Photos by Marc Viquez: Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Faught Stadium Grizzly Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Franklin College Grizzlies Faught Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 1,000 The Vandy is Still Dandy in Franklin The Franklin Grizzlies play their games at Faught Stadium in Franklin Field. They are members of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference for NCAA Division III athletics. Their home stadium was rebuilt in 1999 through the sale of commemorative bricks at $ 100 apiece to help fund the construction of a new press box, grandstand, entrance, and iron and brick fencing. The venue was named in honor of long-time football coach Stewart “Red” Faught, who guided the Grizzlies to a 155-146-6 record from 1957-1988. The former name of the stadium was Goodell Field, but it was renamed during the 1988 homecoming ceremonies, An interesting fact about the football program is that they were the opponent in Indiana University’s first game in 1887, a 10-8 victory. The program has captured 11 HCAC titles throughout its history and shares a historic rivalry with Hanover College. The two teams compete for the Victory Bell, a tradition that dates back to 1898. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium has a concession stand with two windows adjacent to the main grandstand. There are quite a few items, including hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, BBQ beef sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, snacks, and Pepsi products. Their stand does not offer a menu board and is cashless. It tends to get busy at certain times, and most items are between $3 and $5. Atmosphere 4 Faught Stadium is not the typical Division-III football experience. The stadium is situated on the edge of campus and the residential streets of Franklin. The main street in front of the stadium is closed to vehicular traffic, and multiple tailgating areas are set up before the game. Many fans line up outside of the stadium’s fences and watch the game at their tailgating spots. Inside the stadium, the football field is not surrounded by a track. This allows fans to sit in the endzone and on the sidelines on their lawn chairs or blankets. There is plenty of room to spread out in these areas, as long as they don’t cross the line that is roped off for media and school personnel. The backdrop to all of this is the two-story press box and brick grandstand that has seating for 500 people. It features bleacher seating and is packed with Grizzlies fans who have an optimal view of the gridiron and surrounding neighborhood. The main brick entrance also adds a nice touch to the stadium’s aesthetics. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Franklin has been known for its quaint restaurants and locally owned shops since it was featured in the December 2, 1940, edition of Life magazine. That spirit remains intact 80-plus years later, with visitors finding everything from bars and casual and chef-driven restaurants to shops, bakeries, cafes, and breweries. Downtown is less than a mile from campus. The Historic Artcraft Theatre was built in 1922. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. Many buildings were constructed in the 1800s and now house local places for food and drink. Blue Cactus Tacos & Tequila Bar and Shale Creek Brewery are two such establishments, ideal spots before or after the game. The Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 and has been restored to its original look, offering second-run movies. Next door is The Willard, built in 1860. Today, it is a bar and restaurant. More options are listed on its official website. North and east of campus on US-31 or at the I-65 exit is an array of fast-food restaurants and regional chain eateries. There are also retail stores, supermarkets, and several other places of interest. It is ideal for a quick bite on the run or with the family. Fans 4 Franklin College has a large group of fans who support the football team. They tailgate four hours before the game, pack the grandstands, and set up shop around the end zones. The student body is also found celebrating near the stadium on Saturday afternoons. There isn’t a student section or designed cheers, but enough cheers from the fans inside the venue. Access 3 The stadium’s size makes it easy to move around during the game. There are parking lots near the stadium, including one a few steps from the stadium’s entrance. However, finding a spot might take some navigating and could become cumbersome during higher-attended games like homecoming and the annual Victory Bell game against Hanover. It is recommended to arrive a little earlier to secure a spot and also enjoy the festivities before the game. Return on Investment 4 The ticket price for an adult is $10.90 and must be purchased online. The price of a burger or a hot dog is $5, and popcorn and Pepsi products are $3. One option is to donate $5 to the Touchdown Club tent where fans can enjoy unlimited grilled burgers, hot dogs, side dishes, and sweets before the game. Extras 3 One point is the site where the football team marches into and out of the stadium across the street from the nearby arena. Fans can greet players, and they make their way onto the field before the game and when they leave at half-time. A second highlight is the field turf that was installed before the 2025 season. It is one of the better-looking fields in the conference and provides a comfortable, cushioned area for fans to watch the game from either end zone. A third highlight is the tailgating that takes place before the game in nearby parking lots and grassy areas around the entrance. The surrounding trees, blocked-off streets, and friendly banter among fans create a festive and lively atmosphere on Saturday afternoons. Final Thoughts Faught Stadium is a picturesque setting for a day of college football. Franklin, Indiana, is a destination worth exploring on its own, but pairing a visit with a Franklin Grizzlies game makes the trip even more memorable. For sports travelers looking to experience college football beyond the game itself, a Saturday in Franklin is well worth the journey. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Finley Stadium 1826 Carter St Chattanooga, TN 37408 Chattanooga Mocs website Finley Stadium Davenport Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20,668 All Aboard for Mocs Football The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs play at the FCS level of NCAA Division I competition. They are members of the Southern Conference, which includes nearby rivals East Tennessee State University, Western Carolina University, and Furman University. The Mocs have won seven Southern Conference football championships over the years. They have been to the FCS playoffs five times. The Mocs are the only NCAA program that has the mockingbird for its mascot. The mockingbird is the state bird for the state of Tennessee. The athletic program chose to shorten the name to “Mocs”, explaining its choice of the bird as a mascot because “it is known for protecting its turf, while showing spirit and determination”. The Mocs also include train imagery in their athletic programs due to the school’s proximity to the world-famous Chattanooga Choo Choo. The home of Mocs football is Finley Stadium. It is named after W. Max Finley, the CEO of Rock Tenn, who was a UTC alum and a key backer in the building of the stadium. The stadium is located on land formerly occupied by a Rock Tenn plant. The field is named Davenport Field, in honor of Gordon L Davenport, another UTC alum and CEO of Chattanooga-based Krystal, who was also a major backer of Mocs athletics. The stadium is owned by the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage program at Finley Stadium offers a mix of stadium standards and Chattanooga favorites. There are seven permanent concession standards and a revolving set of food trucks to meet the dining needs of Mocs fans. Locally based concessions include Chestnut Bakes (pizza, popcorn, beer and sodas), Mac’s Subs and Fries (cheesesteaks, subs) and the MAX Grilleworks (hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, sodas, beer). Other local stands include Miller’s Lemonade, Kettlecorn Man, and Abuelita’s Seasons. The Fort Finley Market is a grab/go format stand that features snacks, sodas, and beer. All concession stands feature Coca-Cola brand sodas. Concessions prices are very reasonable, as the Mocs tend to try to keep gamedays affordable for the locals. Alcohol is available at Finley Stadium for fans over the age of 21. This includes more than 25 domestic and local craft beers, canned cocktails, and wine. Atmosphere 5 Finley Stadium offers a great gameday experience. It starts with all the tailgating experiences at the First Tennessee Pavilion, where you can be fed, fired up, and befriend other Mocs faithful. After the Mocs Walk and pep rally, it’s just a short walk to your seats in Finley Stadium. Once inside the stadium, you’ll enjoy great sightlines, as the stadium has a very intimate feel, despite its capacity of just over 20,000. During breaks in the action, head to one of the very convenient concession areas along the concourse and check out the Wall of Champions, which covers the Mocs' long history of success. Halftime allows you to take a break from the action and time to enjoy the performances of the Marching Mocs. You can complete your gameday experience by visiting many of the nearby attractions available in the Chattanooga area. It is a compact city, with a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, and nightspots located just a few miles from the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Finley Stadium is in the Southside neighborhood of downtown Chattanooga. This area offers plenty of entertainment options, several restaurants and some of Chattanooga’s top tourist attractions. Entertainment options include Southside Social, Chattanooga Brewing and Naked River Brewing. Restaurants nearby include The Flaming Rooster, Pizza Brothers Southside, and Feed Table & Tavern. Lodging near the stadium includes the Hotel Kinley and the Hyatt Chattanooga Southside. Chattanooga attractions near Finley Stadium include the Tennessee Aquarium and the Tennessee Riverwalk. Erlanger Park, the new home of the Chattanooga Lookouts, is just a few blocks away. Fans 4 The majority of the University’s fans live in Tennessee, making it very easy for them to attend Moc’s athletic events. Pregame activities are centered around the First Horizon Pavilion, a 55,000-square-foot covered space located just across Carter Street from the stadium. Although tailgating is allowed in any of the parking areas, the pavilion is considered the main area to congregate before games. The First Horizon Pavilion offers food vendors, entertainment, a children’s play area, and a team store. The Mocs football team arrives 2.5 hours before the kickoff and does a Mocs Walk through the pavilion to Finley Stadium. There is also a pregame pep rally featuring the Mocs cheerleading squad, the Marching Mocs band and the team mascot Scrappy. These groups lead the fans across Carter Street and into Finley Stadium in a parade 45 minutes prior to kickoff. The student body tends to gather down the street from the First Horizon Pavilion in a zone known as the “Moc Block”. Access 5 The home of the Mocs is easy to reach via I-24 or I-75, as they intersect in the Chattanooga area. From the south: Take I-75 north out of Georgia, then get on I-24 West. Take I-24 West to US 27 North. Take exit 1 (Main Street). Turn left on Main, then right on Carter Street. Finley Stadium will be straight ahead of you. From the north: Take I-24 East to US 27 North. Take Exit 1 (Main Street). Turn left on Main, then right on Carter. On game days, fans can also use the free Downtown CARTA Electric Shuttle to get to Finley Stadium. This shuttle stops at multiple locations throughout the downtown area. The shuttle will drop off/pickup fans at the corner of West Main and Chestnut, just a block from the stadium. Parking lots serving Finley Stadium open six hours before kickoff. There are 1,200 parking spaces in the Gold Lot, with four parking garages within a short walking distance of the stadium. Pregame activities at the First Horizon Pavilion get underway four hours before kickoff. There are six gates into Finley Stadium. Stadium gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices at Finley Stadium are in line with most FCS-level programs at General Admission prices of $22 Adults/ $11Children for General Admission seating. Padded Reserve Seating is $23 Adults/ $27 Children. Parking at stadium lots (Gold parking) is $15. Extras 3 Finley Stadium hosted the FCS National Championship Football Game from 1997 through 2009. Finley Stadium also serves as the home pitch for Chattanooga FC soccer matches. They play at the MLS NEXT Pro level of competition. Chattanooga offers a wide variety of attractions for a city of its size. Be sure to make your trip a long weekend to enjoy the many restaurants, nightspots, and other activities in the area. Final Thoughts A football weekend in Chattanooga should be on everyone’s bucket list. The game day experience is terrific, and there are loads of things to do both before and after the game. The scenery is lovely on a crisp fall afternoon. Best of all, Chattanooga offers a much more affordable experience than larger cities like Atlanta or Nashville.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Prospect League is a summer collegiate league with 20 teams spanning Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. The league completed its 2026 season a month ago and is already in the planning stages for next summer. More than 646,000 people attended games this summer, and Stadium Journey has all but two of the league's ballparks on our list. We rank all stadiums based on FANFARE: Food & Drink, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment, and Extra. The system evaluates the complete fan experience across categories such as food and beverage options, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan engagement, accessibility, value for money, and unique features and amenities. The rankings do not include Jackson Rockabillys Stadium and Workman Family Baseball Field, home of the Decatur Bean Ballers. However, we will do our best to visit these two ballparks for a complete review in 2027. Until then, see where your favorite team’s home stadium ranked in our list. Below are our 2026 Prospect League Baseball ballpark rankings. 18. Lloyd Hopkins Field - Alton River Dragons 2.57 The Alton River Dragons home is the smallest in the loop and features a covered grandstand, dugout seating, and makeshift merchandise tables and concession stands. The stadium's setting in the local park, a few miles away from multiple bars and restaurants along the Mississippi River, makes for an inviting visit. 17. Carleton Davidson Stadium - Champion City Half Trax 2.57 The Half Trax call the charming little ballpark home in Springfield, Ohio. There is an old-school vibe, featuring grass-covered lots, merchandise tables, and plenty of concessions. It’s a place where you will more than likely bump into someone from the neighborhood. In other words: "everybody knows your name". 16. Bob Warn Field - Terre Haute Rex 3 The Rex returned organized summer baseball after many years, adopting a catchy name, like the former names of the Tots, Huts, and Stags. The college ballpark offers enough for everyone, and this year brought a championship appearance, providing winning baseball as well to the Wabash Valley. 15. QU Stadium - Quincy Doggy Paddlers 3.14 QU Stadium is a WPA stadium and was built from Iimerock blocks and concrete. It stands out in design and aesthetics, and fans who attend games enjoy the atmosphere, including on-field promotions, giveaways, and affordable prices. There is a lot of history at the old stadium. 14. The Corn Crib - Normal CornBelters 3.14 The Corn Crib might be one of the better names in the league. The massive stadium features corn stalks, corn-themed nights and food, and other popular promotions and giveaways. The CornBelters offer an escape from the summer blues each year. 13. Robin Roberts Stadium - Springfield Lucky Horseshoes 3.29 Baseball has been played on the site of Robin Roberts Stadium since 1925, but the current grandstand was constructed in 1977. The stadium features a "turtleback" field, where the infield is elevated with a steep downslope to the outfield. 12. Capaha Field - Cape Catfish 3.43 Baseball has been played at the site of Capaha Field since 1894. The current grandstand was built in 1939 and, since then, its main concourse has been a former road that houses picnic tables, concession stands, the main entrance, and other activities. The Catfish were league champions in 2026. 11. CarShield Field - O’Fallon Hoots 3.43 CarShield Field offers a wide-open concourse, food options, a friendly staff, and fun times during the summer months. The Hoots offer people in the St. Louis market a great option to enjoy an evening of baseball with friends and family. 10. Schweickert Stadium - Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp 3.43 You’ll never have to pay a dime for a ticket for a Pistol Shrimp game, because all games are free. The little ballpark has grown organically since the club relocated to the valley several years ago. It is a unique experience that is filled with strong community support, intimate views, and plenty of family-friendly fun. 9. VA Memorial Stadium - Chillicothe Paints 3.43 VA Memorial Stadium is a classic ballpark, built during a time when baseball was the main attraction and everything else took a back seat. The times have changed, but not the atmosphere for a Paints game. The ballclub has provided over 30-years of baseball to the community and looks to continue that for years to come. 8. Community Field - Burlington Bees 3.57 The community of Burlington, Illinois, sits along the Mississippi River, and its ballparks are an old favorite among baseball purists. The ballpark has been renovated over the years and features a look that stands out among others in the loop. The third base bar is a fun place to watch the game with friends and family. 7. Marion Stadium - Thrillville Thrillbillies 3.57 Marion Stadium is modern, sleek, comfortable, and well-designed for baseball fans. Thrillville brings tons of fun to games in Southern Illinois, with in-between innings entertainment, promotional giveaways, creative concession options, and a fun vibe. The Thrillbillies finished in second place with 63,920 in paid attendance this summer. 6. Danville Stadium - Danville Dans 3.71 Danville Stadium was built by Branch Rickey for a Brooklyn Dodgers affiliate in 1946; 80-years-later, it's still providing baseball excitement over the summer. The covered wooden grandstand takes fans back in town and the bare-bones approach to the game is greatly appreciated. 5. Kokomo Municipal Stadium - Kokomo Creek Chubs 3.71 Baseball returned to Kokomo after a one-year hiatus with a bang this past summer. The Creek Chubs unique name has its fans saying, “Go Chubs Go,” and the modern ballpark is large enough to house lawn seating, a massive kids' area, creative food, and a beer tent. 4. NelsonCorp Field - Clinton LumberKings 3.86 A classic covered grandstand welcomes visitors, while the small town along the Mississippi River adds to the charm of a LumberKings experience. The Kings led the league with 73,619 paid attendees. The former affiliated team has found a new home in the Prospect League, continuing to create lasting baseball memories for its fans. 3. Sargent's Stadium at The Point - Johnstown Mill Rats 3.86 There aren’t many ballparks that are a century old, but Sargent's Stadium at the Point in Johnstown is one of them. The Mill Rats offer some of the most affordable ticket prices in the loop in their massive venue, known for its giant outfield wall and natural beauty, with hills and rivers on the outside. 2. Loeb Stadium - Lafayette Aviators 3.86 One of the newest stadiums in the league has everything from open views, a wrap-around concourse, a beer garden, freshly popped popcorn, and a waterslide and old-fashioned ice cream shop on the outside. If you are looking for modern comfort, Loeb Stadium has you covered. It hosted the 2026 Prospect League All-Star Game. 1. League Stadium - DuBois County Bombers 4 This is where the motion picture “A League of Their Own” was filmed. The Bombers make the memories of the film come alive through vintage-style uniforms, performances, merchandise, and outfield ads. The cozy ballpark was built to look like a wartime stadium, and fans enjoy a trip back in time in the small-town community.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.716 Ottawa Stadium 300 Coventry Rd Ottawa, ON K1K 4P5 Ottawa Titans website Ottawa Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 10,332 Titans Rising Ottawa was once a phenomenal baseball town. The Ottawa Lynx joined the International League in 1993 and immediately took Minor League Baseball by storm, setting attendance records and raising expectations. However, the MLB baseball strike of 1994 and faltering of the parent Montréal Expos had the Lynx fall off significantly at the turnstile. By the time the Lynx left town for Allentown, becoming the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, their attendance was dead last in the International League for a few years. Over the next two decades it was a revolving door of different baseball teams in different leagues playing at what is now known as Ottawa Stadium. The Ottawa Rapids/Rapidz/Voyageurs took up residence in the CanAm league for three seasons and the Fat Cats tried what is now known as the Canadian Baseball League for a couple. Ottawa took another shot at the CanAm League with the Champions for five seasons. Finally, the solid ownership of OSEG, parent of the Ottawa 67’s and RedBlacks, and Winnipeg Goldeyes owner Sam Katz brought the Ottawa Titans to town in 2020. The Frontier League team has shown new signs of baseball life in Ottawa, bringing out some of the best crowds since the Lynx days. Food & Beverage 5 Ottawa Stadium has a surprisingly excellent set of concession options. Each concession stand has a unique menu. Lois & Firmas and Pudgyboy’s Donuts hit the sweet tooth with local donuts and ice cream. Gabriel Pizza is the local pizza option. ROOST has a unique variety of chicken wraps and poutines. Cappy’s Kitchen offers burgers, fries and hot dogs among traditional ballpark items. Junior and the Kid BBQ has a host of brisket, pulled pork and mac and cheese concoctions. Ottawa Stadium has an excellent selection of local craft beers. The best spot for alcoholic beverages is at the Hop Yard, behind the berm seating, where Beyond the Pale, Vimy and Stray Dog breweries have a selection of beers. Cottage Springs seltzers and coolers are available here as well as other spirits and wines. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at Ottawa Stadium and are found throughout. Atmosphere 3 Ottawa Stadium is a product of 90s Minor League Baseball. It is an adequate facility that is not uncomfortable, but will not wow the patrons. The exterior of the stadium is attractive with silver siding and light brown brick. The elevator tower gives the ballpark a distinct look. The “Switch Hitter” statue that is normally found in the square behind home plate on the exterior of the stadium was not present during the game that was reviewed. It is unclear as to the reason for this at the present and can be assumed that the artwork will be returning to its location. Inside Ottawa Stadium, the concourses have some minor markings for the Titans as well as a couple of cutouts for photo ops. Markings of note in the concourse are the two posters celebrating the 2022 and 2024 Frontier League Wild Card games, which Ottawa hosted and won. Also of note in the concourse is the team store, which is a decent size and well-stocked, comparable to MiLB teams. The seating bowl is a split-level, single tier that wraps around and goes past third and first, but not all the way to the outfield wall. The seats are blue, plastic stadium seats. There are two levels of suites, including the press box above the concourse, behind the seating area. Berm seating is available in the left field corner. There is no 360-degree path at Ottawa Stadium. Behind the fence there are plenty of mature trees, which do well to hide the shopping center that is beyond right field. A decent videoboard with dedicated baseball scoreboard is beyond right centre field. The gameday production at a Titans game seems to be at just the right amount of interaction. Typical promotions occur on the field and a 50/50 draw is held with volunteers canvasing the stands. The sound system at Ottawa Stadium is very good and the announcer is easy to understand. The Titans’ mascot, Cappy, is found on the field during the pre-game festivities and promotions and also interacts with fans in the stands. Neighbourhood 4 Ottawa Stadium is located in the Overbrook neighbourhood of Ottawa. Although it is a fairly retail and residential area, a short drive in the car or jaunt on public transit will bring fans to one of the top tourist cities in Canada. There are a few spots for pre and post game food and drink in the neighbourhood. Some options include The Bistro, O’Brien’s Roadhouse and Roger’s Italian Bistro. There are plenty of other sports options in Ottawa. Some will not line up with the Titans schedule, however. Ottawa is preeminently the home of the Senators of the NHL. Other options include the RedBlacks, 67’s, Charge, BlackJacks, and Atletico Ottawa. The Carleton Ravens field football, basketballand hockey teams and the Ottawa Gee-Gees also field football, basketball and hockey teams. One of the top sporting events in the city is the annual Panda Game, which pits the Carleton and Ottawa football teams against each other at TD Place Stadium. Ottawa is one of the top tourist cities in Canada. Heading towards downtown will provide a ton of options including Parliament of Canada, Royal Canadian Mint, Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of History, Rideau Hall and the Rideau Canal to scratch the surface. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Hampton Inn Ottawa and Courtyard Ottawa East are within steps of Ottawa Stadium. Fans 4 The Ottawa Titans enjoy a solid fanbase that seems to have grown over the years. At the time of writing, late in the 2026 season, the Titans averaged over 2,400 fans per game. This ranks them fourth in the Frontier League. The game that was reviewed, a Tuesday evening, saw over 3,200 fans in attendance. In the 2026 season the Titans also set a Frontier League record, selling out their first game of the season at over 10,200 fans. The fans in attendance are supportive and loud at all the right times. Access 4 Ottawa Stadium is located in the Overbrook neighbourhood of Ottawa on the southeast corner of Coventry and Vanier Parkway. It is immediately north of Trans Canada Highway 417 with easy access from the highway. However, traffic in Ottawa, including the 417, can be challenging at times. There is plenty of parking on site for a cost on an app. Fans are warned not to park in the local shopping centre that is beyond right field. Fans wishing to take public transit to Ottawa Stadium have a number of options. South of Highway 417 there is a light rail station as well as a Via Rail station. There are also bus stops along Vanier. Fans should consult the OC Transpo website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around Ottawa Stadium is not difficult as the concourses are fairly wide. The ballpark does not have a 360 degrees path. The washroom facilities are decent for the venue. Return on Investment 4 Ottawa Titans baseball offers good value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Titans are $22 plus fees for most seats. The end sections on both the first and third base side offer tickets for $15 plus fees. Parking will be around $10 in the app and concession prices are decent. The game that was reviewed was $2 hot dog night. The product on the field is solid and the community seems to be coming out to support the team more and more. Overall, a solid return on investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for the seamless bilingual announcements at Ottawa Stadium. An extra mark for Ottawa Titans players, in uniform, handing out baseball cards to fans at the game that was reviewed. Final Thoughts Although the Ottawa baseball market is redeveloping after the phenomenon that was the rise and fall of the Ottawa Lynx, the Ottawa Titans are bringing in fans at a rate far superior to previous baseball teams. A trip to see the Titans is a great way to spend a summer evening in Canada’s capital, one of the best tourist cities in the country. