Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dickey-Stephens Park 400 W Broadway North Little Rock, AR 72114 Arkansas Travelers website Dickey-Stephens Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,300 All Aboard Travs Baseball Baseball in the Little Rock area has been around since 1887 with the Little Rock Travelers. Named from the folk song, “The Arkansas Traveler” the team from Little Rock enjoyed two titles and fielded a team until 1961. Baseball royalty including Pat Gillick and Cal Ripken Sr. saw their careers run through the Arkansas capital. The modern Arkansas Travelers were established in the International League in 1963. After one year, Arkansas traveled to the Pacific Coast League for two seasons before settling in at the Double-A level and the Texas League. The Travelers spent the bulk of their existence as the affiliate for the St. Louis Cardinals (1966-2000), but as of 2017 have been the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since moving to the Texas League, success has not been a stranger to the Travs as they have enjoyed eight league titles (1966, 1971, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1989, 2001, 2008). In 1960, Arkansas baseball legend Ray Winder led a public stock drive purchased the New Orleans baseball franchise, and moved it to Little Rock. The modern Travs have been a publicly owned company ever since Arkansas Travelers Baseball Inc. The home for the Travs is Dickey-Stephens Park. Located across the river from Little Rock, in North Little Rock, Dickey-Stephens Park was named after two sets of brothers, Major Leaguers Bill and George Dickey, and businessmen George and Jackson Stephens, and is located near the Union Pacific Railyard. The City of North Little Rock-owned park takes the railroad motif and rolls with it since opening in 2007, and provides a terrific backdrop for Minor League Baseball. Food & Beverage 5 Concession options at Dickey-Stephens Park are excellent. Several concession stands offer a wide variety of ballpark options and options well beyond the expected ballpark fare. For those who love hot dogs, Nathan’s are the dog of choice at the park, and Seattle, Chicago, Detroit, and Texas Dogs can be found at the Fielder’s Choice stand. Frito Chili Pie, BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Jalapeno Cheese Stuffed Pretzels, Cheese Curds, and regular and Deep Fried Pickles are among the best choices. Carnival fare such as corn dogs, deep-fried Oreos and deep-fried PB&J take the options to the next level. There is a huge selection of beer that can be found at Brewski Junction for those interested in a brew on a baseball evening. There’s something for everyone at Dickey-Stephens. Atmosphere 4 Overall, Dickey-Stephens Park is a nice park with a classic feel that needs a bit of a paint job. Dickey-Stephens Park takes a train station motif and weaves it throughout the ballpark. The exterior is brown brick and is built to look like an old-time train station, complete with a clock tower. Outside of the main gate hang four bronze plaques immortalizing the two sets of brothers, the Dickeys and the Stephens, who are the fathers of baseball in North Little Rock. Also outside of the main gate is a sculpture of a batter, which adds to the ambiance. Inside the main gate, the train motif continues with an old-school wooden ticket booth which serves as an information booth and customer service. The 360 concourse is behind all of the seating and beneath the luxury boxes. The luxury box and press box level features unique forest green siding under a shingle roof. The seating area is split with five rows of green stadium seats in the lower section and twelve rows in the upper level. Berm seating is found past the right and left field fences. The beer garden is at field level past the first base dugout. A nice view of the Broadway Street Bridge can be seen from the third base side of the ballpark. The team store keeps the train theme going as the Travelers Crossing; berm seating areas are The Platform and The Yard; and concession stands are named The Box Car, Border Stop, and Doubleday’s Depot. The Travelers Museum is found in the concourse behind home plate, but unfortunately was closed on the day of this review. Past right field, a train can be found to give kids rides and Otey’s Splash Pad and kids area give the little ones a place to let loose and keep cool. For a team with such a significant history as the Travelers, there is very little history on display. Plaques for baseball dignitaries Ray Winder, Jim Elder, and Max Moses are found in the concourse, but there were not any obvious indicators of the eight league titles that the Travelers have earned or the obligatory displays of MiLB players who have gone on to the Majors. The gameday production at a Travelers game is fairly simple. One of the main features is the old-school organist, who is quite young and plays from the concourse behind the plate. The video board stands past left field and features a clock and faux flags at the top. It is assumed that mascots Ace and Otey are found during most games, however, the game that was reviewed featured very high temperatures, making it understandable that the mascots were nowhere to be found. Neighborhood 4 Dickey-Stephens Park is located right along the river in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Just North of the Arkansas River and Arkansas Capital, North Little Rock does offer some spots for pre or post-game food and drink. Flyway Brewing, Brood and Barley, Diamond Bear Brewing, Skinny J’s, and Diamond Bear Brewing are all options worth considering. As far as other sporting options go, Little Rock is fairly limited. Heading south, across the river is the best plan, and taking in some Little Rock Trojans NCAA Basketball may be the best plan, however, the seasons do not readily cross. Trojans baseball may be a better plan. As far as other tourist options go, the Northshore Riverwalk Park is mere steps from the Ballpark and the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is a couple blocks away near the fairgrounds. Otherwise, heading south to Little Rock offers more options including the Historic Arkansas Museum, Clinton Library & Museum, and Gateway Bridge Trail. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Wyndham Riverfront can be seen from the park. Fans 4 The Travs have enjoyed strong support at the box office for a long time. In 2023, the Arkansas Travelers averaged over 4,800 fans per game, up over 400 fans per game from the previous season. This puts them in 43rd place in all of Minor League Baseball and 4th in the Texas League. Although the attendance wasn’t up to average on the game that was attended, probably due to the three-figure temperature at first pitch, the Travs did enjoy a supportive crowd and into the game. Access 4 Getting to Dickey-Stephens Park is not too difficult. Located in North Little Rock, on the north shore of the Arkansas River, the park is west of I-30 and there is easy access from the highway. The main parking lot is to the west of the park and there is easy access with a convenient tunnel underneath the road leading to the park. For fans wanting to take public transit to the game, some buses travel along Maple Street and Broadway and the trolley travels a block east on Main Street. Ticket windows are located outside, on the north side of the ballpark. Getting around the park is not too difficult and the washroom facilities are good. The washrooms do lack any air conditioning or fans making them pretty rough on a hot day. Return on Investment 5 The Arkansas Travelers offer terrific value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Travs begin at $7 for berm seating and go up to $15. Parking is under $10 and concession prices are what one would expect for a minor-league park. The park is a great venue for Minor League Baseball and the product on the field is strong. Overall, it is a great opportunity to get the family out to a game and not break the bank in the process. Extras 2 An extra mark for the railway motif, which is found throughout Dickey-Stephens Park and offers a unique experience among minor league parks. An extra mark for the history of the Travelers. The Travs boast the third-longest nickname duration in MiLB behind the Buffalo Bisons and Indianapolis Indians. Final Thoughts A trip to Dickey-Stephens Park to see the Arkansas Travelers is a great way to spend a summer evening or weekend afternoon. The Travs offer great value in a unique setting at a family-friendly price. A must for all baseball fans. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Stick Williams Dream Field 7531 Tuckaseegee Rd Charlotte, NC 28214 Queens University of Charlotte Royals website Stick Field of Dreams website Year Opened: 2019 Stick Williams Dream Field - Queens University Royals The Queens University Royals are not just one of the newer baseball programs in the NCAA’s Division I, but their existence as a varsity sport is still in its infancy. Transitioning from a club sport in 2018 to a varsity team has come with many challenges, but the Royals have handled them all in stride as they have worked to establish themselves in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are provided through local food trucks – one of the trucks offers various BBQ options and has an accompanying baked goods tent for sweet treats. There is not much in the way of traditional stadium fare, but if the trucks are changed out regularly, prices and options can change from game-to-game. There is a concession stand on the back side of the press box, but it does not appear to be used for Royals’ games. Atmosphere 3 Stick Williams Dream Field is part of the larger Knothole Foundation – Tuckaseegee baseball/softball complex that includes the Queens University softball team’s field (together they are called the Stick Williams Dream Fields). Seating at Stick Williams Dream Field is limited but is just right for the program. There is a small grandstand behind the brick backstop and a pair of aluminum bleachers on the visiting side of the field. A handful of fans choose to stand in the area next to the Royals’ dugout and watch the game from this vantage point. The seating here is cozy, but it works for the size of the crowd typically at each game. There is not a lot when it comes to Stick Williams Dream Field – the Royals play on natural grass with a symmetrical, 8-foot fence that runs 330’ down each of the lines, 375’ to the gaps, and 390’ to dead center. A simple inning-by-inning scoreboard sits just over the right center field fence. The game at Stick Williams Dream Field is as simple as baseball gets – other than walkup music and music between innings, there is not a whole lot going on to entertain fans. While this might be a drawback for some, it does not negatively impact the game experience. Neighborhood 2 Stick Williams Dream Field is located just over 10 miles from the Queens University campus, just outside downtown Charlotte. This separation between campus and the Royal’s home field impacts the student’s motivation to show up and support Queens’ baseball. The Royal’s home field neighbors include West Mecklenburg High School, a small residential neighborhood, a handful of warehouses, and I-85 on the back side of the facility. Given the field’s proximity to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, there are plenty of hotels in the area, but it is a bit lacking when it comes to the selection of restaurants. Fans 3 Queens University is one of the smallest universities in Division I. With an enrollment of just under 1,500 the Royals do not have a large student body to pull from. However, given the size of their population in relation to the size of the crowd, Queens does well in drawing fans to their games. Fans are actively engaged; they get on the umpires just as any fanbase would for calls they see as questionable. It is just that there are not a whole lot of them here when looking at the overall numbers. Access 4 Stick Williams Dream Field is just off the junction of I-485 and I-85, making it accessible from any area. Parking can be a bit tricky, though, especially if there is a softball game being played at the adjacent field at the same time. However, there is an overflow lot across the street at West Mecklenburg High School if space in the primary lot runs out. The seating area for the baseball field is easily accessible and maneuverable – fans can either walk around the back of the press box or pass between the grandstand and backstop. Seats in the grandstand are typically well shaded for early afternoon games, whereas the bleachers are completely in the sun. Seating directly behind home plate is a bit impacted by the team’s camera set up, which is used to analyze the game. It is not overly burdensome, but it does take up some prime seating as the tripod is in the seating area. Return on Investment 4 With no charge for admission or parking, the financial investment of a Royals baseball game is hard to beat. If you choose to get concessions, those can be a bit pricey with the food trucks, but it becomes variable depending on the trucks at each game. Other than the possibility of concessions, the only other investment is time. With that said, if debating about investing time in a Queen’s University baseball game, the volume of sports entertainment choices in and around Charlotte would probably not put Queens’ baseball toward the top of that list. Truist Field just a few miles away, and the newly completed Atrium Health Ballpark just north of Charlotte in Kannapolis, make it difficult for the Royals to attract fans if they were choosing between the baseball options in the area. Extras 2 Knothole Foundation and the Stick Williams Dream Fields were built not just for use by Queens University, but also serve ‘to drive transformative programming for underserved youth.’ Given the proximity to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, planes flying overhead create a bit of a Citi Field ambiance; fans can get a rather good look at the undercarriage of the aircraft as they descend on their final approach. Final Thoughts Stick Will Dream Field is not overwhelmingly impressive when it comes to amenities and extras, but the field does an adequate job serving the purpose it was designed to do. While baseball at Queens probably would not be at top of most “must see” lists, it does provide a pleasant baseball atmosphere for taking in a game.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.71 Fallon Field 4605 Lockhart St Dublin, CA 94568 Dublin Leprechauns website Fallon Field website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 350 Dublin (CA) Leprechauns The cleverly named Dublin Leprechauns are members of the Pecos League, an independent league of baseball played in small towns from Kansas to California.  The Leprechauns, founded in 2023, are one of the newest members of the Pecos League. They play their home games at Fallon Park, a premiere sports complex owned and operated by the City of Dublin, CA.  The Leprechauns play in Ball Field G at the corner of Fallon Rd and Central Pkwy. Food & Beverage 2 Vendors sell chips, candy, and soda from a small portable table and a blue Igloo cooler.  The staff places a small electric grill on the table and cooks hot dogs on the spot.  Interestingly, a mobile bar cart (Sip Social Co) is on hand at Leprechauns games. It offers  Five Suns Brewing beers (a hazy IPA, a Pilsner, and more) for $10.  The cart also sells organic root beer, Mandarin Fresca Fizz, and a Zingy Spritzer ($6).  Bottled water is $2.  This is the first time I’ve ever seen one of those mobile bar carts.  The operators kept busy the evening I attended a game. Fans can bring in their own food and drink.  Atmosphere 2 The venue has three rows of cement seats th at are inhabited by tin y ants that bite.  Bring insect repellant so you won’t get the heebie-jeebies from sitting on the cement platform.  Better yet, bring a seat cushion.  The seating offers no shade. An extremely thick chain link fence and poles surround the field.  This makes it difficult to watch the game, but I understand it is for safety reasons. A little, itty bitty press box is behind home plate. As with all Pecos League teams, the home team players groom the field. A very simple dot matrix scoreboard is in left field.  It does not show a line score, and the labels are unreadable. The first base side is the Leprechauns’ side, with the visiting team taking residence in the third base dugout. The music is way too loud to make the game enjoyable.  Bring your earplugs (but even those don’t help pregame).  Activities include a beer batter, a 50/50 raffle, and kids run the bases after the third inning.  The team has a ‘pass the hat’ for fans to drop in a few bucks after a player hits a home run.  They do it for the joy of playing.  The funds from the ‘passing of the hat’ go to the player to help with expenses.   Neighborhood 2 Dublin appears to be an affluent city.  The ballpark is in a residential area.  Restaurants and hotels are not within walking distance.  BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is about a mile away.  Although a chain, this is probably the closest place to go pre or post-game.  Their beers are tasty.  Dust Bowl Brewing is 1 ½ miles  south, near some outlet shops off I-580 and Fallon Rd.  A friend recommended Porky's Pizza Palace (a 12 – 15 min drive from the park) in Pleasanton.  It has 32 taps, a full bar, and THE BEST fried chicken. Hotels in Dublin are costly.  A Homewood Suites and a Residence Inn are two miles south (near the Dust Bowl Brewing).  For more affordable choices, you’ll want to check out P leasanton, the next town to the west. Plenty of hotels are near the I-580. Dublin CA does not have any tourist attractions; there’s not a whole lot to see and do.  Yo u’ll need to travel a short distance for that.  The good news i s that th e town is close to Oakland, San Francisco, and an hour’s drive to San Jose.  For other baseball and sports to visit in the area, check out the San Jose Giants , Oakland Athletics (at least for now), Oakland Ballers, and Martinez Sturgeon .  Cross over the bay and catch a Vallejo Seaweed or San Rafael Pacifics baseball game.  Soccer fans will enjoy a Bay FC or a San Jose Earthquakes gam e, about a 40-minute drive away. Fans 1 Attendance usually runs 35 – 75 fans.  The temperature ofte n is a huge factor in the number of fans at a game; the hotter it is, the fewer fans show up.  On the evening I attended, a much larger group was in attendance, but most were there for a corporate party event.  Those fans were rude and were oblivious to fans who wanted to watch the game, standing right in front of them and blocking the view of the game.  They didn’t care about the game but just socialized without a clue or care of the real fans.  It’s a shame I attended on a night like that. I’ve been told the ardent 35 – 75 regular fans know to bring cushions and a cooler and are much more respectful. Access 3 I recommend parking in the south or lower fields parking lot off Central Pkwy.  Parking is free.  The lot even has an EV charger.  However, it’s a nightmare getting out after the game with all the other activities occurring at the park. The closest commercial airport is San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK), about 22 miles west.  Visitors can take the BART (blue line) to Pleasanton, then take th e number 2 bus to the sports complex.  However, the bus doesn’t operate in the evenings or on the weekends, so public transportation is not an option for most games. The sports complex has serviceable restrooms near the baseball field. Return on Investment 1 Tickets are $13/general admission to sit on cement with no shade.  Senior discounts are not given.  That’s $3 (or 30%) more than other teams in the Pecos League Pacific Division.  It’s too much and not worth it. Go to an Oakland Ballers or a Martinez, Vallejo, or San Rafael Pecos League game instead if needing a baseball fix. Parking is free and the food and drink prices are decent.  . Extras 1 The mobile bar cart (Sip Social Co) the Leprechauns employ for their games deserves an extra mention. Final Thoughts I don’t recommend making a special trip to watch a Dublin Leprechauns game.  If, however, you are in the area in the summer, stop by and watch a game.  The n share yo ur thoughts on the experience.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Elton Pollack Field E Maple St Clinton, SC 29325 Presbyterian Blue Hose website Elton Pollack Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1,000 Elton Pollack Field – Presbyterian College Blue Hose Rural Clinton, South Carolina is home to the Big South Conference member, Presbyterian College Blue Hose. Some may see the “Blue Hose” as a bit of a peculiar name, but when considering the Red Sox and White Sox were named from the color of their uniform socks, it might be more common than initially thought – the Blue Hose derived their nickname from the blue stockings their mascot wore. References to socks or hosiery have been a fairly common moniker throughout the history of sports, most commonly in baseball. Following Presbyterian’s first NCAA baseball tournament appearance in 2021, veteran head coach Elton Pollack was honored by the Blue Hose baseball alumni, who raised the funds to name the Presbyterian Baseball Complex in his honor. Pollack has been at the helm at Presbyterian for nearly two decades, taking over from the current Vanderbilt skipper, Tim Corbin. Food & Beverage 1 Concessions did not used to be an option at Blue Hose games at all, but with the recent completion of facility upgrades, a concession stand was added as part of the clubhouse and restroom additions. Despite there now being concessions when there hadn’t been any in the past, fans are still allowed to bring their own food; this is probably your best bet as the concession stand options are limited to soft pretzels, candy, snacks, and a handful of non-alcoholic beverage options. Atmosphere 2 Elton Pollack Field is as simple as it gets when it comes to college baseball stadiums in the south. Most fans will pass through a black iron gated entryway framed with brick pillars as they enter the field. A newly completed brick building housing restrooms, the small concession stand, and team clubhouse now sits adjacent to the field’s entry point. The grounds around the grandstand still appear to be taking root. The Blue Hose play on a natural grass field with grass base paths down the lines. The dimensions are balanced from foul pole to foul pole with the lines running 325’, power alleys going 375’, and straightaway center 400’. A relatively short 5-foot fence wraps around the outfield and is backed by tall, dense shrubbery. Day games can be rather troublesome when it comes to the sun. While the grandstand is not covered, the problem tends to be more with the aluminum bleachers that reflect the sun a great deal, making keeping your attention on the field a challenge, and tracking a ball in the air is nearly impossible without sunglasses. Neighborhood 3 Elton Pollack Field Is on the back side of Presbyterian’s campus, neighbored by the college’s fraternity houses at one end and Bailey Memorial Stadium , the school’s football and lacrosse stadium, on the other. The college is about a mile from the Clinton town center that is home to a handful of shops and restaurants and the historic train depot. Clinton also has 15 bronze historical markers around the town as part of a walking tour that shares its history – an accompanying narration of the tour can be found on the distrx app, on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Fans 2 Given the size of Presbyterian’s student body of just under 1,200 students, the Blue Hose draw decently well. Many of the fans do seem to be parents and family members; they are highly supportive of the team. It is a bit disappointing that there seems to be a lack of student support, which is a bit of a mystery given the fraternity houses are just steps from the field. Access 2 Unless traveling between Columbia, SC and Greenville or Spartanburg, the I-26 corridor is not a route many would find themselves on. Being just 3 miles from the highway, Presbyterian is easily accessible for those looking to visit the campus. Once at the field, the primary parking spot for the area is a grassy lot on the opposite side of the street. Be cautioned though – this lot is in prime foul ball territory. However, there are some spots in the small lots next to the football stadium that are well out of reach from a wayward baseball. Return on Investment 4 With free admission, parking, and inexpensive concessions, the financial investment is minimal, but the time investment might be the bigger concern. Though the college is not far off the nearby highway, it really is not a road most would find themselves on, unless specifically going to Clinton. Other than alumni, or a potential student, a trip to Clinton is probably not high on most sports “To Do” lists. Extras 2 Recent facility upgrades have provided fans with a bit more comfortable experience. Player introductions play homage to the Scottish roots of Presbyterianism, as a recording of bagpipes is played as the players take the field. This is also aligned with the school’s mascot, Scotty the Scotsman. Final Thoughts The current upgrades in facilities have provided basic amenities that were either non-existent or minimal at best in the past – just not having to use an outhouse at such an event does a lot to improve the overall experience. Even with the upgrades, however, the facility is still rather sparse in terms of amenities. The game is enjoyable overall, just don’t go with expectations to be entertained with much more than the game on the field.