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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Going to a baseball game with friends or family is one of America’s classic pastimes. You may be able to afford tickets to go to a ball game or two, but you want to try and save some money by bringing your own food. You should know that not all baseball stadiums allow you to bring outside food into the ballpark. In some cases , this may be a new or temporary change because of COVID-19 restrictions. In these cases, you will have to purchase food and drink from concession stands in the ballpark. However, some stadiums do still allow food and drink to be brought into the stadium, but there may be some restrictions that vary between each ballpark. If you want to know where you can bring your own snacks to a ball game, this list is for you. #1) Rogers Centre – Toronto Blue Jays The Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada has a pretty liberal food policy . You are allowed to bring in food or drinks with the following restrictions: Must be wrapped, bagged or inside a container to avoid messes from spills Containers must comply with their bag policy in terms of size and material Bottles and cans of drinks must be plastic, non-alcoholic, and hold no more than 600 mL of liquid Your cans or bottles must be unopened when you arrive, but they will be opened at the security gate No cannabis products are allowed The exception to the final rule is if you have hemp products that are THC-free, so you can bring small plastic bags of premium CBD gummies . #2) Yankee Stadium – New York Yankees The Yankee Stadium food policy does not provide as much information as the Rogers Centre, but it does say that they allow food to be brought into the stadium for individual consumption, meaning you cannot bring your own food to sell. You can bring in fruit like apples or oranges as long as they have already been sliced or sectioned, and you can bring in bottles of water as long as they are plastic and hold no more than one liter. #3) Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles Dodgers The Dodger Stadium food policy is similar to the Yankee Stadium policy. You can bring in food from outside, but it does not allow for any bottles, cans, coolers, glass containers, or thermoses. Non-alcoholic bottles of beverages can be allowed if it has one liter or less. The exception to this is if you have a suite, in which case you can’t bring any of your own food or drink. #4) Busch Stadium – St. Louis Cardinals The Busch Stadium food policy is a bit more comprehensive. It allows most kinds of food to be brought into the stadium as long as it follows the bag policy for size and material. You can’t bring in alcohol, or anything in hard cans, bottles, containers or coolers. Drinks have to be in plastic, factory-sealed bottles that are two liters or less. Similar to Dodgers Stadium, you cannot bring any food or drink from outside into their suites. #5) Great American Ballpark – Cincinnati Reds The Great American Ballpark food policy allows for bags and coolers to be brought into the stadium with food and drink that meets certain restrictions: Drinks must be factory-sealed, unopened and non-alcoholic Coolers must be soft-sided #6) Truist Park – Atlanta Braves The Truist Park food policy allows for outside food that fits inside clear plastic bags no bigger than one gallon. Drinks must be non-alcoholic, inside sealed plastic bottles, are also allowed. You are only able to bring in one bag of food and one bottle of a drink per ticket holder. They do allow some extra considerations for infants and people with dietary restrictions. All food and drink will be inspected by security on entrance. #7) LoanDepot Stadium – Miami Marlins The Marlins Park food policy allows for specific permitted items related to food and drink: Individual serving sizes food items that are in a clear plastic bag, including sandwiches, snacks, or sliced fruit One clear plastic bottle per person of unflavoured water that is factory sealed, unopened, and holds no more than 20 ounces One clear, soft bottle that is empty so you can fill with water in the park #8) Tropicana Field – Tampa Bay Rays The Tropicana Field food policy allows food to be brought into the stadium for individual consumption. They must be individual servings that are wrapped, bagged or in soft containers no bigger than 16″ x 16″ x 8″. You can bring in sealed bottles of regular water, as well as juice boxes for children. You cannot bring in any soda, coffee, or any other kind of drink, even if they’re in sealed plastic bottles. Some of the rules and restrictions on outside food and drink are similar, but there are variations between them. A lot of stadium policies give guidelines to the size of food or drink you can bring, as well as restrictions on the kinds of drink. The general idea is you can’t bring anything that is too large, or made from a hard material that can be easily thrown or used as a weapon. You can always contact the stadium security ahead of time to ask specific questions on if they allow certain types of food.