and float it down the river to you. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth checking out. The walls, jerseys, and the promo crew are all cranberry-colored. This is an homage to the fact that more than 60% of the nation’s cranberries are harvested within fifty miles of Wisconsin Rapids. The harvest is supposed to be something to see, but it’s in October, not during baseball season. The scoreboard in the right-center field is divided into two parts. The left side is a regular digital scoreboard, while the right half is a newer video board that gives names, pictures, and stats. Since my game was on “McCain Potato Night,” most of the in-between innings had potato themes to them. Bobbing for potatoes. Tossing potatoes into a bucket. Build a Mr. Potato Head. There was even a rubber potato giveaway at the gate. Neighborhood 3 Witter Field is located in a fairly residential area. A junior high school is adjacent to the park. Beyond the outfield fence is a brand new community waterpark that just opened up in 2020. Within a half-mile, food options include Dairy Queen, Taco John’s, and Grand Avenue Pub and Grille. About a mile away from the stadium, you can see where the town of Wisconsin Rapids got its name. If you park at Mead Rapids View Park or Veterans Memorial Park, you can walk along the river and see the paper mills and the dams that cause the rapids. There are also plenty of bars/pubs in this area. The triangle block of First Street, Second Street, and E Jackson Street form what a bartender told me is called the “Beermuda Triangle.” Pretty much every business on that block is a bar. I opted for Jennings and Co. and had a delicious Reuben and a couple of bottles of New Glarus and Stevens Point beers. Fans 3 With the COVID-19 pandemic going on, fans were limited to about 1/3 the normal capacity. That meant there were about 600 people at the ballpark. The fans seem to be into the game and cheer loudly at the appropriate times. Late in the game of this review, many made their way behind home plate to get photographs of the gorgeous full rainbow that we had for about 15 minutes. Witter Field Rainbow, Photo by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Access 3 Wisconsin Rapids is about 20 minutes away from the nearest Interstate, I-39 (Plover Exit). I took US10 across from Appleton, about 75 minutes away on the mostly divided highway. Once you’re in the city, the physical address is 521 Lincoln St. A parking lot on-site with no charge for parking. There is also plenty of street parking that is slightly further away in case you want to avoid having your car hit by a foul ball. The only gate is directly behind home plate. Return on Investment 3 There is a wide range of ticket prices from which to choose. Standing room only is $9. Reserved bleachers seats are $10. NWL Foundation Interactive Accessible Seating Area is $11. Reserved Box Seats are $16. And the Point Craft River Area is $31 for General Admission or $36 for a reserved seat. NOTE: ALL tickets are $2 more on game day. If you can buy them in advance, you should do so to avoid the extra charge (although internet orders often come with their fees). I opted for the bleacher seats and was not at all disappointed. In fact, because of the drizzle, I stayed nice and dry while the people in the box seats probably got a little wet. The food and beer prices are very reasonable, especially with how much variety there is, and I can’t stress this enough…you’re in Wisconsin, get the cheese curds. Extras 4 The Point Craft River gets an extra point. While I didn’t get a ticket in the area, I did have a look at it and I’ve never seen anything like it at a ballpark. Another point goes to the Wisconsin Rapids Baseball History exhibit. They have various old jerseys, baseballs, pictures, and other trinkets displaying the history of baseball in Wisconsin Rapids. A third point goes to the Central Wisconsin Educator of the Year Wall of Fame Bobblehead display. It’s a plexiglass case that has bobbleheads of local Wisconsin Teachers of the Year. What a great idea. A fourth point goes to the fact that I just loved the overall feel of Witter Field. Sometimes you just like a place without a specific reason why, and Witter Field is that for me. I’ll make a return trip. Final Thoughts A lot of older parks have gone the way of summer collegiate baseball in the past decade. Some of them show their age a little more than others. Witter Field is one that has kept up with the times and while it’s 92 years old, it doesn’t feel old and run down. Coupled with the fact that I enjoyed walking around the town itself, I would recommend a trip to Cranberry Country.

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