Rendering of the Renovated Washington Ballpark, Photo Courtesy of the City of Detroit Lakes Minnesota's townball tradition stands as one of the most distinctive grassroots baseball cultures in the United States, embodying the spirit of small-town America. Across the state, communities rally behind amateur teams, showcasing talent in ballparks that often outdate the players on the field. In Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, this rich tradition thrives, with a history spanning over a century, and each game is a testament to enduring passion and local pride. Today, the Detroit Lakes Ligers carry that legacy forward at Historic Washington Park, a ballpark that has been part of the community since the late 1800s. Under manager Brandon Johnson, the team is not only continuing the tradition of amateur baseball in town, but also helping restore one of Minnesota’s most historic ballparks. A Baseball Tradition Dating to the 1800s Baseball has deep roots in Detroit Lakes. According to Johnson, organized baseball in the community dates back to at least 1897, making the sport one of the town’s longest-standing traditions. “For Detroit Lakes alone, we’ve had organized baseball since the earliest we know of in 1897,” Johnson said. “It’s been around for generations.” Over the decades, the town produced strong amateur teams and even a handful of players who reached the minor leagues. For much of the late 20th century, the town’s primary club was the Detroit Lakes Angels, a well-known team that competed throughout the 1950s through the 1980s and into the early 2000s. Eventually, the Angels folded, leaving Detroit Lakes without a townball team for several years. Johnson, a Detroit Lakes native who once played for the Angels himself, helped lead the effort to bring the sport back. “I just kept asking what happened to the Angels,” Johnson said. “Finally, a few of us got together and talked about bringing baseball back. They said someone would have to run it. I said I’d take the charge if I had the support.” That effort led to the creation of a new team in 2022. File Photo Courtesy of the Detroit Lake Tribune From Angels to Ligers The revived team initially competed simply as the Detroit Lakes Baseball Club during its first season. However, it quickly became clear that the community wanted something more traditional. The search for a name led to a surprisingly creative result. Detroit Lakes was originally named Detroit, Minnesota, but constant mail mix-ups with Detroit, Michigan, eventually forced the town to change its name. The original name came from the French word “Detroit,” meaning strait— a fitting description for the town, which sits between two lakes separated by a sandbar. The connection to Detroit inspired a playful idea: combine the mascots of Detroit’s pro teams. The result was the Ligers, a nod to the famous fictional animal from the movie Napoleon Dynamite . “We were joking around about Detroit’s mascots — the Lions and the Tigers,” Johnson said. “And then someone said, ‘Why not combine them?’” The team’s distinctive logo was designed by Detroit Lakes native Brian Gill, a graphic designer who has worked on promotional designs for events at the U.S. Bank Stadium. Even the community’s students helped refine the final look. Johnson, who works as a teacher, had students in his alternative learning class help experiment with combining the Gothic-style “D” and “L” into the team’s final logo. “They had a lot of fun playing with the design,” Johnson said. “I wear that logo with pride because those kids helped create it.” Photo Courtesy of the Detroit Lakes Ligers A Team Built on Commitment Minnesota townball teams often feature players of all ages. The roster includes players fresh out of high school alongside veterans in their 30s and 40s. Johnson himself still plays at 35, while the team’s starting second baseman is 41 years old. “That’s the cool thing about townball,” Johnson said. “There are no age restrictions.” What matters most is commitment. Unlike some amateur leagues, the Ligers emphasize a strong team culture. Players are expected not only to compete but also to help maintain the ballpark themselves. “When the game’s done, it’s not sign autographs and go home,” Johnson said. “We drag the field, clean the stands, and take out the garbage. This is our home.” That hands-on approach reflects a long-standing tradition across Minnesota, where players and volunteers often maintain the ballparks themselves. Photo Courtesy of the Detroit Lakes Ligers Preserving Historic Washington Park The centerpiece of Detroit Lakes baseball is Historic Washington Park, one of the most unique ballparks in Minnesota. The site has hosted baseball since the early 1900s, and the grandstand dates back to the 1940s. The park has also hosted football games, community events, and even