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Highmark Stadium 10 Bills Plaza Orchard Park, NY 14127 Buffalo Bills website Highmark Stadium website Year Opened: 2026 Capacity: 60,108 A Stadium That Fits the Bill (s) In Every Way The Buffalo Bills opened their 2026 season in their first new stadium since 1973, as they took the field at the new $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium, which is just across Abbott Road from the original incarnation of Highmark Stadium. The new stadium was designed by the noted stadium architectural firm Populous. The former stadium had several weaknesses, which primarily had to do with the harsh winds and winter weather conditions coming off the nearby Lake Erie. The older stadium offered no protection from the wind or the snow in the seating areas, which often required fans to dig their seats out of the snow prior to the games. In addition, the field had no heating elements under the surface to keep the field from freezing, which would obscure the field markings, as well as lead to more player injuries. The new Highmark Stadium features a metal-clad exterior and a roof canopy that offers cover for more than 65% of the seating bowl. It is also outfitted with a snowmelt system to prevent any heavy accumulation of snow from forming. The canopy and exterior cladding also help to prevent the swirling winds of the old stadium that created havoc with both the passing and kicking games of the Bills. The concourses offer radiant heat to keep fans even more comfortable. The seats in the new Highmark Stadium are much closer to the action than in the Bills former home. This is because the stands have a much steeper pitch than the previous stadium. This, along with the added protection from the elements, makes for a much more enjoyable gameday experience for the fans. The former stadium’s artificial turf has been replaced by natural Kentucky Bluegrass, with heating elements buried below the playing surface. This keeps the grass alive well into the season and has cut down dramatically on injuries from playing on the former rock-hard surface. Food & Beverage 5 The Bills have a new food and beverage concessionaire as they moved into their new home. Legends Hospitality will now manage the food and beverage operations. They also have experience as the concessionaire for AT&T Stadium and SoFi Stadium. They are known for offering high-end specialty items, hyperlocal menus, and an extensive set of craft brews. In Buffalo, a hyperlocal menu includes such items as Beef on Weck, Hot Wings, chicken fingers, and BBQ brisket sandwiches, Buffalo chicken pizza and other local delicacies. It also means having Anchor Bar beers on your beverage list. In this regard, Highmark Stadium delivers! The concession areas are well planned, as they are organized by food zones in several plazas along the concourses in the stadium. The stadium also offers a game-by-game selection of foods based on the opponent that week. A Dolphins game would offer seafood, while a Chiefs game might feature some Kansas City-style BBQ. In this way, they cater to the tastes of both the home and visiting fans. Atmosphere 5 Gamedays at Bills games are wild and wooly… just like the buffalo featured on the team helmets. The Bills Mafia likes to party hard and long, win or lose. One unique Buffalo tradition is for fans to dive into the back of a truck onto a folding table, which promptly collapses. Rather than discouraging this tradition, the team celebrates the tradition with an art installation on the lower concourse of the stadium featuring a giant 20-foot-long smashed folding table. Two traditions… one longtime and one recent, have made the move to the new Highmark Stadium. Bills fans have celebrated touchdowns for years by singing the anthem “Shout!” The second is the playing of “Mr. Brightside” in the 4th Quarter to keep the team’s energy up as they hopefully bring in another home win. The design of the stadium also tends to trap the noise, while also offering protection from the elements. This results in visiting teams having a hard time calling plays and calling out snap counts due to the crowd’s efforts to drown them out. Neighborhood 3 The immediate “neighborhood” surrounding the new Highmark Stadium consists of a 242-acre site, which includes the stadium itself, as well as the parking lots and the Buffalo Bills Family Circle. The broader neighborhood is the town of Orchard Park, NY. Orchard Park is an incorporated city in Erie County and is located 14 miles southeast of downtown Buffalo via US 219. Other than the immediate area around the stadium, there is little else to do in Orchard Park. The lodging options are limited to a few mom-and-pop-sized motels, and there are few restaurants in the area. Fans 5 Buffalo’s fanbase is known as one of the most hardy and loudest fanbases in the NFL. They fill the stadium no matter how bad the weather is in the Buffalo area. They are broadly referred to as the “Bills Mafia” for their toughness and unquestioned loyalty to the team. The Bills also benefit from the fact that they are the most successful of the two professional sports franchises in the city, as the Buffalo Sabres have not made the NHL playoffs since 2012. Even though the stadium’s capacity is listed as 60,108, it can hold up to 63,000 by using a standing-room-only area behind the end zones. One of the priorities when building the new stadium was to identify a pregame gathering point for the fans to build up energy before the kickoff. The answer to that question is Buffalo Bills Family Circle. This area is easy to find, as it features a one-of-a-kind art installation known as “The Bison Family”. The installation features a trio of steel bison, with a 27-foot-tall bull, a 22-foot-tall cow, and a 12-foot-tall calf. The statues are bathed in lights in the red and blue colors of the Bills. The trio of buffalo even have smoke coming out of their nostrils, imitating the breath of the players on a frigid Buffalo winter’s day. Plaques celebrating the legendary Bills players of the past form the exterior of the Family Circle. This area has been an instant hit with the fans, as everyone clamors for a selfie with the newest addition to Bills imagery. A second pregame gathering point is the new Pregame Plaza between Gates C-D. It includes a mini-field, games, interactive experiences, music, and photo opportunities. Once inside the stadium, one of the venue’s new design elements becomes readily apparent. In addition to protecting the fans from the elements, the overhanging roof canopy over the stands concentrates the noise level inside the stadium much more efficiently than the old stadium. This makes it much more difficult for the visiting teams to call plays and hear the snap count. In addition, the seats are in much closer proximity to the field, which is great for the fans for viewing the game, as well as an intimidation factor for the visiting team to have to deal with. An unusually nice perk for general admission fans is a standing-room-only deck behind the north end zone. It is only 12. 5 feet above the playing surface. We were surprised by the small size of the videoboards at each end of the field. They seemed undersized compared to the monsters at the previous Highmark Stadium. Access 4 The Bills new home has also addressed many of the accessibility issues in their old stadium. The concourses are much wider and have improved the flow of the fans between their seats and the concession areas and restrooms. The concourses are also open towards the field for the full 360 degrees, so fans will not miss any of the action while in line at a concession stand. In addition, the new Highmark Stadium has five times more elevators and escalators than the old stadium, which has cut down dramatically on the time it takes for the fans to get from the entry gates to their seats. The parking lots surrounding the new Highmark Stadium open four hours before kickoff. The gates to the stadium open two hours before kickoff. Since everybody is experiencing the new stadium for the first time, it’s a good idea to enter as early as possible to find your seat location. One drawback in the stadium design is the large number of obstructed-view seats at Highmark Stadium. If you are purchasing your tickets online, we advise you to check out a site with the “view from my seat” feature so your view is not obstructed when you reach the stadium. While the new stadium has addressed many of the shortcomings of the original Highmark Stadium, the roads entering Orchard Park remain the same, creating lengthy traffic jams on game days. It simply does not make economic sense to create wider roads and bridges solely for the 8-10 days of the year that the stadium hosts events. Fortunately, the Bills Mafia like to come early and stay late on NFL gamedays. This spaces out the traffic flow somewhat. Return on Investment 3 The team’s name is the Bills, and you will be paying a steep price to go to a Buffalo home game, as the Bills fanbase is extremely loyal and willing to pay a high price to be in the new stadium. As a matter of fact, season ticket holders funded more than $263 million of the stadium’s construction through purchases of Personal Seat Licenses (PSL’s). They paid an average of $750 per seat in the 400 level of the stadium, and more than $50,000 for seats at the premium and club levels. The team sold out every seat in the stadium, meaning tickets available on the secondary market are extremely expensive. A sampling of costs for a non-conference game shows an average ticket price of $700 for a ticket in the 400 level of the stadium and $2,500 for a ticket in the lower level of the stadium. Parking is also at a premium. Lots closest to the stadium go $140-$230 per space, while spaces further away from the stadium are priced at $89-$133 per space. However, the locals are more than willing to sell spots in their yards within easy walking distance of the stadium for considerably less! If you are heading to the stadium from downtown Buffalo, you are in luck! The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority runs a gameday express service from several locations in the downtown Buffalo area to Highmark Stadium. The cost? $5.00 each way! For more information, go to NFTA - Metro. Rideshares pick up and deliver fans to the Erie Community College South lot adjacent to the stadium. You can expect to pay $25-$60 each way from Buffalo depending on surge pricing. Extras 5 The lead architect for the stadium’s design team at Populous was a former Buffalo Bills player. Scott Radecic knew firsthand the shortcomings of the original venue and worked closely with the Bills ownership to address these issues in the new building. The Bills are sporting a new look in the new stadium. They have introduced Nickel City alternate uniforms with a silver/gray base color and a dramatically different helmet from past years. Technology has come a long way since the original Highmark Stadium was built in 1973. The new stadium features one of the best sound systems in the NFL. The concourses are outfitted with radiant heat, giving fans a little respite from the late fall/early winter temperatures in the Buffalo area. Highmark Stadium is nearly double the height of the former stadium. On a clear day, you will be able to see Lake Erie as well as downtown Buffalo from the upper-level seats. Highmark is an affiliate of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield healthcare organization. As a part of the company’s commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles, a 1.7-mile Highmark walking/jogging Trail was installed for year-round use by the community, and it encircles the stadium exterior. Final Thoughts The design team for the new home of the Buffalo Bills was tasked by the ownership to create a stadium that was both intimate and intimidating. They have succeeded on a grand scale. It truly makes us “wanna shout!”

Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey I write for Stadium Journey. That means I attend various sporting events and write about and review that particular venue. The aim is to give future attendees an idea of what their own visit will be like. These official trips are not the end of my stadium “visits”. No matter where I go, it seems stadiums find me. Sometimes, I get to just be a fan, soaking in the spectacle without having to document every square inch of the concourse for a formal review. That was exactly the case this past weekend when I traveled to London for All Elite Wrestling's All In PPV at the magnificent Wembley Stadium. Even when my purpose is purely personal, stadium logistics always catch my eye. We decided to take the train into the Wembley Central overground station. Given the sheer magnitude of an event like this I was bracing myself for transit chaos. Instead, the experience was remarkably nice and easy. The crowd control from the station all the way to the stadium footprint was incredibly well-managed, keeping the eager masses moving smoothly. It was just as easy on the way out after the event. Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Before heading into the venue, we spent some time wandering around Wembley Park. The area offered some great shopping, as well as plenty of spots for drinks and food. To be honest, we didn't do much heavy lifting there. We mainly just sat and watched the colorful crowd of fans converge. It’s always fascinating to people-watch when a passionate global fanbase descends on one location. When it was time to head inside, I was struck by the architecture and crowd flow. Navigating a massive venue like Wembley can be daunting, but the entrance to the stadium was nicely designed for such a large crowd showing up all at the exact same time. The structural layout swallowed up the tens of thousands of fans with ease, getting everyone through the turnstiles and to their seats efficiently. As for the stadium food offerings, they were fairly basic, standard stadium fare, but still very good and tasty. Sometimes a simple, well-made hamburger and a cold drink are all you need to settle in for a long night of action. And what a night of action it was. The absolute highlight of the evening was seeing Will Ospreay win the title in front of his home country crowd. The roar that shook the iconic Wembley arch when he secured the victory was nothing short of amazing. Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Overall, it was just a really fun time. Standing there, soaking in the atmosphere of one of the biggest wrestling shows on earth, I couldn't help but smile at the irony. Even when my purpose was purely personal, a stadium was still at the heart of the experience. It just goes to show, whether I'm actively seeking them out for an article or simply enjoying a well-deserved weekend of wrestling, stadiums are an undeniable, ever-present part of my world.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 SECU Arena Auburn Drive Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website SECU Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,200 Tiger's Den Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. Their football team played in the 2013 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, falling short to North Dakota State, and their basketball team has also had scattered success over the years, most notably in the early 1990s under coach Terry Truax. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. The Tigers play in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The volleyball team has been one of the dominant programs in the CAA recently. Towson has really stepped up recently in all sports with their athletic program. A major step forward was moving out of the depressing Towson Center and into the shiny new SECU Arena in 2013. I personally have many great memories of the Towson Center, as I worked there for a few years during college. It certainly had personality, but frankly, it was not a well-designed facility and was showing its age dramatically. During the last year of operation, one of the bleacher sections would not even fully expand. Towson Center is still technically around, as the new arena and the old building are merged, with locker rooms inside the old building. Food & Beverage 1 The SECU Arena really has subpar food offerings. There is a single concession stand open for volleyball matches offering no real variety and sometimes with a large line. Prices are not great, with $6.25 for a hot dog and $5.25 for a Pepsi. Pretzels are $4.50, and popcorn is $4.50. Please eat before coming to SECU Arena. Atmosphere 3 The lowered seating bowl of SECU Arena makes the sound seem to pop here. It can be pretty loud. It may take time, but this place can be a loud arena. The stands surround the court. The upper seating areas of SECU Arena are not open for volleyball matches. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the arena. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Fans 3 Volleyball matches tend to get a small crowd made up of mostly friends and family. Students may show up, but expect you may not see any of them at the match. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, although the closest lots are reserved for those buying season passes for access to them. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $10 for special matches, but even the normal price makes for a good investment. Extras 2 Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. Stop at the Tiger statue outside of the arena during pregame, as it is a great meeting spot. If you get a chance, you should stop into the old Towson Center to see how much better the new facility is than the one they left. Final Thoughts SECU Arena is a very nicely designed arena for a mid-major volleyball program. If the crowd were to come to support the team a bit more, the building could be an intimidating place for opponents to play.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pechanga Arena 3500 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego, CA 92110 Map It San Diego Seals website Pechanga Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 12,920 Seals Lax The San Diego Seals are members of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), beginning play in the 2018-2019 season. They have been successful, enjoying winning seasons since their inception. In their five years of play (the NLL was cancelled during the pandemic), they have made it to the playoffs four times and to the second round twice. They have not yet made it to the finals. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District of San Diego, CA. Pechanga Arena also hosts the San Diego Gulls (AHL hockey). It is also home to a variety of other entertainment such as concerts, Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, and more. A busy and popular Kobey’s Swap Meet is held every weekend in the parking lot of the arena. Built in 1966, the arena is set up to be functional, not like the whiz-bang marvels built these days for sports facilities. It serves the Seals well from a fan perspective. There’s been talk of building a new arena on the same site as the existing one. The proposition also includes an entertainment district (shops, dining, urban parks, etc.) and affordable housing. We’ll keep our eyes open for any progress on this proposal. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has a decent number of concessions; many serve only adult beverages. Some are closed as the lacrosse team does not draw as many fans as the hockey team or concerts. Be sure to walk the entire concourse to find the open concession stands and carts that match your taste buds. Pizza Port slices (cheese, pepperoni, jalapeno pepperoni, BBQ chicken) run $9 - $9.75. Arena Grill serves hot dogs, hamburgers, vegan sausages and burgers, chicken baskets, nachos, fries, etc. Nicolosi’s (Italian) sells meatball mac and cheese, 6” meatball hero, vegan mac and cheese ($13 - $18), as well as traditional fare and beverages. Small kiosks include lemonade, mini donuts, hand-dipped corn dogs, caramel apples, yummy-looking frozen dipped bananas, and Dippin’ Dots. Bottled sodas (Coca-Cola brands), water, iced tea, Monster Energy, and Powerade cost $6 - $7. A Cutwater Cocktail Bar, Elysian Brewing Company, and Breitbard’s Tap Haus have vast selections of beers on tap and in cans (domestic and local craft). Local craft includes brews from Eppig, Golden Road, Karl Strauss, Kona, Pizza Port, Stone, and Elysian, and cost $18. Many stands have cocktails and wines ($16 - $18). Pechanga Arena Breitbard's Tap Haus, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The choices are suitable for a meal or a snack if you arrive hungry and thirsty. The Stella Artois Lounge is a premium entertainment area available for rent and/or membership and includes a posh bar and other VIP features. The arena is missing one thing - tables to eat any purchased food. Instead, fans have to bring their refreshments to their seats. Atmosphere 4 Although old, the arena serves the lacrosse team very well. Two levels of average-width cushioned seats (without cup holders) make up the seating. Fans enter the middle of the seating area and walk up or down to their seats. The second level is about 15 steps up. No handrails are available for the top nine rows on either level. Those uneasy with steps should get seats in row nine as that’s the top row when walking in. Handicapped and wheelchair seating is available along the inner walkway. Staff curtains off the second level behind both goal nets. Every seat has a decent view of the action on the court. Though the arena does not have suites, it offers premium seating along certain areas of the inner concourse, and Rady Children’s Cove premium field level seating choice behind one of the goals with partitioned tables and its own beverage station. Pechanga Arena Rady Children's Cove, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey It’s chilly inside. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and bring a sweatshirt and/or jacket. A suitably sized scoreboard hangs above center court. It shows the game action video, the score, shots on goal, time remaining, and quarter. Closed captioning is not available. At the game of this review, I noticed many delayed media timeouts, which annoyingly halted the flow of the game. The Seals have an impressive pyrotechnic opening and introduction. As with all box lacrosse contests, to pump the crowd, music plays constantly. When an opposing player goes to the penalty box (the sin bin), the announcer cleverly calls “[player’s name] makes the walk of shame…shame…shame…” The crowd is also entertained by a dance team (the Sirens) and a mascot dressed as a seal (Salty). Other in-game entertainment includes fan participative contests like a milk chug challenge, selfies, t-shirt tosses, a military hero of the game, and a junior lacrosse scrimmage during halftime. It is all very well executed and not over the top. Neighborhood 4 The area directly surrounding the rink is bustling with shopping centers, and within just one to three miles, plenty of choices for eating, drinking, and merriment are available. Ocean Beach Pier is just three miles from the venue and is where visitors can watch the surfers (or surf themselves), walk along the beach, swim, or sunbathe in the warmer months. Or stroll the neighborhood shops, restaurants, and brewpubs. It’s a great place to visit. Sea World San Diego is a little over two miles. Historic Old Town is just a mile away; both are worth visiting. A plethora of places to eat and drink are within a few miles. We recommend the Long Story Irish Pub (though finding parking may be difficult), Phil’s BBQ, and Cocino de Barrio (Mexican). Within walking distance of the arena are staples like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Chili’s, Broken Yolk, and Buffalo Wild Wings (though we do not recommend this Broken Yolk and BWW). For the hop head, the go-to brewery for Seals fans is Bay City Brewing, right across the parking lot. Plenty of other breweries are close by: Deft Brewing (European style brews), Stone Brewing (in Liberty Station – serves food), and if visiting Ocean Beach, check out Ocean Beach Brewery (serves food), Kilowatt Brewing, or Pizza Port (Brewpub). Many, many more are within five miles of the arena. A Wyndham Garden Inn is across the street from Pechanga Arena, and a Ramada Inn is a block and a half away. Many other hotels with varied prices are within just a mile or two of Pechanga Arena, so pick your preference. Sports fans can attend other games in the area during lacrosse season, including the AHL Gulls. The University of San Diego is two to three miles from the arena. You may be able to catch a Toreros baseball, basketball, football, or other athletic games. San Diego is a fantastic city to tour, so make a day or weekend of it when attending a Seals game! Fans 3 There’s an energy in the crowd, and you just can’t help getting excited when the Seals score a goal. Lots of families, kids, and school lacrosse teams are in attendance. Visitors see plenty of purple, yellow, and black (the Seals’ colors) in the crowd. The fans certainly don’t follow lacrosse etiquette as they leave and enter during play action. At the game of this review, the lower level was about 65% full. The average attendance is between 5,000 and 6,000 fans per game. This puts the team in the mid to bottom half of the NLL attendance ranking. Access 4 Getting to the arena is easy. It is right off the I-8 and I-5 Interstates in the Midway District of San Diego, a tad over a mile from Old Town San Diego and a little over three miles from the San Diego Airport. Plenty of parking is available in lots surrounding the venue for $15. The box office is on the north side of the building (Kurtz Street side). Public transportation is available and takes 30 – 45 minutes with multiple changes if coming from the airport. Check the San Diego MTS trip planner to see if this is an option from where you are. If not, Uber and Lyft drop-off and pickup are on the south side of the venue near the gas station and Chick-fil-A. It is easy and painless to get through security and scanning of the ticket. Clear 12” x 6” x 12” stadium sports bags are allowed. Fans can walk the entire concourse. Unfortunately, tickets are only available through AXS – an online ticket provider. Fans purchasing tickets at the box office must download the AXS app to their phone to get their tickets. The Seals do not offer hardcopy tickets. ADA seating is provided on the inner concourse surrounding the court. The arena has sufficient restrooms for a lacrosse game, but they are tight, with minimal room to maneuver (at least in the ladies). Return on Investment 3 Seals box lacrosse games are fun and worth your sports dollar investment. We recommend eating or drinking before heading to the game, as concession prices are the expected high stadium prices. Tickets run $21 - $80. A three-game ticket package offers a discount and is a good deal if planning on seeing more than one match a season. Groups of 10+ get a reduced rate, so corral your friends, work buddies, or social group members and come and enjoy an exciting evening out! Parking is $15. If time and your location permit, consider using public transportation. The stadium only accepts purchases via credit card, including parking. Every game has a special event, such as Heritage nights, Stick Up for a Cure night, Margaritaville nights, etc., and may include tailgating parties or giveaways. Extras 4 Photos on the concourse walls portray famous events and entertainers who performed at Pechanga Arena over the years. It is worth the effort to stroll the concourse perusing the historic concerts performed here. The team broadcasts a motivating video that energizes the crowd and gears them into a lacrosse frame of mind before the players take the court. When the announcer introduces the players, spectacular shooting flames, smoke, and hoopla abound. One retired jersey number hangs from the rafters, #17 Brodie Merrill. Pechanga Arena Brodie Merrill Retired Jersey, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Finally, praise to the crew who successfully transform the arena from a hockey rink to a lacrosse court in under 24 hours. Final Thoughts The venue has a lot of history on display and is a throwback to an earlier time when arenas were designed to be functional fan facilities. Box lacrosse is a fun, lively game to watch, and a San Diego Seals game delivers that sports enjoyment pleasure. Check out In Lacrosse We Trust for all lacrosse coverage.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Scotiabank Centre 1800 Argyle St Halifax, NS B3J 2V9 Halifax Thunderbirds website Scotiabank Centre website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 10,595 You’ve Been Thunderstruck Halifax, Nova Scotia has quickly become an enticing city for attracting professional sports franchises.