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Cherry Red Records Stadium Plough Ln, London SW17 0NR AFC Wimbledon website Cherry Red Records Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 9.215 The Wombles Love Wimbledon The story of AFC Wimbledon and its home, Plough Lane, known as Cherry Red Records Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is one of the greatest stories in English Football. The club was formed in 2002 by supporters of Wimbledon FC after it relocated 60 miles north to Milton Keynes. The move and changing of its identity to MK Dons in 2004 ended a history that began in 1891. The club had been looking for its own home since vacating the deteriorating Plough Lane in 1991. It shared Selhurst Park, home of Crystal Palace, for 12 seasons before the move north of London. However, a lack of suitable ground did not prevent supporters from creating a new football team to carry on the tradition of the Wombles. The club would begin play in the Combined Counties League, the ninth tier in English Football, before making a meteoric rise to League One 14 years after its formation. The Dons would be promoted six times, becoming the first club formed in the 21st century to achieve Football League status. Another objective was to return to its “spiritual home” of Merton, where the original Plough Lane once stood. The dream became a reality on November 3, 2020, when the Dons opened their new stadium less than 200 yards from the former stadium.  KSS Design Group designed the £34 million multi-purpose stadium surrounded by 600 residential properties and a range of community facilities. Since that day, the club has averaged over 7,700 fans per game, including a sell-out for the match we visited against Carlisle United. The spirit of Wimbledon's past is present in many areas, from the concourse murals to the various banners hanging from the stands.  Food & Beverage 5 The main stand has several areas for food and drinks, including traditional favorites, beers, ciders, and candies. However, there are even more options downstairs behind the South Stand, which is home to The Speedway, which is home to food trucks, and The Phoenix Pub. The Cappagh Stand has several concession Don's Bar & Kitchen stands offering hot dogs, chili dogs, sausage rolls, candies, and hot and cold drinks. The pies include steak, ale and mushroom, chicken, leek and gammon, Bombay potato, and vegan rainbow roll. A small kiosk offers lamb, chicken, and vegetarian samosas.  The beer selection includes Stella Artois, Magners, Camden Pale Ale, and Stout. The wine selection includes rose, red, and white. The stadiums provide plenty of drinks that include Coca-Cola products. There is also tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to warm you up. All beer is served in reusable plastic cups that are placed in a separate bin for use again in the future. Downstairs at The Speedway Bar, fans can enjoy a few more varieties of drinks, including Camden Hells Lager, Reveller Cider, Lucky Saint Lager, and Crazy Gang Pale Ale. Next door is The Phoenix, which serves up draughts from By the Horns Brewing Company.  The pub is open during the match and nonmatch games. The bar offers indoor and outdoor seating and eight beers on draft, including West End Pils, Foundry Stout, Cosmic Warrior IPA, and 2 Social Pale. The rest of the area features local food trucks lined up, offering more options. Fans can enjoy a choripan sandwich from the Argentinian Food Truck,  a Ruben from Brick Lane Bagel Company,  a gyro from Come & Go, a large order of fries from Naked Chips, and Australian-style meat pies with peas and gravy from My Pie. Atmosphere 4 It is one of the newer facilities in English football and provides a proper atmosphere for fans. The Cappagh (West) Stand is the main stand and seats 4,267 people; it offers the best views of the game. The main stand decor consists of murals, bits of history, and plenty of photographs of The Dons history. The open seating also allows fans to view the pitch while they wait in line or if they need to run to the restroom during the game.  There are plenty of pieces of history in this stand, including the Womble Till I Die gate that was moved from the original Plough Lane and now adorns the wall. There is The Greatest Team painting honoring the 1988 FA Cup Championship team that beat Liverpool. More pieces of information feature a timeline of Wimbledon football and an oversized illustration of the club’s history. The Ry (East) Stand offers seating for 2,391 people, offering the least expensive tickets. The Reston Waste (South) Stand seats 1,092 spectators and is home to Wimbledon supporters, who expect to hear cheering, singing, and banging on the side of the stadium. The Paul Strank (North) Stand seats 1,465 people and houses the away supporters, separated from The Ry and Reston Stands and The Speedway Bar area. Neighborhood 2 Plough Lane is in the borough of Merton and across the street from a Shell gas station, a Wicke’s home improvement store, and a Lidl Supermarket. The grounds are surrounded by multiple lofts and small businesses.  However, several pubs are nearby for a drink before the game. The Corner Pin is accessible with a home-supporter ticket and features an outdoor patio. Against the Grain Taproom + Cidery is another pub to try at the game. Dawat Tooting serves Pakistani cuisine. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is the home venue of the Wimbledon Championships. It is about 2 miles from the stadium and worth a visit for its museum and tours of the facility. Ticket prices for adults range from £15 to £30 for one tour or a combination package. Fans 5 Any group of supporters who form a new club after its old team moves away deserves as many points as it can muster. However, just listening to the fans at the game, you hear why having The Dons back at Wimbledon is important. The supporter sections have chants and celebrations that add another layer to the fandom at the stadium. Access 4 The stadium is well served by public transport links, with Earlsfield Station (trains to Waterloo and the South West), Haydons Road (Thameslink and Southern trains to the South Coast, Central London and Hertfordshire) and Tooting Broadway (Tube Northern Line) all within walking distance. A number of bus services run along Garratt Lane between Earlsfield and Tooting Broadway, while the 493 bus runs from Wimbledon Station (Tube District Line, Tram, South Western Railway and Thameslink) directly outside Plough Lane Stadium. There is no parking on site and it is advisable to access the stadium via public transport. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest ticket prices start at £23 in the Ry Group Family stand and increase to £37 in the Cappagh West stand. Ticket prices for U18 fans are as low as £5 in the Ry Group Family Stand and £18 in the Cappagh West Stand. However, depending on the matchup, tickets should be purchased in advance of game day. Concession prices are reasonable, and there is quite a selection of food. The food trucks in The Speedway are abundant compared to other stadiums in League One. The official team shop has a wide selection of merchandise from multiple styles of kits, scarves, caps, jackets, books, and posters. The shop was packed with shoppers picking up a memento to take home. Extras 4 Plough Lane earns extra points for honoring the history of football in Wimbledon. The murals, photos, and timelines are proudly displayed in the Cappagh West Stand. The highlight is the WTID gate transferred from The Dons former stadium 200 yards away. The Speedway Bar area is another highlight of Plough Lane. Fans enjoy food trucks, pints, and conversation before, at half, and after the match. The open area is a great way to chat with fellow Wombles fans. Plough Lane has multiple banners hanging from the walls of the South, North, and East stands. They represent supporter groups from around the world and other advocate members of the club.  The final point is The Phoenix Bar, which is open to the public on non-match games. The craft beer is from By the Horns Brewing Company and is a fun way to enjoy a pint before or after the match. Final Thoughts Attending an AFC Wimbledon game was quite the experience since a little over two weeks earlier; the pitch had been damaged by heavy flooding. A sold-out crowd welcomed The Dons back after more than a month. It was a proper English football game, and the experience was as advertised. An afternoon at Plough Lane is well spent with a few thousand Womble fans. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Chukchansi Park 1800 Tulane St Fresno, CA 93721 Map It Fresno Grizzlies website Chukchansi Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 10,650 Single-A in a Triple-A Chukchansi Park (formerly known as Grizzlies Stadium) hosts the California League minor league baseball Fresno Grizzlies.  Fresno’s first baseball team began in 1898, and the sport has been played in the city off and on since.  The most current iteration moved to Fresno when the Phoenix Firebirds relocated in 1998. The Fresno Grizzlies moved from being the Houston Astros AAA affiliate to the Colorado Rockies Single-A affiliate when MLB overhauled and restructured t he minor leagues in 2021.  The Grizzlies have also been affiliates of the San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals. In Nov 2023, DBH (Diamond Baseball Holdings) purchased the Grizzlies and now owns and operates it, along with 35 other minor league ball clubs. Chukchansi is a Native American Indian tribe in central California known for their beliefs in advocating early learning and giving students the tools they need to succeed, including the continued education of their historical culture. The tribe owns and operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino, 40 miles north of Fresno.  That casino owns the naming rights to downtown Fresno’s Chukchansi Park. Food & Beverage 3 Chukchansi Park offers a decent variety of food and beverage choices.  Concession st ands offer hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, fries, and garlic fries ($5 - $14).  They also sell a wing helmet basket for $25.   Snacks include pretzels, popcorn, cookies, chips, peanuts, nachos, etc.  Pepsi provides soft drinks.  At Chukchansi Park, the beer choices are better than average.  The permanent concession stands sell it on tap or in a can.   A can of beer is $9.  The best place for IPA lovers’ beer is a stand-alone cart near section 117 with almost ten varieties of IPAs.  The Oppo Taco concession, way down the first baseline, is a great place to visit.  They provide local craft brews and tacos or chorizos. Wine, cocktails, frozen margaritas, and homemade sangria are available at this stand. The venue has a new bar and social gathering spot with furniture and drink rails down the third baseline. Atmosphere 3 Chukchansi Park is a good-looking stadium and offers all you would expect from minor-league baseball.  Three levels of seating are available, with suites on the top level.  The seats are standard green fold-down stadium chairs with cupholders, average width, and average legroom.  All seats are in the shade, and the venue even has much-needed misters on the concourse.  Like many minor league parks, the nets go to the foul poles.   Chukchansi Park Mist, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Bullpens are on the field just beyond first base (home) and third base (awa y).  One can sit in the low row numbers in section 122 (home) or 106 (away) and be right smack in front of them.  A manual scoreboard is in right-center field, which is a fabulous idea.  The stadium has a new scoreboard in left-center field which shows the line score, player stats, pitcher and batter stats, and an abundance of advertisements.  Good stuff. The interior concourse is remarkably wide, with plenty of room to navigate.  The Grizzlies post the starting lineups clearly on a first base concourse wall. The overall music volume is perfect, but the PA announcer is muffled.  The game day music person thankfully plays minimal ‘noise’ between pitches.  Between-inning contests are innocent and non-invasive and provide just the right amount of minor league entertainment while giving fans something besides baseball enjoyment.  Entertainment involves hug cams, taco races, sumo wrestling races, and the like.  The team displays fireworks after every Friday night home game.  A kid’s play area and splash park are in right field.  Kids get to run the bases after Sunday games (and get free ice cream).  Neighborhood 3 Chukchansi Park is in downtown Fresno, with plenty of places to explore before a Grizzlies game.  The area has lots of festivities (at least on weekends). Downtown Fresno is in the midst of a revitalization with a new brewery district, additional public transportation, outdoor public art, and new apartments. Places to eat and drink near Chukchansi Park include Kocky’s Bar and Grill (sports bar) and Los Panchos (Mexican Restaurant and Cantina).  It’s best to go pregame as these places close early during the week. Local brewery Tioga-Sequoia is just around the block from the ballpark.  Procreations Brewing Company is three blocks away, and Full Circle Taproom and The 411 Rec Room (pub) are within walking distance.  Hotels within walking distance are the SureStay by Best Western Fresno Central and the DoubleTree by Hilton Conference Center.  The La Quinta Inn Fresno Yosemite is a mile away. Other things to visit include the Veterans Memorial Museum (a half mile from the park) and the Fresno Chaffee Zoo (about three miles from the ballpark).  Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks are an hour to an hour and a half’s drive, and all are well worth the visit if in Fresno. Other sports in Fresno include the Fresno State Bulldogs, and the Fresno Monsters (junior ice hockey). Fans 3 The Grizzlies’ average attendance has been near 4,200 per game the last few years, putting them at the top of the pack in attendance in the California League.  A few diehard fans sit at the top of the section behind home plate and often bring banners or posters.  The fans do heckle and applaud good (and poor) plays and calls.  The fans in attendance are thoroughly supportive of the team. All staff and fans welcome visitors and make you feel welcome and glad you are there.  It's such a nice feeling. Access 4 It’s easy to get in and out of the area and find parking. Ten-dollar lots are around the park.  If you are staying downtown, it’s just a couple blocks walk.  Fans should not feel threatened or unsafe walking to and from the stadium.  Fresno has an extensive bus system called FAX (Fresno Area Express).  Route 28 looks to be the one to take, but check the FAX website first. The closest airport (a very nice one) is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), a 12 – 15 min drive to the ballpark.  An Amtrak station is also within walking distance (1/2 mile) of downtown and the ballpark. Once in the stadium, the concourses are wide open and easy to navigate.  Restrooms are sufficient and serve their purpose. Ramp access is available at any of the entrances, and there are plenty of accessible seating choices.  The Fresno Grizzlies just recently incorporated a clear bag-only policy. Clear bags up to 16” x 16” x 8” and small clutches up to 5” x 8” are allowed.  It is supposed to speed up entry into the park. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices run from $10 - $65 (five dollars more for premium nights, including all Friday and Saturday games).  A recommendation is to buy the cheap seats and sit anywhere you want, as the venue does not sell out often.  Just move to another seat if those ticket holders show up. The Grizzlies offer daily specials such as Two for Tuesdays (2 for 1 ticket, $2 soda, and ice cream), Tioga Thursdays (two 19.2 oz beers for $10), Save Mart Sundays (bring your receipt and get $5 off each ticket), and the like.  Plenty of promotions occur throughout the season, including fireworks, Christian fellowship night, bark in the park, diversity and inclusion night, back-to-school night, heritage nights, and so on.  Check the team’s website for all the specials and promotions. If watching the ball game is the main purpose for visiting Chukchansi Park, this is actually quite a perfect minor league baseball experience. It costs $10 to park (seems high, to me, for Single-A ball).   Concessions are reasonably priced, and the team offers deals on certain days.  Extras 3 The revitalization of downtown Fresno is extremely noticeable.  Thanks to the local businesses, the community, and the city for its continued efforts to restore the downtown area to what it once was, but better.  The most recent updates to Chukchansi Park are the new scoreboard and lights. I love manual scoreboards and am ever so pleased the Grizzlies have continued to maintain the one the ballpark provides. Chukchansi Park Manual Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey I was fortunate to attend a Fiesta Oso featuring the Lowriders de Fresno.  The Grizzlies dressed as the Lowriders, and the venue displayed many customized cars during the festival.  Final Thoughts Although the team moved from a Triple-A to a Single-A affiliation a few years ago, attending a ballgame at Chukchansi Park is still an enjoyable day/evening out with good baseball.  For those who live in Central California, I encourage you to visit Fresno and the ballpark.   For those who haven’t been to the city in a while, you’ll be pleased with the resurgence of the downtown area.

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 American First Field 9256 South State Sandy, UT 84070 Map It Real Salt Lake website America First Field website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 20,213 Believe Real Opened in 2008, Rio Tinto Stadium currently serves as the home of Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer. With a capacity of over 20,000, the stadium has seen many incredible moments and is home to one of the longest sellout streaks in Major League Soccer. And with one of the most loyal and loud fan bases in MLS, it’s no wonder why this stadium is one of the toughest to play in. From the very passionate Supporters Section to the casual fan, this is one of the best stadiums to catch a soccer match. Note: In Sept 2022, the stadium name changed from Rio Tinto Stadium to America First Field. Food & Beverage 4 If you are ever hungry during a match, do not fret. There are several food options along the upper concourse, including local businesses, making it unique among MLS Stadiums. The lines can be long, but they are very fast, meaning you can be back to your seat in no time. Some of the stands serve your traditional stadium food options, but there are some very good local options within the stadium. One of those is J. Dawgs, a Utah Hot Dog company serving both regular and Polish style hot dogs for $5 each, or you can do a combo for $9. The City Grill does their Burger of the Match for every home game, depending on the opponent. For this review, the opponent was Sporting KC, so the burger was the Kansas City BBQ Burger. Spoiler alert, it was good. For those looking for drink options rather than food, Rio Tinto Stadium serves Pepsi products, and the price is around $4.75 for a normal drink. There are also alcohol stands around the concourse, including Bud Light, Coors Lights and Redd’s just to name a few. Atmosphere 4 There is definitely a local and family friendly feel for anyone visiting Rio Tinto Stadium for a match, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the stadium. Seating wise, there is not one bad seat in the stadium, including club seats. Every seat has a direct view of the field with no obstructions, making it super easy to watch a match. The only thing the seats lack are cup holders, but that doesn’t take away from the overall seating much. And you won’t have a problem with WiFi either, as it is available throughout the stadium. The speed of the WiFi, however, depends on the size of the crowd, but most times isn’t too bad, and many people are not on their phones during matches. The mascot for Real Salt Lake is Leo the Lion, and is a big part of the stadium experience. Each home game, Leo will run onto the pitch with the RSL flag, along with a “Little Leo”, a younger fan running along with Leo using their own flag. And as far as sound quality in the stadium goes, it is quite good considering the stadium is almost 15 years old. For those that need to step away from the game, the stadium offers a “Quiet Space” on the University of Utah Health Plaza where people can go if they need to go somewhere quiet. There is really no bad seat in the stadium as far as viewing goes. But if you’re coming in the summer, be warned that the East side of the stadium gets more sun than the West, so you’ll have the sun beating down on you for a little while during the game. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located just off of Interstate 15 in Sandy, a suburb about 20 miles south of Downtown Salt Lake. The site is located next to 9000 South and State Street, a normally busy road that traverses all of Salt Lake County. Food wise, there are a couple of options within walking distance of the stadium, such as Crown Burger and Sizzler plus your traditional fast food chains. But you will need to drive south a short distance (about 5 minutes) to find sit-down restaurants, most of which are found at The Shops at South Towne. One local spot there is Slackwater Sandy, a pizzeria that does offer live music most days. For those looking for things to do outside of the stadium, there are plenty of outdoor options nearby if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. If not, you’ll have to drive either north or south for attractions. Downtown Salt Lake offers plenty of attractions, including Temple Square and The Gateway shopping center. Going further south on Interstate 15 is the Living Planet Aquarium located in Draper. It is hard to miss from the road, as you can see the giant stage that sits outside the building. And if you’re looking for other sports options, there are two options in Salt Lake City: Vivint Arena , home of the NBA’s Utah Jazz; and Smith’s Ballpark , home of the Minor League Baseball team, the Salt Lake Bees. If you’re looking for a place to stay overnight, there is an Econo Lodge within walking distance, offering rooms between $65 to $80 a night. If you’re looking for a more upscale option, there are a few hotels south of the stadium. Both the Hyatt House and Hilton Garden Inn are located off of Interstate 15 and rooms here go for around $115 per night. Fans 5 It’s no secret that soccer fans are some of the most passionate in sports, and that’s no exception when it comes to Real Salt Lake. This may be up for debate, but RSL has some of the most dedicated fans in Major League Soccer. Since their move to Rio Tinto in 2008, Real Salt Lake has seen multiple seasons of 5 or more sold out games, including at least 10 straight sellouts in 2022. This is dependent on the weather, of course, but most games at the RioT are either close to or are completely sold out. On average, you’ll have about 80 to 90 percent capacity for most games. There is a traditional Supporters Section within the stadium, but if you can’t see them, you can definitely hear them from first kick all the way to the final whistle. There is also a march to the stadium that takes place around an hour prior to kick off, and supporters are encouraged to join in. And the “Believe” chant is loud, especially when RSL scores a goal. When they do, it’s one of the loudest roars in MLS. The fans definitely are passionate for the Cobalt and Blue. Access 4 The stadium is located directly off of Interstate 15, so there is no trouble finding the stadium. And once inside, there is plenty of room to walk around as well. The Utah Transit Authority runs their UTA Trax service near the stadium, and fares are low. Trains run every 15 minutes and is $2.50 for children and $5 for adults, so it is a good option if you want to save on parking. The stops are a bit of a walk to the stadium, but nothing too bad. Your best bet is to get off at the Sandy Expo Center stop, which provides you with the closest access to the stadium. There are also 4 to 5 parking lots around the stadium, all of which are very accessible and are within walking distance. Prices are also relatively cheap, with parking costs averaging $10 – $20 on game day. If you are going to park, make sure to buy your parking along with your tickets, as this guarantees you a spot as lots fill up pretty fast on game day. The concourse is wide open, giving patrons the opportunity to freely move about the stadium during the match. Even when concession lines get long, there’s still plenty of ample space to walk around and take in the sights and sounds. Be advised if you are going to a game, tickets are mobile only; no paper tickets are allowed. You are allowed to bring one closed water bottle into the stadium, but backpacks and other bags must be put away in your car as they will not be allowed in. Return on Investment 5 The experience that you get for the price you pay here is very good. The ticket range for prices is between $15 and $125, with the median ticket price between $35 and $40. Concessions are about the average price for a sporting event. And the viewing experience is second to none. This would definitely be a place to bring your family to for a game. Extras 1 One point for the amazing Utah sunsets, especially during the summer when the majority of games are happening. Once in a while, you get an amazing orange, pink and purple sunset, which is an experience itself. Final Thoughts Rio Tinto is one of the best family friendly stadiums in MLS, and the organization does a very good job keeping it that way. There are plenty of things to do before and during the game, and the fan base is as passionate as they come. This is definitely a stadium you need to have in mind the next time you’re in Utah.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Scotiabank Rink @ Iroquois Park Sports Centre 500 Victoria St. W. Whitby, ON L1N 9G4 Whitby Warriors website Iroquois Park Sports Centre website Year Opened:  1974 Capacity:  2,500                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         The Warrior Way One of the lacrosse hotbeds in Canada can be found in Whitby, Ontario.  Colloquially known as the ‘Town’ of Whitby, with a population of over 135,000 and located along Highway 401, Whitby lives in the shadow of the giant metropolis of Toronto to the west and the automotive hub of Oshawa to the east.  Organized lacrosse dates back to the sixties and Whitby currently fields teams at the Junior A (OJLL), Junior C and Senior A (MSL) levels.  The Junior A Whitby Warriors were established in 1968 as the Whitby B&R Transporters at the Junior B level.  In 1975, they advanced to the Junior A level as the Whitby Consolidated Builders and were renamed the Whitby Warriors in 1984.  