a Minnesota Amateur Baseball Tournament. Today, it holds a special distinction: it is the only ballpark in Minnesota listed on the state historical registry. Age has certainly left its mark. To ensure the park remains a treasured resource for future generations, the community is initiating a $3.5 million renovation project designed to modernize the facility while preserving its historic charm. Renovating the historic grandstand structure Installing modern LED lighting while preserving the original towers Building a new ticket entrance and legacy hall museum Improving ADA accessibility with ramps and expanded seating areas Upgrading the playing surface Adding changing rooms behind the dugouts The project will likely require at least one or two seasons away from the field while construction is completed. “If everything goes right, we’re hoping to play there again in 2027,” Johnson added. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on February 2 to begin Phase 1 of the $4.8 million renovation project. This phase of the project will renovate the dugouts and concession areas, while Phase 2 will focus on infield improvements, outfield irrigation, drainage tiles, and lighting. A True Small-Town Ballpark Experience Photo Courtesy of Buck's Mill Brewing Even during renovations, the Ligers remain deeply tied to their community. Game nights feature partnerships with local businesses, including Wood Fire Pizza and Catering and Buck’s Mill Brewing , which serves craft beer at the ballpark. Traditional ballpark food is also a highlight, including locally made wild rice brats. All concession proceeds support the local youth baseball association. Detroit Lakes itself offers plenty for visitors as well. The town sits between two lakes and hosts major summer events, including WE Fest, one of the country’s largest country music festivals. Still, Johnson believes the heart of the community remains baseball. “Townball only works when the community supports it. That’s what makes it special here.” With the Ligers rebuilding a team and the town restoring Historic Washington Park, Detroit Lakes is ensuring its baseball tradition — more than a century old — will continue for generations to come. ------ 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: 3.86 Camelback Ranch 10712 W Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85037 Map It Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training website Camelback Ranch website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 13,000 Spring Home of the Dodgers Dynasty The Dodgers franchise has held spring training in more than 15 locations since the team’s founding in Brooklyn back in 1901. However, they have spent the most years in their last two spring training homes, Vero Beach, FL (Dodgertown,1949 - 2008), and Glendale, AZ (Camelback Ranch, 2009 - present). The team made the move to Arizona in 2009 to be closer to their home fanbase in California. The Camelback Ranch ballpark has a capacity of 13,000, which includes space for 3,000 on the grass berms in the outfield. The Camelback facility is located within the Phoenix, AZ city limits, but the facility is owned and managed by the city of Glendale. The Dodgers share the facility with the Chicago White Sox , with the Dodgers infrastructure on the left side of the complex and the White Sox based on the right side of the stadium. The Dodgers home dugout throughout the Cactus League schedule is the third base dugout as a result. Food & Beverage 5 Camelback Ranch offers an extensive set of concessions, featuring both baseball standards and Southwestern specialties. Baseline Burgers features hot dogs chicken sandwiches, fries, popcorn, water and Pepsi brand sodas. Hot Corner Dogs/Cantina offers Grand Slam Helmet Nachos, street tacos and California burritos. The Baseline Patio Sausage Grill offers up brats, Italian sausages and foot-long hot dogs. Walking Fritos and Tostielotes offer up a south of the border menu of Fritos and Tostito chips topped with corn, mayo, cotija cheese and hot sauce. Swirlz offers some cool treats, including soft serve yogurt ice cream and ice cream sandwiches to keep fans chilled. Alcohol is sold in Camelback Park, but it is sold separately from the generic food concession stands. Super-Size Beer stands offer a wide assortment of both regular and premium beer brands. The Estrelle Jalisco Patio Bar features cocktails, wines, Micheladas and draft beers. The Firestone Walker Brewing Company also has a stand in the ballpark. If there is any question…. Dodger Dogs are readily available throughout the ballpark! Atmosphere 5 Camelback Ranch provides a wonderful environment to watch a baseball game. It offers the most natural setting of any Cactus League park in our opinion. The areas outside of the main stadium are very parklike, with walking trails, citrus