​ Following the lead of the Halifax Hurricanes (National Basketball League of Canada) and HFX Wanderers (Canadian Premier League), along with rumors of the Atlantic Schooners (Canadian Football League) kicking off play in a few years, Curt Styres pursued an opportunity to relocate his National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) franchise. ​The Halifax Thunderbirds commenced play at Scotiabank Centre in 2019 after twenty-five seasons competing in Rochester, New York. Formally known as the Knighthawks, the team celebrated much success on the field winning five championships (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013 & 2014) and ten division titles. In an unusual turn of events, the Knighthawks are still in existence, but now as an expansion team with new owners, players and logo. The records and championships belong to the Thunderbird franchise. What is a thunderbird? In Indigious cultures, a thunderbird is a mythical creature, and a symbol for strength and power. A fitting name for a team playing an indigious game on native lands. Originally opened as the Halifax Metro Centre in 1978, Scotiabank Centre has undergone multiple renovations to keep the venue up-to-date and attract major events. The most significant renovations came in 2015, inconsequentially, when the Scotiabank took over the naming rights. With the addition of the Thunderbirds, the arena is now home to three major tenants, including the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) and the Halifax Hurricanes. With a capacity of 10,500, Scotiabank Centre is amongst the smallest in the NLL. Food & Beverage 4 Scotiabank Centre offers an expansive variety of unique food options that rival venues with higher capacities. Canadian and Maritime classics such as Poutine (Cavendish fries, beef gravy and cheese curds) and Donairs (spiced beef shaved from a spit and served on a gyro with tomatoes, onions and donair sauce) are available ​a-la-cart ​ or in a combo with chips and a Pepsi product. Other unique offerings include: mac & cheese (with or without fried chicken), footlong hot dogs, $5 sandwiches, a butter chicken bowl and burrito bowls. Look for most of these concessions in the wide plaza area behind section nine. Traditional stadium food choices include: individual pizzas, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, nachos, popcorn and candy. Alcoholic beverages are $7.25 for a 14-ounce domestic draft (Bud, Bud Light & Alexander Keith’s), and $2 more for 20 ounces. Alexander Keith’s also has their own kiosk offering craft brews, including the Lunenburg Coffee Stout and Highland Pilsner starting at $8.25. Cocktails can be “shaken or stirred” at the bar located outside section eight. Vendors rarely walk the seating area, so you’ll likely need to visit a concession stand for a desired item. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the arena. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at one of the multiple water fountains available around the concourse. Overall, the concessions are well maintained and clean, with enough food and drink options to satisfy your cravings. Atmosphere 4 Largely due to its downtown location, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, the game day atmosphere outside Scotiabank Centre can prepare you for the thrilling action on the field. With the brick and glass bottom, concrete paneled top, and hints of the concrete seating area viewed from underneath, the arena is clearly distinguishable from Citadel Hill and Brunswick Street. Topography slopes down quickly around the sides of the building where the architecture is not as pronounced. However, large illuminated “Scotiabank Centre” signs were added to the blank facade, which can clearly be seen from Rogers Square, located a few blocks away down Grafton Street. Once inside Scotiabank Centre there is a “big-event” feel to the atmosphere. Walking around the concourse provides a variety of visual experiences. The side concourses are closed off from viewing the game; however, walk to the ends of the arena and suddenly you’re one with the crowd and have a full view of game action. The lower seating bowl offers great viewing angles to catch all the plays, without fans in front of you obstructing your view. The playing field is surrounded by 16 to 22 rows of seats; however, legroom is an issue no matter where you sit. If you consider yourself of average height or taller, avoid rows 19 thru 22. These rows were not part of the original arena design, but instead were squeezed in as part of a renovation years ago. This renovation closed off a walkway inside the seating bowl, resulting in more congestion on the concourse. Also, be aware of some obstructed view seats in sections 13 thru 17 (rows Q through S) due to metal posts supporting the skyboxes. An upper level is located on both sides of the playing field, consisting of 21 rows with decent viewing angles in the lower rows. Avoid seats next to the aisle in rows A thru G since the railing located at the bottom of the aisle may be right at your eye level. Also, stay clear of the top 16 rows (rows H thru W); hanging skyboxes diminish the game atmosphere and the scoreboard/video board over centre ice is not visible. A scoreboard and video board is projected on the backside of the skyboxes, but the acoustics are awkward and you feel distant from the action. Over forty skyboxes are located in a horseshoe style around the field of play. Handicap seating is available nearly all the way around the seating bowl at the concourse level. New seats were added as part of the 2015 renovations. They are larger, padded, comfortable, and are equipped with cup holders. The four-sided scoreboard hanging from the rafters is new as of 2019. This crisp, clear jumbotron is a welcome improvement and accentuates the atmosphere as exciting graphics are displayed after a big play. Scoreboard at Scotiabank Centre, Photo by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey The Thunderbirds have done a fantastic job celebrating the roots and culture of the Maritime region, not just through their name and logo, but also during the pre-game ceremony. Prior to the Thunderbirds taking the field, a high-tech video production introduces the players and creates a sense of what’s to come. Afterwards, bagpipers play and march from the concourse to the field where traditional Scottish dancers represent and help celebrate the Scottish roots of Nova Scotia. In-game promotions and entertainment keep you involved during breaks in the action. Free programs with information regarding both teams’ players and records are available on the concourse. The Thunderbirds’ dance team performs a few times prior to the game and during game breaks.The Thunderbird mascot, Bolt, roams the arena stopping for selfies and other fan interactions along the way. Arena acoustics are fairly good, unless you are seated in the back rows of the upper level. Upbeat music is played seemingly non-stop during play which is an NLL staple. The music helps keep the crowd’s energy up. The fans especially seem to respond well with loud rhythmic clapping whenever a classic Maritime song like “Barrett’s Privateers” (by Stan Rogers) plays over the loudspeaker. Neighborhood 5 Halifax has a rich history to learn and explore. As stated by the public address announcer prior to a game, Halifax lies on Indigenous lands belonging to the Mi’kmaq before the British settlers arrived and developed the area. For a few hundred years, Halifax was an important British army and navy base to help protect against potential French invaders. Halifax Harbour is naturally protected from the ocean, and is the second largest natural harbour in the world. Thousands of immigrants came to Halifax to find work in the fishing, shipping, and trading industry created by the protected harbour. In 1912, Halifax played an important role in rescue efforts following the sinking of the Titanic. In 1917, the city suffered a tragic event itself, when two ships collided in the harbour. One of those ships was full of ammunition, causing an enormous explosion that killed 2,000 people and destroyed a large part of the city. Check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to learn about these fascinating events. Downtown Halifax is located on a steep hill, which slopes from the Halifax Harbour to Citadel Hill. The arena is integrated into the hill, which makes the arena look smaller from the outside than it actually is. Downtown Halifax is evolving into a popular destination again after years of dormant construction throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s. If you want to grab a drink and a bite before or after the game, Argyle Street is a great area full of options with Antojo, Pint Public House & Gahan Restaurant all excellent choices. For a relaxed atmosphere during your stay, take a walk on the boardwalk along the Halifax Harbour; see some historic architecture, high-end restaurants, and the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market. All of these destinations are within a 5-15 minute walk from the arena, making it a great location for the season ticket holder or a tourist. The Hampton Inn by Hilton and the Prince George Hotel are both located less than a block away from the arena. Plenty of other hotel options are scattered around the city depending on your desired price range and location. Fans 3 The Thunderbirds first game in Halifax came less than a year after the relocation announcement in early 2019. So naturally the franchise needed to work hard to attract and develop a loyal local fan base. In such a short time, it’s obvious the marketing folks have done a great job promoting the sport and franchise to a wide range of demographics. Every home game has a promotional theme including First Nations Night, University Student Night, a Salute to Veterans Night, among others. Through the first few home games, Thunderbirds attendance has averaged 6,500 spectators. Though some markets draw over 10,000 patrons per game, Halifax attendance ranks a respectable 8th out of the 13 franchises. Thunderbirds attract fans of all ages, from young families, young adults on a date, and long-time friends. Fans tend to be pretty quiet and respectful outside of a home goal or a big hit. The crowd (with help from the public address announcer) could easily create some unique traditions or chants during the game, and there’s little doubt the scores have potential to improve as the loyal fan base continues to develop. Access 4 Direct flights to Halifax are available from most major Canadian cities, and a few American cities in the Eastern Time Zone. Though Halifax looks close to the United States on maps, a drive from Portland, Maine would take around ten hours due to a lack of a direct route. However, the drive is beautiful no matter where you are coming from. When you arrive downtown, you are only minutes from the arena. It is easy to get there by foot or car. Two parking garages are within a block of Scotiabank Centre for $8, and metered parking is free on weekends and after six pm on weekdays. Metro Transit is another great way to get to the game. Several routes from all over the municipality converge into downtown for $2.75. Halifax is known for wet and icy winter weather conditions. Fortunately pedestrians can stay dry and not risk slipping on ice by using the “Halifax Link” indoor path system. See ​Halifax Link’s map here. Though there is not a dedicated main entrance, the most popular entrance is on the low (east) side of the arena. Stairs or ramps take you into an atrium where the Box Office, Will Call, and entrance to the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame are located. However, prepare for a stair-hike if you enter the arena from this atrium. The entrances along Brunswick Street may be easier and less congested if you already have your ticket. The easiest wheelchair accessible entrance is from the Brunswick and Duke Street corner where the doors are level with the concourse. Once doors open, access around the arena is simple and straightforward. The concourse is a continuous 360 degrees around the field on an even level. Finding your seat should not be difficult, as plenty of helpful signs point you to the sections. The east side of the arena is open, wide and grand. Part of it was an alleyway that used to separate the arena and the former convention centre. This additional concourse space has a relaxed feel with tables to stand at and enjoy your drink and/or meal. Restrooms are clean and fairly large due to a 2015 renovation. Some restrooms are located on another level of the arena, so watch for signs. Return on Investment 3 Tickets can be purchased at the box office inside Scotiabank Centre or online through the team website. Ticket prices are more expensive than Halifax residents are used to for other local sports teams, and the “best seats” appear to be slightly higher than other NLL franchises in similar markets. An adult seat ranges from $28-$81 depending on your seat location preference. University student tickets range from $17.25-$23. Children 12 and under are a flat rate $23. And accessible seating is a flat $11.50 per ticket. Tickets for an applicable promotional night can save you around 50% on tickets. Purchasing group tickets saves money and includes incentives like field admission prior to the game. Other ticket buying options include discounts for fundraiser nights, senior citizens discount games, two-game rivalry pacts, season tickets, and “family section” tickets, which is a family season ticket in a dedicated area close to washrooms. Extras 2 An extra point for the incredible job the franchise does recognizing and celebrating the many historical and cultural aspects the Halifax region represents. Another for the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame. The entrance is through the atrium, and admission is free with a game ticket. The Sidney Crosby exhibit is a must see.” Final Thoughts Indoor lacrosse is one of the most high intensity and thrilling sports you can watch. The game has a long history, as it was first introduced by the First Nations and now is the official summer sport of Canada. For fans who have yet to witness an NLL game live, it’s well worth spending an evening with loved ones or great friends to take in the excitement. Hopefully the Thunderbird franchise will continue to develop fan experience to maintain and build the local fan base.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ball Arena 1000 Chopper Circle Denver, CO 80204 Colorado Mammoth website Ball Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 17,800 Get in the Box Note: The name of the venue changed from Pepsi Center to Ball Arena Oct, 2020. Founded in 2003, the Colorado Mammoth are celebrating their 15th season in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) this 2018/2019 season. They have made the playoffs in all but one of their years in existence. They captured the NLL championship in 2006 and won division titles in 2003, 2004, and 2007. It’s been a while since they’ve placed a banner on the rafters. Two professional lacrosse teams are located in Denver, CO. The Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Outlaws play at Broncos Stadium at Mile High and the Mammoth play at the Pepsi Center. The Pepsi Center is a multi-purpose venue in downtown Denver, CO. It is also home of the NBA Nuggets and the NHL Avalanche, as well as an event center for many concerts and conventions throughout the year. The team less featured in its souvenir shop, along the walls, and in advertisements is the NLL Mammoth. Food & Beverage 4 Some concession stands are closed during Mammoth games as the fan attendance is not as large as at an Avalanche or Nuggets game. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the Pepsi Center. That said, the Pepsi Center still offers a wide range of options at expensive prices. Many more food and drink choices are on the first level than the third. If you have tickets for the third level, I recommend strolling around the first level before heading up. Tables are scattered throughout the concourse for consuming the food and drink, people watching, and soaking up the surroundings. Selections include the standard hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, candy, etc. Different or unique options are baked potatoes, chicken sandwiches, cheese steak sandwiches, chicken and waffles, mac and cheese balls, grilled cheese sandwiches, Go Nuts, bratwurst, Caesar salad, and onion rings. Pepsi varieties (of course) are the soda choice. The traditional domestic beer offerings like Coors, Coors Light, Bud, Bud Light, and Miller Lite are available. The venue offers local brews such as Colorado Native, Dales Pale Ale, Odells, Breckenridge (most of these are on the first level) and other beer offerings include Fat Tire, Stella, Shock Top, and Red Hook. Premium cocktails, vodka lemonade, Moscow mule and basically, anything you might want to drink is here. For those looking for a sit-down meal inside the arena, the Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House fits the bill. Its mountain lodge theme will transport you to the Rockies… while sparing you the frosty temperatures. Atmosphere 2 The Mammoth put on a good show; it is all very well coordinated. The introduction includes motorcycles on the court and smoke and fire when the Mammoth players are announced. The young, pretty, athletic Wild Bunch dancers entertain the crowd during breaks in the game. And, a half time show includes various entertainment acts. Several promotions are offered throughout the season such as Lacrosse Put Out Cancer, player autographs after game, and youth lacrosse games to name a few. Get in the Box posters and both teams’ line ups are handed out on entry to the Pepsi Center. An announcer/emcee for the Mammoth does a good job getting the fans to ring their cow bells, make noise, and is a fine source of entertainment and motivation at a game. The temperature of the venue is fine. Bring layers just in case it’s too warm or too cold. Two lines of closed captioning is offered in each of the four corners of the banner board section of the Pepsi Center and provide announcer comments and scoring and penalty results. Nice job to the Pepsi Center for providing that. More venues should do that. Closed Captioning at Ball Arena, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey At the game of this review, when entering the ticket box office area to purchase a ticket, a security rep stormed over and shouted “NO, you can’t come in here! We don’t open till 12 noon!” I would have left and never come back if I wasn’t doing a review for Stadium Journey. It’s a very poor way of welcoming Mammoth fans. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Denver is a happening place to be. Numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping are within four or five blocks of the arena. It is safe walking in and around the downtown area before or after a game. Denver is known for its craft brews. Be sure to take a brewery tour if you’re a connoisseur of the hops. I’d recommend Wynkoop’s at the corner of 18th St and Wynkoop St or Jagged Mountain (good IPAs) at the corner of 20th St and Lawrence St. The 16th Street Mall is just within a few blocks and is a pedestrian outdoor mall containing many of those shops and eateries. Free shuttle buses cruise the 1.25 mile strip and one can hop and off at most corners as desired. Check out recently renovated Union Station, a historic train station just a few blocks away. This houses a hotel, shops, bars, restaurants, and a public park atmosphere. A good place to eat pre or post game is the Thirsty Lion – it has a happy hour every day with a wide variety of beers and appetizers (enough for a meal) choices. Brooklyn’s (a sports bar) is in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center. Although convenient, this place is not recommended as the food is not great and the drinks are quite expensive. A better place worth checking out just two blocks from the Pepsi Center is Tivoli’s Brewery who serves their own beer and has really good food choices. The closest hotel is the Springhill Suites by Marriott and is only a 0.2 mile walk to the Pepsi Center and is walking distance to most of the downtown activities and venues. Fans 4 The Mammoth fans are pretty spectacular. As Mammoth player introductions are made, all fans stand, ring their cow bells and cheer. They boo the visiting team during their introduction. When the Mammoth score a goal, fans high-five their neighbors in celebration; doesn’t really matter if you’re a stranger. When an opposing team’s player gets a penalty, fans chant, “Hey #xx – Get-In-The-Box,” and stand up and point at the player as he walks toward the box. The last two minutes of the game all fans stand and applaud the players. Average attendance has declined a bit over the years and the arena is not as packed as it once was: In the 2000’s, the average attendance ranged from 16,000 – 17,000; that number has reduced slightly to 13,000 – 16,000 a game with 14,465 the average attendance in the 2017 season. Access 3 My recommendation for a Mammoth game (and any event/game at the Pepsi Center) is to take the RTD Light Rail and get off at the Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens Station. An A Line train from DIA (Denver International Airport) travels direct to Union Station which is a short 0.5 mile walk to the Pepsi Center. Fans who want to visit a Mammoth game and downtown Denver won’t necessarily require a car anymore. If driving, take I-25 and get off at Auraria Parkway if coming from the south or Speer Blvd if coming from the north. Parking on the Pepsi Center grounds ranges from $15 – $30. The $30 is valet parking and is open to the general public. The nearby Auraria Campus, home of the University of Colorado Denver and Metro State University, has cheaper parking while only being a 5-10 minute walk to the arena. A designated Lyft/Uber area is just outside the venue. Getting through security is hit or miss. Sometimes the gate staff are courteous other times they appear to growl and roll their eyes in annoyance at fans entering the venue and security area. This needs to be improved as fans don’t always feel welcome. One must go through a security and metal detector just to purchase game day tickets which is asinine. Plenty of operational bathrooms are available with minimal or no wait. Hang out for a few minutes after the game and don’t leave immediately after the winning goal (but only just a few minutes otherwise you’ll be told to ‘Get Out’ about only 10 minutes after the end of the game; another un-fan friendly experience I’ve had at a Mammoth game). Players celebrate; shake hands with opponents like they do in the hockey playoffs and Stanley Cups finals. Players walk the entire court raising their sticks to the fans to show their appreciation. Sometimes there’s an interview with a player after the game; other times a post game autograph session is set up. Return on Investment 2 Tickets range from $10 (the $2 surcharge is not added when purchasing game day tickets this 2018/2019 season!) through $32 for fieldside VIP seats. Go to Happy Hour at the Thirsty Lion to lower food/drink expense and consider taking the light rail. Although ticket prices are extremely inexpensive compared to the other teams at the Pepsi Center, I just can’t give a high ROI rating at a sports team whose security team sternly tells me I’m not allowed in and I have to go through metal detectors just to purchase a ticket. Extras 3 Four retired Mammoth jerseys hang from the rafters: #22 Gary Gait (widely known as the best lacrosse player of all time), #6 Brian Langtry, #9 Gavin Prout, and #24 John Grant Jr. Colorado Mammoth Retired Numbers, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Kudos to those ‘conversion crews’ who convert a basketball court on a Fri evening to a hockey arena for the following Sat afternoon to a lacrosse venue that same Sat evening then back again for a Sun evening basketball game. For being able to take in a double header. Once or twice a year a fan can see an Avalanche and a Mammoth game at the Pepsi Center the same day. Final Thoughts The game of box lacrosse is an exciting, enjoyable, fantastic game to watch live. I’d recommend anyone who hasn’t seen a game yet to check it out. Customer service and being made to feel welcome each and every time needs to improve at Mammoth games at the Pepsi Center to make the entire experience worth coming back.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Coca-Cola Coliseum Exhibition Place 19 Nunavut Road Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Toronto Tempo website Coca-Cola Coliseum website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 8,500 Turn Up the Tempo The explosion of the WNBA has brought expansion to the cities of Portland and Toronto for 2026. Toronto’s entry to the league, the Toronto Tempo, has been met in the city with excitement and optimism. Even better than that has been the reaction on the ticket sites, where Tempo tickets are increasingly difficult to come by. The team was founded by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment minority owner Larry Tanenbaum and a number of other investors including Serena Williams, former Raptors executive Masai Ujiri and Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. Tanenbaum reportedly attempted to get the Tempo to be part of the MLSE portfolio, but was blocked by some members of the board. In their inaugural season, the Tempo made a calculated free agent signing, bringing in Canadian Olympian and TSN analyst Kia Nurse to be part of the roster. The inaugural home for the Tempo is Coca-Cola Coliseum. Located on the grounds of Exhibition Place, it is most well-known for being the home of the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. The building was originally built for livestock shows as part of the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair in 1921. A massive renovation took place in the early 2000’s to convert the building into a hockey arena in an attempt to attract a professional hockey team. At a capacity of 8,500 for basketball, Coca-Cola Coliseum is the fourth smallest venue in the WNBA behind Atlanta, Washington and Dallas, and the Wings are moving to a larger venue in 2027. The Tempo are hedging their bets on the popularity of the new team with a few games at Scotiabank Arena as well as games in the big venues in Montréal and Vancouver. Food & Beverage 5 A number of recognizable brands are found throughout the Coliseum including Pizza Pizza, Smoke’s Poutinerie, Tim Horton’s and St. Patties. Traditional arena fare is found at the Food Junction stand, however some of the most unique items are also found here including Buffalo Chicken tenders, Korean Fried Chicken sandwiches, Beef Taco Loco Fries, Bacon Mac & Cheese eggrolls and Jerk Chicken Patty Sandwiches. Molson Canadian, Coors, Heineken and Steam Whistle are available beers. There are also a number of concession stands on the upper level. With the crowd size at the maximum, all concession stands were open. The Crown Royal bar has a number of spirits available as well as wine. Atmosphere 4 In the massive renovation that became Coca-Cola Coliseum, the exterior of the building was maintained. Although it is tightly wedged between the Enercare Centre and Horse Palace, there are still some exterior spots visible with very attractive yellow brick and curved architecture. It is one of the most unique looking arenas out there. Most fans will enter at the southwest corner of the building, however, entry for the CIBC Club is found at the north side near the public transit. Upon entering the concourses fans will find that the Tempo have made a strong effort to make the Coliseum look like their home. Many of the markings for the Toronto Marlies are covered with temporary banners for the Tempo. Framed historic photos remain uncovered including some throwback prints to some agricultural shows. The massive wooden doors at the south entrance are also a throwback to the agricultural days. The seating bowl is a single, split-level design with the court oriented from south to north. The best spot for a centre court logo photo is from the east. A four-sided video board with upper ring and lower rectangle screens hangs above centre court. Unfortunately, there are no videoboards dedicated to individual statistics, leaving the statistical side of the experience below some Canadian universities. Suites hang above the east and west sides. There are a number of permanent markings for the Marlies visible from the seating bowl including the Leaf crests for players who have played for the Marlies and moved up to the Leafs. The end result in the seating bowl is a feeling that the Tempo are still tenants in Coca-Cola Coliseum as opposed to residents. The gameday production at a Tempo game is not too complicated. A DJ booth is in the upper northwest corner, right beside the TSN crew who bring the pregame and halftime shows for television. The Rhythm Section, the Tempo dance team, performs during some pauses in the action. The Tempo also employ a pair of in-game hosts who help with the promotions. The more simplistic approach is a bit of a refreshing change compared to the NBA, which can be sensory overload. Neighbourhood 5 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is immediately south of Liberty Village, which is the closest neighbourhood for fans to get some pre- or post- game food. It is easily walkable. Some options in Liberty Village include Liberty Village Market & Cafe, Local Public Eatery, Brazen Head, Chiang Mai, NODO, and Fox And John’s. Coca-Cola Coliseum is shared with the Toronto Marlies and Toronto Sceptres. BMO Field is across the parking lot and is home to the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC. A few minutes east, and fans could take in the Toronto Blue Jays, Maple Leafs or Raptors. Toronto Metropolitan University is northeast and fields Bold hockey and basketball teams in the former Maple Leaf Gardens. The University of Toronto also fields a full complement of Varsity Blues athletic teams, including football, basketball and hockey. There are also a ton of other tourist options in Toronto. Medieval Times and RBC Amphitheatre are close. However, hockey fans must take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans wishing to stay near Exhibition Place can choose Hotel X, Radisson Blu, The Neptune or a host of other options nearby. Fans 4 It is difficult to assess fans of the Tempo at this point. At the time of writing, the Tempo played only their second home game. As expected, the first home game brought in over 8,200 fans. As compared to the previous WNBA season, the Tempo would have had the 11th best attendance in the league. The venue is a bit restrictive, but offers the opportunity for the team to possibly grow into a larger venue. Ticket sales have been very strong thus far so a favorable mark is given for fans with some room to grow with longevity. Fans in attendance are louder than the typical Ontario fans, who tend to be more reserved. Access 4 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is on the south side of Manitoba Drive, and immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway. Although it has a very close proximity to the expressway and is easier to get to from the west than the rest of Downtown Toronto, it can still be a challenge, as Toronto traffic can be a significant issue. There is plenty of parking on site, which will require payment at a kiosk or on a parking app. Fans should be cognizant of what other activities are taking place at Exhibition Place, as this can drastically affect parking. At the time of writing, parking was limited due to the upcoming World Cup which has lots blocked off for fan fests and construction. For fans wishing to take public transit to the Tempo games, they have a couple of options. A GO Transit station is at the north end of Exhibition Place. There are also buses and streetcars that can be found at Exhibition Place. Fans should consult the GO Transit and TTC websites for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the Coca-Cola Coliseum is not too difficult; however, initially, the concourses can get congested during pregame. Once people start to utilize the upper concourse, it thins out a bit. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey strongly suggests fans consult the Toronto Tempo and Coca-Cola Coliseum websites for the most up-to-date security information, including prohibited items and bag policy. Coca-Cola Coliseum is a cashless facility. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the Toronto Tempo start at $30 for limited games. Most games start at $56 for standing room. Seats for most games start at $137. Dynamic pricing makes face value difficult to determine, but the initial popularity of the Tempo have driven ticket prices up. Parking at the Ex can go for $18. Concession prices are about what one would expect. The gameday experience in Toronto is good, but the outlay seems to be high for an expansion experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Toronto Tempo ownership investing in the team right off the bat. Before their first game, the ownership group announced that the building of a multi-million-dollar practice facility was in the works at Exhibition Place, reportedly the cream of the crop in the WNBA. An extra mark for Brittney Sykes scoring the first points in Toronto Tempo history. An extra mark for the Tempo Impact outreach program with focus on not only developing players but coaches as well. Final Thoughts Right out of the gates the Toronto Tempo have acquired a solid following making tickets difficult to come by. The gameday atmosphere at Coca-Cola Coliseum is solid for the first season. It will be interesting to see if the Tempo can maintain their following and force themselves into a larger venue. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Gainbridge Fieldhouse 125 S Pennsylvania St Indianapolis, IN 46204 Indiana Pacers website Gainbridge Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,165 The Gainbridge Fieldhouse is All New Gainbridge Fieldhouse is nearing the completion of a three-phase renovation that transformed the Indiana Pacers' home into a modern facility with all the amenities of the 20s. The roughly $360 million will be incurred in the remodeling efforts, which includes a list of changes in this link. The building has new club seating and suites, renovated upper and lower bowls, and two additional club seating areas. Three distinct lower-level premium club experiences will also highlight the efforts that include two VIP member clubs that pay homage to the Pacer's former homes at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (1967-1974) and Market Square Arena (1974-1999). Morris Bicennential Plaza is located outside the main entrances and features a full-size basketball court for fans to shoot, dribble, and play a little basketball. The court converts to an ice skating rink during the winter months. The "Sphere" is a reflective, dome-like sculpture with an interior video screen that is ideal for photos. There are several murals and sculptures in the plaza, including a bar area for grab-and-go drinks. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers, debuted November 6, 1999, as Conseco Fieldhouse. It would be known as Bankers Life Fieldhouse until September 2021. The seating capacity has increased from 17,923 to a whopping 20,000 - making it the 5th largest in the NBA. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage options have been updated at the fieldhouse and include new and familiar options. The Warehouse District BBQ and Three Point Taqueria are two options that offer fans something different at the game. The Indiana Kitchen offers lemon pepper and honey glazed chicken wings, short rib poutine, and maple bourbon sticks. If you are looking for familiar options then Fieldhouse Favorites has you covered. Hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, pizza, burgers, pretzels, and Pepsi products are all available. There is a value menu that features $4 hot dogs, $3 popcorn, and $8 PBR and Coors Banquet cans. A unique sweet treat is served at the Steak 'n Shake Milkshake Bar which offers cotton candy, mega M&M, and crazy chocolate brownie flavors. The Fast Break Market sells grab-and-go beverages and snacks. A nacho cart offers an array of toppings and Ben's Pretzels has long lines for freshly, made baked pretzels. The Crossroads Eats sells gourmet hot dogs. The Yuengling Flight Deck and the Jim Beam Bar offer beers, wine, and cocktails. It also has various TV screens and views of the playing court. Atmosphere 4 The Pacers have done a splendid job of creating an energetic atmosphere that starts in the main lobby. The atrium itself offers large windows, allowing natural lighting to fill up the area, and features banners of current players and a large roundel chandelier overlooking the half-circular staircase leading up to the main concourse. At times, the ceremonies in the lobby area include a barbershop quartet, a live band, or a drum band getting ready for the game. Fans are provided the chance to take in this musical environment as they purchase their tickets and walk up the stairs being greeted by staff and cheerleaders. The concourse has been revamped and features basketball-theme murals that are both popping with collar and creativity, along with honoring past greats who have suited up for the Pacers, Indiana Fever (WNBA), and high school teams of the state. Sadly, many of the trophy cases that once displayed basketball memorabilia are now gone, including the three ABA trophies and various team jerseys of the past. A $4.3 million 20 feet by52.5-foott video scoreboard includes underbelly panels for improving sightlines for fans sitting next to the court. This is surrounded by team banners of retired jerseys, league titles, and division championships. The Pacers’ gift shop has an array of team merchandise but is a little cramped for the size of the arena. However, a couple of stands and one station can personalize a jersey with your name on it located on the main concourse. Neighborhood 5 The fieldhouse is in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and even closer to retail and restaurants than Lucas Oil Stadium down the street. The only problem is choosing which place to grab a drink or eat before or after the game. Located near the arena is the local favorite Kilroy’s Bar and Grill offers 40 flat-screen televisions, shuffleboard, video games, and their famous pepperoni stuffed breadsticks. Another fan favorite, Brother’s Bar & Grill, is a short walk and is another popular destination before or after the game. A few more favorite spots after the game that are near the fieldhouse are District Tap, Tequila Street Cantina, and Pier 48 Fish House & Oyster Bar. If you have some time in town I would recommend visiting the neighborhoods of Mass Ave. and Fountain Square where one can enjoy live music, craft beer, fine dining, and a little shopping at local retail shops. Mass Ave. is also home to the Bottlework District which recently opened and houses The Garage where multiple foods and drink vendors offer an array of culinary treasures. Downtown Indy is also safe, clean, and easy to get around by car, foot, or mass transit. Local museums include The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indiana State Museum, and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The riverwalk canal is also a nice spot for a stroll on a warm spring day. Fans 4 The fan base can be fickle at times when the team is not playing at playoff caliber, but that is expected for many others across the nation. With that being said, there are legions of dedicated fans who wear blue and gold no matter what the team’s record is at the moment. The fans are friendly towards visitors and make themselves heard through various cheering sections throughout the building. One thing is for certain, most people enjoy their time during a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Access 4 The arena is easily accessible from the major interstates of 70, 65, and 465 with parking abundant throughout the downtown vicinity. After the game, exiting these facilities takes a little know-how of the one-way streets of Indianapolis, but signs are posted that direct customers to their desired route back home. Traffic moves smoothly during this time as well, as there are officers who are stationed to keep cars moving. The same can be said for moving around the building during the game. Bathrooms, entrances, and seating areas are well-marked. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket depends on who the team is playing. They can cost as low as $8 on the secondary market depending on the opponent and time of the week. However, ticket prices rise against popular opponents and on the weekends. The average price of a ticket will be between $25-30 on most nights. Parking ranges from $10-$20 the closer you arrive to the fieldhouse. I would recommend parking at the Circle City Centre Mall where the average price is $13 for 4-6 hours of parking. Metered parking is enforced until 11 PM on the street. There are no fees for Sunday games. The seats in the upper deck can be a little steep, but they do provide a great view of the court and play. There are many great vantage points from many levels and courtside seats put you almost in the play of the game. The organization provides affordable tickets that include mini-game packages that are posted on billboards across the city. Extras 4 The building itself provides wonderful aesthetics that begin in the main lobby and continue with vintage advertisements painted on brick walls. The collection of memorabilia showcases the building as a basketball-first facility. There is an impressive array of items from former professional clubs from the city, local high schools, and the major universities and colleges in the state. A great location near many bars, restaurants, and a few shops. The area is well-lit, clean, and safe. If you enjoy walking, explore downtown on foot. Final Thoughts The Gainbridge Fieldhouse has improved in many aspects from new concessions to wider concourses, and more luxury areas to entertain fans. The energy before the game and during time-outs in the game keep fans entertained throughout the game. Tickets are affordable to many games, parking can be found for as low as $10 in nearby garages, and there is plenty of places to visit for a nightcap after a Pacers game. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Golden 1 Center 500 David J Stern Walk Sacramento, CA 95814 Sacramento Kings website Golden 1 Center website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 17,608 Golden 1 Center is Also Green and Platinum The history of the Royals / Kings franchise has been one of a vagabond existence. It began as the Royals in Rochester, NY, then moved on to Cincinnati for several years. Its next home was split between Kansas City/Omaha and resulted in a name change to the Kings to avoid confusion with the baseball Royals. In 1985, it relocated to Sacramento, hoping to break the seeming jinx of being a small market franchise competing against the larger metropolitan areas. The team is now celebrating its 35th anniversary in California’s capitol city. However as late as 2010, the team was rumored to be moving to either Anaheim or Seattle due to an unsatisfactory arena arrangement and a losing record. That changed in 2016, as the city and a new ownership group opened the Golden 1 Center as the anchor for the new Downtown Commons (DOCO) district in downtown Sacramento. The 17,608-seat venue replaced the aging Sleep Train Arena (formerly ARCO Arena). The arena features 10,000 lower level seats with 34 luxury suites and 48 loft style suites. The remaining 7,000 upper level seats are steeply pitched so that the sight lines anywhere in the arena are excellent. What really sets the Golden 1 Center apart from its NBA brethren is its commitment to be the greenest and most environmentally friendly venue in professional sports. This has resulted in receiving a Platinum LEED certification, the top recognition for being environmentally sustainable in the world. This is accomplished through virtually every aspect of the arena’s operation. The venue is the only professional sports arena in the world to operate totally on solar power, thanks to solar panels covering the roof. The facility is cooled by opening 80-foot-high hangar doors to allow the Delta breezes prevalent in the area to flow through the arena. The greenery on the exterior walls of the facility includes food sources for the concession stands. Food & Beverage 5 One of the first things you need to know is that Sacramento is known as America’s Farm to Fork Capital. The concessions at Golden 1 Center are notable for the absence of the large corporate style stands. The Kings have a policy of having 90% of its concessions come from local businesses and farms within a 150-mile radius of the arena. This is known as the “Food to Court” principle. This reduces the carbon footprint by lessening the distance trucks or trains travel to deliver the foods. It also supports the local business community. Any leftover foods at the end of the game are either donated to area shelters or used for composting if it is in a half-eaten state. This reduces waste and saves room in area landfills. What this means for fans is guaranteed fresh foods and a wonderful variety of vendors to choose from. Amongst the locally owned businesses serving the crowds are Big Cheese Dog House, Block Butcher Bar Sandwiches, Café Bernardo, Centro Cocina Mexicano, El Jefe, Lowbrau Bierhall, Paragary’s Pizza, Petra Greek Market Café and Smokehouse BBQ. You’ll feel like your meal came straight from the farmer’s market! A sampling of prices for some of the more unique menu offering includes lamb and beef Gyros ($12), veggie burrito bowls ($13), fish tacos ($12), lemongrass tofu bowls ($12) and grass-fed burgers ($12). Beverage selections include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6), bottled water is $6 and domestic beers go for $13. Sacramento is also known as a craft brewing hotbed. Locally sourced beers include Sierra Nevada, Sactown Union, Oak Park Brewing, Kneedeep Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing, Out of Bounds Brewing and Bear Republic. These beers sell for between $14 – $16. Atmosphere 4 Once inside the arena you will be very impressed by the openness of the facility. If you enter through the main gate, you will soon come to the plaza overlooking the playing court. It is a great place for a selfie. The venue offers wide concourses and the seats are wider than you find in most modern arenas, making for a very comfortable experience for the next few hours. The concourses are open to the court so you should not miss any of the action The Kings owner made his fortune in the technology field and you will notice he did not scrimp on the electronics in the Golden 1 Center. The center hung scoreboard is one of the largest in the NBA. It measures 84 feet long (the entire length of a basketball court is 94 feet). The panel on the board measure 44 feet wide by 24 feet tall. In addition, two 25-foot-tall screens will greet you as you enter the facility. Neighborhood 4 The Golden 1 Center is the centerpiece of the Downtown Commons (DOCO) development in downtown Sacramento. The four-block area includes restaurants like Sauced BBQ and Spirits, Yard House, and Punchbowl Social. It also features movie theaters, boutique shops and national retailers like Macy’s and Urban Outfitters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront, the California State Railroad Museum and the California State Capitol Building, three of Sacramento’s top tourist attractions, are just a few blocks from Downtown Commons. Fans 4 Of all the markets the Kings have played in, the fans in Sacramento are by far the most loyal. The Kings are the only top-level professional team in the area, so there is little competition for the sports dollar in a household. Since moving to Sacramento, the Kings have won only two division titles, as they play in the very tough Western Conference Pacific Division against the likes of Golden State, the LA Lakers, the LA Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers. The team has taken several of these teams to a seventh game of a series in the playoffs. There is great hope that new coach, Luke Walton, can work with the young and talented roster to build a playoff contender in coming years. Despite the lack of banners hanging from the rafters, Kings fans regularly fill the Golden 1 Center. Access 4 Getting to Golden 1 Center is a breeze no matter what form of transportation you use. 15% of Kings fans walk, bike or take public transportation to get to the games. There are five Sacramento Regional Transit (SRT) light rail stations within a few blocks of the arena along K Street. The Sacramento Valley Station is also nearby and is the second busiest Amtrak Station in the state of California. This all cuts down on emissions that can harm the environment. If you are driving, the arena can be reached via exit 515 B from I-5 (J Street/Downtown Sacramento). There are more than 13,000 parking spaces in and around DOCO. The Sacramento International Airport is only 12 miles from the venue, so you may not need to rent a car while in town. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Kings game average $48. Games against the Lakers, Clippers or Warriors usually will spike the prices a great deal. Parking at Downtown Commons lots costs $25 and can be pre-purchased at www.SacPark.com .Travel on Sacramental Regional Transit busses and light rail trains cost $7 for a one day unlimited rides pass or single rides for $2.50. Concession prices are typical of most professional arenas, but the quality and freshness of the foods is well worth it. Compared with larger cities, a Sacramento Kings game offers an excellent return on investment. Extras 5 The official street address for the arena is 500 David Stern Walk. This is a salute to the former NBA commissioner who worked tirelessly over several years to keep the Kings franchise in Sacramento. The Golden 1 Center is located just blocks from both the California State Capitol building and the Old Sacramento Riverfront, two of Sacramento’s top tourist attractions. In addition to Kings games, the arena has also hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2017. The Sacramento Kings practice facility is attached to the Golden 1 Center and fans can watch the team prepare before a game through windows on the concourse. Public Art is also abundant at the Golden 1 Center. Jeff Koon’s Coloring Book #4 sculpture is hard to miss as you head through the main entrance. Final Thoughts Large venues can do lots of harm to the environment through heavy car emissions, trash, heavy use of carbon producing gases. Golden 1 Center is a winner in minimizing these harmful issues and should be a blueprint for future athletic facilities. Winning off the court can be just as important as winning on the court as far as our environment. The Kings new ownership is investing heavily to accomplish both of these goals.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Washington Wizards website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20,282 G-Wiz, It’s Basketball in DC Capital One Arena opened in 1997 as the home of the Washington Wizards, replacing the aging Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. However, the Wizards have thus far been unable to match the rise in popularity experienced by their co-tenant, the Washington Capitals. In addition to hosting these two teams, Capital One Arena plays host to Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball. Capital One Arena is currently undergoing a massive $800 million renovation that is set to be completed in 2027. This will include major upgrades to both the interior and exterior of the arena. Food & Beverage 4 Capital One Arena has plenty of food and beverage offerings that are sure to satisfy any fan, and recently they have added some unique options as well. Main course options include Papa John’s pizza, cheeseburgers, and chicken tenders, and the last two come with fries. Other options include Italian sausage, hot dogs, and Chick-fil-A. In the past few years, arena ownership has added even more options beyond the standard ones, including tacos and donuts. Rita's Italian ice and frozen custard are available for fans with a sweet tooth. Snacks include popcorn and hot pretzels. Thirsty fans can buy bottled water or soda, all Pepsi products. Beer and other alcohol are also available to fans of age. The one bad part is that prices are expensive, as a meal and non-alcoholic beverage will easily cost over $20 and possibly over $30, and alcohol is extremely pricey as well. Atmosphere 3 Capital One Arena’s main entrance is located on F Street NW in DC between 6th and 7th Streets, although there are several other entrances around the arena. Regardless of where you enter, you will be on the lower level, so fans sitting elsewhere will need to use stairs, an escalator, or an elevator. The 100 and 400 levels are traditional seats for the most part, while the 200 level is the club level and the 300 level is all luxury suites. All seats have a good view of the court, but the legroom and seat width get smaller and smaller the further up you go. There is a scoreboard above center court which also shows video and player stats, as well as smaller boards in the corners. The Wizards do a decent job of keeping the fans engaged, with contests, cheerleaders, and a dance team, but oftentimes it seems like this distracts from the game itself. When the opposing team gets an easy rebound and uncontested layup off a missed free throw, and the crowd is going wild because they just won free chicken sandwiches, that’s not a good look. There is a mascot named G-Wiz who is a blue creature of some sort, but he mostly stays in the corner and only comes out occasionally. One unique tradition is what happens after Wizards three pointers. The PA announcer will announce a "DC THREE" by whoever made the basket. Some fans find this enjoyable while others find it quite annoying by the end of the game. Neighborhood 4 Capital One Arena is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of DC, though the area has gentrified significantly since the arena was built. The Greene Turtle is a popular sports bar located right around the corner. while the Gallery Place shopping mall is also right around the corner and includes numerous stores and a movie theater. Unfortunately, a lot of other businesses in the area have closed in recent years, between COVID and rising crime in the area. The neighborhood is still pretty safe despite public perception to the contrary, but you are in a major city so be aware of your surroundings. Your best entertainment options will involve traveling a bit away from the arena, but not far. That’s because you’re in DC, the nation’s capital, and there’s a lot to do. The best part is that most of it’s free. Whether it’s checking out the many memorials and monuments on and around the National Mall, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply taking in the historic sights, there’s something for everyone here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some private ones are not. Keep in mind, however, that if you wish to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 2 At any given Wizards game, there will be thousands of empty seats, in stark contrast to what you’d get at a Capitals game at the same arena. Attendance has been on the decline for several years, in large part because the Wizards aren’t that good. Although officially the Wizards average between 16,000 and 17,000 fans per game, in terms of actual attendance it’s significantly less. A lot of tickets get put on the secondary market and not sold, or the ticket holders choose not to show up for other reasons. Those who do show up frequently arrive late or leave early, and most of them don’t get too involved in the game. There are moments where they can get loud, but it’s mostly when they have a chance to win free Chick-fil-A if the opposing player misses two “Fowl Shots” or for other similar promotions. The Wizards have a nice arena, and it’s disappointing that the fans don’t turn out in larger numbers. Access 4 Capital One Arena is located just steps from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station on the Red, Green, and Yellow lines. While this may seem like an amazing thing, the unfortunate reality is that Metro is difficult at the best of times and unusable at the worst. The last few years have seen numerous construction projects shut down several stations for weeks or even months at a time. Even if one of these isn’t ongoing, there is track work almost every weekend that increases headways on many lines and often closes several additional stations. The result is that there could be 24 minutes or more between trains, and that’s assuming everything functions properly, which it frequently doesn’t. The good news is that even people coming from outside the immediate DC area can take the Metro by parking at one of the suburban stations. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for parking with the same SmarTrip card you paid your fare with or you will be subject to a much higher rate at certain stations. If you don’t want to chance it with Metro, you can drive to the game. Ample garage parking is available but is costly. The exact cost varies by the day and based on availability, but expect to pay at least $20 and probably much more. You can also take a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. Once you’re in the arena, the concourses are wide enough to allow for easy navigation. There can be long lines at concessions or restrooms during halftime, but if you leave as soon as the half ends, you should be back in your seat by the time the game resumes. Due to the construction and renovations to the arena, there are posted detours for both pedestrians and vehicles nearby. This should not impact you too much at the moment, but be sure to allot extra time to get to the game and follow all posted signs and directions. Return on Investment 3 The Wizards use a variable pricing format where the exact price you pay will depend on the opponent. Prices will generally start at between $20 and $25 depending on the opponent and go up to around $200 or more for lower level seats. However, you can often buy resale tickets for much less, especially for weeknight games and games against lesser opponents. Unfortunately, tickets are sold through Ticketmaster so you can expect massive fees tacked on. When you throw in the expensive concessions, attending a Wizards game can be deceptively expensive. Extras 2 Be sure to check out the rafters as well, for retired numbers and the 1978 championship banner. One final star for the player introductions, an impressive display with spotlights in team colors and projected writing on the court. Final Thoughts Although the Wizards had high hopes when they moved downtown in 1997 into a shiny new arena, the experience has proven to be less than promised. Although a Wizards game is more affordable than it would be to see the Capitals at the same arena, you ultimately get what you pay for. The atmosphere in the arena is pretty dead and it is an average NBA arena at best.