The Warriors boast the third most Minto Cup Championships as Junior A lacrosse National Champions with eight and ten Iroquois Trophy Championships as Ontario Champions.  Some of the Warrior alumni include NLL players Mark Matthews, Chris Corbeil, Zach Greer, Dan Ladoceur and Gavin Prout.  Former NHL players Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk also suited up for the Warriors. Home for the Warriors is the Scotiabank Rink in the Iroquois Park Sports Centre.  Part of a massive sports complex, both indoor and outdoor, what is now the Scotiabank Rink was the original building which opened in 1974.  The rink is a classic, old school arena which has ice in the winter for hockey and is the home of box lacrosse in the summer months.  Food & Beverage 3 The Iroquois Park Sports Centre has one main concession, which supports the multiple indoor facilities which are currently part of the park.  The concession is a typical snack bar type facility which offers a number of typical offerings.  Hot dogs, burgers, fries and poutine, cotton candy, popcorn and chips are all on the menu.  Soda, water, juice, coffee, tea and slushies are the beverage options.  Pepsi products are featured and alcohol is not available. Atmosphere 3 Iroquois Park is a massive sports facility that includes baseball diamonds, football and soccer fields, a pool, fitness centre and multiple arenas.  The Iroquois Park Sports Centre refers to the complex that houses the arenas and other indoor facilities, where the main arena built in 1974 was built around.  Grey brick with red siding accents produce the look of the main rink exterior, however, plenty of glass can be found at the entrances and newer areas of the building.  The entry to the Iroquois Park Sports Centre is at the east side and brings fans into a large atrium that links the various parts of the Sports Centre.  The atrium has a number of trophy cases dedicated to a number of clubs and sports, including the Warriors.  The atrium also links to the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame which is surprisingly strong and features a number of items that treasure hunters will enjoy.  Some members of the hall include lacrosse royalty Gavin Prout and Dan Ladoceur, OHL and CHL commissioner David Branch and NHL legends Joe Nieuwendyk and Adam Foote.  The main arena, which is also the original arena, is named the Scotiabank Rink.  Just outside the arena is a team picture and dedicated plaque to the 1958 Whitby Dunlops hockey team that featured Harry Sinden and went to the Olympics.  Inside the Scotiabank Rink the clock immediately turns back and fans are met with the bones of an old school hockey barn that has been upgraded to modern standards.  The Scotiabank Rink  has ice and is used for hockey in the winter months and as a result has a concrete floor playing surface.  The floor runs from west to east and with no logo at the centre of the floor, either the north or south side offers pretty much the same view.  Upgrades are obvious, especially when it comes to the seats, which are modern plastic arena seats on the north and south sides.  There are no seats on the ends.  The east side of the arena is reserved for lacrosse accolades and includes banners from the Senior A (Major Series Lacrosse) Brooklin Lacrosse Club, formerly known as the Redmen.  Minto Cup banners for the 1980, 1984, 1985, 1997, 1999, 2011, and 2013 Warrior teams hang proudly against the wall.  The most recent addition, the 2022 Minto Cup Championship hangs on the protective netting at the end. The gameday production at a Warriors game is very simple.  Warm-ups featured no music and there was no music during the game.  Basically, the only aspects of gameday production included the 50/50 draw and goal and penalty announcements.  If today’s sports are over-produced, the Warriors experience is underproduced. Neighbourhood 3 Iroquois Park is in the Port Whitby neighbourhood, which is south of Downtown.  There are a few spots one might consider for pre or post game food or drinks.  On the Iroquois Park site is BarDown Gastropub.  Other options include the Lake Grill and Town Brewery. For other sporting options, fans could consider the Whitby Warriors Jr. C lacrosse team or Major Series Lacrosse’s Brooklin Lacrosse Club.  The Oshawa Generals  of the OHL and Ontario Tech Ridgebacks hockey  and basketball  are not far away. All of the lustre of Toronto is about an hour’s drive west.  Other tourist attractions in Whitby would include the Whitby Harbour Lighthouse, Lynde House Museum and Whitby Waterfront.  The Holiday Inn Whitby/Oshawa is a close accommodation for fans wishing to stay in the area. Fans 2 It is difficult to assess OJLL fans as attendance figures are not published.  For the most part, Warriors fans seem to fall in the “friends and family” category with maybe a couple hundred in attendance at best.  The Warriors typically play home games on Tuesdays, which is always a tough night for spectator sports.  Fans in attendance are pretty passive, which is not uncommon for Southern Ontario.   Access 4 Iroquois Park is located in the Port Whitby neighbourhood and adjacent to Downtown.  South of Highway 401, it is not that difficult to get to, provided that fans are not having to come through Toronto, which is always a traffic headache.  There is plenty of free onsite parking.  For fans who wish to take public transit, the Whitby GO Transit station is right by the park and services GO Transit and Durham Region Transit .  Fans should consult the GO Transit and Durham Region Transit websites for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around Iroquois Park Sports Centre is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are good. Return on Investment 4 OJLL lacrosse provides a solid return on investment.  Whitby Warriors tickets are $12 with discounts for Seniors.  Children under 14 are free to enter also.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent.  The action on the floor is great and provides a glimpse into the future of the National Lacrosse League.  Warriors games are a bit under-produced and a few small adjustments would take the return on investment for the Warriors to the next level. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Iroquois Park Sports Centre as the host of the annual Ontario Lacrosse Festival. An extra mark for Whitby as a lacrosse hotbed. An extra mark for the long term success the Warriors have enjoyed, culminating in 8 Minto Cup Championships. Final Thoughts Inexpensive and fun, a trip to Whitby, Ontario to take in a Whitby Warriors lacrosse game is well worth it.  Whitby is a hotbed of lacrosse and there have been plenty of famous alumni who have pulled on a Warriors jersey.  The Scotiabank Rink @ Iroquois Park Sports Centre is a solid venue that offers fans just about all they would need in a facility and makes the Warrior experience one to remember. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders hockey website Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,600 The Hart of Holy Cross Hockey The Reverend Francis J. Hart Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “Woostah” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John E. and Joanne Chouinard-Luth donated $32.5 million to the College to help finance major renovations to the facility in 2016. The Hart Center houses not only the Holy Cross hockey rink, but a 3,600-seat basketball arena , a six-lane swimming pool with a separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, and the college’s strength and conditioning facilities. Hockey has been played at Holy Cross since 1966. Today the Crusaders compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association, where they have won three conference championships. Holy Cross has qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice, most recently in 2006. That year, the Crusaders pulled off what is considered to be one of the biggest upsets in tournament history by beating Minnesota 4-3 in overtime. It was the first time a number 15 or 16 seed had beaten a number one or two seed. Two Holy Cross alumni (Pat Rissmiller and Jim Stewart) played in the NHL.   Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand in the main lobby of the Hart Center. A very basic menu is available here, with hot dogs and chicken tenders the anchors of the menu. In a refreshing change, tater tots are sold here rather than french fries. Pretzels, nachos, and popcorn are among the offerings should you just be looking for a snack.   Pepsi products are featured at the concession stand. Fans looking for an adult beverage will be pleased to find brews from local craft brewery Greater Good sold at this small stand, as well as Harpoon Rec League, Blue Moon, Coors Light, White Claw, and Angry Orchard.   Atmosphere 2   If you haven’t visited the Hart Center recently, the pair of large video boards that were installed at the rink in 2021 will certainly catch your attention. These boards, one at each end of the ice surface, are put to great use with replays, graphics, and game information. In a nice touch, Holy Cross plays videos of local first responders dancing after each Crusader goal.   The Hart Center Rink enjoys a nice sound system, which is put to good use throughout the game, but oddly, the PA announcer sounds much quieter and his voice murkier than the music.   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Holy Cross occurred during the semester break, so there was no representation from the student body on this night. Based on several previous visits, there’s generally not a huge turnout by the Holy Cross students, anyway.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   Holy Cross is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops, and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain  is located just ten miles outside of city limits.   Fans 2     Holy Cross annually ranks near the bottom of the nationwide attendance rankings for Division One hockey teams. About halfway through the 2023-2024 season, the Crusaders are reporting an average attendance of just over 800 fans per game. While this figure marks a significant increase over the previous few years, it still places Holy Cross in the bottom ten nationally.   As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey attended a Crusader game during the semester break. Still, there was a representative crowd on hand on a snowy Saturday night. Consisting of many family members, close friends, and die-hard Holy Cross fans, this crowd was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team on the ice. A quick scan of games during the school year did not reveal a huge increase in attendance figures, leading to the assumption that not a lot of students show up for Crusader hockey games.   Access 3    The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. The Luth Complex is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’ location gives it spectacular views of the city below.   2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby that houses the ticket booths. The basketball arena and hockey rink share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands, restrooms, and Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Long gone are the 70’s style carpeting, trophy cases, and stained-glass windows of the old Hart Center.   The hockey rink is located to your right as you enter the facility. Fans enter the rink at the Hart Center on the near side of the rink, and all the seating is located on the far side of the ice. All seating is metal bleachers, with center sections containing cushioned seating. Standing room is available atop the seating area as well as at ice level. The steeply pitched seating area ensures excellent views of the action from virtually all points. There is minimal netting here to obstruct views.   With the small crowds present at the Hart Center, lines at the concession stand or restrooms are not an issue.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Holy Cross hockey games are very affordable, priced at $15 for reserved center ice sections and $10 for general admission seating. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the facility.   Concessions are reasonably priced, with most items costing six dollars or less. Even the craft beers sold here will only cost you nine dollars. It’s tough to find a similar value at a game these days.   Extras 2   Holy Cross was a national power in the sporting world for a significant portion of the 20th century. While their glory days are far behind them, Holy Cross honors its athletic past at the Luth Complex. The Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the building’s lobby. Several notable names can be found among the honorees, including Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn. Speaking of Cousy, there’s a statue of him just outside the entrance to the Luth Center.   Plaques in the Hart Rink commemorate significant individuals in Crusader hockey history and banners hang in the rink honoring conference titles and tournament appearances.   Final Thoughts   Many smaller schools in NCAA’s Division One have built shiny new arenas for their hockey teams. Meanwhile, Holy Cross soldiers on in the Hart Center. While not as flashy or modern as many area rinks, it’s a solid place for the Crusaders to call home.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Marion Stadium 1000 Miners Drive Marion, IL 62959 Thrillville Thrillbillies website Marion Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,000 Take a Thrilling Ride in Thrillville, USA Marion Stadium is home to the Thrillville Thrillbillies of the summer collegiate Prospect League. The team returned to organized baseball to back Marion, Illinois, after the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League folded in 2021. The 7,000-seat ballpark is among the biggest in the summer league, but a new name and imagery hope to bring fans back to the ballpark. The stadium hoped to lure a Single-A Midwest League team by former mayor, but when that did not work, the town opted for the independent Frontier League. The Miners were a success during its inaugural season of 2007, attracting 259,392 fans, but after several years of declining attendance, the love affair appeared to be over. The original owners retired after the 2021 season, and baseball was gone. Enter the Thrillbillies, whose unique identity is inspired by the regional outdoor adventures of off-road driving and rock climbing. The club’s logo of a deer and rabbit riding an ATV and skydiving adheres to those outdoor adventures of Southern Illinois. The venue opened as Rent One Park but reverted to Mountain Dew Park in early 2023, but changed to Marion Stadium at the start of the T-Billies opening night. Besides summer collegiate baseball, the ballpark hosts the Colt World Series and the Great Lakes Valley Conference, and Ohio Valley Conference college baseball tournaments. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark introduced a whole new menu, including a few interesting items that hope to be signature items: the Thrillville Chicken Sandwich and Burger. There are also Mexican, barbecue, and sweet treats to appeal to most fans at the ballgame. The Thrillville Chicken Sandwich is fried in Flaming Hot Cheetos crumbs, doused with habanero sauce, and served between two Krispy Kreme donuts. The Thrillville Burger is topped with bacon and cheese sauce in between two crispy waffles as buns. They sell for $10; fans can make it a combo with chips and a drink for $3 extra. The main concession stand behind homeplate serves hot dogs (regular and foot long), ¼ pound cheeseburgers, grilled or breaded chicken sandwiches, and chicken strips. All sandwiches can be upgraded to a combo, fully loaded, or include extra heat if desired. The Catina is located down the third base end of the concourse and offers quesadillas with chips, three street tacos, and fully loaded nachos. The barbecue stand features pulled pork, smoked chicken, and brisket sandwiches. A kiosk behind the backstop offers brisket sloppy joes with barbecue chips. The colorful Lollywood concession stand serves sugary sweets, including ice cream, doughnuts in three different flavors, assorted candies, and cotton candy. Fans can also order cheese and pepperoni pizza slices, too. The alcoholic drinks are also behind the backstop and include Budweiser products from Bud, Bud Light, Mich Ultra, and seltzers from Nutrl and Cutwater. The cocktails available are a Mt. Dew Margarita, Sangria, and various mixed drinks. Atmosphere 3 Marion Stadium has a different look than other ballparks of its kind. Instead of a red brick and hunter-green canopy design, the structure’s colors are black, steel, and gray. The main concourse features exposed piping from the press box and suite area with open views of the playing field from anywhere in the stadium. Due to the transition of the stadium to the new ball club, there is evidence of the old Miners that include seat signage with a rock design in the former team’s colors and the removal of the Rent One Park logo outside the stadium’s main entrance. However, the Thrillbillies aura is presently painted on the walls of the Lollywood concession stand in a graffiti style. The Thrillbillies have a dance team that performs on the dugout innings, along with assisting the on-field promotions in between each inning of play. The team’s rabbit mascot can be seen on the field and in the stands entertaining fans of all ages. The team shop is stocked with club gear, from caps, t-shirts, and other trinkets. The stadium features 14 luxury suites and an events center up above the third base side that can accommodate up to 200 guests. The field uses Sportexe Turf, a synthetic surface that drains easier than natural grass and can be used for other events throughout the year. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is directly off I-57 and between regional restaurants and hotel chains. A few hotels are located in the same parking lot of the stadium and are ideal for easy access back and foot during a visit. However, many close around 10 pm Sunday to Wednesday, but if visiting on a weekend night, you will have a few options. 618 Tap House is within seconds by car from the ballpark and features pub food from chicken wings, burgers, and sandwiches. The draft list is impressive and ideal for a pint or two after the game with friends. 17th Street Barbecue has one of its locations in the neighborhood with pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken available until it’s gone. With the family, Applebee’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, or Buffalo Wild Wings are close to Marion Stadium. Fans 4 The fanbase is getting to know the T-Billies and averages over 2,000 fans per game. The crowds are respectable for the league. You will see folks wearing team colors and caps and supporting the ball club; hopefully, there will be something to cheer for years to come in Marion. Access 4 The stadium is at the intersection of I-57 and Illinois Route 13. There are three parking entry gates for guests to enter the parking area. Inside the ballpark, fans can get around and access the three main points of sale for concessions and the merchandise store near the main entrance. After the game, traffic moves smoothly out of the parking lot, but could be cumbersome on nights with larger crowds. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are $8 for a seat in the grandstand and $5 for lawn seating down the third baseline. The club does not charge for parking. Concession prices are as low as $4 for a hot dog and $10 for a Thrillville Burger or Chicken sandwich. Merchandise prices are in line with many other franchises in the league, with a cap selling for $30 and a t-shirt for $25. Extras 4 Marion Stadium earns a point for its Thrillville Burgers and Chicken Sandwich. It is awarded a second point for its distinctive design compared to other ballparks of its era. A third point is for the ticket prices which are only $5 and $8 a night. A final point is for the management to develop promotions that include the unique Tighty Bowl game. Final Thoughts The Thrillbillies have a distinct branding that hopes to bring fans back to the ballpark. The team looks to reach beyond the typical baseball promotions and help make a night at the game a “thrill” again in Southern Illinois. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 CCSU Softball Field 413 Ella Grasso Blvd New Britain, CT 06050 Central Connecticut State Blue Devils website CCSU Softball Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 250 CCSU Softball Field The CCSU Softball Field opened in 2010 when the school renovated both the Blue Devils’ baseball and softball fields. The field features state-of-the-art field turf as well as separate enclosed bullpens for both teams. Batting cages are located down the right field line, with seating for spectators located in several sections. Founded in 1849 as the State Normal School, CCSU is Connecticut’s oldest public university. Total enrollment at CCSU is almost 12,000 students, over half of whom live off campus. 96 percent of the student body hails from Connecticut. The Blue Devils compete in the Northeast Conference, where they have won two conference titles and qualified for six NCAA Tournaments. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available at a Blue Devils softball game. There is a lovely little pavilion in between the baseball and softball fields, but it is utilized to prepare meals for the teams and not as a snack bar for fans. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks into CCSU Softball Field. Atmosphere 2 An afternoon at a Blue Devils softball game is as simple and laid-back as it gets. There is nothing to distract your attention from the action going on down on the field. No music is played at all during the game. No walk-up songs, no between innings tunes. The PA announcer does his job unobtrusively, adding to the old school presentation. A small scoreboard in centerfield displays only basic game information. If you enjoy being able to chat with your neighbors in the stands, hear the chatter of the fielders and coaches barking instructions to the players, then CCSU Softball Field is the place for you. If the schedules line up, you’ll be able to move about the athletic complex and take in several games at once. Neighborhood 3 Central Connecticut State University is located in a residential neighborhood on the northeastern edge of New Britain, a suburban city of 73,000 people located 12 miles southwest of Hartford. CCSU Softball Field is located on the eastern edge of campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities, including CCSU Baseball Field , Arute Field and Detrick Gymnasium . While the area around campus is bustling, there are not many attractions in the immediate vicinity for visiting fans. Fans wanting a unique experience before or after a CCSU game should check out the East Side Restaurant, a German-themed pub complete with staff in traditional Bavarian gear and all the bratwurst you could possibly desire. For a twist on a traditional American dish, visit Ted’s Steamed Hamburgers in nearby Meriden. Their method of cooking hamburgers in steam trays is unique to central Connecticut, and Ted’s has been featured on several travel shows such as Man vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It’s a favorite spot for this writer. Fans looking for a place to stay near campus should check out the Courtyard by Marriott and the Extended Stay America, both in neighboring Farmington. Beyond the local options, Connecticut’s capital city of Hartford contains a plethora of dining, lodging and entertainment options. Sports fans may want to pair a CCSU game with a Hartford Yard Goats game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park or a Hartford Wolf Pack game at the XL Center . Fans 2 CCSU softball crowds can best be described as “friends and family.” Stadium Journey attended a Sunday afternoon game in late April with a crowd of about 50 present. This appears to be a typically sized crowd, as a scan of the 2022 box scores show crowds between 25-100 people. With the majority of the crowd enjoying a personal connection with the players down on the field, it’s not surprising that the fans here are really invested in the game and knowledgeable about the team. Still, this is a very laid-back, friendly crowd. With CCSU’s location near the geographic center of the Northeast Conference, it’s not unusual to see visiting fans in attendance on a nice spring afternoon. Access 4 The CCSU campus is located on the New Britain/Newington town line, about a 15-minute drive from Hartford. Route 9 passes directly to the east of campus, connecting to Interstates 84 and 91 nearby. Driving is the primary method for arriving at this suburban campus. For fans utilizing public transportation, several CT Transit busses access CCSU , with the 140 bus stopping right at Arute Field. Seating at CCSU Baseball Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in the small grandstand behind home plate. There are additional bleachers down the left field line, and some room for fans who wish to bring their own lawn chairs and set up shop. Netting and fencing obstructs views from all points in the ballpark. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the baseball field, a short walk from the softball field. Should this lot fill, and it may on a spring afternoon where there are several events taking place, additional parking is available in the large lot on the far side of Arute Field. Rest rooms are located in the Pavilion located beyond the center field fence. They are clean and plenty large enough for a typical Blue Devils crowd. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission or for parking at CCSU Softball Field. With no on-site concessions, you will not spend a single cent at a Blue Devils softball game. Extras 1 Banners honoring Blue Devils conference championships hang on the back façade of the visitors dugout, visible as you walk past. NCAA Tournament appearances are listed on the outfield wall. Final Thoughts In the northeast, most spring sports are not the big deal that they are in other parts of the country. The weather shortens the season greatly, and when the weather breaks, it doesn’t seem like people want to come take in a game. Still, small facilities like CCSU Softball Field are worth a look for any sports fan looking for some quality competition at a most affordable price.