groves and a lake stocked with fish. The stadium continues this natural feeling as it uses stone and the rust-colored shades found in the area to blend in, rather than combat the setting of the venue. It also has a low profile, with the field dug into the ground, so you do not see the traffic and urban sprawl surrounding the complex. The immediate area outside of the ballpark has some great team-related features, including some terrific selfie spots. There’s a life-sized Tom Lasorda bobblehead, plaques honoring Dodger All Stars throughout the years, as well as a directional sign marking the number of miles to Dodger Stadium, and all the Dodger-affiliated minor league teams. There are also two life-sized versions of the iconic interlocking L.A. letters found on the Dodgers ball caps that you can pose with. You will be able to get game day info on one of the two scoreboards in this park area that mimic the one at Dodger Stadium. Neighborhood 3 The broader “neighborhood” is the area east of the stadium on the other side of Loop 101. This is where you will find a wide variety of restaurants, lodging and entertainment options. Most of these are clustered in the Westgate Entertainment District, which is only 2-3 red lights (3 miles) from the Camelback Ranch campus. Restaurants in this complex include Dave and Buster’s, Johnny Rocket’s, In and Out Burger and Yard House. Two other professional sports facilities are also nearby. The Arizona Rattlers indoor football team plays in the Desert Diamond Arena, the former home of the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL. State Farm Arena, the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL, sits a short distance away as well. Lodging in the area includes the Comfort Suites State Farm Stadium and the Holiday Inn Glendale. Fans 4 A ticket to a Dodgers spring training game is one of the hardest to find in the Cactus League. This is because the Dodgers’ true-blue fans are willing to make the relatively short drive to Arizona to see their team get off to a start on their next championship season. Add to that the interest in seeing stars Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani play. In addition, snowbirds who have relocated to the Phoenix area make up a large portion of the crowds at each of the Cactus League venues. Camelback Ranch Dodger Fan Gate, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Access 4 Camelback Ranch is located just outside of Loop 101, a perimeter highway that encircles the Phoenix area.  The ballpark is located to the west of downtown Phoenix. Gates to the ballpark open one hour before the first pitch. However, we urge you to arrive as early at 9am for day games. This is because you will want to check out the spring training practice fields surrounding Camelback Stadium and possibly get some autographs from some of the star players. While the gates only open an hour pre-game, the center field courtyard area, team stores and concession stands open at 10:30 (for a 1 pm game). Return on Investment 3 There’s good news and bad news when it comes to the cost of attending a Dodgers home game at Camelback Ranch. First, the good news… the parking at Camelback Ranch is free! The bad news is that tickets to these games are extremely expensive. This comes from the high demand for tickets due to their recent World Series victories, and the proximity of their fanbase in Los Angeles to their Arizona spring training home. Ticket prices begin at $59, which gets you lawn seating on one of the outfield berms. They move up to $72 for seats in foul territory near the foul poles. Tickets escalate to $87 for behind the dugouts to short right and left field seats. Tickets between the dugouts and behind home plate are priced at $97.    The saving grace is that seats at all ticket levels are close to the action. Also, there are no bleacher seats at Camelback Ranch, just individual stadium style seating. Seniors (ages 55 plus) can get discounted tickets for Monday games. Extras 3 The Camelback facility is in use throughout the year, as it also hosts Arizona Fall League, Arizona Complex League and Instructional League games. The lake on the Camelback campus provides the water to keep the various practice fields and the main ballpark green amid a desert environment. While the ballpark does have some shaded areas, it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun at Camelback Park. Also, make sure you stay hydrated throughout the course of a game. Be sure to visit displays outside of the outfield gate, including the miniature Dodgers scoreboard and the water feature with a salute to Dodgers All Stars at each position. Final Thoughts Camelback Ranch is the largest spring training complex in the Cactus League. There is plenty to see and do, both before and after the games.