Photos by Richard Smith and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Eagles website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 Fly Eagles Fly Until 2003, the Philadelphia Eagles never had a stadium to call their own. The Eagles did play alone for five years in the 1930s and 1940s at the stadium, which would later be named John F. Kennedy Stadium, but most of the time, they used the venues of the Phillies, the old Philadelphia Athletics, and even the University of Pennsylvania Quakers. The Baker Bowl and Connie Mack Stadium were subpar stadiums, especially by the time the Eagles got to play at each. The 1971 opening of Veterans Stadium, shared with the Phillies, gave the team their first modern stadium, but one loved by almost no one. It also showed little life, except for the rat and mouse population in its lower sections. It also deteriorated fast and needed to be replaced desperately, and that is why Lincoln Financial Field was built in 2003 The stadium is architecturally not like many new stadiums. Its design does not use soft brick colors and other warm tones. Instead, it uses sleek steel, glass facades, and darker surfaces to make a unique statement. It’s both harsh to the eye and welcoming, all at the same time. The stadium also hulks over nearby Interstate I-95. Food & Beverage 4 For the best food options at The Linc, start in the north end zone plaza, where most fans enter the stadium. This festive introduction features an area with several unique food carts, including Brent Celek’s “Prime Stache,” serving as a mean cheesesteak. Bassett’s provides several BBQ options, while one spot over is a tent for McNally’s Tavern and their famous “Schmitter” sandwich. To be able to devour this beast, one must hold out from eating at a tailgate. The Schmitter features steak, onions, tomatoes, cheese, grilled salami, and a special sauce on a Kaiser roll. This area with the best food is a hike from some seating sections, so it may be best to grab something on your way in. Inside the actual stadium, there are plenty of concession stands, and they are expensive, like their counterparts outside. The choices throughout each concourse level include the requisite items, but they are less varied, and disappointingly, only a couple of items are offered per stand. This is Philadelphia, and thankfully, several spots sell cheesesteaks. There are also some good-looking soft pretzels available, which is a Philadelphia favorite. However, the one I tried was cold. Of course, Chickie’s & Pete’s sell their famous crab fries ($11) and chicken cutlets ($9). Miller Lite and Budweiser are the prominent beers sold around the stadium. Other beers are available, but the local selection is limited. Coca-Cola provides soda products, and a regular is $5. For those who are not looking to drink alcohol, be sure to sign up for the Designated Driver program in the north plaza at ground level for a ticket to receive a free beverage. Atmosphere 5 Set amongst a backdrop of seemingly endless rows of tailgates, Lincoln Financial Field’s exterior of exposed steel, beams, brick, and glass is well-designed to represent the character of Philadelphia. Walking towards the stadium from the north, the open corners and upper deck shape almost give the perception of an Eagle flying. Inside, the stadium is so well designed, with angled seating sections enhancing the sightlines. The lower deck is at a shallow grade, while the upper deck has more of a steeper pitch, and all of the individual Midnight Green seats have backs and cupholders. Though the upper deck is high because of the below club section sandwiched between a layer of suites, the view is not bad at all. Various nooks and crannies give the stadium a non-uniform, unique appearance, while the open corners in the north end help to provide peaks of Center City (Philly’s downtown). The outer gates open 2.5 hours before kickoff for access to the plaza behind the north end zone. This is a nice area to spend a little time as there is entertainment and live music to go along with the food trucks. The gates to the actual seating bowl open 1.5 hours before the game, and once seated, the experience is enhanced by a pair of high-quality video boards at each end zone. The only downfall is the usage of big ads on the sides, which cut down on the picture. For fantasy football junkies, there is a separate board that rolls through player stats, and the WiFi in the stadium has recently been enhanced to handle the volume. For those looking to factor in weather, the highest several rows in the sideline 200s are underneath an overhang. The sun will shine brightest on Sections 115-125 and 219-231. The game atmosphere is tremendous as The Linc is a very loud stadium that can provide a distinct home-field advantage (so long as the fans don’t turn on their team). A Rocky-themed introduction video is goosebump-inducing, and the roar from the opening kick continues into the first possession. After an Eagles touchdown, “Fly Eagles Fly” is sung by pretty much everybody and topped off with a deafening “E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!” at the end. During halftime, there’s a chance the Eagles Drumline performs, and it is worth sticking around for. Neighborhood 4 The South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes the nearby Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park, is located far away from the actual city of Philadelphia. To experience the city, you would need to take a subway ride into Center City. There are some places, albeit limited, close to the stadium. The Xfinity Live entertainment center is across the street, roughly where the old Spectrum was located. It is overpriced and is not an entertainment center, but a few bars and restaurants together in one building. The star attraction here is the 32-foot screen at the NBC Sports Arena. The Victory Beer Hall is also another fine venue, especially for local brews. A couple of slightly lesser-known options nearby are McFadden’s, located on the first level outside of neighboring Citizens Bank Park, and the Live Casino past the ballpark. Famous local sports bar Chickie’s and Pete’s is relatively close to Packard Avenue. There are hundreds of screens and video game options inside. The food is pretty good, too. The Crab Fries are famous here. You can park at Chickie’s and Pete’s for some games and they offer a shuttle bus to the games (“The Taxi Crab”). Just make sure you follow parking rules, as they will be quick to tow you if you don’t. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Tony and Nick's Steaks on Oregon Avenue underneath I-95. Don’t fall for the more touristy Pat’s and Geno’s. Tony Luke’s offers more options with much better flavor. Tony and Nick's Steaks can get crowded before games and still gets its share of tourists. For a more neighborly experience, go to Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue. They are located in a safe neighborhood and offer free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger, for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. The rest of Philadelphia is available to you a short ride away on the Broad Street subway line. Fans 5 It has been said that you can tell if the Eagles won or lost by just walking down Broad Street Monday morning as the mood of the city rides on the team. Philadelphia has a supremely passionate fan base that is seen as some of the most loyal, ardent supporters in the league. The city also draws the ire of many when the words “Philadelphia Fans” are uttered. They have a bad reputation and the stories have been repeated ad nauseam. While there is no arguing that there are plenty of obnoxious jerks at Eagles games who act like idiots, this is no different than what happens at many NFL games across the country. Additionally, these people at the games are in the significant minority. In terms of attending a game at The Linc wearing the jersey of the visiting team, you may get heckled, but as long as you are respectful, it is highly unlikely to run into any problems. I attended the game where the Eagles played the Saints and of the 30-40 people I saw wearing the Black & Gold, none of them were derided. Now, there is an exception as attending a division game rooting for the Cowboys, Giants or Commanders may not be the best idea. Eagles fans fill their stadium every Sunday and consistently rank in the Top 8 for NFL attendance by % of capacity. All the more impressive is the lack of empty seats at a game, in a day and age where it is easy to spot stadiums with open areas during a session of NFL RedZone. The crowd in Philadelphia turns The Linc into a very loud place and though they are quick to boo and get mad at their team, it is all because they care so much. That’s way better than sitting in a stadium where everyone is half-watching and playing on their phone. Access 4 The sports complex is located right off of I-95, with massive parking lots in the area. Even with big crowds, there should be no problem with access. Parking will not be cheap, but it will be convenient, as there are over 6,000 spaces available throughout eight lots at shockingly high prices. If using public transportation, you will likely find yourself using the only corporate-sponsored subway station that I know of, the AT&T; station of the Broad Street Line. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Philadelphia Eagles game is a very costly venture and while the entire NFL is expensive for the fan, it is even more so here. The expensive parking charge is hard to fathom and tickets range from $75 to $130. However, seats are snagged so fast, that it is likely fans need to use the secondary market and tickets start at $100. There are ways to save money though and using mass transit alone can save over $30. There are also standing room tickets which cost just $55. Despite the high prices, an Eagles game is quite an experience and this is a must-visit for football fans. Extras 5 In addition to serving as the Eagles home field, Lincoln Financial Field serves as the home of the Temple University Owls football games and it frequently hosts the Army-Navy game each fall. It also has served as the site of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships. In the plaza area near the north end zone, there is a building that leads to escalator access for suite holders. The entrance area is open to all fans and this section is a great spot that pays homage to team history. Spend some time here before the game to check out the team’s hall of fame, timeline and multiple murals. Also, be sure to check out the banners hanging from the rafters of the stadium. A $125 million renovation project paid by the team and league not only upgraded the stadium but added some nice personal touches. Among the additions: are historical murals, an expanded team store, upgraded WiFi, and a connecting bridge in the northeast corner of the stadium. Finally, one more point for “Fly Eagles Fly.” It is very catchy! Final Thoughts Lincoln Financial Field does many things, all of them very well. Most importantly, it gives the Eagles and their fans a place of their own for the first time in the long history of the franchise. It also gives Philadelphia a home-field advantage that can only help the long-term health of the team. A sports fan will enjoy themselves at Lincoln Financial Field, as finally, Philadelphia football has a place to be proud of.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rogers Centre 1 Blue Jays Way Toronto, ON M5V 1J3 Canada Toronto Blue Jays website Rogers Centre website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 39,150 Rogers Ballpark In the perennial world of ballpark construction, it seems that Rogers Centre has completed the lion’s share of the significant changes that President Mark Shapiro stated would turn “the stadium into a ballpark.” Opened in 1989, the SkyDome was an innovative marvel with the first ever retractable roof and the first large video screen dubbed the JumboTron. Over time the opening of Oriole Park at Camden Yards drastically changed the direction of ballpark construction. MLB teams were commissioning the building of ballparks and multi-purpose stadiums, like SkyDome, became a thing of the past. SkyDome was renamed Rogers Centre after it was purchased by Rogers Communications and in 2014 a major shift was undertaken. The Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League were informed that they would no longer be allowed to play at Rogers Centre. The major changes began. New turf was installed and the major task of creating a true dirt infield was undertaken, replacing the old sliding pits. The focus then turned to the fan experience, which is where the biggest changes took place. From 2022 to 2025 hundreds of millions of dollars were invested in Rogers Centre to change the infrastructure and try to create a ballpark experience. Every seat was replaced. New social areas were created. The lower bowl was completely replaced, removing the old track system that moved the seats for a football configuration to a permanent seating area where seats were reoriented towards home plate. The Toronto Blue Jays played their first season in 1977 at Exhibition Stadium. The ultimate success found its way to the shores of Lake Ontario with the 1992 and 1993 World Series championships. Joe Carter’s World Series ending home run of 1993 is one of the most iconic baseball scenes ever. Renewed success has found the Jays in 2025 with a surprising surge to the top of the American League East, bringing capacity crowds back to Rogers Centre. Food & Beverage 4 Rogers Centre provides a solid culinary experience for patrons. Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and popcorn are all readily available. There are several different hot dog and burger options. Pizza is provided by Pizza Nova and soft drinks are provided by the Coca-Cola family of beverages. The alcoholic beverage and specifically beer options are massive. Fans could head to the WestJet Flight Deck on the second level past centrefield for possibly the best beer selection in the building. For fans who are looking for something a little more unique, grabbing a chicken sandwich at Mary Brown’s, a Canadian chain originating from Newfoundland, or some Apple Brisket or Jerk Chicken Nachos, would be the way to go. The Cubano Panini at the TD Park Social is also a good choice. Rogers Centre has increased the number of “Tap and Go” facilities offering a quick in and out for easy to grab items. Of particular interest are Loonie Dog Tuesdays. Hot Dogs are only $1 on these special days and the variety of concession items definitely decreases on these days to accommodate the massive promotion. On the day of this review, a record number of hot dogs were purchased at over 92,000. Atmosphere 4 The biggest area of deficiency at Rogers Centre remains the exterior. Dominated by exposed concrete, Rogers Centre is a massive structure. The entrances remain bland as compared to contemporary ballparks and there is no “main entrance” to the stadium. The north side of the stadium, where the Marriott which is part of Rogers Centre, would probably be considered the front. Also, compared to modern ballparks, the footprint of the grounds is relatively small with not too much space around the exterior of the stadium. Two bronze sculptures at the top of the north side of Rogers Centre, “The Crowd” and “The Fans” highlight the exterior and the bronze statue of Rogers founder, Ted Rogers, is found at the south, by Bremner Blvd. The inside of the Rogers Centre can be dark. The 100 level is generally the spot to be before the game. The best concessions can be found here and past left field, the pre and post-game show with Jamie Campbell of Rogers Sportsnet can be found. The 100-level concourses are fairly open, considering the age of the building. The new videoboard is even more massive than before and has engulfed an entire level and taken over where Sightlines restaurant used to be. Above the videoboard are the championship banners of the 1985, 1989, 1991, and 2015 American League East banners along with the 2016 and 2020 Wild Card banners. Nestled neatly in there are the 1992 and 1993 World Series banners. Hall of Fame banners for Pat Gillick and Roy Halladay also hang proudly with the championships. The Jays nod to history continues with the level of excellence, located on the facia of the fourth level and includes Halladay and Gillick, joined by Tom Cheek, Carlos Delgado, Joe Carter, George Bell, Tony Fernandez, Dave Stieb, Paul Beeston, Cito Gaston and Jose Bautista. After an MLB investigation into alleged sexual misconduct and his placement on the ineligible list, Baseball Hall of Fame member Roberto Alomar has been removed from the Level of Excellence and his Hall of Fame banner removed. In the 500 level, all of the seats have been removed and replaced with larger, more modern, plastic blue seats. The right field and left field sides of the Jumbotron each have new social areas. The right field area is where fans will find the Corona Rooftop Patio, a bar area that often features live pre-game music. The left field side is where fans will find the TD Park Social area, which features Muskoka chairs, cornhole, and a huge chalkboard. Each side, although similar, has a different vibe and both have been extremely popular. The bullpens have been raised and each is well within shouting distance of fans. The symmetrical outfield fence design has been jettisoned for some differing heights and distances, making it a little more unique than previous. The visitors bullpen in right field is also near a new area, the Schneider’s Porch, which is on the 100 level and popular as well. Rogers Landing and Club 328 are also popular areas in the lower bowl. All of the 100 level seats have also been replaced and improved sightlines have come with the new seating orientation, specifically in the outfield corners. The outfield dimensions have also changed slightly and there are now a few other corners and wall heights that generally make the ballpark more interesting. The game day production at Rogers Centre is good. At one time, the Blue Jays went overboard with sound effects between pitches. That has been toned down a bit. The Jays promotion team does their thing throughout the stands and the Jays mascot, Ace, interacts with fans. Typical baseball promotions and the like are peppered throughout the game, but the highlight of the Jays experience is the Seventh Inning Stretch. Before the seemingly mandated “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” the Jays play their song and the eerily catchy “OK Blue Jays” is belted out to the delight of the crowd. Neighbourhood 5 Rogers Centre is perfectly located. There is not a better location in the city for the Blue Jays to be. Downtown Toronto is a fantastic spot to make an afternoon, a weekend or an entire vacation. There are a huge number of locations where one can eat before or after the game. However, as with many spots, the pandemic has changed the face of the city’s culinary industry. Fans looking for a true culinary experience, may want to ascend to the top of the CN Tower to the 360 Restaurant. For fans looking for a more traditional pre-game experience then The Loose Moose, The Pint Public House, or Steam Whistle Brewery are good options. Front Street and Bremner Blvd have a plethora of dining options. New to the area is the Sportsnet Grill, which is located inside the Toronto Marriott and offers views of the field where fans can eat and drink and watch the game. An entire vacation can be had in downtown Toronto. The CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada are right there by the Rogers Centre. The Rogers Centre does offer tours, however they are not nearly as good as they should be. The Theatre District may be second only to Broadway in New York City as far as stage entertainment is concerned. The Eaton Centre is a fantastic place to shop. Right across the road from the Rogers Centre is Toronto Railway Museum. Fans may also want to take the Steam Whistle Brewery Tour, which is also across the road. However, no trip to Toronto is complete without a trip to see the Hockey Hall of Fame. For fans looking for other sports, Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Marlies, Toronto Sceptres and Toronto Maple Leafs all play within minutes of the Rogers Centre. The University of Toronto is just north of the Rogers Centre and the Varsity Blues field football, basketball and hockey teams among others. A truly unique experience may be to check out Toronto Metropolitan University Bold hockey or basketball at the former Maple Leaf Gardens. Of course there are a ton of places that you could stay in downtown Toronto. A unique experience would be to stay right in the stadium at the Toronto Marriott City Centre. Another unique experience would be to stay at one of the most significant historical hotels in all of Canada, the Royal York. A little more affordable would be the Delta and Strathcona, however you are going to pay to stay downtown no matter what you choose. Fans 4 With increased checks in the win column in 2025, there have been plenty more fans going through the turnstiles at Rogers Centre. For the 2025 season, the Jays are averaging over 33,500 per game. This is good for 10th in MLB and an improvement over the 2024 season. Generally speaking, Jays fans are relatively quiet, as are most southern Ontario fans, but they can definitely get loud when the time is right. With the colder months requiring the roof closed, the noise can get off the charts with the noise staying in the building. Access 3 The Rogers Centre can be challenging to get to as downtown Toronto traffic can be difficult. Rogers Centre is located right by the Lakeshore in downtown Toronto. Driving to the stadium will be difficult as motorists must take either the Gardiner Expressway or Lakeshore Blvd. Hitting the road earlier as opposed to later is always the best idea. With the increased attendance due to a more consistent team on the field and the new ballpark features, driving away from Rogers Centre has become increasingly frustrating and time consuming. The bad traffic downtown is mitigated by the fantastic public transit options. Rogers Centre is just a couple of blocks from Union Station. The TTC subway, GO Transit and Via Rail are all major presences in Union Station. Along Spadina you will find the TTC street car. Any public transit info can be found at the TTC and GO Transit websites. Decent parking can be found downtown, however depending on the day it can greatly fluctuate. Most days you can find parking within walking distance of the Rogers Centre for around $15. On one of those special days, the same parking space can go for $40. The face of downtown Toronto is constantly changing and the parking situation becomes more perilous with the increase in condominium construction. ParkWhiz and SpotHero options are now more prevalent downtown and should be consulted. Although there have been improvements outside the stadium as well, there are a number of spots where attention needs to be paid when walking. Many areas with interlocking brick are in need of repair or replacement and some of the ground is uneven. The concourses in Rogers Centre are pretty wide and getting around is not too difficult. The stadium would have benefitted from escalators. The majority of fans will travel up and down with long trips around traditional stadium ramps. The washroom facilities are plentiful, and on most days more than adequate. Return on Investment 3 The success of the 2025 Blue Jays coupled with the physical improvements of the ballpark have led to an increase in the cost of attending a Jays game. A General Admission ticket is now available at $20 and pushes fans into the Bullpen Bleachers or into one of the social areas. The cheapest outfield ticket is now $37 with tickets for low 500 level seats behind home plate increased to $48. Tickets in the 100 level begin at $93. In previous years the Blue Jays fared favourably on the Fan Cost Index, but an updated version would find the Jays climbing the ladder of expensive MLB experiences. Parking is decently priced and concessions are about what one would expect. The product on the field has been great for the 2025 season and the gameday production in Toronto is solid. Extras 4 An extra mark for the return of the ORIGINAL Okay Blue Jays. The early 2000s saw the Jays’ anthem “modernized” with a horrible backbeat. There is no doubt the original is better. An extra mark for the innovation that the Rogers Centre brought to Major League Baseball. The huge videoboard, upgraded luxury boxes, retractable roof and in stadium restaurants were all pioneered in Toronto. An extra mark for ballpark tours returning to Rogers Centre. An extra mark for the transition of Rogers Centre from stadium to ballpark. Final Thoughts The majority of renovations at Rogers Centre are now complete as is the transition from stadium to ballpark. The Toronto Blue Jays experience remains strong, but the price has increased to go along with it. The improvements to Rogers Centre are definitely worth checking out. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Karen Shelton Stadium 327 Ridge Rd Chapel Hill, NC 27514 North Carolina Tar Heels website Karen Shelton Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 1,000 Field Hockey's Crown Jewel in Carolina Although UNC is best known for its basketball program, the Tar Heels' field hockey team has enjoyed more success than any other. With a record eleven national championships, this is the most elite program in the country. The Tar Heels have an elite stadium to match their elite program, calling Karen Shelton Stadium home. The state-of-the-art facility opened in 2018 and seats 900 fans, plus standing room for another hundred or so. this is also one of the few venues in the country to meet the strict standards for international competition, further demonstrating that this is a crown jewel of the sport. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the stadium, located at the far right end of the seating area. Although having any concession stand at all puts Karen Shelton Stadium above the majority of field hockey venues, the menu here is fairly limited. Hot dogs ($5.89), candy ($3.99), chips ($4.79), peanuts ($5.49), popcorn ($6.19), nachos ($6.19) and soft pretzels ($7.89) are the only food options. To drink, fans can choose from bottled water ($4.89), a souvenir 32 oz. soda ($6.99), or, unusually for college field hockey, various beers and wines ranging in price from $9..99 to $14.99. Atmosphere 5 Karen Shelton Stadium may well be the nicest stadium in college field hockey, with an outstanding atmosphere to go along with it. Walking into the stadium, you will see a gorgeous brick exterior facade, then walk through an opening onto the concourse. From here, you can walk up or down to your seat. There is no track here like at some facilities, so you will be extremely close to the action. The second level above the concourse adds some sightlines not often seen in college field hockey. Surrounding the field are verdant trees and beautiful brick buildings, including the Champions Club for field hockey donors. The UNC athletic department clearly puts a lot of effort into the field hockey experience. The pep band sits in the rightmost section of the lower level and plays the fight song and other music before UNC penalty corners and after goals. The Tar Heel mascot, Rameses the Ram, roves the field and the stands high-fiving fans, "borroring" their sunglasses, and getting up to other wacky hijinks. Before UNC penalty corners, the PA announcer will lead the crowd in a call-and-response, shouting "Tar" before the crowd answers "Heels". T-shirts are tossed into the crowd after every UNC goal, further hyping the crowd. A large videoboard, one of the largest in college field hockey, is locted behind the goal on the left side. The one downside of this board is that it does not show time remaining on penalty cards. It does, however, show shots, saves, and corners for each team. Neighborhood 4 The UNC campus is located in Chapel Hill, part of the Research Triangle that also includes Raleigh and Durham. You are going to have to head off campus to find much of anything, but places like Al's Burger Shack and Carolina Brewery are just a short drive away. With three major cities within about a 15-20 minute drive, there is something for everyone in this area, it just may not be within the immediate vicini8ty of the stadium. Fans 5 UNC consistently ranks at or near the top of the country in attendance. While many other schools mainly draw friends and family of the players, UNC averages 600 fans a game in a thousand seat stadium. The crowd ranges from students to longtime Tar Heels fans to young families with kids who may play field hockey themselves and dream of playing for the Tar Heels someday. The crowds are knowledgeable about the team and the sport itself and cheer loudly. They participate in "Tar ... Heels!" calls-and-response and create an electric atmosphere at Karen Shelton Stadium. This fan base may very well be the best in the country. Access 4 There are several places to park at Karen Shelton Stadium. The Ram's Head Parking Deck is located right across the street along Ridge Road and costs $1.75 an hour. There is also the Ehringhaus Lot on the other side of the stadium where the most dedicated fans park and tailgate before the match. This is free after 5 PM and on weekends, but fans cannot park here outside those hours. Fortunately, that will cover almost every home game. Once in the stadium, restrooms are located underneath the bleachers and are clearly signed. There is also a family restroom for people who require one. The one downside is that the narrow concourse can get crowded at times, especially right before and after the match. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to UNC Field Hockey are free, presenting an outstanding value for one of the best venues in the sport. Parking will either be free or inexpensive, depending on when you visit, while concessions are reasonably priced as well. Overall, a UNC field hockey game is outstanding, affordable fun. Keep in mind there may be a charge for tickets for ACC or NCAA tournament games, as ticketing for those events is not coordinated by UNC. Extras 4 The pep band is worthy of an extra here, as that is something not often seen in college field hockey. Look for the plaques and banners honoring UNC's conference and NCAA championships. Free roster cards are available under a rock on the concourse. Understanding that field hockey is a niche sport in the United States, the team plays a brief video before the game explaining the basics of the rules so fans can follow along better. Final Thoughts Karen Shelton Stadium is the crown jewel of college field hockey. UNC fans may not be as familiar with UNC field hockey as they are with basketball, football, or other sports, but those who don't show up are missing out on one of the best hidden gems in college sports. If you are any sort of college field hockey fan, Karen Shelton Stadium should be on your bucket list, and sports fans in North Carolina will have a great time here even if they have never checked out field hockey before.