Photos by Lloyd brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805 Detroit Tigers Spring Training website Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 9,000 The Eyes Are On The Tigers The Detroit Tigers have called Lakeland, Florida their Spring Training home since 1934, and since 1966 that home has been at Joker Marchant Stadium and Tigertown. The stadium is named for Marcus “Joker” Marchant, the city of Lakeland’s Parks and Recreation, who worked tirelessly at the beginning of the city’s relationship with the team. Today’s Joker Marchant Stadium looks very different than it did in 1966, as it has gone through major renovations in 1966, 2003 and 2016. These renovations have brought the stadium up to a capacity of 9,000 fans. The most recent renovations have been to increase fan comfort by creating more shade for the various seating arrangements around the playing field. One thing that has remained constant are the field dimensions of 340’ to left field, 420’ to deep center and 340’ to right field. Food and Beverage 4 There are six main concession stands located at Joker Marchant Stadium: Canteen: This stand is located on the first base concourse. It sells the usual ballpark standards, including hot dogs ($6), chicken tenders ($7), pretzels ( $6), popcorn ($5), Pepsi brand sodas ($8) and bottled water ($5.50). Mac and Tator: This stand is located along the third base concourse and features ballpark standards, as well as chilimac and tator, small mac and tator, an build your own mac and tator. Hot Corner: Also located on the third base concourse, this stand offers the same menu items as the Canteen stand. Hangar Grab and Go: This stand is located in the left field area of the ballpark. It features a convenience store self-serve format. In addition to sodas ($8), Gatorade ($6.50), canned beers ($11 – $12.25) and bottled water ($5.50), this stand offers garden salads ($8), sandwiches ($7) and chips ($3). Grand Slam Favorites: This stand offers BBQ nachos ($130, BBQ sandwiches ($11.50), Kettle corn ($8) and Carmel corn ($8). Little Caesars: There are several Little Caesars stands in the ballpark. This is the only brand of pizza sold at Joker Marchant, as the late owner of the Detroit Tigers, Mike Illich, was also the founder/CEO of Little Caesars. Pizzas can be purchased as a whole pizza ($22.50) or by the Super Slice ($7.50). Pizzas are available in cheese, pepperoni or sausage toppings. One additional item that is sold in season is strawberry shortcake. You may find that to be an odd menu item at a ballpark. However, the Lakeland/Plant City, Florida area is the strawberry capitol of Florida. It is a major part of the local economy… and is a wonderful addition to the ballpark’s food and beverage offerings! All concessions purchases are credit card only. Atmosphere 4 Joker Marchant Stadium is a very pleasant place to take in a Spring Training game. The grounds around the stadium are immaculate and the exterior of the stadium features the Spanish Mediterranean stucco that is very popular in this part of Florida. You’ll also learn a lot about the history of Tigertown and the stadium before you even go through the gates. Once inside the stadium, navigating the way to your seats is very easy, as the signage is excellent. If you have time, it is a good idea to look around the stadium before all the seats fill up. There might be an interesting angle for a photo that you might not be able to get later. Once at your seat, enjoy the game! However, there will be multiple pitchers in a preseason game, due to low pitch counts and the need for the coaching staff to evaluate multiple pitchers for the upcoming season. Take advantage of these breaks in the action to visit the team store, to check out a unique concession stand, or watch the minor league players on the adjoining practice field. One of the major improvements made at Joker Marchant Stadium as a part of the renovations involves the electronics package in the stadium. A brand new videoboard measuring 46’ X 26’ was installed atop the hill above the berm. A LED ribbon board was added to the facing on the outfield grandstand. The sound system was greatly improved as a part of the renovation process as well. Neighborhood 3 Lakeland is in farm country, more specifically strawberries. You will probably see plenty of groves and strawberry stands along the roads between downtown Lakeland and Joker Marchant Stadium. However, there is a lot more to enjoy in Lakeland than just strawberries. It is the home Florida Southern University, whose campus features the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright- designed buildings in the world. Tours are given at the University for those interested in learning more about Wright’s quirky building style. Speaking of building… Lakeland is also the home of LEGOLAND, and those traveling with their kids or grandkids will want to stop there for a visit. Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille is one of the more popular restaurants in the area to enjoy a postgame meal. The closest accommodations to the stadium are located at exit 33 on I-4. There are several hotel brands represented. This is approximately 2.5 miles from the stadium. It is important to book early as these locations fill quickly during the preseason for baseball. Fans 4 Tigertown has been the spring training home to the Detroit Tigers since 1934, and the first sign of spring is the number of Michigan license plates heading down I-75 to Lakeland. The Tigers fanbase is one of the most loyal in baseball, despite a dearth in championships in recent years. It is easy to convince Motor City residents to head south and escape the harsh winters in Michigan. Tiger fans are like one big family, and they value tradition. Many families head to the Tiger mosaic on the exterior of the stadium for a family photo each year, measuring their children’s growth by how close their heads are to the colorful backdrop. Joker Marchant Stadium and Tigertown have plenty of elements like that, as the complex is filled with the names of Tiger greats like Kaline, Horton, Lolich and McLain. There are also plaques to the legendary 1968 World Series Champion Tigers, and the retired numbers of the Tiger franchise are also prominently on display in the ballpark. Access 4 Joker Marchant is easily accessed via exit 33 on Interstate 4. After exiting the interstate, get on Highway 33 South. Go under the next overpass, then go to the right onto Lakeland Hills Boulevard headed west. The Tigertown complex and Joker Marchant Stadium will be on your left. Here you have two choices. There is a large parking area adjacent to the stadium that is controlled by the Tigers and Tigertown. Parking in this lot is $8 if you prepay for your space online or $10 the day of the event. The Lutheran Church across Lakeland Hills Parkway from Tigertown and the stadium has raised money for its outreach in the community programs by offering parking in its lot for $5. We mention this not to save a small bit of change, but to share that many fans feel it is much easier to get back on the road at the end of a game from the other side of the road from the stadium. We recommend the Tampa International Airport if your visit is limited to Tampa, Lakeland, Bradenton or Dunedin. It offers flights to nearly everywhere. The Orlando airport may seem to be the best choice, but the traffic around the airport and flights are hard to get due to Disney and all the other amusement parks. Like most stadiums in the Grapefruit League, gates at Marchant Stadium open two hours before the opening pitch. This should give you plenty of time for you to orient where your seats are in the stadium, as well as to visit the team store or get something at the concession stands. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Tiger games at Joker Marchant Stadium are available at several price points. All the seats on the lower level behind the plate and extending to first and third base are sold out. However, the upper-level seats in these areas are still available. Ticket prices range from $35 for seats in the 200 level, down to berm seating for $13. There are six pricing levels in between the $35 -$ 13 range. The good news is that after the recent renovations the number of seats that are in the shade at the stadium increased 42%. Parking at Tigertown or the Lutheran Church across the street costs $5- $10. We found the food prices at Tiger games was lower than other Spring Training parks. Extras 4 Fans traveling with kids or grandkids may want to take them to the play area near the top of the berm and next to the inflatable Tiger. This is a supervised area, and a great way for the kids to burn off all that in the car too long energy or the sugar high they may be on. The Tigers Spring Training Complex is relatively near the Spring Training complexes for the Pirates, the Blue Jays the Phillies and Yankees. Detroit plays very few night games, so check the night game schedule for the other teams and you might get in a day/night doubleheader. The mosaic tiger at the base of the tower outside Joker Marchant Stadium makes a great background for your selfie shot at a game. The starting lineups for each team are posted the walls in the main concourse. There is also a painted map of all the teams that participate in the Grapefruit League and where in Florida they are located. Final Thoughts The Tigers franchise has the longest relationship with one Florida city of any team in the Grapefruit League. The Tigertown complex has grown and evolved over the years, but has always maintained a strong relationship with the traditions of its past. Joker Marchant Stadium is always looking for ways to improve the fan experience after each spring training season, with plans getting underway for the next year, immediately after the team departs for Detroit to begin the regular season.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 InfoCision Stadium 375 E Exchange St Akron, OH 44304 Akron Zips website InfoCision Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 30,000 Rubber Zips Since fielding a team all the way back in 1891, the Akron Zips have not had the strongest of teams. However, Akron does enjoy a rich history and traces its lineage back to John Heisman … THE John Heisman of the famous Heisman Trophy awarded each year to the top NCAA Football player. In 1988, Akron joined the Mid-American Conference, one of the most stable conferences in the NCAA. Akron became the first program to move from Division I-AA up to Division I-A. The Zips have enjoyed a MAC Conference Championship once in 2005 and been to three post season bowls, winning one. With one of the most unique names in all of college sports, the Zips are a nod to the history of the City of Akron as the rubber capital of the world. The Zips are specifically named after rubber boots called Zippers that were manufactured by the B.F. Goodrich Company whose headquarters were in Akron. The home of the Zips from 1940 to 2008 was the Rubber Bowl. Replacement for the Rubber Bowl came in 2009 with InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field which signaled a return to campus for Akron. The naming rights of the stadium are shared by InfoCision Management Corporation and Summa Health System. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at InfoCision Stadium are fairly limited. There are a number of concession stands under each of the two main grandstands. Typical concession items are what will be found here including hot dogs, brats, cheeseburgers, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and chicken tenders. Chick-fil-A sandwiches and Papa John’s pizza are also available being brought in from outside. The soft drinks available are Pepsi products and beer options include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Stella Artois. Fans will not go hungry at InfoCision Stadium, but there isn’t much to grab the imagination. Atmosphere 3 InfoCision Stadium is a nice facility. It doesn’t have a deep history or anything that adds to the wow factor, but it is a solid stadium. InfoCision Stadium consists of two main grandstands on either side of the north-south oriented field. The entire stadium area is surrounded by attractive wraught iron fencing. The main grandstand, which also includes the press box and luxury boxes, is the west grandstand and the exterior is attractive brown brick and glass. The best place to enter InfoCision Stadium is at the south entrance, where fans are greeted with the bronze statue of former Akron head coach, John Heisman. The team store is also found at the south entrance. Just north of InfoCision Stadium is the fieldhouse and the Zips cross the road and enter the stadium from there. Inside InfoCision Stadium fans will notice that the concourses underneath the grandstands can be on the dark side. The concession and washrooms are easily accessed from this area. The highlights of the concourse are almost missed due to their proximity to the patron. High above the concession stands are large posters outlining the highlights of Akron Zips football. These include the history of the Wagon Wheel rivalry with Kent State, the 2005 MAC Conference Championship, Postseason History, Historic Coaches, Winningest Seasons and Jason Taylor. Both grandstands have two tiers and are composed of bleacher benches. Some reserved seating exists with plastic stadium seats. The brick wall past the north endzone highlights the most honoured Zips whose numbers are retired. These include Chris Angeloff, Charlie Frye and Jason Taylor. Their banners are joined by the Wall of Champions and honors for coaches Gordon Larson and Jim Dennison. The cannon is found in the southwest corner of the stadium at field level and is shot when the Zips score. The videoboard is good quality and is found past the south endzone. The gameday production for a Zips football game is about what one would expect from a mid-major football program. Ohio’s Pride, the Akron marching band, performs northwest of InfoCision Stadium at Coleman Commons before the game. They march down Spicer Street and play for the tailgaters in the lot south of the stadium before entering. The perform on the field at halftime and before the opening kick. The cheerleaders perform stunts on the sideline and move with the band before pregame. The Akron mascot, Zippy, a kangaroo, takes part in the pregame festivities and can be found on field level or interacting with fans during the game. Neighborhood 4 The University of Akron is located east of Downtown Akron. InfoCision Stadium is found at the east end of campus encircled by Vine, Spicer, Union and Exchange Streets. There are a few spots for pre or post game food or drink. Exchange Street has a number of options, most of which are fast food chains. Score Draft Room may be an option. There are more options the short drive to downtown including Canal Place, R. Shea Brewing, the Diamond Deli and the Spaghetti Warehouse. Depending on the scheduling of the Zips game, an Akron Zips basketball game at James A. Rhodes Arena, steps from InfoCision Stadium may be an additional sporting option, or possibly the Akron Rubberducks from the Double-A Eastern League at downtown’s Canal Park. Some non-sporting tourist options include the Akron Zoo and Stan Hywet Hall, or perhaps taking a look at the former site of the Rubber Bowl would be of interest. For fans wishing to stay near InfoCision Stadium, the Hilton and BLU-Tique Akron are both options. Fans 3 The combination of generally not being terribly competitive in the MAC and proximity to Cleveland leave InfoCision Stadium with more empty seats than full seats. Akron attracted an average of almost 11,200 fans per game in 2022. For the game that was reviewed, the paid attendance was just north of 5,400. With a stadium capacity of 30,000, this leaves an environment that could be better. Close to the bottom in the MAC, Akron needs to do more to bring the students into the stadium as a student section was not obvious. Access 5 Getting to InfoCision Stadium is very easy. InfoCision Stadium is located on campus, east of Downtown Akron. It is north of I-76 and west of highway 8, which gives campus easy access from the major highways of the area. There is parking on campus and north of campus with plenty of options. Tailgating usually occurs in the lot just at the south end of InfoCision Stadium. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are Akron Metro bus stops that can be found on the streets surrounding campus. Fans should consult the Akron Metro website for schedules, maps and fares. Due to the capacity of InfoCision Stadium and the average number of fans in attendance, getting around the stadium is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are more than adequate. Stadium Journey recognizes that the security protocols for major sporting events are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Akron Zips website for the most up to date security information, including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Taking in an Akron Zips football game is very affordable. General Admission tickets can be had for $19 and reserved seating can be found for $31 to $38. The Zips do a good job with their gameday production and the college football feeling is there with the Zips. Concession prices are not terrible and parking will come with a cost as well. The output for a Zips game is not too high, however, if the Zips were more popular and found more fans in the stands, the return on the investment would be even better Extras 3 An extra mark for the rivalry games the Akron Zips partake in, specifically the Steel Tire against Youngstown State and the Wagon Wheel versus the Kent State Golden Flashes. An extra mark for being the first program to move from Division I-AA to Division I-A. An extra mark for the lone Akron Zip in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Jason Taylor. Final Thoughts A Saturday afternoon at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field with the Akron Zips is a good time. It would be an even better time if more people knew and more people showed up. When in Northern Ohio, taking in a Zips game is well worth it and the money required for it is not bad at all. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bill Davis Stadium 560 Borror Dr. Columbus, OH 43210 Ohio State Buckeyes website Bill Davis Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,450 Buckeyes Baseball Bill Davis Stadium at Nick Swisher Field is the largest outright college ballpark in the Big 10 and stands out among its contemporaries in design and features. Even Dorothy M. Davis, who donated $1.5 million towards the $4.7 million to construct the venue in memory of her stepson, was astonished by its size during the construction phase in the fall of 1996. At the time, Ohio State was in desperate need of a new baseball stadium. The Buckeyes had called Trautman Field home since 1966, but the 1,800-seat stadium was severely antiquated. The talks of a new baseball stadium picked up steam as the club was playing some of its best baseballs, making the NCAA tournament five times before the new ballpark opened. It was evident that the university needed a first-class baseball field and would begin constructing The Schottenstein Center , now Value City Arena , around the same time. The ballpark would open on March 14, 1997, and lighting would be installed later on in November. It was a venue that featured 500 lower bowl seats, 2,500 upper grandstand seats, and additional bleacher seating down the lines. An inner concourse separates the two sections, and the outer concourse houses a concession stand and Dugout Digs, a small spot for Buckeye merchandise. In 2011, alumni and former major league player Nick Swisher donated $500,000 towards the installation of field turf. The following season the stadium added Nick Swisher Field to its name. Baseball was the first athletic team founded at the school in 1881 and played in a series of locations around campus that included grounds near the Old North Dorms in 1892, the Baseball Diamond in 1925, and lowlands near Ohio Stadium in 1940. Trautman Field would open in April 1966, but it feels as if Bill Davis Stadium is the school’s first real ballpark. The Buckeyes have made four College World Series appearances, finishing runners-up in 1965 and champions in 1966. They have a total of 22 tournament appearances and 15 regular conference championships. They have also honored four individuals by retiring their numbers: Fred Taylor, Steve Arlin, Marty Karow, and Bobb Todd. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a large concession stand near the entrance of the stadium that offers up a wealth of ballpark cuisine that includes hot dogs, nachos, brats, pretzels, and candy. The ballpark serves hamburgers with chips and brats. If you have a sweet tooth, there is Italian ice and candy served at the concession stand as well. Coca-Cola products are offered from the fountain, and there is alcohol in the form of Bud, Bud Light, Blue Moon, Coors Light, and Fizzy Seltzer cans. The prices range from as low as $4 for a hot dog to $9 for a burger and chips. Soda is priced at $6, domestic beers are $8, and seltzers are $9. It should be noted that visitors bring credit cards or other forms of non-cash payment. The campus sports facilities do not accept cash. Atmosphere 3 Bill Davis Stadium would be akin to either a High or Low ballpark in the minor leagues. The seating bowl opens up to other campus facilities in the background, and there is plenty of room to move around and take in the game from different vantage points. The atmosphere at the game is typical of many other Big 10 ballparks in the area. At the game of this review, the collection of fans was not deterred by the gloomy clouds up above, and as the weather warmed up a bit, so did the atmosphere. OSU mascot Brutus was one of the main attractions posing for pictures with fans young and old. He did not seem to get a break during his walk around the inner concourse of the stadium. The field consists of a synthetic surface, a video scoreboard behind the right field area wall, and plenty of areas to grab a seat. The best bet for a better atmosphere would be against Big 10 rivals and ideal temperatures. However, if you enjoy the action on the field and baseball banter from the dugouts, this is the place to be for a few innings. Neighborhood 4 The Old North District is located just north of campus and is a popular destination for students. The streets are filled with restaurants, bars, and music venues, along with businesses that support the residents. It’s a pretty part of Columbus and worth visiting before or after a visit to Bill Davis Stadium. A few places worth visiting are Jack & Benny’s, Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, Condado Tacos, Mother Cluckers, and DiCarlo’s Pizza. There is also a multitude of breweries that include North High Brewing, BrewDog Short North, Seventh Son Brewing Company, and Zaftig Brew Pub. Brothers Drake Meadery and Dulce Vida Short North round out a few other places of interest in the neighborhood. Depending on the time of year, one could check out a Columbus Clippers, Bluejackets, or Crew game. All three teams play about 3 miles away in the Arena District, where Huntington Park , Nationwide Arena , and Lower.com Field are among the best in their leagues in terms of design, aesthetics, and experiences. Fans 3 Despite the overcast skies and two other sporting events taking place over the next four hours, a nice crowd was on hand for the ballgame. Ohio State was playing Rutgers, so everybody was decked on in a hue of red. The fans in attendance were family members, friends, a group of visiting students, and a few onlookers taking in the game. There was a lot of cheering for the Buckeyes to get a base hit or score a run, while a few visiting team fans made their brand noise for their club. Access 4 The ballpark features wide-open concourses that include easy access to all parts for fans. The seating bowl is split with an inner concourse, the concession stands have large windows for easy access, and the parking lot has plenty of spaces for cars. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are as follows in the reserved section: $11 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for students. The cost of a general admission ticket is as follows: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for seniors. No matter your age - you will more than likely find a suitable price while attending a Buckeye game. The price of food ranges from $4 for a hot dog to $8 for a tall can of beer. There is no charge for parking. It is an inexpensive way to enjoy a baseball game. Extras 3 Bill Davis earns a point for the great deals on the retail rack outside the gift shop. The retired numbers and player information garner another point. Finally, the Italian ice earns another point. Final Thoughts Bill Davis Stadium is a good-looking place for baseball, perhaps somewhat large for its size but impressive. Interestingly, I never paid much attention to the ballpark until a few years ago, but it’s worth a visit when in town for the weekend or just a night out with family and friends. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Exterior photo courtesy Ice Hockey Wiki. Sign photo courtesy Sign Design, Inc. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Canton Ice House 65 North Street Canton, MA 02021   Northeast Generals website Canton Ice House website   Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 500 (red rink)/200 (blue rink) It’s an Ice House   The Northeast Generals are a Tier II junior hockey team that began play in the North American Hockey League in 2016. The Generals have qualified for the Robertson Cup playoffs in five of their first eight NAHL seasons. After playing at the New England Sports Village  in the Providence suburb of Attleboro for their entire existence, the Generals relocated 24 miles north on Interstate 95 to the Canton Ice House in the Boston suburbs for the 2024-25 season.   The Canton Ice House, which opened in 2016, features two full-sized rinks, a pro shop, a café, two golf simulators, and a fully equipped gym. It serves as home to several local high schools, youth programs, club programs, and figure skating clubs. It also serves as the home to the Curry College hockey team. The facility boasts that it hosts over 35 games and 100 practices every week, with over 750,000 visitors passing through its doors annually.   