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Roadrunner Field 6908 N Loop 1604 W San Antonio, TX 78249 UTSA Roadrunners website Roadrunner Field website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 1,000 UTSA Roadrunners – Roadrunner Field In 1992, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) expanded its athletics program to include baseball. The Roadrunners began play at their new on-campus home, Roadrunner Field, the very next season. Almost from the outset, UTSA began making an impact on the college baseball scene. As members of the Southland Conference, the Roadrunners won the 1994 conference tournament and earned their first bid to the NCAA baseball tournament. They repeated as conference champions in 2005 and subsequently won the regular season championships in 2007, 2008, and 2013. In 2025, UTSA made its deepest postseason run ever by reaching the Super Regionals of the College World Series. The Roadrunners have done all of this from the friendly confines of “The Birdbath.” The ballpark has been upgraded multiple times over the years, most recently in 2025 in time for the impending 2026 season. This coincides with the most recent success of the program, including a massive investment from the university towards the team. Read on to learn more. Food & Beverage   3 This score should probably be a 3.5 in all honesty, if decimals were allowed. Before the recent upgrades, there was really only one concession stand available for fans, which frequently backed up and faced long lines at key intervals during games. Now, there are multiple stands – offering up burgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, candy, bottled sodas, water, and beer – as well as food trucks on site. A new gourmet lemonade stand sits near the entrance, offering up made-from-scratch, unique flavors like blackberry, strawberry, watermelon, and passion fruit. In the tree-lined area beyond the third base line, there is a new taco truck that serves up street tacos, quesadillas, gorditas, and more. In addition, underneath the overhang behind home plate is now an alcoholic beverage stand serving beer, wine, and spirits. These are all major upgrades and are great for fans.   Atmosphere   3 The upgrades to Roadrunner Field have already helped out with the atmosphere here. The season ticket holder seats behind home plate have all been converted to seatback chairs, and the net around the field has been extended; there is also a combination of grass and field turf that is just more aesthetically pleasing. With the promise of a new video board  before next season, the field will be even more on par with others in the American Conference. The berm seating in right field and the tree-lined area in left are both great places for fans who want to bring in lawn chairs or blankets from which to watch the game, and have a great chance of snagging a foul ball. Behind the third-base stands, the team has a merchandise tent for fans to purchase jerseys, pennants, and caps. In addition, on the right centerfield wall, UTSA lists out their championships and NCAA tournament appearances. Lastly, the team has done a great job in updating the signage at the ballpark. All in all, it’s a great time to be a Roadrunners fan.   Neighborhood   4 Roadrunner Field is located on UTSA’s main campus, which is on the far northwest side of town. As such, both are about a 30-35-minute drive from San Antonio’s downtown. Despite this, there is plenty to do in the vicinity of campus. First things first, UTSA’s basketball and volleyball programs both play on campus at the Historic Convocation Center . While volleyball season will be over by the time you come for baseball, basketball will still be going on during the first few weeks of baseball games. If you time your visit right, you should be able to double up on the action. Other things to do include activities that are literally right across the street from campus – you can view Six Flags Fiesta Texas and its larger roller coasters directly from the university. Open year-round and open late during the summer, the largest theme park in the area is a perfect spot for fans of all ages to visit either before or after games at Roadrunner Field. If you’re looking for something with a little slower pace, the Shops at La Cantera  are also right across the street from campus. Home to dozens of shops and restaurants ranging from Abercrombie & Fitch to Chanel, this shopping center is a very popular place for visitors. The shops are also home to a restaurant that shouldn’t be missed; Palenque Grille  specializes in Pacific Mexican cuisine. This is not the Tex-Mex you’d probably expect when visiting the Alamo City, but it is truly something special. Also, right at the tail end of UTSA Blvd, you’ll find a San Antonio staple – while Burger Boy  is a chain, it offers some of the most popular burger-and-fries spots in town. Known for their Working Man’s Special and their Orange Freeze, Burger Boy offers a great taste of good old-fashioned American nostalgia at a still affordable price. For lodging, you’re going to need to drive a few minutes from Roadrunner Field; UTSA’s campus is pretty spread out and takes up much of the real estate on its side of the highway. There are a few places to stay within a 5 to 10-minute drive, including DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest  and Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Near La Cantera Pkwy . Both are very close to the stadium and should meet most budgets.   