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 John Euliano Park 4000 Central Florida Blvd Orlando, FL 32816 UCF Knights website John Euliano Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 3,600 Baseball Charges On at UCF As often happens in cities without a major league sports team, the local college fills the gaps. Such is the case with UCF baseball. In a city that is within driving distance to multiple other college teams, UCF attracts the biggest fans. Thanks to a multi-million dollar renovation, John Euliano Park is now a premiere baseball facility as well. You can find this beauty of a stadium nestled between the UCF Bounce House and Additional Financial Arena. However, on game days just follow the roar of the crowd to find your way. With an updated stadium, it is hard to argue against this being one of the premier college baseball stadiums in Florida. Food & Beverage 4 Thanks to large crowds, UCF has expanded its food offerings on game days in recent years. Food vendors dot the main concourse downstairs behind home plate, while smaller vendors can be found in left and right field. A cold beer will cost $7-$8 while a soda or water $4-$5. For food, fans can pick from burgers ($10), sausages ($9), hot dogs ($4), and assorted snacks (popcorn $2, nachos $7, sunflower seeds $3, peanuts $4, and Cracker Jack $5). This represents a solid mix of stadium favorites and baseball essentials. UCF students can take advantage of special pricing for water, popcorn, and hot dogs on game days for $2 each as well. Atmosphere 5 The fans at John Euliano Park are electric. Weekend games frequently feature a packed house. The team has also become a mecca for youth baseball teams to come watch some great action on the field. The stadium itself feels like a whole new place after its recent renovation. The second deck behind home plate now gives fans an elevated option from which to take in the action. The right field seating upstairs remains a great option for fans as well, serving as general admission seating as it has in the past. Below that the right field concourse runs along the batting cages, allowing fans the option to watch players warming up before heading onto the field. Down left field you will find a large sloping berm that gives a great picnic area feel. The outfield is also home to the rowdiest of fans, as many will use the parking lot and adjacent free viewing area as the perfect tailgating spot. Neighborhood 4 John Euliano Park is located on the campus of UCF; both the immediate area around the stadium and the campus itself are chock full of places to find food and shopping. Just outside the stadium’s main gate are Addition Financial Arena and the Bounce House. Here you can also find the UCF campus bookstore and associated Starbucks, as well as Burger U, the campus bar and burger/wings joint frequented by fans and students. Outside of campus you can find Blaze Pizza, Tijuana Flats, and countless more restaurants. For somewhere to stay, the closest options are Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East. Fans in the area are also less than an hour from Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center to the east, while to the west they can find downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Park. Fans 5 Fans have started to make UCF baseball games a must-see event. From little league to high school varsity squads, kids from around Central Florida flock to UCF games. Without a doubt, however, the rowdiest crowd is the fans in the outfield. Beneath the scoreboard in center field the fence drops down to just a few feet high, offering a unique vantage point for tailgaters. The outfield parking lot is also transformed on game day to the home for the biggest UCF fans, who select their spots for free baseball viewing. They chant and cheer with gusto, adding to the home field advantage UCF enjoys. Access 4 Being that the stadium is located on campus, the roads in and out of the facility are easy to get around to find John Euliano Park. Parking lots and garages are free and plentiful. There are even several entrances for the stadium, either at the main entrance or down the first base line. That way, you can enter and exit John Euliano Park at different points, depending on where you parked. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to UCF baseball are incredibly affordable. General admission tickets start at $7, with assigned seating behind home plate starting at $10. Club seats on the second deck can be purchased for $40. Parking for games is free, either in the F garage adjacent to the stadium, or in the outfield lot when the F garage is being used for an event at UCF arena. With concessions prices not rising to the level of professional stadium rates, you can take a family to the game and get a bite to eat without breaking the bank. Extras 5 John Euliano Park features a neat view of the batting cages from the right field concourse, allowing fans an up-close view of pitchers warming up and players taking batting practice before games. There are also several themed giveaway days throughout