Food & Beverage 3   The facility’s snack bar, The Ice House Café, is located between the red and blue rinks on the mezzanine level. Several tables fill the large space, and both rinks are visible from these tables. Also, there are a bunch of video games, an air hockey table, and a rod hockey table located here. As is the case with many community rinks, this snack bar features a pretty impressive menu.   Breakfast items are found on the menu, which at first glance may be surprising, but when you consider the long hours that a rink complex is open, it isn’t such a shock. Bagels, English muffins, hash browns, and egg and cheese sandwiches are sold here. If you’re looking for lunch or dinner, you can choose from an array of hot dogs, burgers, wraps, club sandwiches, chicken parmesan sandwiches, and more.  Chicken tenders, french fries, onion rings, fried dough, mozzarella sticks, toasted ravioli, and fried Oreos highlight the offerings from the snack bar. Pizza slices and salads can also be found here. Fans just looking for a snack can order a pretzel, popcorn, assorted candies, or ice cream treats.   With this extensive menu, why not a maximum score? Well, the snack bar isn’t always open, as was the case during Stadium Journey’s recent visit on a Saturday night. If you happen to visit Canton when the snack bar is closed, there are several vending machines selling drinks and snacks.   Atmosphere 1   As you would expect in a small community rink like the ones at the Canton Ice House, the game day atmosphere is pretty basic. Before we get into details, huge props to the team’s PA announcer, who pulls quadruple duty as the PA announcer, deejay, official scorekeeper, and penalty box attendant. The sound system is decent, and you’re able to hear all game announcements. There’s not a lot of noise coming from the small crowd here, so you’re able to hear all the sounds of the game no matter where you sit.   There are small scoreboards at both ends of the rink that display score, time, and penalties. Banners throughout the rink advertise the facility’s many other tenants. Perhaps a Generals banner will join them soon. Stadium Journey attended the General’s second game in Canton, so this may be a work in progress.   If you enjoy attending a hockey game while being able to hear the sounds of skates cutting through the ice, coaches barking instructions at their teams, and players chirping each other (and the referees), Canton Ice House’s intimate setting is for you.   Neighborhood 3   Canton Ice House is located in an industrial park in the southern part of Canton, with nothing much in the immediate neighborhood that will attract visiting fans. Surrounding the industrial park is a residential area, so fans will have to venture a bit from the facility to find dining or lodging options. Luckily, being so close to Boston and major highways means that you will have numerous options within a 15-minute drive.   Backstreet Grill and Tavern is a local favorite in neighboring Stoughton, and visiting fans will find no shortage of options on nearby Washington Street, including Nosh ‘N Grog and L’Oven Pizzeria. Hotels line all the major arteries in the area, including Four Points by Sheraton, a Residence Inn, a Homewood Suites by Hilton, and a Holiday Inn and Suites. Of course, the city of Boston and all its attractions is less than a half hour away.   Fans looking for sporting options in the area will find Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots  and New England Revolution , just 11 miles away to the south. Fans looking to pair a Generals game with a Division One hockey game will find the Stonehill Skyhawks  just 15 minutes to the south, with the numerous teams located in and around Boston, Providence, and Worcester all about a half hour’s drive away.   Fans 1   Stadium Journey attended the General’s second-ever game at the Canton Ice House on a rainy September Saturday night. The announced attendance for both games on opening weekend was 120, but the eye test showed the crowd was probably half that size. The crowd in attendance consisted of friends and family, some of whom traveled quite a distance to follow their loved ones. While the fans are quite knowledgeable, they are pretty reserved in their support. Since many of the Generals’ games are against local teams, it’s not unusual to see fans supporting the visiting teams.   The crowd here in Canton is comparable to the crowds that supported the team at their previous home in Attleboro.   Access 3   The town of Canton, MA, is located about 15 miles southwest of Boston. The town itself is easy to get to via car, as Interstates 93 and 95, as well as Routes 1, 24, and 128, all pass through Canton, making it easy to reach from all points in Massachusetts. The MBTA Commuter Rail has a stop at Canton Junction, about three miles from the Ice House. The hockey facility is located in an industrial park on the southern edge of town near Stoughton.   Fans will enter the Ice House into a small lobby that contains the pro shop, bathrooms, and several vending machines. The red rink will be on your right, and the blue rink will be on your left. The snack bar is located on the second floor, in between the two rinks.   The Generals play in the blue rink, the smaller of the two rinks. Seats consist of molded plastic bleachers colored blue (thus the name) that run the length of one side of the rink. There are standing room areas at the top of the grandstand, as well as some standing room at ice level at the ends of the rinks. Fans looking for some respite from the cold rink may elect to watch the game from the hallway that runs between the rinks or from the snack bar lobby. Restrooms are located on both levels and are remarkably clean, considering how busy this facility can be.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets for Generals games are sold as general admission for five dollars. Parking in the large lot at the facility is also free. Should the snack bar be open, food prices are also very reasonable. This all adds up to an affordable night of entertainment for local sports fans.   Extras 1   An extra point is awarded for the seating options that allow fans to watch the game from a warm area at Canton Ice House, as well as the nice selection of games in the snack bar area.   Final Thoughts   While the Canton Ice House would hardly qualify as a destination location for visiting hockey fans, this community facility has a lot of things going for it. The Northeast Generals bring affordable, entertaining junior hockey to a part of Massachusetts that contains no shortage of crazed fans. ---   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 SECU Stadium 90 Stadium Dr. College Park, MD 20742 Maryland Terrapins football website SECU Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 51,802 Fear The Turtle The Maryland Terrapins play at SECU Stadium, formerly called Byrd Stadium; the name was changed by the Board of Regents in December 2015 to Maryland Stadium, as former coach and university president Harry Clifton “Curley” Byrd was a proponent of racial segregation. It was expected that the stadium’s name would be sold eventually, and most believed that Under Armour, founded by Maryland alumni Kevin Plank, would eventually have their name on the field. The sportswear manufacturer is already the main provider of athletic gear at the university. Instead, in 2022, the credit union known as SECU, signed a 10-year deal. The stadium opened in 1950 as a horseshoe-shaped bowl with a capacity of 34,680. In 1991, the five-story Tyser Tower added luxury suites and a larger press box. In 1995 an upper deck on the north side of the stadium was added. Various changes since have topped the seating capacity at 51,802. The University of Maryland has traditionally been known as a basketball school. The university has seen a great deal of basketball success under coaches such as Lefty Driesell and Gary Williams, even winning a national championship in 2002. The university has been playing football with some success since 1892 and received one official national championship in 1953. The 1951 team is generally seen as even better than the 1953 squad and has retroactively been considered the national champions by various systems such as the Sagarain Ranking System. Maryland has also been the home of many well-known coaches and players. Coaches include Jim Tatum, Lou Saban, Jerry Claiborne, Bobby Ross, Ralph Friedgen, Randy Edsall, and the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. Famous players include Erin & E.J. Henderson, Stan Jones, Randy White, Dick Modzelewski, Torrey Smith, Vernon Davis, Stefon Diggs, and Boomer Esiason. Primarily the home to Terps football and lacrosse, Maryland Stadium has been the scene of a few other events. In 1957 Queen Elizabeth II was on hand to watch the team upset North Carolina while the USFL Baltimore Stars called the stadium home during their 1985 championship season. Seen from the upper deck of Maryland Stadium are the Washington Monument, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Old Post Office Pavilion, the Washington National Cathedral, and the United States Capitol. Food & Beverage 4 There are many concession stands found around all parts of the complex. Concession prices are in the normal range and are reasonable for such a large venue. Crab fries found behind sections 14 and 205 are the best nod to local culture, although the addition of the “The Chessie,” a large 24-ounce hot soft pretzel smothered in backfin crab dip and melted cheddar cheese, then topped with a dusting of Old Bay, is a pretty unique offering. It is designed to be shared between four people. This stand also features some other cool local novelties. Chick-fil-A offerings can be found behind the Tyser Tower, while Ledo's Pizza can be found behind sections 13, 20, and 205. Otherwise, traditional food offerings of hot dogs, fries, hamburgers, and pit beef are generally seen around the stadium. The best food option at Maryland Stadium is the Maryland Dairy Ice Cream behind sections 3, 20, and 208. The ice cream is made on campus. There is a stand under the main videoboard offering healthier options as well. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is very much an old-school football stadium. This can be bad in terms of the aging infrastructure, but it also provides a nice platform for fan interaction. The stadium is still at its heart the horseshoe-shaped stadium that opened in 1950. The large press and luxury suite tower looks tacked on awkwardly, as does the massive upper decks on the north side of the stadium. The closed-end part of the horseshoe is where the band and students sit. Unfortunately, they are not closer to the field action as they both provide a great deal of sound and excitement. The large open-air concourse is a great meeting spot pre- and postgame. There are nice videoboards at both ends of the stadium. Maryland’s marching band is called The Mighty Sound of Maryland and is one of the most entertaining marching bands in college football. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood is a mixed bag. Maryland Stadium is in the middle of the campus so no businesses are directly nearby. The Terp Town area to the west of the stadium gives the fans entertainment and festivities to enjoy pregame. Also located nearby is the Stamp Union, where you will see many a fan enjoying a pregame meal or buying shirts at the campus bookstore. The Maryland Dairy Ice Cream store here is a nice place to go ahead of the game. The town of College Park is located directly south of the campus along U.S. Route 1. RJ Bentley’s Filling Station, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Jimmy John’s, Ledo’s Pizza, and Five Guys are all good options in this “downtown” area. Looney’s Pub is another great option and is located in The Varsity building (8150 Baltimore Ave) north of the downtown area and maybe even closer to the stadium if walking. The Hotel (yes, that is its name) is the best lodging choice and is within walking distance of the campus. You will always have the dizzying array of Washington DC options to choose from. The College Park Station of the Washington Metro is close by and is your best bet for getting to DC as the traffic and parking situation is not ideal. Fans 3 The student section at Maryland is noted for being loud and fairly rude. Expect to hear a few curse words during their chants. The students do enjoy the game and offers a festive atmosphere, although expect them to roll out in the second half. Other fans throughout the stadium do not always go to the same level as the students do. Fans in and near the Tyser Tower are pretty quiet. Overall the fans are passionate but may tend to be more the clap politely types. Access 2 The University of Maryland is not far from the Washington Beltway, but it is just far enough away that getting to the stadium is not too easy. U.S. 1 and University Boulevard are full of traffic lights and will be very full of traffic, even on non-game days. On-campus traffic is also a bit of a mess as a new Washington, DC light rail system is being constructed directly on the campus. The best bet is to pre-pay for a parking space through the university. The price tag seems way too high but at least you will know where you are going ahead of time. Pricing will range from $20 to $30, depending on the game and availability. A map of your space will be provided when you pre-purchase. The Terrapin Trail Garage is a personal favorite as it is relatively close to Maryland Stadium but still allows a quick way out of the area. The public garage in downtown College Park is always an option, as well. It is pretty well-priced, but a bit of a hike to the stadium. It will put you in a prime spot for postgame food and beverages. You will see some fans park for free on the sides of nearby University Boulevard, but this is not recommended. To do this you would need to get there very early and frankly, the road is too busy and dangerous to park there. If traveling to the game via the Washington Metro, get off at the College Park Station and take the shuttle directly to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Tickets can be had for a good value, depending on the opponent. Expect to pay more for the larger well-known opponents of the Big Ten. Parking prices weigh down the rating as they are far too high for the location. Extras 4 One should go to the Maryland Dairy Ice Cream, whether inside the stadium or at the Stamp Union, during your visit. Look for their special offerings as they rotate and change frequently. As noted above, there is a location within the stadium offering a simplified menu. The main video board that sits behind the closed end of the horseshoe is pretty interesting. It is the standard scoreboard seen in many places, but since it sits in an open area it is a good meeting spot. The Terps enter the stadium under a large turtle shell. There is plenty of history of past Maryland teams scattered in various sections of the stadium. Final Thoughts SECU Stadium is a pretty basic college football stadium. The long-standing horseshoe seating bowl doesn’t always mesh with the rest of the stadium, but a fan will still find a game enjoyable.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Hobey Baker Memorial Rink 200 Elm Drive Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers men’s hockey website Hobey Baker Memorial Rink website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 2,092 Making Hobey Proud Hobey Baker Rink on the campus of Princeton University is the second-oldest college hockey rink in existence today, having opened in 1923. Although it is over 100 years old, it is still a hockey barn worthy of its fame. Hobart Armory Hare "Hobey" Baker is a former Princeton hockey player and is widely regarded as the first ice hockey star. He was the best player of his day and has been inducted into both the US Hockey and College Football Halls of Fame. The 2,092 seat rink sits in an unassuming stone building on Princeton's campus. It is a hockey barn as they used to be built, without all the bells and whistles you see at newer arenas. They don't build them quite like this anymore, but Hobey Baker Rink is a classic college hockey venue. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand at the far end of Hobey Baker Rink which serves a basic menu. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and crispy chicken sandwiches are available. As are popcorn, candy, and other assorted snacks. Soda and water cans are available to drink. Prices are pretty reasonable. When Stadium Journey visited, the registers at the concession stand had major technical issues, causing the line to move extremely slowly. We suggest getting your food before the game, ideally as soon as you walk in the door, but even then, you may be waiting for a while or they may give you your food and tell you to come back later and pay. Atmosphere 4 Hobey Baker Rink is an old hockey barn, with a stone exterior and a low, wooden roof that traps the sound. The walls are lined with Princeton memorabilia and historic displays. The concourse is narrow, and walking through wooden doors will take you to the lower level seating area with only a few rows of seats. There is also an upper-level balcony behind one goal which has additional seating. A dot matrix scoreboard hangs over center ice. There is no videoboard. In terms of layout, this is a pretty basic arena. Every Tigers goal is accompanied by music over the PA system followed by a Tiger's growl. The crowd's chants are trapped by the low roof and captured for all to hear. Although not the fanciest arena, its design suits it well. There is a reason Tigers fans have been coming here for over 100 years. Neighborhood 4 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 4 Hobey Baker Rink only seats about 2,000 fans, but it is close to full most nights, especially when the Tigers are playing a fellow Ivy League opponent. The fans are rowdy, chanting and cheering for the Tigers, and the roof and small confines help trap the sound. Many arena builders today feel bigger is better, but Hobey Baker Rink shows that isn't always the case. It is the perfect sized arena for the crowds it draws. Fans range from older alumni and locals who have been coming here for decades, to younger fans with children who are coming to their first game and eager to join their first chant. In fact, it seems to be the kids here bringing the energy more than most fans. Princeton students also make their voices known in cheering on the school. Access 3 Hobey Baker Rink is a non-descript stone building, although signage has gotten better in recent years making it easier to find. The Theatre Drive Garage (formerly known as the West Garage, as it still appears in some GPS systems) is right next to the rink, making access even easier. For those arriving by train, the Princeton station on NJ Transit's Princeton Branch is located a short walk from the arena and if driving, you will likely pass it as you get on campus. The Princeton Branch, better known as The Dinky, is the shortest commuter rail line in America and connects Princeton's campus to Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. It consists of just those two stops, and the trip takes about five minutes. One you find your way to the arena, signs on the doors direct fans to enter through the proper side for their seats. Unfortunately, once you're in the stadium, getting around can be quite difficult. The old corridors are quite narrow and hard to get around with the large crowds. Especially problematic is the area behind the far goal, which features the concession stand and the restrooms. At intermission, the slow-moving lines for the concession stand merge with the lines for the restrooms and it can be extremely tight-packed and difficult to move around. The restrooms are not of a sufficient size for the crowds, although if you leave at the beginning of intermission, you should be back in your seat in time for the start of the next period. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Princeton hockey game is very affordable, with tickets costing just $15, or $12 for children. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. Hobey Baker Rink provides an excellent value for a trip to a classic hockey venue. Extras 3 One star for the photos on the concourse honoring Princeton players who have made it to the NHL. A second star for the historical displays throughout the rink. From photos of every Princeton team ever to play here to multiple trophy cases, this place is just full of history. A third and final star for the unique design of this rink. With wood doors leading to the seating area, stone walls inside and outside the rink, and a low-hanging wooden ceiling, Hobey Baker Rink feels like taking a step back in time to a simpler past. Final Thoughts Hobey Baker Rink is a throwback to the college hockey days of yore. While it lacks the fancy amenities of newer rinks, it is one of the classic venues of college hockey. A hockey barn with over a century of history, Hobey Baker Rink should be on the bucket list of every fan of the sport.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Gill Coliseum 660 SW 26th St Corvallis, OR 97331 Oregon State Beavers website Gill Coliseum website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 9,604 The Thrill of Gill On the campus of Oregon State University sits Gill Coliseum, named after the winningest coach in school history, Slatts Gill. The arena has been the home of Beaver basketball since 1949. It is the third oldest basketball arena in the Pac-12 behind Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion (University of Washington) and Haas Pavilion (California). In addition to basketball, Gill Coliseum is also the home for Beaver volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling. The floor at the arena is named after Ralph Miller, the second-winningest coach in school history. Beaver basketball has a rich history, although its glory days are far from the past. The program accomplished eight Sweet 16, six Elite 8, and two Final Four appearances between 1947 and 1982, highlighting OSU's resume. Food & Beverage 3 There’s not a whole lot out of the ordinary on the menu here. Gill Coliseum features Pepsi products at $4-$5. You can also find hot dogs ($4-$5), pizza ($4), popcorn ($4), pretzels ($4), and so on. One menu item that is a little out of the ordinary is cookies. Cookies aren’t unusual, but here a cookie slice can be had for $1.50 or a whole cookie pie for $10. If you are looking for more variety, there are other options about a mile or so away. Atmosphere 4 Beaver athletics are the main attraction in Corvallis, and it shows. With the school’s rich athletic heritage, there are high expectations despite the Beavers lack of success in the past few years. There are banners saluting players and coaches of yesteryear including names like Gary Payton and A.C. Green. A trip to Gill Coliseum leaves no doubt in a fan’s mind that this is a major program working to regain its prominence. Neighborhood 4 Situated next door to Reser Stadium on the campus of Oregon State, Gill Coliseum is also close to the OSU dorms, which makes it easy for students to attend. The campus is very nice, with a mix of modern and classic buildings, and worth a trip around if you have the time. Corvallis has a population of around 55,000 people, and there is a small-town feel to the city. One has a very cozy, welcoming feeling when visiting there. If you are coming from out of town, there is a hotel just down the street. Most other lodging options are about a mile or so away. Big River Restaurant and Bar, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Nearly Normal’s Gonzo Cuisine (a vegetarian menu with global flavors) are just a few of the choices away from the arena for a bite to eat or a drink. Fans 4 OSU athletics is the only show in town. It’s like entering a part of the Twilight Zone where everything is orange and black. The Beavers have a rabid fan base. The “Beaver Believers” are an enthusiastic bunch. The student section, called “The Dam,” is as loud as any student section I’ve ever heard. The only negative here is attendance. Games are fairly well attended, but not what you’d expect. Even games against in-state rival Oregon do not always sell out – very disappointing for a class program like OSU. Access 3 Corvallis is a locale you have to want to get to. Approximately 20 minutes west of I-5, it’s off the beaten path. When you arrive, campus parking can be a little tricky. Most lots around are permit lots, but you can find a place to park with a bit of a walk. It’s a good idea to avoid parking at businesses that don’t have spots available for a fee. There is a parking garage across the street behind the Beaver Store. The level that supports the store is free but fills quickly. Inside the arena, the hallways are a little snug, but it’s not too bad. If your seat is on an upper level, be prepared for stairs. Handicapped seats are down on the floor. The section has a good view but is close to the action. Return on Investment 3 Bench seats are $15 and padded seats are $25. Visually, there is not a bad seat in the house. If you’re looking for comfort, the padded seats are the best value, as they have a decent amount of legroom. If you’re looking for something to remember your trip to Gill, the souvenir stand has basic items such as hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. If you need something more, the Beaver Store is direct across the street from the arena. Extras 3 During my most recent visit, it was Senior Night. Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle, instead of starting seniors (there weren’t any on the roster), started five native Oregonians walk-ons, a nice gesture for the players and something the fans enjoyed. During halftime, you can expect entertainment like student tractor races, a student shooting baskets for college savings plan up to $2,000, and/or a student scrimmage from The Dam (including blind refs). Around the outside hallway, each sport has a “Wall of Fame” near that program’s respective office. Wrestling, basketball, and volleyball have many pictures and accomplishments of their standouts. Taking a stroll around the arena hallway takes you on a trip through Beaver athletics history. There are quite a few names that most sports fans will recognize with Jacoby Ellsbury and Darwin Barney being two of many. Final Thoughts A game at Gill Coliseum is a very nice locale to spend an evening watching the Oregon State basketball team, or whatever sport is featured when you’re in the area.