Photos by Dave Cottenie and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Geodis Park 625 Smith Ave Nashville, TN 37203' Nashville SC website Geodis Park website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 30,000 For the Gold and Blue Nashville SC competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. The club plays its home matches at Geodis Park, the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States. It is owned by John Ingram , with minority investors such as the owners of the Dollar General store chain and actor Reese Witherspoon. The team spent two seasons in the USL Championship before joining MLS as an expansion team. They then spent two seasons playing at Nissan Stadium before Geodis Park was ready. The stadium is part of a re-development project at the former state fairgrounds site, which also includes Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Food & Beverage 5 Geodis Park offers a massive variety of food options. One of the best operational perks here is that practically every main concession stand features a satellite cart elsewhere on the concourse. The culinary lineup leans heavily into the city's culture, with no fewer than six local food spots featured around the stadium. Fans craving Latin American fare can hit up Taqueria Zepeda for steak or chicken nachos, tacos, and quesadillas. The Latin flavor continues throughout the concourse with three types of empanadas, yuca fries, fried plantains, buñuelos (fried dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar), and mango rice pudding. Central BBQ serves up three distinct types of barbecue sandwiches, while Nashville’s own Corner Pub delivers fantastic pub grub with a focus on burgers and smoked wings. The various grab-and-go stations are a fantastic addition. They offer a variety of pre-packaged snacks and drinks to serve as a quick filler without the traditional concession wait. The commitment to local favorites extends right into the beverage menu. Craft beer aficionados will find a stellar lineup featuring Hap & Harry’s Tennessee Beer, Hub City Brewing, Half Batch Brewing Company, Little Harpeth Brewing, Wiseacre Brewing Company, and "Pitch", a Nashville SC branded brew from Music City Beer Co. Fans looking for something different can grab ciders and spirits from Tennessee-based Bearded Iris, Diskin Cider, and Sugarlands Shine, or visit one of the fully stocked bars conveniently located around the stadium. For non-alcoholic choices, the stadium pours Coca-Cola products and offers cold brew coffee, Body Armor, and Red Bull. Atmosphere 4 The game day presentation at Geodis Park delivers everything you would expect from a top-tier MLS facility. The pre-match hype is fantastic, building excitement with a steady stream of flames, sparks, and yellow smoke during player introductions. Once the whistle blows, however, the gimmicks stop and the focus shifts entirely to the pitch. The energy is fueled organically by the supporters' section, whose nonstop chants, songs, and drumbeats create a quintessential soccer atmosphere. The stadium's design is incredibly intimate and fans feel close to the action. Ultimately, there really isn't a bad sightline to be found at Geodis Park. The only minor drawback is that the upper deck is quite steep, which can make traversing the stairs a bit of a physical challenge for some fans. The supporters' section is undeniably fun and rowdy, but it is not for everyone. This area is standing-room only, utilizing "safe standing" arched rails for fans to lean against rather than traditional seats. Neighborhood 3 Geodis Park is located on the old fairgrounds site and in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. Unfortunately that means the local neighborhood is more focused on homes and normal people living than as a great area for sports visiting. It is not a bad neighborhood, but also not an especially welcoming one either. There are some new housing built in between the race track and the stadium. We wonder how loud that gets for those who choose to live there? Nashville's popular areas "The Gulch" and "Broadway" are a bit far away from the stadium as you will have to arrange for transportation to them after the game as walking all the way to downtown s not advised. Fans 5 Nashville SC’s attendance numbers are impressive, averaging over 28,000 fans per match and ranking in the top 10 for MLS attendance. This is impressive being such a large stadium. “The Backline,” is the collective name for Nashville SC’s various supporter groups. They keep the energy high from kickoff to the final whistle by beating drums, ringing cowbells, leading coordinated chants, and waving massive flags. The general crowd also remains highly attentive and actively engaged in the game, just with a bit less of the non-stop, boisterous intensity found behind the goal. Access 2 Geodis Park should score better with access than it does as it is located less than a mile from a major highway in I-65, but this closeness doesn't explain the poor access to this stadium. Parking in the surrounding neighborhood is officially discouraged, but realistically that is what many fans do. They park on side streets and take advantage of locals selling sports in their yards and driveways. You can also but spots in the official parking lots on the teams website, along with a few partner lots in the area. Once inside the stadium, the walkways are wide enough to minimize congestion. The only problem is that the club and suites side of the stadium is not open for walking entirely around the stadium. The lots are notoriously congested post-game. While parking attendants are on-site and do their best to organize the flow of traffic, there is only so much they can accomplish. The surrounding streets have restricted movement, creating a massive bottleneck as a high volume of vehicles from multiple lots all try to filter through a single exit point. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to see Nashville SC offer a solid value, with entry into the supporters’ section starting at a very reasonable $20 and other seats quite reasonable as well. Parking takes a noticeable bite out of the cost of attendance. The parking rates feel disproportionately high, often starting at over $30 per vehicle. While there are a few alternative lots to help you avoid paying top dollar, they are scarce around Geodis Park and do not offer post-game shuttles. You can find free parking if you are willing to walk more than a mile, but for the average fan, the long trek easily outweighs the financial benefit. Extras 5 The Heineken Supporters Bar Mural is a vibrant eye-catching diptych created by artist Kevin Bongang. There is also a website at https://geodispark.com/stadium-info/installations/ which shows all the various art around Geodis Park. Walking through the north supporters' gate reveals the printed lyrics of the team anthem "Never Give Up on You" on the wooden ceiling overhead. Also each Supporter Group within The Backline put their own unique design on a steel beam above the safe-standing supporters’ section. The area outside the north gate features live music, promotional setups, and interactive soccer skills centers before kickoff. Final Thoughts Geodis Park has quickly become one of the loudest and most energetic soccer stadiums in the US scene. It is worth a visit from any sports fan.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 NextGen Patch at Cairns Field 1717 Dudley St Saskatoon SK S7M 2T7 Saskatoon Berries website Cairns Field website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 2,200 Saskatoon Berries The Saskatoon Berries joined the Western Canadian Baseball League in 2024, becoming the latest addition to this college summer league, competing across Saskatchewan and Alberta. The WCBL traces its roots back more than a century, initially as the Canadian-American Baseball League, then evolving to the Western Canada League, the Northern Saskatchewan Baseball League, the Western Major Baseball League, and now its current iteration since 2019. The Berries play at Cairns Field in the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. Cairns Field has almost as much history behind it as the league, built in 1914 and hosting a team in the Western Canada League. Several other teams have come and gone from the field over the years, including the Gems in the early 1950s, the Commodores in the late 50s and early 60s, with the 60s version of the team switching names several times between Commodores, Ambassadors, and Blues. Then there was a long pause before the Yellow Jackets moved in from 2002 to 2014. And now we have the Berries as the latest entry into the league. In spite of its age, Cairns Field has seen several upgrades over the years, giving it a modern feel, with all the amenities you’d expect to find. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand is situated in the K+S Multi-Sports Centre, a complex at the heart of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex which serves as the grandstand for both Cairns Field and, on the other side, the track and field facility. This is just inside the gates and to the right. The usual assortment of concession options can be found here, including hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and pop. For something special, try the Berries Burger ($9.50), made with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and Saskatoon Berry Aioli. To the left of the gates is a set of picnic tables to hang out and eat your food, and also the Berries Hi-Ball Shack, where you can find an assortment of adult beverages. This includes several varieties of beer (check out the Berry Beer from local brewery 9 Mile) and hi-balls with rye, rum, or vodka. There is a satellite concession stand at the end of the left field fence to serve folks out there in the bleachers or standing room, and a concession cart behind the right field bleachers as well, both providing a stripped-down menu from the main spots' options. Additionally, tucked in behind the Multi-Sports Centre you’ll find a food truck, delivering some other treats and adding to the overall variety. Atmosphere 3 A packed house at Cairns Field brings good energy to the experience. With the crowd shoulder-to-shoulder in the stands, it’s easy to feel the excitement around you, and every cheer feels exciting and authentic, sweeping everyone up in the entertainment. Crowd Enjoying a Saskatoon Berries Game, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighbourhood 3 Cairns Field is situated between an industrial park and a residential area. As a result, there isn’t much to do or see in the immediate area. Korean restaurant Diane’s Kitchen is a block north of the diamond and available for pre-game dining (or post-game if it’s an afternoon game). Or if you want to pop in to grab a slice of outstanding pizza to eat elsewhere, you can head into Vern’s Place, which is primarily a Husky gas station, with the pizza stand tucked into the back. Directly south of the Gordie Howe complex is the Holiday Park Golf Course, if you want to shoot a round before the ball game. And the Gordie Howe complex also has a campground, so if you want to bring your tent or trailer to town and stay right there when coming for a game, rather than looking for a hotel, that’s a good option. A fairly short 11-block drive north brings you to one of the major roads in Saskatoon, where you can find a bunch of options. All the usual franchise places can be found along this road, plus some nice local options, like the Blue Diamonds for anything from a burger to Veal Cordon Bleu. Fans 4 The fans bring good energy to the field. As with most teams in this league, things are fairly subdued most of the time, but pleasant. Fans cheer at appropriate times and let the umpires know when they aren’t happy with a call, showing they are engaged in the action. Access 4 Access around the diamond is pretty good, with few pinch points along the way. The area just inside the main gates, in particular, is spacious and accommodates lots of people around the concession stand, the pro shop, the washrooms, and the beer shack. There is ample parking around the stadium, all free. The easiest parking is directly north of the field, with plenty of room for the vehicles coming to the game, but there are several other lots around the complex with a bunch more space, so there’s little chance of everything being full. Roads clear out relatively quickly around the field. With its central location, people can head in all directions to get to where they’re going. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are pretty typical for the WCBL, with adults at $19, youths at $12, and children at $9.50 for assigned seating and $12 for general admission on the bleachers. You can also trade up to Castle seating behind the plate for $28 each. Extras 4 The Saskatoon Berries have a bit of a silly name, in the spirit of the Savannah Bananas. But credit where credit is due, they have fully embraced this name and jumped hip-deep into the fun. For example, the above-mentioned Berries Burger with Saskatoon Berry Aioli. Or their mascot, a big bear, named Barry, whose team jersey has the number 3.14 (aka pi. Get it? Barry Pi? Moving on…). Barry makes his way through the concourse and stands throughout the game, entertaining the kids and taking part in many of the between-inning contests and giveaways. Cairns Field has a big, impressive Jumbotron-style video screen overlooking the right field fence, providing game info and trivia about Berries players. Just inside the main gate is the team’s pro shop where you can get all the team memorabilia you’re looking for, from hats and shirts to miniature Barrys. Saskatoon Berries Pro Shop, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey The park has recycling bins alongside its regular garbage cans, which is always nice to see. Final Thoughts Berries baseball is relatively new in town, but the sport has a long and storied history here. The fans understand the game and have already established a solid core group. Coming to Cairns Field for a game is a fun time and well worth the visit.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium 4301 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 Incarnate Word Cardinals website Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 6,000 UIW Cardinals – Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is the largest Catholic university in Texas. The 150-plus acre campus is home to close to 9,000 students and is located on a prime spot in one of the most scenic locations in San Antonio, while also being under a five-minute drive from the city’s vibrant Downtown area. In 2008, the leadership of UIW ventured into the world of college football. They fielded their first recruiting class that fall, taking the field as an NCAA D2 independent team with the late Mike Santiago as their inaugural head coach. While moving up the ranks, the UIW Cardinals settled at the NCAA FCS level as members of the Southland Conference. Beginning in 2018 the team has gone on a tear, winning four Southland Conference championships, the first under current Oklahoma State Cowboys Head Coach Eric Morris, the next two helmed by current Texas State Bobcats head man G.J. Kinne, and the final – in 2024 – under current coach Clint Killough. The Cardinals’ winning ways have led them to the FCS playoffs on all four occasions, twice reaching the quarterfinals. Through it all they have called one place home: Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium. Named after university patriarchs and longtime owners of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, the on-campus stadium has given the Cardinals a distinct homefield advantage. Read all about it below. Food & Beverage 3 Currently there are three concession stands open for fans at Benson Stadium. Two are behind the home team stands; these tend to bottleneck pretty significantly during games, as there is not a ton of room underneath the bleachers where these stands are. The good news is that UIW tends to have three separate windows open for orders, so things tend to move as quickly as possible. However, if it’s a crucial time in the game and you’re sitting on the home side, make your way to the stand closest to the fieldhouse; this tends to be the least crowded. For visitors, the concession stand that sits near Sullivan Field is your only option. As for food items, it’s your traditional game day fare: hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and bottled drinks. They also offer walking tacos (a.k.a. Frito Pie), which seem to be everywhere these days. The home side does offer a separate beer stand for those wanting an adult beverage or two. Nothing groundbreaking here for food and drinks, but things are solid and relatively inexpensive. Atmosphere 3 One of the main draws of UIW is its campus. It is, quite frankly, gorgeous. The red bricks, the tree-lined paths, the stream that runs through the campus, the iconic clock tower, all of it is just postcard perfect. It’s what I imagine one of the historic colleges or universities back east looks like. Public art also dots the campus, which provides a fun diversion before or after Cardinal games at Benson Stadium. Heading to the game, you’ll notice that all the athletics facilities – Benson Stadium, Sullivan Field, and Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center – are all in the same section of campus. This is not only convenient, but it adds to the atmosphere. Inside the football stadium, the visitors side of the field is plastered with the successes of Cardinals teams of the past, such as their conference titles and the names of All-Americans – which includes the number one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward. There are also two merchandise tents for fans, one near the Convocation Center and one on the home team side, which offer up items such as t-shirts, jerseys, and stuffed animals for fans. The athletics complex sits at the bottom of a hill, setting it apart from all the hustle and bustle of both everyday campus life and the noise and energy of the seventh-largest city in the country. It really feels like a small-town college campus, and I mean that in the best way possible. Neighborhood 5 As mentioned, the UIW campus sits in one of the most auspicious locations in the city, five minutes from the Alamo, Hemisfair Park, the San Antonio River Walk, Tower of the Americas, the Alamodome, and the Historic Pearl entertainment district. It’s even closer to sites like the award-winning San Antonio Zoo and Witte Museum. Restaurants such as Smoke Shack, Cheesy Jane’s, and Hung Fong are also all almost within eyesight of the school. Basically anything and everything that San Antonio has to offer visitors is available near UIW’s campus, and most should be open either before or after Cardinals games, so you can visit at your leisure. Fans 3 Throughout their history, the Cardinals have typically drawn anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 fans per game, but this all depends on the opponent for each game. The Southland Conference, fortunately enough, is littered with Texas schools and assorted Louisiana ones that are within an easy driving distance from San Antonio. Those games tend to fill Benson Stadium and have great energy. The fans that head to Cardinals games are usually dressed in UIW black and white and are engaged. They’ve been spoiled by the team’s prolific success – especially on offense – in the last decade. While the current team is still young, I firmly believe that as soon as they turn the corner in terms of playoff success, you’ll see consistently larger crowds – San Antonio loves nothing more than backing a winner. Access 2 The score for this section is a little muddled for me. As mentioned, the campus’ proximity to downtown San Antonio means Benson Stadium is within a 30-minute drive from anywhere in the city. The facility is also only about 15 minutes from San Antonio International Airport, which has daily flights to almost any and all spots on the globe. There is also signage directing visitors to campus from US 281, which parallels the school; you can see the university buildings clearly from the highway. What makes this section’s score low was the parking difficulty I experienced on my most recent visit. Entrances to campus from the thoroughfares surrounding the school were all closed to the public, and there were no other visible markings telling fans where to go. By happenstance I found the entrance to the only open parking available to the general public, off a side street on the feeder road from the highway. Even then, parking was cash only, which greatly backed up traffic. I will shoulder some of the blame as I didn’t read that online before attending. However, this wasn’t my first game there and took me by complete surprise. On the plus side, you are afforded the opportunity to park in a covered garage once you’re onsite; this comes in handy early in the season when the south Texas sun is baking everything from dawn till dusk. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for UIW Cardinals football can be had for as little as $13 per person ($15 with fees). I would highly recommend going directly through the school’s ticketing office, as the same tickets I bought were marked up exceptionally high on all the secondary ticket market sites. Parking is just $10 (cash only; some passes can be bought online ahead of time, however) and you get a covered spot, which you will be grateful for if you visit anytime before mid-October. The concessions are also fairly reasonable; no item except alcohol runs higher than $10. That’s really a good bargain in this day and age, especially for D1 sports. Extras 3 There isn’t much still in the way of extras at UIW games, but the Cardinals have all the bells and whistles of most college teams, such as their mascot Red the Cardinal, the Marching Cardinals band, the Cardinal Dancers, and the cheer squad. The team also does a fun job with their entrance, as the whole squad runs through the inflatable cardinal head with red and black smoke billowing and music blasting. It’s a nice touch. Final Thoughts It has been fun to watch the growth of the UIW Cardinals football program. Seeing where they are now from where they came from has been something special to see. However, the program is still in its infancy, so there’s no telling where they will end up, given time. While Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium will never be confused with some of the great cathedrals of Saturday, the Cardinals more than make up for any deficiencies the stadium might have with their performance on the field. If you’re a fan of fun college football, add this spot to your bucket list. And while you’re in town for the game, take a stroll around the UIW campus – I think you’ll be glad you did. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Wheeling Island Racetrack 1 South Stone Street Wheeling, WV 26003 Wheeling Island Racetrack website Year Opened: 1937 Only Two Left Wheeling Island racetrack is one of only two active greyhound racing tracks in the United States, both of which are in West Virginia. On the inside, the facility is very similar to horse racing tracks you may have been to, with stadium seating overlooking the track, TVs to watch races at other tracks, and betting machines for you to make your wagers. Food & Beverage 4 The dog track has its own dedicated concession stand near the entrance, which offers chicken tenders, burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, nachos, hot dogs, and fish sandwiches, as well as snacks such as fries, popcorn, candy, and cookies. Prices are a little on the high side, but nothing that would surprise anyone who has been to a sports stadium before. There is also a bar tucked in a corner, which doesn’t seem too busy – because it is tucked away, some patrons may not even notice it. There are plenty of tables with chairs in the venue, making it easy to sit and eat while you watch the racing. Atmosphere 4 Wheeling Island racetrack has a pretty good atmosphere – the PA announcer especially does a great job announcing the races in her very energetic and lively voice. It is easy to see racing from anywhere inside the facility, and there are plenty of machines and cashiers available for you to make any wagers. Pro tip – if you use the betting machines on the far side, away from the concession stand, you shouldn’t have to stand in line. The ones next to the concessions are much busier, again likely because patrons may not notice the others tucked on the far side near the bar. Neighborhood 2 Wheeling Island racetrack is located on the southern end of a tiny island, also called Wheeling Island, in the middle of the Ohio River; you can get there by taking Exit 0 off I-70 (yes, Exit Zero – one of the few in the United States). This section of the city is a bit dilapidated, with a few blocked-off roads and several ongoing construction zones. There are a few restaurants around, including local chains such as Bob Evans or Perkins, but only a couple of hotels nearby; most of the hotels in the area are about 10 miles to the east in St. Clairsville, Ohio, or 10 miles to the west near Wheeling’s city center. Fans 3 Wheeling Island racetrack is pretty busy on the average day, though by no means would I call the facility crowded – you will be able to easily find space in the stadium seating, at one of the tables indoors, or even at one of the tables outdoors if you prefer to get closer to the action. Live racing happens Wednesday through Sunday starting at 1 pm, but the venue seems busier on the weekends. Access 4 Getting to Wheeling Island racetrack is straightforward: take I-70 to Exit 0, which appears just after crossing into West Virginia when heading east, or just before entering Ohio when heading west. The only tricky part is navigating a few unusual turns on and off the freeway, a product of how the interchange is laid out. Once you are off the freeway, head south across the island and the facility is easy to find. When you arrive, be sure to veer right and park behind the hotel, where there is a direct entrance into the racetrack – using that parking lot will save you from having to walk all the way through the casino from the main entrance. Return on Investment 4 I would definitely recommend a visit to Wheeling Island racetrack, especially if you have never seen greyhound racing before. With the political winds as they are, we may soon see this sport disappear from West Virginia, as it already has from every other U.S. state. The views of the track from the facility are amazing, the PA announcer is a lot of fun, and you can also get the thrill of victory from picking the right dog, especially if you happen to back it with a few bucks on an exotic wager. Extras 4 There are some greyhound statues outside, as well as some tables outside topped with bright yellow umbrellas. If you take a stroll out that way, you can see the greyhounds parade past before each race and see the dogs tear by on their way around the track. The multiple video boards inside make it easy to see the odds change throughout the day, as well as on the giant videoboard outside. Like at horse racing venues, you can also bet on racing at other locations (simulcast wagering) if that is your preference, and the concession stand has some great food options.

“Major League Baseball made its 1969 debut on the South Side Wednesday, but the star attraction was neither the host White Sox... It was, instead, a diamond-shaped patch of pool-table green Sox Astroturf infield of the future.” ​It was a dubious year for the Chicago White Sox, who finished the season before with a 67-95 record (their first in 17 years) and attracted a minuscule 7,493 fans per game. The team owners, John and Arthur Allyn Jr., predicted that the Sox would draw little more to the ballpark and projected a loss of $438,800 in 1969. ​The brothers launched a $500,000 “high-pressure campaign” to bring fans back to the nearly 60-year-old White Sox Park; it wasn’t going to be with the players on the team, but with innovations and additions that hoped to spruce up the old place. White Sox Park got a makeover from the inside and out. The greatest change was the addition of $100,000 worth of green synthetic grass infield called Sox Sod, which was the second stadium in the major leagues to use it. This innovation was designed to reduce bad bounces and hops, provide a firm footing, and require lower maintenance than grass. The green hue was hoped to make the stadium look vibrant on color TV sets. "We will be able to use the field just 15 minutes after a heavy downpour, and this means it could save us two or more rainouts a season", said Arthur Allyn. The infield turf was a shade greener than the natural grass outfield. The turf was going to be different from the Astrodome's. The Sox Sod had a base of 13 inches of gravel, 5 inches of asphalt, topped by an absorbing rubberized cushion of three-quarters of an inch, to which the synthetic grass is bonded. ​Sox manager Al Lopez thought that hitting would be different this year, and a line drive would come off much quicker. Shortstop Luis Aparicio said the carpet would cause some ground balls to get to the infielders faster than normal. ​“It will be tougher to bunt a runner from first to second, but it should be easier to get the ball past the pitcher to move a man from second to third.” The future Hall of Famer added that he could see the ball well, but had some trouble with the ball coming off the green and onto the basepaths. Third baseman Bill Melton said the ball would get to him much faster. Sandy Alomar, Sr., added that the turf had truer bounce because, unlike the Astrodome, their sod was permanent.” Even Baltimore Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson praised the new turf, saying that club officials had to do something to give the Sox more hitting. The team would muster only a .228 batting average, which was below the league average from the previous season. Chicago Daily News columnist Dave Nightingale wrote almost an entire article about the “phony fuzz” and added that the ball speed would be greater, bunted balls would roll like marbles to the fielder, and tricky hops would be a thing of the past on the new carpet. ​“While we are not committed to putting ‘Soxsod’ in our outfield next year, we are definitely considering it,” Arthur Allyn said. “However, we do want to see how the infield works this year before we make any decisions.” Tommy John winds up against the Red Sox on the infield turf. ​Allyn predicted that the turf would be added to the outfield within a few years, but that there was just too much money involved in doing it at the moment. It would have cost the White Sox an additional $300,000. ​Also new were bright blue uniforms, similar in hue to those of the Los Angeles Dodgers or, dare I say, the Chicago Cubs up north at Wrigley Field. The home sets were a complete overhaul, featuring a solid white jersey with blue piping, the iconic Old English Sox design, and white stirrups with blue striping. The pinstripes disappeared, and the caps no longer featured the interlocking block “SOX” logo. For the first time in team history, the Old-English SOX emblem was on the cap and matched the design on the shirt. There was no other color besides royal blue. ​Interestingly, the new uniforms were supposed to have an additional color according to the Chicago Sun-Times article on February 11, 1969. Stu Holcomb, the Sox PR Director, was planning on having traditional patriotic colors. ​“They will be tailored in red, white, and blue, perhaps even topped with an Uncle Sam Sailor cap. A pointer, little white beard may also be allowed.” ​Holcomb also ditched the powder blue shades of the road jerseys of the past 5 years in favor of traditional grays, just as expansion franchises in Seattle and Montreal were introducing their own powder blue road uniforms. The drab gray uniforms featured the same Chicago script wordmark, but in white against a gray jersey. ​The Sox also introduced royal blue satin jackets with the SOX logo on the chest. Team officials wore Ivy League jackets featuring the Arthur Allyn crest, a design of 50 stars and 13 stripes on a royal blue field. However, there was more at Comiskey Park, including fences brought in to help hitters. A vinyl-coated fence, colored hunter green, was installed in the outfield, moving the right field wall 20 feet and the center field wall 15 feet. Ed Holstein, director of park operations, deemed the walls “the safest on the market.” A makeshift fence also houses the Sox bullpen. ​Other changes included a Pitch-O-Meter clock to count down the 20 seconds the pitcher has to deliver a pitch when a runner is on base, or an automatic ball would be called. The hope was to hear fans count down from the stands. Wait, a minute, is this 1969 or 2025? ​A Dugout Lounge was created for all ticket holders, offering dinner and cocktails. About 11,000 seats were switched from reserved to general admission on both the upper and lower decks. Then there was a group of 15 young women in miniskirts, called the “Soxettes,” introduced to help make fans feel welcome at the games. They were dressed up in red, white, and blue outfits to greet fans. The miniskirt-clad ladies also handed out schedules and matchbooks and were involved in the community with school visits and TV appearances. Newspaper articles of the time took notice of their presence at the old ballpark. ​Management spent $100,000 on improvements to the lighting in the parking lots and alleys to make “White Sox Park the brightest area in Chicago and make customers feel that they can walk out to their cars and have nothing to be afraid of.” The team’s motto was “White Sox Park is the Light, Bright and Right One.” Sox manager Don Gutteridge argues with the ump in a bright blue satin jacket. ​Opening day under sunny conditions, but only 11,000 fans were in attendance. After 35 games, the Sox knocked in 132 runs, compared to 92 from a year ago, but were hitting a meager .237, nine points lower than a year ago. In 20 home games, the Sox attracted 165,903 fans - down 39,712 from the same time a year ago. Meanwhile, the Cubs attracted 272,955 fans in 19 games. ​The changes were seen as gimmicks to a few fans, especially John Battistella of Westchester, Illinois, who wrote a letter to the Chicago Daily News. ​“So what do Arthur Allyn, Stu Holcomb, and Ed Short come up with? Shorter fences, different uniforms for players and concessionaires, but the same patsy hitters. One highlight came on July 20 with the announcement of the Apollo moon landing. The White Sox marked the moment by firing fireworks from the exploding scoreboard, a small band played several songs, and the 16,000 fans in attendance joined together in a prayer for the astronauts’ safe return to Earth. The Sox finished the season with a 68-94 record, 29 games behind the Minnesota Twins in the American League Western Division. Attendance was 589,546, averaging about 7,278. There were 11 games played in Milwaukee that drew 391,335 - 66% of the Sox total attendance for the year. Arthur Allyn was asked if he regretted the decision to spend lavishly (which he reported was closer to $600,000 on improvements). He said not in the least and that he plans on spending even more in the next year and a half on advertising, promotions, facility rebuilding, and providing the public with the sort of team it deserves. “When you’re winning, everything takes care of itself.” The year brought many changes designed to make coming to the ballpark fun again. The improvements and public campaign did not result in winning ways or higher attendance for the White Sox. It was worth a ride on the “magic green carpet,” but winning is what the Sox faithful really wanted. And still desire. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 West Family Stadium 208 University Dr West Liberty, WV 26074 West Liberty Hilltoppers website West Family Stadium website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 4,000 Up, Up, and Away We Go West Liberty University offers a scenic setting for football with a great home game atmosphere, including a party deck for alumni and bucket-style chairback seats for about half the fanbase. There is no seating on the visitors’ side of the field, but the home side boasts two concession stands, as well as berm seating behind one end zone that I saw a handful of fans enjoying. Food & Beverage 2 West Family Stadium doesn’t have a wide range of concession options, but it offers a few favorites such as hot dogs with or without chili, nachos, cookies, and packaged candy, as well as sodas and bottled water. There are two concession stands on the home side, both serving the same items, but one is cash-only – the line for the cash-only stand is almost non-existent, while the credit card stand line is very long, so I recommend bringing cash to the game if you want to save time. Atmosphere 3 West Family Stadium has a great atmosphere with lots of energy coming from the fans. The band, while small, does a great job keeping the fans engaged with its performance before the game, as well as by playing lively songs during breaks in the action. The seats in the center section are all chairbacks, with metal bleachers on both ends of the grandstand. There are also vendors on hand before the game, such as the Army or National Guard, handing out giveaways and souvenirs. The stadium appears to be well kept up but does show its age a little – for example, there is no video board, just a basic digital scoreboard, and you can see fading on some of the dedicatory plaques. Neighborhood 1 West Liberty University is about 10 miles up the hill from nearby Wheeling, West Virginia – the Hilltoppers moniker is very apt. As a result, there is very little in the vicinity of West Family Stadium; there are a couple of pizza places, but the closest hotel, Oglebay Resort, is over seven miles away. However, even once you get down that hill, there are only a few restaurants and hotels in that part of Wheeling. There is a casino and greyhound racetrack on Wheeling Island, an island in the middle of the Ohio River, but the only real civilization is about 20 miles from West Family Stadium – 10 miles down the mountain using Highway 88, and then another 10 miles on I-70, either east to St. Clairsville, Ohio, or west to Wheeling’s city center. The greyhound racetrack on Wheeling Island is one of only two still operating in the United States, so it may be worth a look if you are in the area. Live racing happens Wednesday through Sunday starting at 1 pm, so depending on what time the football game starts, you may be able to catch a few races before or after. Fans 3 West Family Stadium has a great fan base with many home fans wearing team gear, but the fan base is a bit mixed, since both the home and visiting fans sit together on the press box side of the field. As a result, you will hear loud cheers even when something bad happens for the Hilltoppers, and you might see as many fans wearing the opposite colors as you will see them sporting WLU black and gold. Access 2 As mentioned above, you will have to drive about 10 miles up, and sometimes down, a mountain to get to West Family Stadium, with many, many switchbacks, so it won’t be much fun, especially at night. Then, once you get to the stadium, unless you have a pass or get there really early, you will have to park down the hill from the facility and use concrete stairs to walk up to the stadium, some of which are uneven or sloped. But once you get to the stadium itself, there is plenty of room to move around, and the bathrooms are more than large enough to accommodate the crowd. There are also no assigned seats, so you are free to sit wherever you want, first come, first served. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to West Liberty Hilltoppers football games are $15, which may be a little on the high side for D2 football, but is by no means exorbitant. I consider attending a game at West Family Stadium a good return on investment – the venue may be missing some of the amenities fans may be used to nowadays, what with the recent revitalization of many sports stadiums, but West Liberty offers an above-average experience compared to other D2 football venues. Extras 3 The berm seating is a plus, as it offers a way to get closer to the action on the field, and the giveaways before the game are a lot of fun, especially if you happen to be bringing any little ones. The party deck for alums is also a nice touch; note that this is the only covered seating in the facility, so if you are there for a day game and happen to have any connections in that regard, you might want to take advantage.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Danville Stadium 610 Highland Blvd Danville, IL 61832 Danville Dans website Danville Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 4,000 A Hidden Gem in Danville They do not build them like this anymore, and they never will; not by any stretch of the imagination will someone construct a facility like Danville Stadium. It is a place that was constructed on a whim after Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey passed through town on his way to Decatur, Illinois, to place a farm team shortly after World War II. After a few drinks and heavy conversation, Rickey was convinced by a few local people to place a team in town. Rickey agreed based on the stipulation that a ballpark would be built for the following season. The very next season, Danville Stadium was constructed at the cost of $71,000, and 67-years later, the Danville Dans of the Prospect League enter their 26th season of operation. The stadium was home to the Danville Dodgers/Dans from 1946-1954 and then the Danville Warriors/Suns from 1970-1976, and the Dodgers once again for the 1982 season. On June 20, 1947, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, and Pee Wee Reese came to Danville Stadium to play for their minor league affiliate. The current Dans debuted in 1989, known as the Highlanders during the first season, as a collegiate summer team in the Central Illinois College League. A couple of years later, the ballpark was used for the motion picture “The Babe.” The Dans moved to the Prospect League in 2008 and have been a mainstay in town, producing nine championships. Food & Beverage 3 The majority of the food is prepared and served underneath the grandstands at “The Varsity,” which has an eclectic selection of hot dogs and sandwiches. There are six styles, including the regular Bleacher Bum Dog, the Chi-Town Dog, the Chili Dog, and the Junk Yard Dog, which features chili, cheese, pickle spears, cucumbers, and my vote for all-time best hot dog topping: giardiniera. If you want something else, there are Italian beef and pulled pork sandwiches and Polish and Italian sausages. There is also popcorn, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, pop, and beer in this area, along with tables to enjoy your food before you return to your seats. The Dans step it up a notch with grilled brats, ribs, and steak sandwiches on certain dates in the right field picnic area. The steak sandwich is a bargain for $6, and with grilled peppers on top, it might make this the best deal for a piece of steak anywhere in the country. Try paying less at another ballpark or restaurant. You may have to travel to Buenos Aires to find a better deal for steak. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot of history dripping throughout the wooden beams and bleachers of Danville Stadium. Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Pee Wee Reese made appearances here. Cecil Cooper, Dave Stewart, Darrell Porter, Pedro Guerrero, and Jonathan Papelbon have all donned Danville uniforms. There is only one small entrance into the ballpark where workers greet you and rip your tickets in half, just like the way they did it before scanners took over at ballparks. Once inside, one has to marvel at the wooden covered grandstand that is supported by thick wooden beams and features dusty wooden seats. There are strange but wonderfully effective trash removal chutes, and interns collecting 50/50 raffles throughout the contest that give the place a sense of nostalgia. A picnic area is situated at the end of the third baseline, and a set of theater-style seats are located behind each dugout; in between these seats is a dirt area that might have been home to more box seating at one time in the stadium. There have been improvements that include a 36′ full digital color message/scoreboard from Watchfire Signs; the state-of-the-art scoreboard was donated by a former member of the board at Danville Stadium. It adds a little touch of modern comfort to the old ballpark. Neighborhood 2 Danville Stadium is a few yards north of I-74 and situated a few miles from downtown Danville. If you happen to get into town a few hours before the game, check out Gross’s Burger a few miles south of the ballpark. It is a local institution and offers flat grill burgers with various toppings for super low prices, along with thick milkshakes. The Moon Glo is another favorite spot that has been family owned since 1962, offering tenderloin sandwiches, steak dinners, and other pub food. According to its website, Royal Donut has been serving award-winning coffee paired with an awesome variety of donuts, pastries, and muffins since 1973. Gross's Burgers is a few miles from the stadium and worth a visit, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Little Nugget Steakhouse on 6 South Henning Rd lets customers cook their steaks on a community grill. Yes, sir, I will have that piece of raw meat, sprinkle a little Montreal seasoning, and cook it medium-well for a few minutes. I admit the last time I did this was with an ex-girlfriend in college almost 13 years ago, but after making a brief appearance on my trip, the place still has wonderful thick steaks and a few other items for the non-beef eater. If you have an extra day or two, trek west about 20 minutes to the University of Illinois in Champaign, which has a beautiful campus and livelier downtown scene. Danville is also an hour away from two other Prospect League cities of Terre Haute and Lafayette, Indiana, with a few more league cities a bit further in Springfield and Normal, Illinois. Fans 4 Danville fans are savvy and enjoy coming to the ballpark to watch the game; they aren’t easily led to the stadium for clear promotions or other gimmicks. The Dans have attracted around 1,600 fans per game the last few seasons, which usually places them number two in the league behind Chillicothe. A nice number for the ballclub that pulls in a fan base from nearby division foes in Terre Haute and Lafayette, Indiana. Access 5 Once again I find myself in a rather small city without a sign from the interstate. The field is two-tenths of a mile north of exit 215 B on I-74, but there is not a sign until you are within view of the old wooden ballpark. There is free parking, and getting in and out, and back onto the interstate is very easy. When this ballpark was constructed, perhaps someone had the foresight that it would be near the interstate, because it is in a perfect location for one to make a quick stop or take in nine innings worth of action. Return on Investment 5 All adult tickets are $8, children (6-8) are $5, and 5 and under are free of charge. Tuesday night is $3 Buck Tuesday, including $3 admission, hot dogs, Pepsi products, and one brand of beer. There is no charge for parking at the stadium, and regular prices are reasonable for concession items. All tickets to Sunday games are $6 for adults. Thursdays include $17 for 2 tickets and 2 Busch Lights. The aspect of watching baseball in a well-maintained historic ballpark also adds value to the price of admission. Extras 3 Danville Stadium receives a point for $2 Buck Tuesdays that include $2 admission, hot dogs, Pepsi products, and one brand of beer. Danville Stadium receives the second point for managing partners of the team, Jeanie Cooke and Rick Kurth, who do not take a salary for operating the baseball team and have other careers. Many of us would love to take on the responsibility of running a baseball team and having a ballpark as your second home, and Cooke and Kurth do it with style and class. Danville Stadium receives a final point for its historic nature and memorabilia that is featured in a small room that illustrates the players, the teams, and the legacy of the ballpark. Final Thoughts At one time, Danville Stadium was slated for the wrecking ball and left to rot after the Milwaukee Brewers relocated their Single-A team after the 1982 season. True, baseball would have moved away from Danville, but aren’t we somewhat better for having baseball played at Danville Stadium and other buildings of its kind? It is good to know that there are still old-school parks left to watch baseball at these days.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Athletic Park 324 E Wausau Ave Wausau, WI 54403 Wausau Woodchucks website Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 7,000 A Jewel of the Northwoods League Originally built in 1936, Athletic Park in Wausau, Wisconsin, has been housing competitive baseball for over 80 years. Minor league teams such as the Wausau Lumberjacks, Timberjacks, Mets, and the Timbers called Athletic Park home from 1936 to 1990. After the 1990 season, the minor league affiliate moved to Geneva, IL, and, in 1994, the Wisconsin Woodchucks were formed as a charter member of the summer collegiate Northwoods League. Twenty-seven years later, the park has been renovated section by section and is one of the jewels of the league. In 2000, the Wisconsin Woodchucks changed back to their original name of the Wausau Woodchucks, complete with new branding. They had been known by the city name in 1994. Food & Beverage 5 Athletic Park offers a very good selection of food and beverages. There are two main concession stands, one behind the first base dugout and a larger one down the left field line. The dugout stand has pizza slices, soft pretzels, popcorn, and peanuts for $3. They also have vanilla and chocolate soft serve and several frozen treats. A great selection of various craft beers for $5-$6 is for sale. Down the left field line is a bigger concession stand with several entrée options. The standard hot dog is $3, bratwurst is $4, and hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches both run $5. Several “ballpark favorites” really stand out. They have mac and cheese with bacon for $4 or pulled pork for $5. Regular nachos with cheese and jalapeños are $3.50, or you can upgrade to BBQ pulled pork nachos with coleslaw for $7.50. I dove into their Irish nachos. Instead of tortillas, it’s seasoned waffle fries topped with bacon, cheddar cheese sauce, onions, jalapeños, and sour cream. Definitely worth a try! Other favorites are chili cheese waffle fries and white cheddar cheese curds, $6-$7. A wide selection of craft beers is available for $5-$6. Miller Lite and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy are their standards, and there are about ten other crafts from various breweries. White Claw cans are $4, and 5-Tool Ale, a Northwoods League exclusive pale ale, is available for $4.50 for a pint-sized can, the cheapest I’ve seen it anywhere in the league. Bottled water and bottled Pepsi products are $2.75-$3.50. Atmosphere 4 Athletic Park was originally built in 1936, but the entire ballpark has been rebuilt in the last decade. It feels like a newer ballpark, mainly because it is. General admission tickets for metal bleachers are $9. These are located down the third baseline. They are attached to the rest of the stands and not just a “temporary section” of seats. Box seats behind home plate are $10. New in 2021 are the Dugout Seats above the first base dugouts for $12. The seats are all raised about 10 feet above the playing field. There is an elevator available for wheelchairs or people who have difficulty with the stairs. There are various on-field games and contests in between innings. Unfortunately, my game was rained out in the 5th inning, so I didn’t get to see the whole array of their contests. The scoreboard is above the right field wall and is quite basic. It displays the score, runs, hits, errors, outs, and the player’s number. There is no video board in the stadium. There were only a few hundred people the night I attended, but a lot of that can be attributed to it being a Monday game with rain in the forecast. I’m told that there is usually a solid fan base that shows up. Neighborhood 2 The park is in a residential neighborhood. There’s really nothing of note in the immediate area. The only food options within walking distance are a Subway, Biggby Coffee, and Thrive Foodery, an American food restaurant about a block away. Downtown Wausau and its River District are a mile or so south of the stadium. There’s a large selection of bars and restaurants downtown. The Wisconsin River is also nearby, which provides nice scenery for walking. Many standard hotel chains are within a few miles of the stadium. The Motel 6 ran me less than $50 for the night and is only a few minutes' drive away. Fans 3 I wish there had been more fans on the night that I attended. I loved the ballpark, but it felt a little empty. I’m sure it was just a bad night because of the weather. The fans who were there seemed to be really into the game. I talked to a few people who said they love coming out to the games. Access 3 While Wausau isn’t near any interstates, State Highway 29 and US 51 are nearby and both are divided highways. The ballpark is about two miles off the junction of those highways. The actual address is 2401 N 3rd Street. There is no actual parking lot, but a half block beyond the center field fence is a large grassy lot that many people use for parking. There is also street parking available with no meters. There is one main entrance to the park behind home plate. Return on Investment 3 $9 for a minimum ticket is starting to be a good price for a baseball game. The food selection is very good, and the beer prices are very reasonable. This quickly became one of my favorite parks in the league. Extras 3 One point goes to the renovation job done to the park in recent years. The current owner bought the team about a decade ago, and he put his own money into updating the stadium section by section. It looks great. One point goes to the incredibly friendly staff. Several people noticed that I was wearing a shirt from a rival team in the league (my home park in Traverse City), and they stopped to talk to me about their park and mine. People seemed to go out of their way to talk to me. One point goes to the elevated seating. I like the raised view and being slightly above the field. It’s a different experience from most ballparks. Final Thoughts Athletic Field quickly became one of my favorite parks in the Northwoods League. There might not be any feature that absolutely stands out, but the park just had “it” for me. It’s definitely a ballpark that I’m looking forward to visiting again.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 League Stadium 203 South Cherry St. Huntingburg, IN 47452 Dubois County Bombers website League Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 2,783 There’s Nothing to Cry About at this Ballpark League Stadium is home to the Dubois County Bombers of the Prospect League, but the ballpark is famously known as the home of the Rockford Peaches in the major motion picture A League of Their Own that chronicled the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League of the 1940’s. Bombers ownership has not forgotten this and has made sure that the game day experience is somewhat reminiscent of the 1992 film. League Stadium itself does have quite a history, as the grounds have hosted baseball since 1894, when the Dubois County Fair Board built a wooden grandstand to accommodate the crowds at the annual county fair. The facility seated 1,500 people and featured a 260-foot-long grandstand that hosted events such as horse racing and livestock shows. In 1921, strong winds destroyed the original grandstand, but it was rebuilt in time for Independence Day celebrations. Semi-pro baseball would be a fixture with the Huntingburg Merchants of the Indiana-Kentucky League during the 1950s, with crowds around 1,000 per game. Dubois County was a hub with 10 baseball clubs alone. However, in 1973 the county fair moved to another location, and by 1984 one-third of the deteriorating grandstand was razed, with only the portion behind home plate preserved. In 1991, Huntington's mayor, Connor Nass, proposed using the stadium for the film A League of Their Own. Two new wings were added to the existing portion of the stadium and built to the exact details of the time of the film, the 1940’s. The wood was cut into straight pieces, nails were used instead of staples, and the roof would not feature shingles. A crew of 36 men worked on the transformation of the stadium in 10 weeks for $800,000. The result was a permanent 2,800-seat baseball stadium that would be used once filming would cease. Hollywood came back in 1995 for HBO’s Soul of the Game about the Negro Leagues. League Stadium became Kansas City’s Blues Stadium. The next year, the Dubois County Dragons of the Frontier League opened up shop and stayed until 2002. The Bombers arrived as a summer collegiate team in 2005 and have been a mainstay ever since, donning 1940s-era uniforms and an enthusiastic game day staff that keeps the spirit of the “A League of Their Own” alive and well. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a few sections where they serve the basics, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, brats, grilled chicken sandwiches, and peanuts. The selection is not as varied as other places, but definitely satisfying for baseball games during the summer months. The prices range from $3 (hot dog) to $4.75 for a double hamburger. There is a beer garden down the left field line that offers popular national brands and a few locally made beers on draft. The prices range from $3 for Bud and Bud Light cans to $6 for craft selections from Basket Case Brewing Company in nearby Jasper, Indiana. Atmosphere 5 The ballpark offers two distinct sections of seating that include 1,400 orange theater-style seats that were once installed at Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium and wooden bleachers in the upper area of the grandstand. The very top row of the stadium offers VIP seating with table tops and chairs, along with plenty of elbow room for socializing. The covered wooden grandstand includes various columns and posts that feature banners of former players who called the ballpark home. There are also US flags hung in various parts of the grandstand netting that extends from both dugouts. There is an electronic scoreboard behind the right field wall, but it appears somewhat out of place here. A small press box with a lively crew that includes a public announcer who dresses up as Harry Carey and imitates the former Sox and Cubs announcer with his rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame. He also gets the crowd excited throughout the game with announcements and on-field promotions. The in-between promotions include dizzy bat races, throwdowns at third where kids toss water balloons at the mascot Casey (a local college student dressed in a throwback uniform), and T-shirt tosses to lucky fans who get a chance to walk on the field. The Peaches are a group of eleven young ladies dressed in pink baseball uniform dresses from the movie who sell tickets, greet customers at the door, provide temporary tattoos to young fans, and take part in dancing to the Cotton Eye Joe after the 4th inning of play in the grandstand. The dance is part of the tradition and provides a boisterous cheer from all in attendance. The stadium also features many memories from A League of Their Own, including movie set pieces underneath the grandstand, merchandise in a small–but very impressive gift shop–and the infamous quote “There’s no crying in baseball!” uttered by Tom Hanks during the film is plastered against the exterior wall. There is even a spot where he said the famous line. The outfield walls are lined with beautifully painted 1940’s period advertisements that had been left over by the film crew, along with the hand-operated scoreboard. A concrete wall (painted brick brown) surrounds the stadium with League Stadium imprinted behind home plate and in center field. Neighborhood 3 Downtown Huntingburg is located a few blocks from the ballpark, offering various storefronts and places to eat before or after the game. The Gaslight Restaurant offers sandwiches and pizza. Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse is a fine choice for dining, and Market Street Soup & Salad is another fine choice. There are also a few regional chain restaurants along the main street heading north towards Jasper, where a few more breweries, such as Basket Case Brewing Company and Schnitz Brewery & Pub, are located. A few attractions in Dubois County include the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in Jasper, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in nearby Santa Claus, Patoka Lake, Ferdinand National Forest, and the Hoosier National Forest. The majority of lodging options are a few miles north in Jasper. Fans 4 The local population enjoys their time at the game with fun, excitement, and good baseball on the diamond. There is a lot of in-between promotions and cheers for the local college talent. There is also a small group of die-hard fans who sit down the third baseline that makes its presence felt when they think a strike should have been called against the visiting team. The group brings out props and engages in chants that are quite uncommon in the summer collegiate leagues. Access 3 League Stadium is located about 2.5 hours south of Indiana and is within 45 minutes of Evansville and 1.5 hours from Louisville, Kentucky. The closest major interstate is 6 miles south on I-64 and 25 miles west of I-69. Two-lane state roads might be your best option if coming in from the north. However, once inside the stadium, the concourses are wide, and bathrooms and concessions are clearly marked. Return on Investment 5 The price of a ticket starts at $5 and maxes out at $8 for the VIP bar suites. There is plenty of free parking around the ballpark, which is located in the local community park, and concession prices are fairly inexpensive, including $3 hot dogs and beers. The theatrics that take place during the game from the Peaches, Casey, and the public announcer really give the stadium its soul and liven up the atmosphere. Extras 5 League Stadium gets a point for its aesthetic that includes 1940’s advertisements on the outfield walls, a hand-operated scoreboard, old-school ticket designs, and players' rayon uniforms. The stadium earns another point for the Peaches and Casey, who entertain the crowd during the game, from on-field promotions to dancing in the main concourse. The third point is for the free O’Doul’s beer offered for its designated driver program. The final point is for the old-fashioned, small-town baseball experience that you can’t find throughout the state. Final Thoughts A wonderful and charming little stadium in southern Indiana that is somewhat of a drive for some in the state, but perhaps a drive that is well worth it since there is not quite another ballpark like it in the Hoosier State. League Stadium offers an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind in a small-town field that is indeed reminiscent of the 1940’s.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Xfinity Mobile Arena 3601 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Wings website Xfinity Mobile Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,306 Wings Lax Still Flying Editor's Note: On September 1, 2025, the home of the Flyers and 76ers was rebranded as the Xfinity Mobile Arena in an agreement lasting through the 2030-2031 season to coincide with the rebranding of Comcast Spectator to reflect the growth in their mobile business. For many years, the Philadelphia Wings were one of the cornerstone franchises in the National Lacrosse League. The original Wings played in the old National Lacrosse League for the two seasons that they took the floor in 1974 and 1975. When the league resurfaced as Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986 the Wings played in one of the original games on the first day. The league would go through changes, with a period as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League before settling in as the National Lacrosse League in 1998. The Wings were part of all of those iterations. When the announcement was made that the Wings were sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moving to Connecticut to be the New England Black Wolves, it is appropriate to say that the lacrosse community was shocked. It didn’t take long for the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, to dive right into the NLL and bring an expansion team back to Broad Street. The new Wings took the floor in 2018. The original home of the Wings was the venerable Spectrum. When the Wells Fargo Center opened and the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers moved to the new venue, the Wings joined them. Opening in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the building is now on its fourth moniker as a result of numerous bank mergers. A massive renovation in 2020 has brought the arena up to modern standards and is favorably comparable to any venue in the National Lacrosse League. The Wings are still attempting to capture the imagination of Philadelphia sports fans and the magic of previous Wings iterations. Food & Beverage 5 One of the major differences found at Wells Fargo Center as a result of the 2020 renovation is a commitment to improving the concession experience. Philly sports fans are now able to experience a premium concession experience. The regular arena favorites are all present, of course, however, they are now joined by many Philly favorites and higher quality items than were found previous to the renovation. Some unique items that can now be found at Wells Fargo Center include Federal Donuts, huge, thin-crust pizza slices at Cuz’s Pizza, Vodka Parm Sandwiches and Italian Pork Sandwiches at 9th Street Italian Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese Balls at Line Change, various Philly Cheesesteaks at First Line Steaks, burgers and milkshakes from Shake Shack and Crab Fries from Chickie’s and Pete’s. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice at Wells Fargo. Beer selections include Blue Moon, Yuengling, Stella Artois, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Athletic Brewing Co. products. The concession scene deserves to be planned out a bit and a concessions map are available on the Wells Fargo Center website, or here. Atmosphere 4 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Complex and is surrounded by parking. Although there is nothing overly exceptional about the exterior of the building, it is far from unattractive. There is not an overabundance of glass on the exterior of the building, but light-colored siding and brick are the main materials. A couple of photo ops that fans may want to check out on the exterior, aside from the view of downtown Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field, or Citizens Bank Park, would include the statue of Wilt Chamberlain at the southeast corner of the building, or the statue of Ed Snider at the northwest corner. Fans entering the Wells Fargo Center will be welcomed by newly designed concourses. Concession stands are grouped in various areas that include some seating areas to visit with other fans and enjoy a drink or eat some food before heading into the bowl. The top sides of the concourse walls feature small murals and headings of numerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas which keep the local flavor of the building strong. Several Flyers and Sixers displays may interest fans as well. For Wings games, the smaller merchandise counters are where fans will find a variety of swag items. When fans enter the seating bowl, their attention will immediately be drawn to the massive, concave, four-sided videoboard. Crystal clear and state of the art, the videoboard features long, concave screens to match the long sides of the floor with smaller, more square boards on the ends. The ribbon board that goes with the screen uniquely can be raised or lowered and has flames that shoot out for pregame festivities. The floor runs from south to north with the perfect spot for the center logo picture to be taken, on the east side. A typical, two-level seating bowl separated by luxury boxes is found at the Wells Fargo Center. The seats in the Wells Fargo Center are new and spacious and much better than what was previously in the arena. In the southwest corner rafters hang banners for the Wings. Retired number banners for Dallas Eliuk, Tom Marechek, Jake Bergey, and Kevin Finneran are joined by a banner noting 1989, 1990, 1994, and 1995 North American Cup Championships and 1998 and 2001 Champions Cup Championships. All honors are for previous iterations of the Wings, but it is good that the current Wings have continued to memorialize them. The gameday atmosphere at a Wings game is not dissimilar to that of other NLL teams. The entrance for the players during pregame is highly produced with a hype video, followed by player entrances through a physical, illuminated version of the current Wings logo with plenty of loud music and flames. Music plays throughout the action on the floor and there are plenty of promotions. The Philadelphia Wings Dancers take part in the pregame and perform at points during the game. The Wings mascot, Wingston, can be found traversing the crowd and interacting with fans during the game. Neighborhood 3 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Sports Complex in the South Philadelphia East neighborhood, just across the Delaware River on the other side of New Jersey. There is not much in the way of a neighborhood that would be within walking distance of the arena. Xfinity Live is part of the complex as is the Live Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. There are a couple of spots fans may want to check out for food or drink just south of the complex, including DiNic’s Pork and Beef and The Gatehouse. What the area lacks in pre and post-game food venues it more than makes up for access to other sports. The Wells Fargo Center is shared with the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers and periodically the Villanova Wildcats. Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Philadelphia Eagles and Temple Owls. The Army-Navy Game often resides at Lincoln Financial Field also. Citizens Bank Park is the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Philadelphia Union plays in nearby Chester. There are also several college basketball sports fans who could check out including the Temple Owls, Drexel Dragons, Villanova Wildcats, LaSalle Explorers, and St. Joseph’s Hawks. Checking out the Palestra, home of the Penn Quakers, is a must for college basketball and Philadelphia basketball fans. Fans wishing to stay close to the complex can either stay at the casino or the Courtyard Philadelphia South. Heading into downtown Philadelphia also offers a host of other tourist and food options fans should consider. Fans 3 Assessing the fan situation in the National Lacrosse League is becoming increasingly difficult as attendance figures are often not published. It is safe to say that the current Wings have not enjoyed the same following that earlier versions of the team did. That being said, it seems that attendance at Wings games is on the rise. The game that was attended for review had an odd, 11 am start time and still attracted over 7,000 fans. It is also safe to say that the Wings are not consistently breaking the 10,000 fan mark. Fans that are in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate. Hopefully, the word will spread and the average attendance for Wings games will continue to increase. Access 4 Getting to the Wells Fargo Center is not that difficult. The complex is located on Broad Street, immediately north of I-95 and south of I-76. Traffic can be a bit of a challenge, but it is not terrible. If multiple teams are playing in the complex at the same time, it could be more of a problem. There is plenty of parking in the area. Fans wishing to take public transit can catch the subway to the NRG Station on the west side of the complex. Fans should see the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Wells Fargo Center is not an issue. With the renovations, all of the seats in the arena were replaced and the replacements are bigger and more comfortable than before. The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd in attendance for Wings games. Stadium Journey recognizes that security protocols for major sports are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Philadelphia Wings and/or Wells Fargo Center websites for the most up-to-date security protocols including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 The Philadelphia Wings put on a good show, with plenty of excitement, in a facility that is as good as any in the National Lacrosse League. The “fastest game on two feet” will engage fans and keep them on the edge of their seats and the Wings do a solid job of putting together a strong gameday package. Wings tickets are not expensive and good seats can be found for $25 with both more and less expensive options available. Concession prices are what one would expect, but the concession experience is excellent. Parking is a bit on the expensive side, but average for other Philadelphia sports experiences. More fans in the stands would provide an even better lacrosse experience and bump the ROI even higher. Extras 3 An extra mark for the recognition and embracing of the Philadelphia Wings past.An extra mark for the return of the NLL to a traditional lacrosse market. An extra mark for the significant renovation of the Wells Fargo Center Final Thoughts With the return of the Philadelphia Wings to the Philadelphia sports scene, thoughts back to the glory days of Philadelphia lacrosse are fresh in the minds of Philly fans. It seems rekindling those days is still a few years away, but with a renovation to Wells Fargo Center, the time is right to head to South Philly and take in some box lax. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Corn Crib Stadium 1000 W Raab Rd Normal, IL 617613 Normal Cornbelters website Corn Crib Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 7,000 The New Normal The Corn Crib opened in 2010. The baseball stadium still feels fairly new ten years later and is an intriguing place to watch a game of baseball. The Normal CornBelters share the stadium, which seats 7,000, with Heartland Community College. The Heartland Hawks play both their baseball and soccer on the stadium’s artificial turf surface. This arrangement makes for interesting field placement and a lot of foul ground. The Normal CornBelters began as a Frontier League team in 2010 but in 2019 moved to the Prospect League. However, due to the coronavirus in 2020 and the Prospect League canceling the season, the CornBelters started the “Kernels Collegiate League.” The “League” consists of mostly local players and includes four teams: the CornBelters, Gems, Bobcats, and Hoots, all playing at the Corn Crib. The stadium is located near the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, which are the home of two universities, Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University. The stadium’s name is a result of an agreement between the CornBelters and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. Food & Beverage 3 The Corn Crib Cafe concession stand has mostly standard food such as hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburger/cheeseburger, chicken strips, nachos, and fries. Then they have some non-standard fare such as BBQ pork, BBQ pulled pork nachos, and corn nuggets. I highly suggest the BBQ pork and corn nuggets, but everything I have had is excellent. Across from the Corn Crib Café, there is another stand; however, this stand is only for people who buy a special ticket package. I am not sure if this is always the case or just because of the coronavirus. Corny’s Sugar Shack sells sweet & frozen treats such as Slushies, ice cream sandwiches, sundae cups, popsicles, and a pickle sickle (frozen pickle juice). Unfortunately, this stand was closed on my visit due to the coronavirus. However, the same items are for sale at the Corn Crib Café. Huskers Bar features local DESTIHL Brewery beer such as Hawaii or Normal Pils and other craft beers like Goose Island 312 and Shock Top. In addition, they sell buckets (5 – 16 oz. bottles of beer) of domestic (Budweiser and Miller Lite products) beer for $22 or 16-ounce cans for $5. In addition, the bar has margaritas and mixed drinks, top-shelf mixed drinks, and well drinks. The food prices for the amount you get are very reasonable. However, the lines are very long due to there only being two stands open. Atmosphere 2 The main entrance and ticket office are located in the outfield. An entrance is behind home plate too. A “corn” theme resonates throughout the stadium. Even the stairs near the office going up to the stadium have corn pictures on them. In addition, usually t, there are a couple of rows of corn in the right center planted in between the players’ clubhouse and their entrance to the outfield (on this day there were not). The players enter the field of play walking through them, à la a “Field of Dreams.” Though on this day the players did not walk through the “field,” the managers did. Seating around the stadium includes box seats and some bleachers, as well as large amounts of lawn seating in left and right fields. You cannot walk around the whole stadium, as behind center field is not accessible. The playing surface itself is an artificial turf surface, which many local independent league teams are doing so they can host other events and cut down on rainouts. The stadium is also used for soccer, so there is a very large amount of foul territory as the seats are not close to the baseball field, especially down the first and third baselines. So sitting at the far end of the foul lines, you will be a far distance away from the action. The usual scoreboard and video board are beyond the right-centerfield wall. The video board is pretty small, and some of the statistics can be hard to read. On the concourse, one of the women’s rooms is billed as the “World’s Greatest Restroom.” It is sponsored by a local home improvement vendor, so I wish I could see what it looks like. Though the women I talked to didn’t say it was the “greatest.” About two years ago, an awning was added behind home plate that provides more shade and covering than the ballpark had when it originally opened. The kids' play area, which is located down the third baseline on the concourse, features a few inflatables and is free of charge. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in Normal, which is the home of Illinois State University and near Illinois Wesleyan University, so there are plenty of “college bars” and fast food places. However, the college is located about one mile south of the stadium on Main Street. Surrounding the Corn Crib is Heartland Community College, a trailer park, and a golf course with some retail businesses. The City of Normal has an “upscale” area which is nice where there are plenty of food choices and shopping. If you do decide to go into town for food or drinks, you need to go to Tub II and/or Maggie Miley’s, which are good bars with excellent food. Elroy’s (a sports bar) and Maguire’s Bar & Grill are good places for a drink. One local favorite restaurant is Monical’s Pizza of Normal. An interesting fact is that Monical’s is in the first Steak ‘N Shake location. Fans 3 Like in other Prospect League stadiums, the fans are mostly families looking for a cheap night out or people who go out to socialize. The diehard fans sit right behind the plate and are knowledgeable about their team. Most everywhere else in the stadium, you see the more casual fan. The CornBelters left the Frontier League and joined the Prospect League due to attendance/cost issues. Being in the Prospect League makes it easier for the CornBelters to make money or break even. They are still hoping that attendance increases after the virus scare is over. The CornBelters have numerous promotional nights, such as 10¢ hot dogs or family days, etc., but the fireworks nights or a popular giveaway item, like a bobblehead, usually get a good attendance bump. Access 4 The stadium is very easy to get to. It is about ½ mile south of the intersection of I-55 and Business 51 off of Raab Rd. The ballpark is small, simple, and easy to move around. The crowds never get too busy, unless for promotional nights or fireworks. The bathrooms and exits are marked clearly for all customers. Return on Investment 4 The CornBelters game began at $5 for lawn seats, $8 for reserved bleacher seating, and $10 for reserved box seats, and parking was $2. The CornBelters offer special pricing every Tuesday at the ballpark. General admission tickets are available at 50% off the regular price. Concession discounts include $2 hot dogs, chips, popcorn, water, soft drinks, and Gatorade. Additional $3 options feature corn dogs, brats, french fries, nachos, churros, and Twisted Tea 12 oz cans. Cheese fries and 16 oz domestic beer are available for $4. Editor's Note: The ticket prices have been updated since our review. Extras 3 The mascot, Corny, once again adds to the corn theme and is very accessible during the game. Kids, of course, love his antics and getting their pictures taken with him, as do many adults. The corn theme is carried throughout the ballpark. From the corn stalks outside the ballpark, the pictures on the stairs, and in center field to the random corn facts posted throughout the concourse to the old farming equipment on display. The CornBelters have a “Not Forgotten” seat to honor the men and women lost protecting our country while in military service behind home plate. This is a nice way to honor those who served. Final Thoughts The Corn Crib is a nice stadium, and the large foul ground is kind of unusual. It is a place that I would recommend seeing, but don’t count on getting a foul ball.

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 VA Memorial Stadium 17273 State Route 104 Chillicothe, OH 45601 Chillicothe Paints website VA Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,000+ Paints Baseball Built in 1955, VA Memorial Stadium was originally used as a softball field for long-term patients of the nearby VA Medical Center. In 1993, the Chillicothe Paints were formed, and the field was completely renovated, including adding the existing outfield wall. The Paints were charter members of the independent Frontier League from 1993 until 2008. In 2009, the team changed direction and became charter members of the summer collegiate Prospect League. More than a decade and two league championships later, the team is still going strong. Food & Beverage 4 VA Memorial Stadium offers a solid menu of ballpark food at very reasonable prices. Standard hot dogs are $3 (upgrade to a coney or super dog with sauce, melted cheese, and onions for a dollar or two more). Sloppy Joes and cheeseburgers are $4. Brat with kraut, pulled pork, and grilled chicken sandwiches are $5. There are also nachos and super nachos for $3.50/$5. The most expensive item on the whole menu is a double cheeseburger, which checks in at a very reasonable $6. I didn’t see any vegan options available for entrees. 20oz Pepsi products, bottled water, and Gatorade are all $2.50. There are two stands with identical items, one right behind the home plate, and another in the left field picnic area. Two beer stands are available, one each down the baselines. 16oz Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra drafts are a mere $3.50. On Thirsty Thursday, 12oz beers are a buck. Similar aluminum cans are $4.50 for 16 ounces. They also have cans of White Claw for $3.50 and O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic beer for $2. Behind home plate is a DQ Ice Cream stand that offers cups of ice cream, Dilly Bars, Star Kisses, fudge bars, and orange bars, all for $2.50 each. Atmosphere 4 As is the case with a lot of parks built in its era, there is a great old-time feeling to VA Memorial. The covered concourse behind home plate only extends about halfway down the infield but has room for well over a thousand fans. There are 12 rows of wooden seats, with the first six rows having backrests. Most of those have season ticket holders’ names on them. Beyond the bases, there are two sets of metal bleachers to handle more fans. There is also a large picnic area down the left field line with plenty of picnic tables. The total capacity is over 3,000. Behind the first base bleachers is a large kids’ play area named in honor of Jackson (Jack) Fish. Jack was a former employee and batboy for the team. In 2017, he passed away, and the team honored him with the playground and a memorial plaque. Jackson Fish Memorial Playground, Photo by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey A basic electronic scoreboard is above the left-center field wall. No videos, just the runs, hits, errors, player number, and pitch speed. The PA sound system is quite clear. There are no on-field games during innings, but there are a lot of lucky number giveaways to various businesses. Lucky numbers are obtained by purchasing a program, complete with scorecard and roster sheets, for $1. Neighborhood 2 The biggest detriment to the ballpark is its location in proximity to the town. The stadium is located on the grounds of a large VA Medical Center. Officially, it is designated Building 244 in the complex. Other than a golf course that is also part of the complex, there is no other business around. The only thing within a couple of miles is a large prison. It’s a nice-looking setting, but there is nothing else nearby. If you venture into downtown Chillicothe, five miles away, there are plenty of dining and shopping options. Chillicothe was the original capital of Ohio, and there are banners downtown that celebrate the fact. The Majestic Theater has also been open for 158 years. The city has all the usual chain restaurants. Plenty of fast food. But there are quite a few individual restaurants worth exploring. I had a delicious cheeseburger at 50 West downtown. I also had a couple of Ohio brews at The Pour House nearby, and the smell as I walked by the Hometown Hibachi almost made me have a second lunch. The downtown setting is worth the visit. There are several hotels in the city, but most of the cheaper motels are located about a half hour away in the town of Washington Court House. There are no lodging areas within walking distance of the stadium. Fans 4 Fan attendance is quite good at VA Memorial. Over 1,500 showed up for the Wednesday night game that I attended. A couple of Little League groups were there in uniform. The covered grandstand felt a little empty, but that’s because fans can spread out down the lines. A lot of people stayed in the shaded picnic area. The Paints have been in town for 28 years now, so the team has a good core of season ticket holders who sit right behind home plate. Access 3 I had to do a bit of searching to find the ballpark. Google Maps does not have the ballpark listed at all. The stadium is located on the VA Medical Center campus, right on State Route 104. It’s just north of US 35 and just west of US 23. The physical address of the stadium is 17273 State Route 104. No interstates serve the area, and there’s no public transportation. Parking is free and plentiful. Tickets are all General Admission and are $7 each. Children, seniors, and veterans can purchase tickets for $5. There are two sets of restrooms. The original restrooms are located under the grandstand. They are very small and cramped. I would recommend going down the left field line to the picnic area. That area is much newer, and the bathrooms are very spacious. Return on Investment 4 This is definitely a ballpark where you get your money’s worth. Ticket prices are very reasonable, and food and especially drinks are as inexpensive as you’re going to find at a ballgame. General admission tickets are $8, while senior, military, and children tickets are $6. Extras 3 One point goes to the players who, before each game, walk through the crowd and thank the fans for coming out and slap high fives with fans and kids. I asked an usher, and they said it’s an every-game thing. One point goes for the beer prices. After paying $11 at a Triple-A game earlier in the day, it felt nice to have two for under $10 here. One point goes to the Jackson Fish Memorial Playground. They really did a lot to honor their former fan and employee. His story has a sad ending, but they celebrate his life very well. One point goes to the stadium itself. I really liked the feel of the ballpark, and the Paints have been going strong here for almost three decades. They’re definitely doing something right. Final Thoughts I had been wanting to come to VA Memorial Stadium for many years, but it’s never been on my path. The city is not really on the way to anything. Now that I’ve been here, I really want to come back. It was a very nice experience both at the ballpark and in the town. If you’re looking for a great old-school feel setting for a baseball game without too many bells and whistles, Chillicothe is it.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Community Field 2712 Mt Pleasant St Burlington, IA 52601 Burlington Bees website Community Field website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 3,200 Small Town Baseball in Iowa Burlington, Iowa, has the distinction of being the smallest city in full-season minor-league baseball. The town of 25,000, nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, has been home to professional baseball since 1889 and, for the majority of the last 130 years, has hosted a ball club of some type. The most popular nickname is the Bees, which was first used in 1924 and has been the name of the current Burlington Bees club in the Midwest League since 1993. The home of the Bees is Community Field, a facility that has had an interesting history since debuting in 1947. The 3,200-capacity ballpark’s original grandstand burned down on June 9, 1971, but no games were lost due to temporary bleachers being installed. The ballpark would be rebuilt in time for the 1973 season. The stadium was upgraded in 1999, including new bleachers and box seating, the elevation of the party deck, and an upgraded scoreboard. This was followed by a much more extensive 2005 renovation that made use of more than $1 million from the Vision Iowa fund. The changes resulted in a fully covered and expanded main concourse, a new press box, a new outer brick facade with wrought iron gates, and a separate building to house team offices, a ticket office, and a team store. The cost of the renovation came in at about $3 million. The ballpark’s most distinguishable feature, and what makes it unique from any other ballpark in the country, is the canopy that arches over the main concourse behind the grandstand and the first few rows of the grandstand seating itself. Perhaps the ballpark’s other distinct feel is the hometown atmosphere from the small concession stand, affordable pricing, the friendly banter among fans, and the hospitality by the Bees front office. To many, this is what the minor league ballpark should be all about during the spring and summer months. Editor’s Note: Our review was when the Bees were an affiliated team in the Midwest League. They have been members of the Prospect League since 2021. Food & Beverage 4 Surprisingly, there is quite a bit of food that most baseball fans will not find at other stadiums in the country at Community Field. The majority of the menu items are featured at the main concession stand behind the grandstand, and most items are well-priced. The Lippy Dog is a must if you happen to be at a game from Thursday to Sunday. The item is made from a giant fried chicken tenderloin that is dipped in buffalo sauce and then served on a hot dog bun with either blue cheese or ranch dressing. The Lippy Dog is the Bees take on the chicken lip, the same item that is served on a stick instead of a bun throughout the state. The price is $5 for an item not found at any other stadium. Another take on an Iowa favorite is the Bees-Rite sandwich, which is the club’s take on a Maid-Rite sandwich. The loose-meat hamburger is best enjoyed with pickles, onions, and mustard. The Bees version seems a bit more glued together but equally tasty; even better is that it costs $4. Iowa is also known for pork tenderloin sandwiches, a flattened piece of pork that is breaded and fried and served on a very small bun. Some tenderloins are big enough to share with someone you are at the game with. The cost is $6. The concession stand offers both chicken and hog wing baskets for $7; a hog wing is a pork shank that I first tried last year at a Reading Fightin Phils game. There are also chicken strip baskets, brats, Chicago dogs, corn dogs, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. There are also macho nachos and taco ‘n bag. You can wash all of these tasty treats down with Pepsi products. The beer selection includes a variety of domestic beers from Budweiser, Coors, and Miller. Coors Banquet, Michelob Ultra, and Pabst Blue Ribbon are also included at $4 for a 16-ounce can. A few premium brands will cost you .50 cents more and include Blue Moon, Bud Light Lime, White Claw, Red’s Apple Ale, and Smirnoff wine coolers. Two craft beers are on tap: 6-4-3 Double Play Brew and Kölsch-45 for $5 a pint. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is small, quaint, and just how you might remember minor league ball from your youth. The grass parking lot offers plenty of space in front of the stadium, and small ticket booths are staffed by friendly staff who tell you to enjoy the game. There are a few more greeters at the wrought iron gates on both sides of the building that spell out the team’s nickname. The concession stand, team offices, bathrooms, and a small team store that houses every game day program in team history and a trophy case are located in the same building and underneath the large canopy. The area features the four-team championship banners won by the Bees, and perhaps the official team mascot Buzz can be seen posing for photos. The grandstand is made up of a majority of bleacher-style seating except for the first four rows of box seating. The party deck located on the first baseline is raised ten feet above the field and features Stingerz Landing, which offers four box seats with half-moon tables. The scoreboard just tells the score and does not include a video board, and ads fill up the outfield fencing of the field. Homers @ Third is a social and bar area down the third baseline where many congregate to enjoy a beer or two while viewing the game. The area is slightly lower than the playing field, and many lean up against the wooden fence. The area features table tops and stools and is quite busy on Thirsty Thursdays. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is located in a residential neighborhood and about 3 miles from downtown along the Mississippi River. The Catfish Bend Casino is located two blocks from the ballpark; the casino includes a water park, go-karts, an arcade, and bowling for the kids. There are also bars, restaurants, a spa, and a golf course for adults. If you stay at the hotel, it includes free tickets to the Bees game. A few more places near the ballpark are Dillons BBQ (pulled pork, brisket, and baby back ribs), Lips to Go (chicken lips and even a chicken lip pizza), Maid-Rite (loose meat sandwich), and Gators Grill and Sports Bar (pub food and drinks). Fans 3 There is a collection of fans who reside at Homer's @ Third and share a few stories about the history of the club along with the ballpark itself. There are also a few fans who travel 200 miles round trip to watch the Bees. There is also Dancin’ Bobby, who dances to every song that is played over the PA system in between innings. The average attendance for games is around 900 and is among the lowest in all of full-season minor-league baseball. That is not surprising due to the town’s population and the three other Midwest League franchises within 117 miles of Community Field. Access 4 Community Field is located on Mt Pleasant Road about half a mile north of the intersection of Route 34 and 61. The stadium offers a free grass parking lot, and once inside, most of the ballpark’s essentials (bathrooms, concession stand, and team store) are located behind the press box and grandstand on the main concourse. Return on Investment 5 The price of a general admission ticket is $9, reserve tickets are $10, and box seats are $11. Seniors and student tickets are $7, and kids under 5 are admitted free. The ball club offers seating on Stingers Landing that sells for $50 and includes 4-box seats with half-moon tables. Parking is free of charge, and concession items include affordable pricing and regional items. The cost of a general admission ticket, a hot dog, pop, and popcorn is $2 on Monday nights. Tuesdays are 2 for 1, and Thirsty Thursdays include two domestic beers for $6. There are also specials on Bud and Busch Light on Friday evening games. Editor's Note: Ticket prices have been updated since our review. Extras 4 Community Field earns a point for its roof that creates a focal point at the ballpark and gives the facility its signature look. Another point for Homers @ Third is that it features some of the club's most ardent fans plus a few regulars who enjoy hanging out with friends during the game. A third point is the small-town atmosphere that can only be achieved in a town like Burlington and reminds many of us what minor league baseball once was a few short years ago. The fourth and final point is the friendly staff that engages in stories either at the concession stand or in the gift shop. Final Thoughts Community Field is a rare treat in the world of minor league baseball and fits in a sort of square peg with many of the other ballparks in the Midwest League; however, that is fine, since sometimes it’s nice to attend a baseball game where the action on the diamond is the focal point and childhood memories can come through 9 innings of baseball. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com