Fans   5 Fan interest in UTSA baseball is at an all-time high this season. Before the start of this year’s campaign, the number of season tickets sold reached an all-time high. This is reflected in what you are seeing in the stands this year, as the Roadrunners are achieving a virtual sellout at every home game. The stands are filled with fans decked out in UTSA orange, blue, and white. They are loud, and they stay until the end of each game. Again, it is a great time to be a Roadrunners fan.   Access   4 UTSA’s campus and Roadrunner Field are easily accessible from most parts of San Antonio. Sandwiched between Interstate 10 and Loop 1604, there is ample signage marking the way to the campus, and even more signs on campus leading to the ballpark. Once on-site, parking is ample and free, which is a great bargain. If you’re flying in from out of town, the campus is a 15-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport . Or, if you choose not to drive, the city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , has express routes to campus.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for UTSA Roadrunners baseball start at just $12 each. However, this will only get you spots in either of the bleachers on the first and third baselines – the seatbacks behind home plate are all virtually sold out. However, you can find some on the secondary market if that’s your prerogative. Concessions are very affordable, with alcohol being the highest-priced item. The parking is free, as mentioned previously, which helps cut down your costs for attending games at Roadrunner Field.   Extras   1 This area is still one where UTSA lags behind other college programs. Aside from some games between innings and some giveaways for fans at certain times of the year, there isn’t much else to write home about in this section.   Final Thoughts For full disclosure, I’m a UTSA alum and I have taken great pride in watching the rise of the baseball program here. I am especially glad to see the university and the athletics program invest in baseball. While there is still a long way to go for Roadrunner Field to match what is going on in the rest of the conference, signs are pointing in a good direction. In the meantime, if you’re in San Antonio and looking for an inexpensive escape on a spring day, make your way to campus and watch the Roadrunners. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Sloan Park 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy Mesa, AZ 85201 Map It Chicago Cubs Spring Training website Sloan Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 15,000 Wrigleyville West The Chicago Cubs have called multiple locations as their spring training home over their long history. Sites have included Catalina Island and Long Beach in California, Jackson, Mississippi, Tampa, Florida, and Scottsdale and Mesa in Arizona. They have resided in their current home in Sloan Park since 2014. The park opened as Cubs Park in 2014 before adopting the Sloan Park name as part of a marketing partnership with the Sloan Valve Company. Food & Beverage 4 There are six concession stands and several portable carts spread around Sloan Park. They carry both Chicagoland favorites and Southwestern specialties. Chicago favorites are available at both the Windy City and Taste of Chicago stands. They carry Chicago Dogs, Chicago-style pizza and several Chicago-based beers like Old Style to remind patrons of home. These stands are in the left field and home plate areas of the park. Sloan Park Taste of Chicago, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Left field is home to the North Side stand. It offers burgers, hot dogs, tater tots, Impossible Burgers and Beyond Brats.  