Image courtesy of USA Gymnastics The 2024 rendition of the Summer Olympics  is upon us, with Paris, France serving as host country for the third time, and the first time in 100 years. As always there is a large US presence at this year’s games, with close to 600 athletes on Team USA aiming to take home gold. Some of the most high-profile athletes at the games this year are on Team USA. So, if you’re a fan looking to see the games and cheer on these superstars, what will it cost you? Sportscasting.com  has gathered and analyzed ticket prices for Team USA’s signature events this year – these include men’s basketball, headlined by a slew of future Hall of Famers like Steph Curry , Kevin Durant , and LeBron James, who will serve as Team USA’s flagbearer this year. Basketball games range from something on the affordable side, such as the contest against Puerto Rico, which will run you $165 per ticket. Men’s basketball also proves to be the most expensive ticket in Paris, with the Gold Medal game running $710 per ticket. The average ticket cost for USA basketball is $350 per person. Women’s gymnastics is also one of the perennial big-ticket events, and this year is no exception, especially in events where the G.O.A.T. Simone Biles is competing. Those events are up an astounding 18% from most men’s basketball games, with tickets for the qualifying rounds expected to fetch $271 per person, the team finals running $421, and the all-around finals coming in at $390. Men’s and women’s track and field events are also one of the premier events at the Olympic Games, and Team USA is loaded with stars on both teams this time around – these include world record holder Noah Lyles and superstar Sha’Carri Richardson . The early rounds of the men’s and women’s relay events prove to be the most affordable of all Team USA major events, with tickets for both set at $24. The most expensive event proves to be the men’s 200 meter at $151 per ticket, while on the women’s side, the 100-meter semis and finals are the most expensive at $133. The average ticket cost for the men’s versus women’s relay events is $88 and $96, respectively. Team USA’s full schedule of events can be found here .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Oklahoma City Baseball Club website Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 9,000 Bricktown Baseball Editor's Note - The team name was changed to the Oklahoma City Baseball Club for the 2024 season , after which a new identity will be announced Baseball in Oklahoma City dates back to 1904 with the Oklahoma City Metropolitans. One of the oldest Minor League Baseball cities in the country, Oklahoma City’s modern baseball venture dates back to 1962 with the Oklahoma City 89ers of the American Association. Named after the Land Run of 1889, the 89ers would immediately move to the Pacific Coast League in 1963 before returning to the American Association, where they would remain until the dispersal of the league after the 1997 season. It was in the AA where the 89ers would find their greatest success with league titles in 1963, 1965, 1992, and 1996. The move to a new ballpark and return to the Pacific Coast League in 1998 would bring about the rebranding of the 89ers as the Oklahoma City RedHawks. In 2014, the RedHawks would be purchased, in part, by the Los Angeles Dodgers to become their Triple-A affiliate. The most current rebrand, to become the Oklahoma City Dodgers, came in conjunction with the Dodgers ownership stake. Beginning with the 2022 season, the Oklahoma City Dodgers were purchased by Diamond Baseball Holdings, which also owns twenty other minor league baseball teams. Home for the Dodgers is Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Built in 1998 as Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark, it has gone through several corporate names due to telecom mergers and renames. The current corporate sponsor is the Chickasaw Nation’s Newcastle Gaming Center. The ballpark is also home to the Bedlam Series, which pits Oklahoma against Oklahoma State in College Baseball, as well as the Big 12 Baseball Tournament. Food & Beverage 4 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark offers a solid collection of concession options. Smokies Sausage, Tacos y Nachos, Fowl Ball Chicken, and Dippin’ Dots all provide great concession options. The Flashpoint Grille, among other expected ballpark items, offers a ⅓ lb. cheeseburger and the official Dodger Dog. Fans should consider trying the Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream or one of the iced tea options at HTea0. Pepsi products are found at the park and a flavor shot machine is in the market as well as Stubborn Soda. There are plenty of local beer options at the Garden Coop Ale Works Bar including the OKLA American Lager, branded for the Dodgers. Atmosphere 4 What would a ballpark in Bricktown, with the term Bricktown as part of the name be without brick? There are plenty of brown bricks that encompass the exterior of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. There are three main entrances to the park, each of which features its legendary bronze statue. The Warren Spahn entrance is on the first base side and the Mickey Mantle entrance is on the third base side. The home plate entrance is, of course, the domain of the bronze statue of Johnny Bench. The bronze busts of other players are outside of the third base entrance including Allie Reynolds, Pepper Martin, Carl Hubbell, Paul “Big Poison” Waner, Lloyd “Little Poison” Waner, “Bullet” Joe Rogan, and Bobby Murcer. Beautiful mosaic art can also be found at the Johnny Bench entrance. Past the Mickey Mantle entrance is a large statue of Jim Thorpe, which resides right outside the Jim Thorpe Museum and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, which is built right into the ballpark. Inside the ballpark, fans are greeted with decent-sized concourses which lead to a 360-degree walking experience right around the ballpark. There are plenty more nods to Oklahoma baseball history with pictures and captions of other players including Joe Carter and Dodger greats Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler. Other displays of interest include an obligatory list of players who played in OKC who have gone on to the majors and the Oklahoma City Triple-A Baseball Hall of Fame. The ballpark seating features two levels of green stadium seats, which although overdone throughout baseball, fit in with the Bricktown ambiance. The second level on the first base side, unfortunately, has the seats removed and gaudy advertising tarps cover the concrete steps. Some alternate seating includes berm seating in center and right field and the Budweiser Deck in left. The video board in centerfield is good, but the baseball information on it is too small and difficult to read at times. The extensive ribbon past left field is unfortunately used almost entirely for advertisements. Bobby Murcer’s number 1 is retired alongside Jackie Robinson’s 42 on the wall in left field. The gameday atmosphere is solid in Oklahoma City. Mascots Brix and Brooklyn can be found throughout the park interacting with fans and participating in promotions. Fireworks are a staple for Friday games and the promotions team does what one would expect. A highlight of the game is the singing of “Oklahoma” after “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in the seventh inning stretch. Periodically, the Dodgers rebrand to become Cielo Azul . Neighborhood 5 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is located in the Bricktown neighborhood of Downtown Oklahoma City, a sneaky great place to be. There are a plethora of dining options for pre or post-game food or drink within steps of the ballpark. Some options include Pearl’s Crabtown, Rodizio Grill, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Mickey Mantle Steakhouse, Whisky Chick’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar. There are also many tourist attractions in the area worth checking out. Touring the Oklahoma City canals on the Bricktown Water Taxi will bring fans through the Bricktown and Downtown areas. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, OKC Underground, and Jim Thorpe Museum are all also within minutes of the ballpark by foot. Finally, having a look at the Stockyard City area is a must as well as eating at Cattlemen’s. For other sporting options, the Oklahoma City Thunder play adjacent to Bricktown at Paycom Center. The Oklahoma City Blue of the G-League also plays there. For fans wanting accommodations near the ballpark, there are several major hotels within walking distance, including the Hyatt, Hilton, and Holiday Inn Express. Fans 4 Minor League Baseball has traditionally received strong support in Oklahoma City and the Dodgers are no different. In 2022, the Dodgers averaged more than 5,600 fans per game. This ranked the Dodgers 22nd in Minor League Baseball and 5th in the Pacific Coast League. At the time of writing, the attendance at Dodger games for the 2023 season has increased to over 5,800 fans per game. Located in the Southern United States, Oklahoma City does struggle with high temperatures during the summer months which can affect the number of bodies in the stands. Fans will often seek refuge in the shaded concourses rather than sit in the stands. Access 5 Getting to Bricktown in Oklahoma City is surprisingly easy. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is surrounded by Mickey Mantle Drive, Johnny Bench Drive, Joe Carter Drive, and Flaming Lips Alley and is just west of the junction of I-235 and I-40. There is plenty of parking in surrounding lots and garages with the large Joe Carter lot just across from the Warren Spahn plaza. The light rail traverses Bricktown right around the ballpark for those who wish to take public transit. Fans should consult the Embark OK and OKC Streetcar websites for rates, maps, and schedules. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark offers a 360-degree concourse and is easy to maneuver during the game and during peak movement times. The washroom facilities are also good for the crowd in attendance. With security protocols constantly changing in sports, Stadium Journey recommends consulting the Oklahoma City Dodgers website before heading out for the most up-to-date security information including bag policy, prohibited items, and security procedures. At the time of writing a clear bag policy was in effect. Return on Investment 5 An Oklahoma City Dodgers baseball game offers great value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Dodgers begin at $15 for the third base, upper deck, which offers a terrific view. Tickets go up to $35 for the area behind the plate. Parking will cost $8 in one of the lots around the park and the concession experience is decent. The product on the field is solid and offers a good time for the entire family, which is what one would expect from Triple-A baseball. Extras 3 An extra mark for the streets in the Bricktown area being named after Oklahoma celebrities. Fans will notice Mickey Mantle, Joe Carter, and Johnny Bench streets as well as Flaming Lips Alley and Kings of Leon Lane. An extra mark for the underrated tourist offerings of Oklahoma City. Fans should not sleep in this city for a great weekend. An extra mark for the original singing of “Oklahoma” from the Rodgers & Hammerstein production, a great way to break up the monotony of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Final Thoughts Although the branding of the Oklahoma City Dodgers is not ideal, the experience at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is excellent. Baseball fans should put Bricktown on their baseball bucket list as they will not be disappointed. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Lower.com Field 96 Columbus Crew Way Columbus, OH 43215 Columbus Crew website Lower.com Field website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 20,371 The House the Fans Built There was a time when the thought of the Columbus Crew relocating elsewhere was a reality, but after a campaign to keep the club in town and a new ownership group, the result would be the $314 million Lower.com Field for the club to call home. The 20,371-seat venue is located in the Arena District next to Huntington Park and a few blocks west of Nationwide Arena . The stadium offers a field with a hydroponic heater that can raise the field temperature by 20 degrees if needed and water can drain in less than 3 minutes. The Nordecke supporters section is the steepest and second-largest of its kind in the MLS while offering a beer garden on the concourse. Access has been improved with facilities a few steps away from the seating bowl and views of the pitch in a majority of the venue. The canopy roof directs the sound of the crowd directly back into the stadium, perfect for home matches for the Crew and the US Men’s National Team. The structure’s design will blend into the future 33-acre Astor Park neighborhood that will develop the underused land into a live, work, and play development over the next few years. The site will feature 404 residential apartments, a 2.5-acre riverfront park, outdoor pavilions, retail shops, and public art once completed. Lower.com Field replaced Historic Crew Stadium, the first soccer-specific facility in the MLS in 1999, located 4 miles away at the state fairgrounds. The team played its last game on June 18, 2021, and waved goodbye to an old friend that put the city on the map in terms of professional sports. However, let’s look at the future of soccer in the city and what the new venue has to offer fans in attendance. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage feature local establishments offering menu items throughout the stadium, almost 40 percent. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant, Preston’s: A Burger Joint, Dirty Frank’s, Dos Hermanos, Hot Chicken Takeover, Barrio Tacos, Crafter Culture Brewing, Legacy Smokehouse, and Donatos Pizza are among the choices for fans. The hot chicken sandwiches and pieces are plump and juicy, the brisket looks like it was smoked in Texas, the hot dogs and burgers are juicy, and the street tacos are served with roasted jalapenos. There is a healthy dose of local and national breweries that feature Land-Grant Brewing Company, Platform Beer Company, and Rhinegiest. A few highlights include the haystack from Pit Masters, which is mac and cheese with your choice of pulled pork or brisket and crushed corn chips. There is also the spicy Bahama Mama from Schmidt’s served al carte or with a side of German potato salad and sauerkraut. Also, be sure to save room for one of the company’s famous jumbo cream puffs. Dirty Frank’s has a Hot Frankie topped with coney sauce, cheddar cheese, sriracha cream cheese, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The options here are luxurious compared to other venues but also follow trends at many newer MLS grounds. Long lines form at the 42 numerous locations on the stadium’s concourse, along with a few grab-and-go spots for fans on the run. It should be noted that the prices are a tad higher for these local products, but you are also paying for the quality of the product. Atmosphere 4 Lower.com Field offers many vantage points throughout the 360º concourse, including rows 13 feet closer to the field. The stadium’s distinct feature is the large canopy roof that covers every seat in the house. The black steel design replaces the standard floodlights and features an angular pattern that connects to the club’s crest. It also helps reverberate noise back to the pitch for home-field advantage. Another mass area is the Nordecke supporter’s section which seats 3,364 people. The seating area features a rake of 34 to 37 degrees, about 70 percent steeper than the Crew old home. It is where the soul of the stadium is, with supporters waving flags, banging drums, and leading the stadium into their rendition of the Elvis classic “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” before every match. Underneath the Nordecke is a beer garden that is a spot where fans can sit down on bench tables and eat and drink their food before the game. The area features trees and is open to the public during the day when the Crew is not playing. It’s the first beer garden specifically designed for a supporters club in the league. The southwest plaza is home to pregame festivities that include concerts, games, children’s activities, and photo ops with the Crew official mascots – Crew Cat and S.C. The area is utilized on non-game days and house watch parties when applicable. The Crew House Pub and team shop are located in this corner of the stadium. The pub can hold anywhere between 250 to 300 people and opens before the game and non-game days. There are two scoreboards on the north and south ends of the stadium; the biggest is 24 feet tall and 104 feet wide. There are family spaces that include two sensory rooms, two nursery rooms, and a 1,000-square-foot playroom. Five premium areas include 34 suites on the west end of the stadium and 1,900 club suites. The Lower Lounge has 10 bunker-style luxury suites with seats at eye level to the pitch and an outdoor patio with fireplaces. Neighborhood 4 Lower.com Field is part of the Arena District that includes the home of the Columbus Clippers baseball team Huntington Park and the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey club Nationwide Arena . The district offers mixed-used plan development of residential and retail space. There are more than 22 different eateries and bars located within a few steps of the building that are hopping before and after the game. The R Bar is the official hockey watering hole that sits across a small pedestrian bridge offering 16 beers on tap and 32 bottles and cans. Goodwood Brewery and Restaurant and Whistle & Key are also in this area providing outdoor seating and plenty of people-watching. If with the kids, Boston’s Pizza and Ted’s Montana Grill are two nearby choices. The indoor and outdoor concert venue KEMBA Live! and A&R Music Bar is located next to the arena, which provides an ideal later-night atmosphere. The future 33-acre Astor Park neighborhood will develop the underused land into a live, work, and play development over the next few years. Once completed, the site will feature 404 residential apartments, a 2.5-acre riverfront park, outdoor pavilions, retail shops, and public art. Fans 4 The colors black and yellow are dominant with the majority of the fans at the game. The Crew supporters and fans proved their loyalty by saving the team from relocating to Austin a few years ago. It provides a great soundtrack to the stadium’s atmosphere, and the Nordeck supporters are at the center of the revelry. Check them out as they march down Nationwide Blvd. and blow off a little yellow smoke along the way, expect to see that after a goal. Access 4 Getting inside the stadium is becoming easier with facial recognition ticketing, turnstiles where fans can scan their phones to enter, and wands to check for metal objects in their pocket without going through a security checkpoint. The menu options include frictionless and touchless environments. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket on the secondary market averages close to $39 plus taxes and fees. It also depends on the opponent, with FC Cincinnati tickets commanding a $64 fee. There are 6,300 parking spaces within a 10-minute walk with prices between $20 and $25 per vehicle. The beer and drink prices are somewhat on the high side but on par with other MLS venues. Fans should not see a huge sticker shock on menu options inside the building for top-quality foods. Extras 5 Lower.com Field earns a point for the largest supporters section in the league, the Nordecke. The area is steep and comes in at a 34-degree rake, among the steepest in the MLS. Another point of the beer garden is for fans to have a seat and enjoy something to eat and drink. The Southeast Plaza is a fantastic spot for pre-game festivities, concerts, games, and a chance to get ready for the match. A final point is for the canopied seating that protects every fan in their seat. Final Thoughts The Columbus Crew has a fine-looking soccer facility that provides fantastic views of the pitch, quality food, a boisterous atmosphere, and a passionate fanbase. The neighborhood around the facility will blossom in the coming years, making it quite the experience for hometown fans and first-time visitors. The original club in the MLS is right where they belong. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and Instagram .

Photos by David Hawkins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tucker Stadium 1 William L Jones Dr Cookeville, TN 38501 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles website Tucker Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 16,500 The Nest of the Golden Eagles The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles play their home football games on Overall Field at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville, Tennessee. The Golden Eagles are members of the Ohio Valley Conference. The stadium is located on the Tennessee Technological University campus and holds 16,500 fans on Saturdays in the Fall. The Golden Eagles have played their home games at Tucker Stadium since 1966. The stadium underwent an extensive renovation in 2007. The stadium is named after former football coach Wilburn Tucker. Under the guidance of Tucker, who coached the team from 1954-1967, the Golden Eagles won five OVC titles including four straight from 1958-1961. Tucker Stadium has hosted the Tennessee high school football state championships since 2009. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands on both sides of the stadium with the visitor’s side offering more food and drink options than the home side. The food selections are very typical. The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, pizza, popcorn and candy. One somewhat interesting option is the BBQ pork. A few other options like cinnamon stix, chili dogs, and cheese bread can be found on the visitor’s side concession area. Drink options include Pepsi products, water, Gatorade, coffee, and hot chocolate. The concession stands accept cash as well as credit/debit cards. Atmosphere 3 Despite being over 50 years old, Tucker Stadium looks very well cared for and kept up. There is an older scoreboard at the south end of the stadium and a large sign at the north end of the stadium identifying the field. The stadium is open on both end zones and has 41 rows of metal bleacher seating on both the home (east) side and visitors (west) side. The stadium also has two-level press boxes on either side. The west side hosts the working press and the east side hosts the school’s president and their guests. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located right on the Tennessee Technological University campus and is adjacent to a quiet neighborhood filled with single family homes, apartments, churches and other commercial type structures. A few off campus dining options include Mamma Rosa’s Italian Restaurant located at 200 South Lowe Avenue and a student favorite Fuji Hibachi and Sushi located at 864 South Jefferson Avenue. Cookeville offers several hotel and motel options within a short distance of the stadium. A few non-chain options include the Key West Inn located at 663 South Willow Avenue and the Fall Creek Inn located at 1814 Salem Road. Both hotels offer rooms for less than $60 per night. If you have time before or after the game and want to see more of the area, the Burgess Falls State Park is approximately 12 miles away and offers a 136 foot waterfall. Another option is the Cookeville Railroad Depot which houses the Cookeville Depot Museum. The museum is less than 2 miles from Tucker Stadium. Fans 3 The fans are very supportive of their team. During our review in 2017, the Golden Eagles were 1-9 entering the game and the weather was very dark, cold and rainy. These factors may have been responsible for the attendance being less than 1,000 spectators. Those who were in attendance showed their enthusiasm for the home team. Access 4 Tucker Stadium is very easy to get to being just off of Route 40 at exit 286. After exiting, take 135 north to West 7th Street to either Stadium Drive or North Peachtree Avenue. There are several free parking lots and parking areas in and around the stadium. Return on Investment 3 All tickets are general admission and cost $10 for a single game. Season tickets (five home games) are available for $36 for adults and $25 for youth and senior citizens. A family season ticket plan (two adults and three children) is offered for $75. Free parking is offered very close to the stadium, and concessions are reasonably priced for a college sporting event. Extras 2 Tucker Stadium has an area where it displays awards and pictures of previous seasons, but it is not accessible during the games. There are small souvenir areas next to each concession stand selling several styles of hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. Final Thoughts Tennessee Technological University is a small school with a very limited football history. The school has produced a handful of former NFL players including Lonnie Warwick, Jim Youngblood, Frank Omiyale, Larry Schreiber and Elois Grooms. If you’re in the area and looking for some college football, or you want to follow your team on the road, then Tucker Stadium is an affordable and accessible sports venue.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Shoreline Field at Shoreline Park 800 Shoreline Dr Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Shoreline Field at Shoreline Park website Pensacola FC website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 500 Shoreline Soccer in the Breeze Pensacola Football Club was formed in 2013 as a soccer club in the National Premier Soccer League. The NPSL is a lower-level soccer league with 93 clubs as of the 2023 season. Pensacola FC competes as one of 6 teams in the Gulf Coast Division of the NPSL. The club has switched leagues several times throughout the years, swapping back and forth between the Gulf Coast Premier League and the NPSL, but in 2021 Pensacola FC exclusively joined the NPSL, while the club also has a women's team that competes in the GCPL's women's division. The GCPL is another lower-level soccer league with men's and women's teams competing in the Gulf Coast region. PFC is also affiliated with a local soccer academy, also called the Pensacola Football Club, where they train future players. The mascot for the PFC is a Pelican, and the club is sometimes referred to as the Pelicans. For the first 10 years the Pelicans played at Ashton Brosnahan Park, a soccer-specific complex on the north side of the city, but beginning in 2023 the club moved across the bay to the sleepy town of Gulf Breeze and took up residence at the brand-new Shoreline Field at Shoreline Park. Gulf Breeze is a small town separated by bridges that sit at the end of a peninsula, just across the bay from downtown Pensacola. To the north, you have the hustle and bustle of metro Pensacola, while to the south you have the popular resort town of Pensacola Beach. Gulf Breeze sits right in the middle of the two, providing an affluent suburban beach community with a small-town feel. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand located on the bleacher side of the field. Shoreline Field is part of a city-owned park, so expect the basic style setup like you would see at a local rec league baseball or soccer game. If you come hungry you can find the normal offerings of hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and candy, but not much else. The one plus is they will bring in two food trucks for select matches, although at the most recent game I was at they didn’t have any food trucks. Atmosphere 4 The City of Gulf Breeze has over 500 acres devoted to recreation in the city, with the centerpiece being Shoreline Park. Located right on the Santa Rosa Sound and overlooking the skyline of Pensacola Beach, the beautiful park takes up 133 acres of true coastal paradise. The park is separated into two distinct parks: Shoreline Park North and Shoreline Park South. Shoreline Park South consists of a boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic areas, and miles of hiking trails through the Florida wetlands, while to the north you have a beautiful state-of-the-art sports complex consisting of 10 lighted tennis courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, 2 beach volleyball courts, several outdoor basketball courts, a skate park, batting cages, a playground, 10 multi-purpose athletic fields, and a Community Center with meeting rooms and two indoor basketball courts. The sports complex, rec center, city hall, and library are also all located right next to each other, creating a tight-knit community. The newest addition to the Park and Rec's facilities is the opening of Shoreline Field, which opened in late 2022. The new field replaces an earlier field on the same property that was used to host the city's youth league football, soccer, and lacrosse games. The original field was damaged when Hurricane Sally struck the Gulf Coast in 2020. The new Shoreline Field was built using grant money and includes new metal bleaching seating, light upgrades, and a new, state-of-the-art artificial turf field lined for football, lacrosse, and soccer configurations. The Shoreline Field pitch runs east and west with metal bleacher seating on the south side and the team benches on the north side. The five sections of metal bleachers are 10 rows high, with three sets of bleachers designated for the home side and two sections for the away team. It is a small operation run by the staff during matches. The game day staff is run by academy students from the Pensacola Football Club. The staff does an excellent job at transforming a city youth field into the home of a minor league soccer club, however. About two hours before the match, I observed a couple of players and academy students hanging Pensacola FC banners on the bleachers and mounting flags all along the street leading up to Shoreline Field. In addition, the academy players took tickets, worked the concession stands, and even have a tent set up in front of the bleachers selling t-shirts and various merch. Neighborhood 4 The City of Gulf Breeze is a mostly residential community, located on a peninsula that separates Pensacola from Pensacola Beach. It is mostly a bedroom community with residents commuting to Pensacola, so there is not a lot here in terms of industry. Because of this, Gulf Breeze has a small-town feel where everybody knows everybody. There is also plenty to do in terms of recreation – around Shoreline Field you have the city's sportsplex, where there is plenty of activity going on in the summer months. Tennis, disc golf, skateboarding, a splash pad, batting cages, and basketball courts are just a few of the options people have. You also have the indoor rec center on the property, which hosts a wide range of activities such as basketball, pickleball, jazzercise, yoga, and a summer camp for kids. Across the street you have even more options; a boat ramp, fishing pier, two dog parks, a picnic pavilion, and miles of walking trails make up the property, with gorgeous views of the skyline and condos on Pensacola Beach in the distance. At all times of the day, you will see people launching boats and people fishing off the end of the pier. The walking trails are also popular for biking, jogging, and wildlife viewing, and provide two different trails through two distinct Florida ecosystems – you have the paved trail that goes through the Florida forest, and the brand-new elevated boardwalk that goes over the Florida wetlands, and empties to a small beach area. Live oaks, magnolia pines, and palm trees surround you as you walk down the covered pathway, which makes for a great place to stretch or get some shade before the match or during halftime. The city recently opened a new elevated boardwalk trail that traverses through the Florida wetlands, and you get to see how this area looked before development. Black Bears, alligators, exotic birds, beavers, and snakes are just some of the wildlife you may encounter on the trails at Shoreline Park South. For other outdoor attractions in Gulf Breeze, the Gulf Islands National Seashore has a 1,300-acre protected forest nearby that includes numerous trails, piers, and campgrounds with beach access, as well as an interactive learning center. Andrew Jackson Road, the first road in Florida, runs right through the seashore and includes an access point to Gulf Breeze Bluffs, a hidden spot known only by locals. The Bluffs include stunning views of Pensacola Bay from the north, and if you are brave enough, a 60-foot rope swing to the water below. Another popular spot to walk or ride a bike is Three Mile Bridge, which separates Gulf Breeze from downtown Pensacola – the lighted bridge just re-opened fully after years of repairs and makes for a popular evening stroll during the summer months. For restaurants in Gulf Breeze, you won't find much besides a few fast-food chains such as Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and Whataburger, but just across the bridge in either direction, you have a ton of different restaurants. My recommendation would be to go out to Pensacola Beach where you have a ton of different seafood restaurants; you will find everything from five-star dining to local beachside restaurants, nightclubs, and hole-in-the-wall pubs – Pensacola Beach has it all. For hotels, Gulf Breeze has several chains just down the road, but for more a wider range of options, I'd recommend going to Pensacola or Pensacola Beach. Fans 3 Pensacola FC averages about 300-500 fans per home match and attracts a wide following of different people. When the women's team in the Gulf Coast Premiere League plays expect more fans than when the Pensacola FC men's team in the NPSL plays – this is because the Pensacola FC women's team is made up of a lot of local players, and the teams in the Gulf Coast Premiere League are within proximity, so matches often attract a large number of visiting fans. Gulf Breeze is also a very walkable city, so during the summer months, you will often find people out and about enjoying the Florida evening breeze. I found many people gathering around the field who just happened to be wandering by and stopped to check out the play going on. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for matches are $10 – because of the setup, it is possible to view the action from around the field without paying, which many people do. However, you cannot access the concessions or merchandise tent without paying for a ticket. I consider this a good return on investment, even though you aren’t likely to see any future World Cup players out on the pitch, but coming to Gulf Breeze is a cool hidden gem of a city to visit. Pensacola Beach is also just over the bridge, about five minutes away, so if you are looking for something to do in the summer months and like going to the beach, you can experience Florida outdoors and attend a sporting event in a coastal setting. I highly recommend visiting Gulf Breeze and attending a Pensacola FC match. Access 3 Getting to Gulf Breeze should be a breeze; coming from out of town shouldn't be an issue with the city located just over Three Mile Bridge from downtown Pensacola. Highway 98 is the main road that runs through the city, and the huge park sits directly behind Gulf Breeze Elementary and middle school, right off Highway 98 on the affectionately named Shoreline Drive. Unfortunately, the Pelicans play their matches during the summer months, so you will always be fighting beach traffic, as Highway 98 can back up substantially between the two bridges headed out to the beach; consider this if attending a Pelicans match. Extras 3 During the 2023 season, the Pelicans played a home match during a Blue Angels flight show on the beach – the famous jets have their summer training base at Pensacola Naval Air Station a few miles away. During the second week of July, tens of thousands of people congregate on Pensacola Beach to watch the Friday and Saturday shows, many of them camped out overnight and pay $50 to $100 just to park. Unless you leave early it is almost impossible to get out to the beach this weekend unless you have a boat, so instead of fighting beach traffic, you can watch the Blue Angels from Shoreline Park. The boat ramp and pier provide an underrated viewing area that only attracts a few hundred locals – during my visit, I was able to watch the famous fighter jets perform their maneuvers from Shoreline Park, and then I walked across the street to watch the soccer match. Another popular activity to do at Shoreline Park is UFO watching; Gulf Breeze achieved some fame in the 1980s when a local man claimed to encounter a UFO in his neighborhood. Maybe it was activity from nearby Pensacola Naval Station, but this stretch of the gulf has had hundreds of UFO sightings over the years, with many sightings at Shoreline Park. Local skywatchers often gather at the park at night in the hopes of a close encounter, so be looking up towards the sky if you take an evening stroll on the pier after a Pelicans match – you may even see a UFO. Gulf Breeze also has a large black bear population, so be on the lookout if walking along the Shoreline Park South trails during the evening, especially during the summer months. The bears typically do not pose a threat to humans, but I advise caution regardless, and you should never feed the bears. Another extra for all the world-class facilities and amenities that Gulf Breeze has provided the community over the years. The amenities are endless at Shoreline Park, with so much to offer you can't possibly experience everything in one day. For a small Florida town, the Gulf Breeze Parks and Rec Department run some of the finest indoor and outdoor recreation facilities in the entire state, so if you are in Pensacola and need a break from the beach for a day, then coming to Gulf Breeze and experiencing Shoreline Park and a Pensacola FC match makes for a great option.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Foster Pavilion 650 S University Parks Dr Baylor, TX 76701 Baylor Bears website Foster Pavilion website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 7,500 New Year brings New Venue for Baylor Basketball The 2023-24 basketball season for the Baylor University programs is historic, and a footprint to the future of Baylor basketball. The teams said good-bye to the Ferrell Center, the programs’ home for the last 35 years, on December 22, 2023. Two weeks later, on January 2, 2024, the program opened their new home, Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, with a win versus Cornell. Foster Pavilion is a 223,547-square foot facility that has a seating of 7,000 with a standing room only area for another 500, bringing the venue’s capacity to 7,500. Foster Pavilion will be the first part of a multi-use development along the Brazos River in downtown Waco. The basketball arena cost $212.6 million and was designed by AECOM, and built by Austin Commercial, who also built Baylor’s McLane Stadium located across the interstate.   Food & Beverage   3 Foster Pavilion has an impressive food selection for their premium seating, but for the rest of the fans the food and drinks options are basic. This isn’t a bad thing, as college basketball fans spend less time in the arena compared to other sports. The basic food menu is perfect for a basketball game timeframe, and can be found at the Bear Fuel concessions located in the middle of the concourse on both sides of the arena. The food items available are double and single cheeseburgers, chicken tenders with a combo of French fries, sausage wraps, and snacks like popcorn, pretzels, nachos, peanuts, chips, and candy. In addition, Foster Pavilion has stands from outside vendor Chick-fil-A, chicken sandwiches and their well-known waffle potato fries, while Pizza Hut covers the fans craving pizza at the Bear Bistro concession. In terms of drinks, Foster Pavilion offers fans a choice of Pepsi and of course Dr Pepper products, as Waco is the birthplace of Dr Pepper. Upgrading to the souvenir soda is the way to go if you plan to have more than one soda, as the few dollars more becomes unlimited refills. The other drink choices are Gatorade and water; I did not see any alcohol options for the general seating area. The concession stands are in perfect locations, cashless, and top-of-the-line with technology, keeping the time needed to get food and drinks down to a minimum, which helps fans spend more time watching the game.   Atmosphere   5 Foster Pavilion was built on the concept of bringing fans closer to the court and giving Baylor a true-home court advantage – the first few games in the new building have done just that. The intimacy of Foster Pavilion has all the seats right on top of the court, providing a great view no matter where your seat is located. The 2 large videoboards above the upper baseline of the pavilion have advanced technology, as do the mid-level banner scoreboards, which offer everything a fan needs to assist in watching the game with the score, time, fouls, and video replays. The college basketball experience is largely relied on by the college students; Baylor has a great student section known as the Bear Den, located along the court behind the team benches and at the baseline end by the visiting team bench. This set up puts the Baylor students around the visiting team, with the Baylor band just on the far side – the band even keeps a tracker of how many foul shots the visiting team has missed since the pavilion opened. The Baylor spirit squad and the Bears mascots, Bruiser and Marigold, keep the crowd entertained during the game. The best way for me to describe the atmosphere in Foster Pavilion is a comment; an employee of the pavilion asked me when I arrived, “Do you have ear plugs?”.   Neighborhood   4 Foster Pavilion is along the Brazos River on the west side of Interstate 35, across from Baylor University’s campus in Waco, Texas. The arena is nestled in the corner of I-35, off the frontage road and South University Parks Drive behind the Clifton Robinson Tower, with a future stop along the Waco Riverwalk that will offer walking access to the Baylor University campus and downtown Waco. There are plenty of fast-food places within walking distance of the Pavilion. However, if you want more of a gathering place, Buzzard Billy’s Restaurant along the Brazos River is the closest restaurant to Foster Pavilion. However, Waco has numerous other restaurants to enjoy while attending a Baylor sporting event – one of the more popular is Vitek’s BBQ, which is on the south side of Baylor’s campus. Vitek’s BBQ is home of the Gut Pack, which includes brisket, sausage, Fritos, and beans; if you decide on this dish you won’t need to eat for the rest of the day, as it is heavy and filling, but delicious. You should plan on arriving early, however – Vitek’s does serve outside as well as inside, but the wait can be long no matter which one you choose. George’s Restaurant is also a popular place to meet before, during, or after the game. This restaurant has been serving Waco since 1930 and the crowds here are large, so be prepared to get there early. Or if you are a person looking for Tex-Mex, then Trujillo’s Comedor Y Cantina is my suggestion – Trujillo’s is located a few miles down the interstate on S. Valley Drive, at the circle just past Magnolia Table. Waco has so many wonderful restaurants that you’ll easily be able to find something that suits you. But if you want to do something in the neighborhood besides restaurants there is the Dr Pepper Museum, which is open on Saturdays. You’ll get to see how the popular Texas soft drink is produced, walk through its history, and even get your own Dr Pepper drink. Waco has also been popularized by Chip and Joanna Gaines thru their TV show – you can visit their Magnolia Market or stop at their restaurant.  Or if you want to stay closer to the arena, on campus you can visit the Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat, a habitat that is dedicated to black bears.   Fans   5 Baylor has a wonderful fan base, and Foster Pavilion will only enhance the fan support of Baylor basketball. The fans that attend games are energetic, fun, polite, respectful, and knowledgeable. Also, Baylor University being the centerpiece of Waco, the city is decked out in green and gold, with the local shops decorated to show support for the Bears. Foster Pavilion and the Baylor fans create a unique atmosphere and contribute to the pavilion being a tough place for any opponent visiting Waco.   Access   4 Foster Pavilion is located in Waco, Texas – Waco is located between the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the Texas state capital city of Austin. Waco does have a Regional Airport about 15-20 minutes away, but it will probably be cheaper and have more flight options if you fly into DFW or the Austin airport and drive the 90 miles. Once in Waco, Foster Pavilion is easy to locate as the pavilion is just off Interstate 35. There are about 1,600 public parking spaces within walking distance of Foster Pavilion; the private parking for Bears Foundation members is on site at Robinson Tower, and there are also shuttles from the McLane Stadium parking lots. In addition there is parking around the neighborhood, with the rate around $15. Basketball fans are encouraged to utilize the free parking in Waco’s downtown parking lots, while for ride-share services the designated drop-off location is on Second Street between Jackson and Clay Avenues. There are also ADA-accessible shuttles at Heritage Square, at the 300 block of Austin Ave. For a better understanding of the parking situation, please plan ahead using Baylor’s website. Foster Pavilion has 3 entrances, however, most people will use the main entrance, as the others are only for students and those with premium seating. Once inside the pavilion there is plenty of room throughout the main concourse to get to your seat; the only issue to be aware of is the baseline seating – due to its closeness and the way it was designed, the baselines seating has a steep angle, so it may be harder for people with seats in that area to access.   Return on Investment   4 Foster Pavilion is one of the smallest basketball arenas in the Big 12; just a few hundred seats more than the Fertitta Center  in Houston. The return-on-investment score is a little difficult for me at this point, due to Baylor basketball tickets only being available through the resale market, such as SeatGeek. Those prices are close to $100 plus fees per ticket – instead you can try buying one of the standing room only tickets (500 sold per game) through Baylor University itself at $40 each. I don’t suggest the SRO area unless you happen to live near Waco and just want to see a game; this area is great if you are the first on the baselines, but the sideline area for these tickets makes it hard to see the game. However, if the cost of tickets is in your budget, then the ROI is well-worth seeing a game in state-of-the-art Foster Pavilion.   Extras   5 Foster Pavilion is a top-level basketball arena that can make any basketball fan want to return every game. The architecture allows outside light into the arena and brings back an old basketball feel, with the most updated technology available to date. Baylor connects its past history with murals around the concourse displaying Baylor success in both the men’s and women’s program, including their National Championship and Final Four banners in the rafters. The most important, however, is the continuing memory of Baylor’s Immortal 10 – the story, for those that are unfamiliar, is that in 1926 the Baylor basketball team was headed to Austin to play Texas. Heavy rain obscured the bus driver’s vision of an oncoming train, causing the bus and train to collide, killing 10 of the 21 student-athletes, coaches, and fans on the bus. For one game every year, the Baylor players wear these individuals’ names on the back of their jerseys, and the Baylor students wear t-shirts with the names as well.   Final Thoughts The Baylor basketball program, fans, and the City of Waco have a gem in Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. The pavilion will no doubt become a special basketball destination for fans, and in time it could be one of the top basketball arenas in the country. Although construction is still ongoing and the full vision has yet to be achieved, the details already inside (and the landscape outside) make Foster Pavilion already a venue that any basketball fan will truly enjoy.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Legends Field 1800 Village West Pkwy Kansas City, KS 66111 Kansas City Monarchs website Legends Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 6,537 A New Reign in Kansas City Note: The Kansas City T-Bones rebranded as the Kansas City Monarchs on January 21, 2021. Our review is from when the club was still the T-Bones. If you travel a little further down I-70 and the Truman Sports Complex and cross the border into Kansas, you will find sports venues ranging from the Kansas Speedway to Children’s Mercy Field, and CommunityAmerica Ballpark. All three venues make up an impressive complex that consists of the Hollywood Casino, NASCAR Racing Experience, Great Wolf Lodge, an outlet mall, and many places to eat. The ballpark is home to the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association, an independent ball club that began play in 2003. It has 6,537 fixed seats but increases to 7,500 when you include the concourse, picnic area, right field grass berm, and center field party area. There have been several times in the past that crowds above 10,000 have been reported. The ballpark also serves as home to the Kansas City Kansas Community College baseball team, and local high school programs, and was once the home pitch of the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) from 2008 to 2010. Food & Beverage 4 There is a great selection of food options at the ballpark that is highlighted by the jumbo t-loin sandwich for $7.75 which is shareable and affordable. However, there are also plenty of barbecue options to be found that is worth enjoying while watching a game. The facility has a Fry Shack stand that serves up fried pickles, fried mushrooms, corn nuggets, and jalapeno poppers. There are also the usual food items of pizza slices, brats, nachos, and hot dogs. The Craft Brew Station features wraps, specialty pretzels, Philly sandwiches, wine, and craft beer selections from Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing Company. The prices for some of the concession items are very reasonable, but other items tend to be on the higher side. However, there is enough variety that one can find something to eat to fit the budget but get the t-loin, it’s delicious. Atmosphere 3 The T-Bones offers a typical minor league ballpark experience that equates to a family-fun atmosphere. The ticket prices are low, the concessions are varied, and there are enough promotions throughout the season to attract fans to the ballpark. The team offers weekly promo nights that include kids eating free on Monday nights, happy hour pricing on Tuesday nights, post-game catch on the field on Wednesday nights, $1 beers on Thursday nights, and post-game fireworks on Friday nights. The usual promotions, but popular at getting fans in the seats and creating value for your dollar. The wide concourse that wraps around provides vantage points from numerous angles and can accommodate crowds that swell around 10,000 around the holidays during the summer. The ballpark offers a team store, a children’s play area, and a basketball court for the older kids. Sizzle the Bull is a friendly mascot that the kids will enjoy during games. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is part of a sports and entertainment complex that also houses a soccer field, raceway, casino, outlet malls, and restaurants. It is the type of area where you may grab dinner before the game and then have a cocktail or two after the game and before you head home. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que is one of many great places, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey However, one of the best barbecue joints in the entire country is 16 miles near the state line and is worth the visit. Located in a former gas station is Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue which is world-renowned by chefs, locals, and tourists. There might be a line, but you can grab a beer or enjoy the smell of smoke as you near the cashier. Everything is good, including the sides, but the burnt ends are what you need to eat if you get the chance. However, Kansas City is known for its barbecue, and believe me, there are so many places in town to enjoy a smoked piece of meat. The list includes LC’s, Slaps, B.B’s Lawnside, Q39, Gates, and Char Bar. The only problem is not to overload on the barbecue, but you’re in Kansas City, one of the best cities in the world for barbecue. There are also great places to visit outside of eating including the National World War I Memorial and Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Money Museum, Science City at Union Station, and the College Basketball Experience at the Sprint Center downtown. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a highlight of the a. trip to KC, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The WWI Museum is a fascinating look at an often overlooked war that is as interactive and engaging as it is informative. If you have time for baseball, there is a team called the Kansas City Royals who play at Kauffman Stadium from April to October. I hear that they even have fountains in their outfield and a great kids’ play area. Fans 3 The attendance at T-Bones games is routinely in the top third of the league with a healthy average of around 4,000 fans per game. The stadium has all the needs and wants of a 21st-century fan and many who attend games do an admirable job of cheering on the home team. They are your typical minor league fan of the independent leagues, they want value for their dollar, and they certainly get that here at the stadium. Access 5 The stadium is at the I-70 and I-435 intersection with plenty of signs guiding motorists to both the complex and ballpark. There is plenty of free parking and a spacious concourse that wraps around the entire field with plenty of room to move around. All bathrooms, concession stands, and exits are marked Return on Investment 4 Single ticket prices all have a $2 upcharge on game day events and fans are allowed to bring in one 20-ounce unopened bottle of water. General Admission/Lawn seating tickets are $6.50, Bleacher Select $9.50, Select Seat $11.50, Choice Seat $13, and Prime Seat $16. These are pretty typical prices for indy baseball clubs and even with a $2 upcharge, one can watch baseball under $10. The food selection is varied and is reasonably priced and a huge plus is that all parking for home games is free of charge. If you happen to have a Price Chopper card, a lawn seat is only $4.50 on Wednesday nights if you show it at the box office when purchasing your ticket. Extras 3 The stadium gets one point for having both free parking and $2 hot dogs for all home games. The stadium gets a second point for its spacious concourse and easy convenience to get around the facility. There are plenty of vantage points to sit back and enjoy the game from many spots in the ballpark. The stadium gets a final point for having local icon Buck O’Neil’s 22 retired. Final Thoughts Legends Field is a very nice place to watch a baseball game; it’s spacious, plenty of promotional nights, and is easy to get to by car. If you happen to be in town when the T-Bones are playing, watching a game on the Kansas side of the city might be worth your effort.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Colonial Downs 10515 Colonial Downs Pkwy New Kent, VA 23124 Colonial Downs website Year Opened: 1997 Colonial Ponies Colonial Downs is located in New Kent, VA not far from Colonial Williamsburg, and re-opened for Thoroughbred racing in 2019 after a 5-year hiatus from the sport. The facility is part of the same complex as Rosie’s Gaming Emporium casino and offers both a dirt track as well as two turf courses. Horse racing is only available in the summer months (July through early September). Food & Beverage 5 There is plenty of food on offer at Colonial Downs, including full bars on each level of the clubhouse, a full-size restaurant called Rosie’s Kitchen inside the casino (ground level, featuring such items as burgers, flatbread pizzas, and chicken or fish sandwiches), a buffet on the third floor of the clubhouse (included as part of the ticket price for that level), food for purchase on the fourth floor of the clubhouse, and multiple options outside next to the track. The options outside include a smoked sausage stand, a fresh-squeezed lemonade stand, two bars, and a food truck serving up boozy ice cream drinks. There are also additional food options, sans any alcohol, available in the family zone section on the right-hand side facing the clubhouse. Atmosphere 5 The staff at Colonial Downs pull out all the stops even on days when there are no major stakes races – the amenities include a jet flyover following the National Anthem, a bouncy house and petting zoo with pony rides set up for the kids, free stuffed animal horses for the little ones, myriad betting stations so there is never a wait if you want to have a flyer, multiple horse statues on the grounds in case you want to take selfies, and almost every seat outside is undercover, to protect fans from the elements. There are also plenty of places to watch the races from; you can stand up close next to the rail or sit at one of the many picnic tables and watch while you eat. Or, of course, if you are willing to spend a little more on tickets you can sit in air-conditioned comfort on the third or fourth level of the clubhouse. Neighborhood 3 There is not much within close distance of Colonial Downs – there is a gas station with a Dairy Queen on the periphery of the property, but not much else. There is a golf course to the south of the track with lots of nice houses abutting it; in fact, the main entrance to the track is shared by those residents. There are some restaurants and hotels a few miles away if you want to stay near the track, but the big attraction of course is Colonial Williamsburg, about half an hour away. However, there are so many dining options at Colonial Downs itself that you likely won’t need anything else during your visit. Fans 3 Colonial Downs has pretty good attendance during most race days, and you will see plenty of people there with children. As with most horse racing courses, there is not much crowd noise except at the end of each race, when you will hear a few folks enthusiastically cheering on the horse of their choice. Access 4 Getting to Colonial Downs is pretty easy, as it is not far from I-64 and 1-95, the two main arteries taking people to the bigger cities north, south, and west. Once you get on the property there is free parking right next to the facility, but you may want to arrive early, as the closest spaces tend to fill up fast. There is a slight delay getting inside the clubhouse, as they do check IDs to make sure you are 21 – kids are allowed trackside, but you must be 21 or older to bet or to enter the casino and clubhouse. I didn’t see any kids inside, so it isn’t clear to me whether an adult has to go inside to buy tickets while the kids wait outside, or if there is a separate waiting area inside where children are allowed. Once at the track itself, there is plenty of room to move around and more than enough seating to accommodate the crowd size. There are chairback seats as well as chairback benches, depending on your preference, and there are escalators inside if you have tickets for the third or fourth level. Return on Investment 5 General admission seating is free at Colonial Downs, or you can pay a little extra for better seats outside ($5 to $40 each). Tickets inside the clubhouse are $75 each, but you must buy them in sets of at least four – food is included with tickets on the third level (buffet style), although you have to buy your drinks; only water is included in the base price. Tickets on the fourth level are also $75 each, again purchased in sets of at least four, and although the fourth floor has better seats, the food is not included there. However, since you can watch for free if you choose, seeing the races at Colonial Downs represents a great return on investment, given the free parking and all the great amenities. Extras 3 The horse statue in the main parking lot is of Secretariat, and there are other horse statues on the property as well. The facility also offers some great views, such as the fountain and pond in the infield, and is well kept up both outside and in. There is no gift shop on the property, however, so there isn’t a way to grab any souvenirs of your visit. Final Thoughts I would recommend a visit to Colonial Downs – this is a very upscale track without the upscale prices you may see at other tracks. In addition, the facility is very easy to get to for many people on the eastern seaboard, so it will be easy to plan a visit.