the season, giving fans multiple reasons to come out to UCF baseball games during the year. Fans can also enjoy visits from a baseball-dressed Knightro mascot throughout the event, and everyone coming into the stadium can also take advantage of multiple giveaway tables. Here, fans can pick up posters, magnets, stickers, pins, and even flags on game day, courtesy of UCF and their sponsors. Finally, the team has a kid’s club that young fans can join to show their love of UCF sports. Final Thoughts While many may immediately think of football when it comes to UCF athletics, it is clear baseball is quickly becoming a draw here as well. With a beautiful newly renovated home stadium, the Knights are well positioned to provide one of the best game day experiences in college baseball. With great weather year-round and a fanbase that loves to support their team, there are plenty of reasons to not pass up UCF baseball when looking for a great place to watch America’s pastime.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Wilford Moore Stadium 1560 Ross Ave Abilene, TX 79605 McMurry War Hawks website Wilford Moore Stadium website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 3,200 War Hawks (NOTE: This review took place during the 2021 spring season; all ratings take into account the limited seating capacity and attendance due to COVID-19 precautions.) Located in the Central West Texas town of Abilene is McMurry University and their football team the War Hawks. First fielding a team in 1923, the War Hawks compete in the Division III American Southwest Conference at Wilford Moore Stadium on the university’s campus. The stadium, opened in 1937 and re-named in 2007 after the school’s most successful football coach, the stadium is home to McMurry’s football, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s track and field teams. Moore would serve as head coach at McMurry from 1947-54. This would be the team’s most successful period and he led the now War Hawks to a 48-25-5 record. The team would win four conference championships and Moore was named “Coach of the Year” in 1948, 1949 and 1953. His winning percentage of .610 is the highest among all the head coaches in McMurry history with a minimum of 20 victories. Food & Beverage 2 As part of a conference agreement, McMurry is currently not selling any concessions on site during their spring campaign. However, in the meantime, fans are allowed to bring in outside food and drinks. The one exception to this is alcohol is not permitted. During “normal” seasons, Wilford Moore Stadium has two concession stands, one on the home team’s side and one on the visiting team’s side. Menu items include such traditional staples like War Hawk Dogs ($4; $5 with chili and cheese), nachos ($4; $5 with chili and cheese), Frito pies ($5), pretzels ($2), and even frappuccinos ($4). Fingers are crossed for better times in the fall. Atmosphere 3 For the spring season, the War Hawks have limited capacity seating on both sides of the stadium. The bleachers are marked with areas that fans are able to sit in and still provide enough area for social distancing and face coverings are required unless fans are eating or drinking. Despite this, the spacing, the stadium still felt full and was loaded with fans wearing maroon and white. This is a good thing, as that truly added to the overall energy of the game. The overall setup of the stadium has the look and feel of a large high school facility. The fans show up and cheer just like it is one, as well. This is also a good thing. In times such as these, it is great to see that the passion for college football hasn’t been lost. Aside from the limited attendance, the other notable coronavirus-related change are the monitors that patrol the stands ensuring that fans are wearing their required face coverings. Players Ready to Enter Field, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Wilford Moore Stadium is located right in the middle of the McMurry University campus and is within shouting distance of Walt Driggers Field, home of the War Hawks baseball team. Abilene is one of the more underrated cities in the state of Texas, especially given its location in the sparsely populated West Texas region. The city is home to Abilene Christian University and to McMurry’s arch rival, Hardin-Simmons University. This means there is an opportunity – if timed right – to catch multiple games on your visit to Abilene. In terms of things to do, Abilene has got you covered. For attractions, there is plenty to keep anyone of any age interested. One of the high points that simply should not be missed is Frontier Texas! Located in downtown Abilene, history buffs will enjoy this interactive museum tells the lively story of Texas during the Old West using state-of-the-art technology (it’s one of the only museums to use holograms). For younger fans, a visit to the Abilene Zoo should be on the agenda during your visit. Home to over 1,000 animals and over 250 species in exhibits ranging from the Giraffe Safari to the Caribbean Cove. There is also a miniature train and a carousel to experience. If