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 MacKenzie Stadium 500 Beech St Holyoke, MA 01040 Valley Blue Sox website MacKenzie Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 4,100 Return to the Mack Not too many people may know that the city of Holyoke, located just north of Springfield, MA, is the birthplace of the sport of volleyball. Even fewer know that Holyoke is the home of quirky Mackenzie Stadium and the Valley (nee Holyoke) Blue Sox of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Named after Medal of Honor recipient John Mackenzie for his actions aboard the USS Remlick during World War I, Mackenzie Stadium served as the home of the Holyoke Millers of the AA Eastern League from 1977-1982. The field also hosted the Holyoke Giants of the New England Collegiate Baseball League from 2004-2007 before welcoming the Blue Sox in 2008. The Valley Blue Sox moved from Concord, NH to Holyoke in 2008. The Blue Sox won a pair of NECBL championships, in 2017 and 2018. Three Blue Sox alumni (Stephen Lombardozzi Jr., Trey Mancini, and Juan Perez) have played in the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 4 Mackenzie Stadium offers a pretty impressive menu of concession items for such a small facility. The different menu items are sold out of different buildings lined up along the third base side of the ballpark. All the ballpark basics can be found here, including hot dogs, burgers, pizza slices, and chicken fingers. In addition, items including nachos and French fries are available. An old trailer serves as a snack cart, serving up popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones. Cans of Coca-Cola products are sold at all the stands. In a rarity for this level of baseball, fans can purchase beer (at the ticket booth). Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Yuengling, Shock Top, Goose Island IPA, and Harpoon IPA can all be found here. Atmosphere 2 The Blue Sox put on a game-day presentation that is similar to many teams in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. It’s low-key and geared to the younger fans in attendance, with between-inning games such as the water balloon home run derby and the dizzy bat race. There’s a lot that feels familiar and comfortable here. Many of the fans in attendance are regulars and know each other, and even as a visitor, they are friendly and welcoming. Watching the younger fans in attendance chase foul balls around the facility never gets old. Fans who haven’t visited Mackenzie Field in a while may feel like there’s a lot less going on than in years past. This is mostly because the amount of activity on the third base midway has decreased greatly. There’s a large scoreboard in the left-center field that provides basic game information, including pitch counts, which are a big deal in summer college baseball. The biggest negative at Mackenzie Field is the sound system. It feels as if it needs replacing, as it is unclear and fuzzy in many areas of the ballpark. Couple that with music and PA announcements turned up way too loud, and it can be a great distraction. Also, there’s no need to play the same cowbell sound effect 100 times during a game. Neighborhood 2 Mackenzie Stadium is located in a mixed-use residential/commercial neighborhood, with little in the immediate area to attract visiting fans. Even though downtown Holyoke is only a couple of miles away, there’s not a whole lot going on to see or do here. The Volleyball Hall of Fame and the Holyoke Children’s Museum are located in the same building about a mile and a half away on the banks of the Connecticut River in downtown Holyoke. Pair this site with a visit to the Basketball Hall of Fame in nearby Springfield and you’ve got a sports history doubleheader lined right up. Other visitors to the area may be interested in exploring the trails of the Mount Tom State Reservation. The majority of fans looking for a place to eat or stay will likely find themselves in Springfield, a short ten-minute drive from Mackenzie Stadium. Fans 2 After years of residing at or near the top of the NECBL attendance rankings, post-pandemic seasons have not been kind to the Blue Sox. About two-thirds of the way through the 2022 season the team is averaging only 272 fans per game, placing the Blue Sox 13th out of the 14 teams in the circuit. It’s a far cry from the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the team averaged over 2,100 fans per game. The fans you will see at Mackenzie Stadium are a mix of die-hard fans who never miss a game and fans with a connection to the team, who either has host families or volunteers. As you would expect at this level of baseball, many families are filling the stands, taking advantage of an affordable night of entertainment. With the NECBL’s compact geographic footprint, it’s not unusual to see visiting fans at Mackenzie Stadium. Access 3 Mackenzie Stadium is located in Holyoke, MA, a city of nearly 40,000 residents located just north of Springfield in the western part of the state. One of the first planned industrial cities in the country, Holyoke once produced about 80% of all the paper used in the United States. Mackenzie Stadium is located on the north campus of Holyoke High School, less than a half mile from the terminus of Interstate 391. The area is well served by highways, as Interstates 90 and 91 both run a short distance from Holyoke. Parking is available on either side of Mackenzie Stadium, either in the High School parking lot or in a lot dedicated to the ballpark and adjoining softball and football fields. The first base entrance puts you at the top of the grandstand, while the third base entrance places you at field level near home plate. Seating consists mainly of a large grandstand that runs along the first base side of the field, with the press box located at the top. It is clear that Mackenzie Field once hosted football games with this setup. Smaller bleachers are set up on the third base side of the field and behind home plate. The old wooden bleachers behind home plate appear rickety but are a popular spot for long-time fans. There is plenty of room for fans who prefer to bring their chairs and set up shop at field level near home plate, deep in left field, or on the steep hill behind home plate. The views from many areas around Mackenzie Stadium are not the greatest and long-time fans have their favorite spots picked out. Nets and/or fencing obstruct views from all seating areas. The various concessions buildings are lined up on the third base side of the field, with small restrooms located in the furthest buildings down the line. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Blue Sox game is very affordable, with general admission tickets priced at seven dollars. Youths, seniors, and active members of the military receive a two-dollar discount. Parking is free in either of the parking lots adjacent to the ballpark. Concession prices are also quite affordable, with most items priced at under five dollars. It all adds up to a very affordable night of entertainment for Pioneer Valley sports fans. Extras 1 In the past, the third base concourse felt like a carnival midway, with giveaways, numerous food options, and sponsors booths lining both sides of the walkway. While the concourse is much less crowded these days, it still retains that feel, complete with a food truck serving snow cones and a table hawking Blue Sox gear. All fans are given a free roster sheet. Final Thoughts It’s kind of hard to believe that a ballpark like Mackenzie Stadium once was able to host AA-level baseball. While this old field’s glory days are most likely in the past, this quirky place has found its niche with the presence of the summer collegiate Blue Sox. Here’s hoping that the fans return to Holyoke and the Blue Sox regain their familiar place near the top of the NECBL attendance rankings. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Temple Owls website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 Temple in a Football Temple Temple Football is a big of a mixed bag for fan experience. On one hand the team enjoys the modern comforts that are afforded by playing in an NFL stadium near a big city. On the other hand, this very fact can be a detriment – lack of success on the field by the Owls in recent years has soured fans on attending games, meaning crowds tend to be smaller already, but there are also a wide variety of other sports here in Philadelphia to pluck fans away at the same time Temple is playing football, making the situation even worse. Food & Beverage 3 Most of the main concession stands at Lincoln Financial Field are open during Temple games. Here you can find the basic stadium fare (pizza $8-$14, soda $7-$10, pretzels $6, hot dogs $9, etc.), while local favorites such as Philly cheesesteak ($14-$16) and Chickie’s Crabfries ($14.75) are also available. Prices are generally high, however, and can easily exceed $20 a person for something simple to eat and drink. Atmosphere 3 This is where Temple football’s experience seems to be most conflicting – on one hand Lincoln Financial Field is a beautiful stadium. Home to the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles , the facility offers plentiful seating, easy access around the concourse, individual seats with backs and cup holders, and a giant video scoreboard. The team also does its best as well to make the stadium feel more like a Temple home stadium, including a “ring of honor” on the various LED video boards around the upper levels, and adding red tarps to cover the lower stadium walls near the field. Despite this, the size of the stadium is a detriment. Facing the same issues as teams like the University of Miami , USF , UNLV , and Pitt , even a solid crowd for Temple looks small when filling the stands at Lincoln Financial Field. Additionally, the Eagles logos are all over the stadium, and the overall green aesthetic permeates throughout; you know you’re playing in Eagles territory when you’re here. Neighborhood 3 Unlike other sports stadiums in major cities, Philadelphia’s stadiums are located outside the city itself, situated in an area devoid of the usual hotels, shopping, and dining. While a few sports bars are nearby, the overall area is mostly industrial in the immediate surroundings of the venue; the facility shares parking lots with Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park . A few miles away yields some hotels and shopping, as well as FDR Park for recreation. The Navy Yard is also just south of the stadium along the shores of the Delaware River – here you can see decommissioned Navy ships up close along various river walks. Fans 2 The fans for Temple Football have faded in attendance over the past few years. Tough seasons with poor results have left the locals sour on Temple’s state of affairs, and most games see low numbers unless a bigger team is visiting. As stated before, the crowd looks rather sparse thanks in part to the stadium’s large size, making even decent crowds seem thin. For the fans who do show up, tailgating in the parking lots is healthy and plentiful, with various alumni groups getting together on game day as well. Access 5 Lincoln Financial Field is located right between I-95 and I-76, making getting here a rather easy task. Additionally, Philadelphia International Airport is literally next door to the facility as well. Parking is also plentiful in the lots in and around the stadium, so getting in and out shouldn't be a problem. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range from $20 for the lower bowl to $56 for the middle levels of the stadium – this is rather respectable for FBS college football, especially in such a large modern facility. However, the cost of parking and concessions really drags down the overall value, coupled with the lack of fans at the game, which would be necessary to bring a really impressive college football atmosphere. Extras 3 The stadium includes various nods to football history in Philadelphia, including statues out front of the main entrances, as well as championship banners in the rafters for the Eagles . There’s also a kids play zone with bounce houses in the main concourse near the end zone, giving the younger fans a place to enjoy their time at the game. Finally, the team rings a large replica of the Liberty Bell whenever they score a touchdown, a nod to Philadelphia’s history. Final Thoughts Temple Football has a home many teams would be thankful for; a modern NFL stadium setup means that the program can enjoy the conveniences of a top-tier facility. However, in some ways this is a detriment to the Owls overall atmosphere and aesthetic. Temple has done the best with what they have, however, and the fans who do show up are diehard and passionate.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Recreation Field Baseball Drive Montpelier, VT 05602 Vermont Mountaineers website Recreation Field website Year Opened: 1940 Capacity: 1,200 Green Mountaineer Baseball Built in 1940 by the WPA, Montpelier Recreation Field served as home of the Montpelier Senators and Twin City Trojans of the long-extinct Northern League through the 1940’s and early 1950’s. Ten players from these teams went on to play major league baseball, including Hall of Famer Robin Roberts. When the Northern League folded in 1952, the picturesque little grandstand on Elm Street went without organized baseball for a half century until the Vermont Mountaineers were granted a franchise in the New England Collegiate Baseball League in 2003. The Mountaineers have won three championships during their time in the NECBL, most recently in 2015. Fifteen Mountaineer alumni have played in the Major Leagues Food & Beverage 4 For a small ballpark, Recreation Field offers a good variety of food and drink options for the hungry Mountaineer fan. A pair of concession stands underneath the grandstand sell assorted ice cream treats and pizza slices from Domino’s. For more variety, head down the right field line, where a food truck from Gus’ Catering serves up items ranging from typical ballpark fare to more unique items including BBQ pork sandwiches and since we’re close to the Canadian border, poutine. There is a beer garden located in deep left field which sells a variety of brews from Three Penny Taproom. Pepsi products are featured at Recreation Field. Be sure to try out the Mountaineer Root Beer, brewed by Hosmer Mountain Soda Company and sold only at Recreation Field. Look for it at Skip’s Souvenir Stand. Atmosphere 3 Baseball in the summer college leagues is generally a more laid-back experience than its minor league counterpart, and games at Recreation Field are no exception. The game is the main focus in Montpelier, but there is enough distraction around to make the casual or younger fan happy without upsetting the hard-core baseball fan. The team employs the obligatory mascot, Skip the woodchuck, who interacts with fans young and old alike. During the 2019 All-Star Game Skip even performed a perfect sky-dive into Recreation Field. The team runs a 50-50 raffle to help fund operations, along with a few giveaways and contests scattered throughout the game. An over the top game day presentation just would not feel right in this quaint setting. Neighborhood 3 Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont, and in terms of population, it is the smallest state capital in the country, with a population of under 8,000. Recreation Field is located in the northern part of the city, about two miles from the State House and downtown Montpelier. The downtown area may be small, but it’s very walkable and features a vibrant arts scene, along with several museums, shops, and restaurants. Three Penny Taproom and Sarducci’s are among the many great options in the area. Fans looking for recreational activities will be pleased with Montpelier’s many trails, bike paths, and parks. Burlington, located about 45 minutes away, is Vermont’s largest city and a popular tourist destination in its own right. Visiting fans will want to take a trip 15 miles up the road to nearby Waterbury, where the Ben and Jerry’s factory offers tours for the ice cream fanatic and Prohibition Pig serves up some of the best barbeque and craft beer you’ll find anywhere. Fans 4 The Mountaineers enjoy great support in the Green Mountain State, landing in the top five in terms of attendance every year since joining the New England Collegiate Baseball League. They average between 1,000-1,200 fans per game. A typical crowd at a Mountaineer game consists of families mixed in with your casual and die-hard baseball fan. While Vermont crowds are supportive of the home team, they are baseball fans first and foremost. Great plays by both teams are appreciated and applauded. Access 3 Recreation Field is located about two miles from downtown Montpelier, and is easy to get to from I-89. Take exit 8 off of 89, follow Route 2 (Memorial Drive) to Taylor Street, take a left over the bridge, take a right onto Elm St., and follow until you reach the ballpark on your right. Parking is available in lots next to the ballpark at the Vermont Community College and Turtle Island Children’s Center. The ballpark consists of a large, covered grandstand which was built in 1940. The Mountaineers have invested a lot of money and effort into improvements on many aspects of the park, such as the drainage, fencing, concession stands, the playing surface, and the grandstand. Their efforts show, as this ballpark is considered to be among the nicest in the NECBL, both from a player’s standpoint as well as a fan’s. Since the grandstand often fills up for Mountaineers games, overflow seating is available down the right field line in the form of several picnic tables. There is also room for many fans to sit or stand along the fences down either foul line, and many fans bring their own chairs to take advantage of these vantage points. Some fans choose to camp out beyond the outfield fence, where there is plenty of room for younger fans to run around. Fans requiring special accommodations should have no problem getting around Recreation Field. Rest rooms are located in a separate building behind the grandstand, and are adequate for a typical Mountaineers crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Mountaineer games cost six dollars for general admission seating. Parking is available in a very small lot next to the ballpark, or a very short walk away at the Vermont Community College or the Turtle Island Children’s Center for two dollars. With inexpensive concession prices, a Mountaineers game is an affordable entertainment option for central Vermont sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the display honoring Robin Roberts, who spent two summers in Montpelier pitching for the Twin Cities Trojans during his younger years. Also honored is Ray Fisher, a local man who pitched for ten years in the Major Leagues and was a member of the 1919 World Champion Yankees. A historic marker is located outside the ballpark on Route 12, which outlines the history of Recreation Park. A final extra point is awarded for the mountain backdrop at Recreation Field. Along with the 1940 wooden grandstand, it makes for a most picturesque setting for some small-town baseball. Final Thoughts Any baseball fan who enjoys travelling to different ballparks would do themselves a favor to consider a visit to Vermont. The ballparks in Montpelier and nearby Burlington have been around for a combined 180 years. These ballparks may be old, but they are still quite functional and contain enough modern amenities to satisfy any baseball fan. The NECBL boasts over 150 Major League alumni and has close to 100 players drafted every year. It is ranked by many insiders as one of the premier collegiate summer leagues in the nation. The action on the field in Montpelier can rival the beauty of its surroundings. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Toppa Field at Freebody Park Freebody St. Newport, RI 02840 Salve Regina Seahawks football website Toppa Field website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 2,000 Football by the Sea Toppa Field, a WPA project, is located within Freebody Park, a multi-use facility with multiple athletic fields and a playground. It was the original site of the Newport Folk Festival. Today, Salve Regina University uses the facility as home for their football, lacrosse, soccer and softball teams. The field is named for John Toppa, who coached in Newport at Rogers High School for 32 years, winning 11 state championships. Toppa also taught at the school and served as its athletic director for 25 years. Salve Regina University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Newport, RI. In Latin, Salve Regina translates to “Hail Queen,” which makes sense as the school began as a women’s college. Founded in 1934, the school is now coeducational, with an enrollment of 2,800 students enrolled in 40 majors. The school is best known for its nursing programs. Nestled amongst Newport’s famous Gilded Age mansions, it has been ranked among the nation’s most beautiful colleges by both Architectural Digest and Conde Nast Traveler. Salve Regina University fielded their first varsity football program in 1993. The Seahawks now play in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), a Division Three conference with schools located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Salve Regina has played in nine postseason games in its history but has yet to participate in the D-3 national tournament. Food & Beverage 4 There are no permanent concessions facilities at Toppa Field, so food trucks fill the void during Seahawk football games. Local favorite Little Fish provided the food during Stadium Journey’s visit, with a selection of fish, chicken and lobster tacos along with caviche, lobster covered nachos and lobster rolls. It’s not your typical football game fare, but totally appropriate in the seaside city of Newport. Little Fish food truck also sells Coca-Cola products and Liquid Death beers from local favorite Revival Brewing. Fans can also pick up a frozen lemonade from Rhode Island legend Del’s Lemonade. Fans looking for snacks will find a table operated by the Salve cheerleading squad which offers up cold drinks and candy. Atmosphere 2 A Seahawk football game features a pretty basic game day presentation. Fans who haven’t visited Toppa Field in a while will be surprised by the improvements in recent years. The newest addition to the facility is the brand-new scoreboard situated on the north side of the field, behind the visitors’ sideline. This basic scoreboard is so new that the crew hasn’t totally figured out how to use all its features yet. Longtime fans say it’s great to now know how much time is left in the game. Digital programs are available for all fans, and there is a playground near the park’s entrance where younger fans can let out some energy during the game. The Seahawk cheer squad provides some noise during the game while the PA announcer goes about his work in an unobtrusive manner. The sound system is not overwhelmingly loud, but the sound is of good quality. If you choose a seat near the top of the grandstand, the coaches will be sitting right behind you, barking out instructions to their sidelines via headsets. Neighborhood 5 Without a doubt, the biggest strength of Toppa Field is its location. Nestled in between Newport’s Gilded Age mansions and bustling Belleview Avenue, there is plenty to do and see before and after a Seahawks football game. Easton Beach and the famous Cliff Walk are less than a half mile from Toppa Field. A local’s tip: get to the area early and walk the Cliff Walk , a 3.5-mile path that runs behind many of Newport’s famous mansions atop a 70-foot shoreline cliff. Just to the west of Freebody Park is the Newport Casino, home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. After the game, head a half mile in the other direction to America’s Cup Avenue, where the Brick Marketplace contains numerous fine restaurants, pubs and shops. The area will be much less crowded during the fall months, but most of the businesses will still be open. Also located here is Cardines Field , one of the oldest ballparks still in use in the country. Other attractions in Newport include Fort Adams State Park, Touro Synagogue (the oldest synagogue in the country) and the Newport Art Museum. Fans visiting the area will have no shortage of choices for dining, shopping or lodging. More complete information can be found at DiscoverNewport.org . Fans 3 Salve Regina draws good crowds to Toppa Field. The Seahawks are the only college team on Aquidneck Island, so many locals turn out to see some football on fall weekends. Many of the fans in the stands enjoy relationships with the players on the field, so they are knowledgeable about the game and enthusiastic in their support. While there’s not an overwhelming presence from the student body, they do turn out in solid numbers to cheer on their classmates. Given the small size of Salve, they’d barely fill Toppa Field if everyone showed up, anyway. With the compact geographic footprint of the NEWMAC conference, there is usually a good turnout from visiting fans as well. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend a gorgeous fall Saturday in Newport? Access 2 Newport is a city of about 25,000 residents located at the southern tip of Aquidneck Island. Best known as a popular summer destination, this seaside town is famous for its Gilded Age mansions and sailing history. Located 33 miles south of Providence and 74 miles south of Boston, it is not easily accessed by any highways. The closest interstate to Newport is I-195, which runs from Providence to Cape Cod about 20 miles north of Newport. Route 24 runs from Fall River down through the upper half of Aquidneck Island. Once the highway ends visitors will navigate Route 114 into the city. Freebody Park is located in the northern section of Newport, just behind the Newport Casino and near the city’s famous Gilded Age mansions and beaches. This area is full of historic sites and a popular summer destination. While it may be a bit less crowded on fall football Saturdays, it’s still not the easiest area to navigate. Parking is available on the neighborhood streets, but it can be difficult to find spots really close to the park. Be prepared to walk a few blocks and be sure to pay attention to signs. Many streets are closed to parking at certain times. There is some public parking available near the Cliff Walk about a half mile away. Seating at Toppa Field consists of a single concrete grandstand on the southern edge of the facility. Seasoned fans will bring cushions to sit on during Seahawk games. There are a pair of small bathrooms underneath the grandstand, which are augmented with several port-a-johns scattered throughout the park. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to a Seahawks game are sold as general admission for ten dollars. On-street parking in the Freebody Park area is free. Some of the concession items are a bit on the pricey side, although not out of line for the type of food offered (lobster rolls aren’t cheap, after all). Overall, a Salve Regina football game is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 1 The Salve Regina football game day presentation is a pretty basic one, with not much going on at Toppa Field that can be considered extra. We’ll award an extra point for the improvements that the university has put into the facility to improve the overall experience. The new turf and the new scoreboard are just two examples of such improvements to this classic stadium. Final Thoughts Toppa Field is a busy community recreation facility that just oozes history and provides a simple, but enjoyable game day experience. Located on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, a visit to a football game at Salve Regina will be just a small part of an incredible stadium journey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.