the weather is right, this is a great way to spend time before or after you catch a War Hawks game. When it comes to dining options, Abilene boasts of being the home for one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Texas and I make a visit every time I’m in this part of the state. Belle’s Chicken Dinner House is a family-style restaurant that, as its name implies, specializes in fried chicken. Great fried chicken. You can choose from traditional fried chicken, chicken tenders, grilled chicken, and chicken fried steak as your entrees. The sides and their out-of-this-world yeast rolls are served family style and are bottomless … aka all you can eat. For a something a little more on the grown up side of the menu, the Taylor County Taphouse has what you’re looking for. A traditional style brew pub, the Taphouse has scores of craft beer on tap and a unique menu ranging from such items as charcuterie boards to chili-rubbed pork tenderloin to sweet potato hash. If you’re looking to stay overnight either before or after attending a War Hawks game, you will probably need to venture out to find your lodgings. As mentioned, Wilford Moore Stadium is located right on the campus of McMurry University. As such, hotels and/or motels are not in the immediate vicinity. If you want to stay the Airbnb route, you might have some luck. However, if you’re willing to drive 15-20 minutes, downtown Abilene has plenty of options. These include the MCM Eleganté Suites and the WoodSpring Suites. Fans 4 Despite the COVID-19 restrictions and limitations on attendance, War Hawks fans still show out as much as possible at Wilford Moore Stadium. The maroon and white are in full socially distanced effect. The energy that the fans put is reminiscent of a great high school game. In contests such as their rivalry match-up with the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys, the stands are jam-packed! The visiting side stands are less than half the size of the home team’s side, so that will need to be taken into consideration when making your visit to Abilene. Access 3 Abilene is two hours from both Fort Worth and Midland and is located in Central West Texas. Getting to this region is a bit of a drive if you’re coming in from anywhere else in the state. If you want to fly in, the Abilene Regional Airport is where you’ll be coming in from. Once you’re in town, McMurry University and Wilford Moore Stadium are about 15 minutes from downtown Abilene. If you’re driving to the game, parking is ample and free. There is also the public transportation way to travel; CityLink is the bus line that runs through the city and has routes that run near campus. Return on Investment 4 For football fans looking to attend a War Hawks game at Wilford Moore Stadium, there is some really good news for you. There is no cost for either admission to games or for parking. The team generally schedules some of the better teams on the Division III landscape, so you are almost always guaranteed a great match-up for any game you attend. When concessions return, they will also be on the highly affordable side compared to other larger venues. With attendees able to bring in their own food and drinks, this adds to the affordability of your visit. Extras 3 Wilford Moore Stadium boasts many of the typical extras that you’ll find at most college football venues. These include their marching band (the McMurry Marching Band), cheerleaders (McMurry Cheerleaders), and mascot – Wally the War Hawk. Though limited in their interactions with the crowd due to the coronavirus, they still do their best to entertain the McMurry faithful. Other extras include photo ops on the home team side in the form of a large war hawk statue and a larger than life blow up photo of the stadium’s eponymous Head Coach. Final Thoughts It still remains tricky to judge venues during this time of quarantining and social distancing. Much of what makes them special and unique are stripped down out of an overwhelming necessity for caution and safety. However, even with most of the bells and whistles taken out, it is still a special experience to be able to go out and catch a college football game at Wilford Moore Stadium. You get the picture of what a true game day experience might be and will hopefully be in the very near future. It is college football and sports and community at its best. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Somewhere along an old state road in the Hoosier State, miles away from the closest interstate, is Newtown. There are 200 people in the town, intersected by State Roads 341 and 55. However, don’t blink because you might pass some of the best bourbon whiskey. It's made in what was a former high school basketball gymnasium. Old 55 Distillery opened for business on Labor Day 2017 in the former Richland Township High School gymnasium that graduated its last class in 1965. The gym itself was last used by grade school children in 1973. The old gym and its classrooms underneath began deteriorating until the Fruits brothers began using it to age its bourbon barrels about five years ago. The opening of the distillery has drawn interest from around the world, with orders and visitors from Japan, Canada, and Australia. The brothers had no prior experience with making bourbon but submitted a business model to their father after lengthy research and travel to various bourbon distilleries around the country. “Jason did a lot of the research,” said Aaron Fruits, whose family has deep farming roots dating back many years in the area. “He showed up one morning and drove up to Michigan to look at a craft distillery to see what the operations were all about, then Chicago, and a few other places. When we got back, we asked Dad if we could do this, and he said yes.” The brothers produce clear corn whiskey, single-barrel bourbon whiskey, and 100% sweet corn bourbon whiskey. Old 55 is the only distillery in the world that produces sweet corn bourbon. The unique concoction is labor-intensive and costly, but the brother’s grandfather grows corn on the cob on his farm, helping reduce the cost of production. A bottle sells for $120 at the tasting room but doubles in price in retail shops throughout the state. “In the retail business, you have two chances, is what you get,” says Fruits as he holds up two fingers. “If they go the store looking your product and it’s not in stock, they’re done. They tell you in economics to have two chances, and then you’re done. The new lease on life of the former basketball gymnasium is somewhat bittersweet. It was the home to Red Devils teams for only 22 years before the high school consolidated with Wallace, Kingman, and Veedersburg High School to become Fountain Central High School. Before the distillery opened, the building was storage space for different grain and machinery parts. Construction of the gym began in 1941, and there was a shortage of laborers due to World War II. The WPA hired high school boys, who were excused from several classes, to help with the building’s construction. Richland Township alumnus and former boys basketball coach, the late Bob Quirk, stated in his book Real American Stories. “When they poured cement, we high school boys would come to school in work clothes, and instead of going to class, we were hired by the WPA to help pour cement; we got paid 40 cents an hour.” Construction of the gym and school began when two other local high schools, Mellott and Newtown merged. Classes began that academic year in September, but it would not be until 1943 when basketball was played at the gym. The reasoning annoyed Quirk many years later. “The thing that I am still mad about was that they said the gym was not finished and that they couldn’t find a coach, so we couldn’t have a basketball team. They said they could not find a coach because the war had started, and we had no place to play our games since the gym was not ready. Can you imagine today announcing that there would be no basketball team this year?” The gym was one of the finest in the area and soon became the gathering spot for many in the surrounding community. On a cold winter night, the facility would be packed for home games, but it was not necessarily much warmer inside. “It was the only thing to do in town,” said Carla Knecht, who remembers cheerleading in the gym. “The place would be packed for every game, but it would always be cold. We always had a great time watching games or cheering with the crowd.” The gym featured seven rows of wooden bleacher seating on both sides of the court, a hangar-shaped roof, a performance stage, and concession and ticket booths on the north side of the gym. The handsome-looking building was located in the back of the school and offered additional classrooms underneath the playing surface in the basement. Today, the original ticket booths are still there but rotted away, the performance stage has been sealed, and only one strip of wooden bleacher remains inside the building. The roof caved in several years ago and was replaced, and the additional classrooms downstairs are now home to bourbon barrels aging whiskey. The place is dusty and could use a little clean-up, but its dank conditions are perfect for distilling barrels of bourbon. There is no sunlight reaching into the basement of the former high school hoops gymnasium. The Old 55 Distillery isn't a novelty in repurposing the gym. There are copious other former basketball palaces that are barely standing. In Newton, the gym is finding new life even though many don’t see this side of the distillery. There will always be a reminder of its athletic past inside its walls, from the grandstands to the ticket booths and the wording on the exterior of its walls. The front of the gymnasium that once was the school is now a modern building that houses the distillery's tasting room. Visitors come in and sample bourbon whiskey or perhaps enjoy it straight from a glass with a few friends. One of the Fruits brothers will gladly take you back to the former gymnasium. You will find several barrels aging the next best batch of bourbon for consumption. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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