The Rendezvous stand near the first base gate offers a similar menu. The World of Brews stand in left field serves Budweiser products (Harry Caray thanks you!), as well as Corona and Dos Equis beers. Drink rails are located along the concourses, allowing fans to enjoy their beverages in a shaded area. In addition to the permanent stands, there are food trucks stationed amongst a citrus grove behind the right field berm. These trucks are rotated on a frequent basis, so fans can experience many different tastes. This area also provides some shade to enjoy your meal, as it offers picnic tables, so you won’t have to worry about spilling your food on your lap! Atmosphere 4 The Cubs have created a very Cub-centric ballpark for their fans to enjoy. The dimensions of the playing field mirror the dimensions of Wrigley Field. There is plenty of Cubs imagery around the ballpark, including a mural featuring the various Cubs logos through the years along the south side of the ballpark.  A mini replica of the famous marquee from Wrigley Park provides a great selfie backdrop for fans’ photos. There is a nod to the Bleacher Bums, as there is bleacher seating in the outfield. Even Clark the Cub has made the trip down to Arizona from Chicago. All that is missing is the ivy on the outfield walls, as ivy will not grow in the arid Arizona climate.   Sloan Park Berm Seating, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Sloan Park is located along the borders of both Tempe and Mesa, Arizona. Nearby lodgings include the Sheraton Mesa at Wrigleyville West, the Courtyard Mesa by Wrigleyville West, and the Homewood Suites by Hilton Tempe. Restaurants near Sloan Park include the Copper State Taphouse, the Diamond Sports Grille, Portillo’s, Lou Malnati’s, and Four Peaks Brewing.   For other sports in the area, visit some of the other East Valley spring training stadiums: Hohokam Stadium (Oakland Athletics), Scottsdale Stadium  (SF Giants), Salt River Fields ( CO Rockies and AZ Diamondbacks ) , and Tempe Diablo Stadium (LA Angels ).     You can catch some ASU baseball or basketball, or head downtown to see a Suns game or an early-season Phoenix Rising FC match. Fans 4 The Cubs boast one of the largest fan bases in Major League Baseball. Part of this is due to the franchises' long history in the league. Other factors include the past cities that have hosted the Cubs' spring training venues. Probably the biggest factor is the large number of fans who adopted the Cubs as their team due to their long history of having their games broadcast by Superstation WGN. There is also a sizeable number of transplants/snowbirds that call Arizona home during the harsh winters that Chicago experiences. Many of these older fans have been Cubs fans since childhood. Access 3 Sloan Park can be reached by using the Loop 101 road that encircles the Greater Phoenix area. Gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch. There are four entry gates into the park, located near center field, right field, first base, and home plate. Shuttles also run from the nearby Mesa Riverview Center and Tempe Marketplace. The shuttles are located near Chili’s at the Riverview Center and drop off fans near the first base gate. The Tempe Marketplace also offers a trolley from in front of the Thirsty Lion, delivering fans to the first base gate as well. Rideshares pick up and drop off near the right field gate. Return on Investment 3 Attending a game at Sloan Park can be an expensive proposition, as heavy demand from the Cubs huge fanbase can drive up the ticket prices. Ticket prices range from $71 - $93 for infield box seats, $62 - $78 for infield reserved seats, $42 - $61 for outfield reserved seats, $25 - $47 for bullpen reserved seats, and $50 - $137 for Budweiser Rooftop seats. Berm seating is considered General Admission seating and costs $20 - $31. Tickets are available through the MLB Ballpark app. Sloan Park Infield Seats, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Parking is also quite expensive at Sloan Park. The lots are set out by color. The Blue lot (VIP/ ADA) costs $20, and the Green Lot (Preferred Parking) is also $20.  The Yellow and Green Lots are considered General Parking and cost $12. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. All transactions at Sloan Park are on a cashless basis. Extras 5 Tours of Sloan Park and the team complex are available on non-gamedays. They cost $15. For a small fee, fans can have their names appear on the miniature version of the Cubs Wrigley Park marquee, so that they can have a very special backdrop for a selfie photo. One of the more unique seating options at Sloan Park is the Budweiser Rooftop seats. They are located on a patio on the second level of seating, overlooking the outfield. These seats feature barstool seating and tables to enjoy your food and drinks as you watch the action below. The Advocate Children’s Hospital Kid Zone is in a shaded area behind the outfield stands. It offers a miniature baseball diamond and frequent appearances by team mascot Clark the Cub. The Arizona Baseball Museum recently opened in Mesa. It traces the long history of baseball in the state, including the Cactus League, the Territorial baseball teams, and the internment baseball program for Japanese citizens during World War II. Final Thoughts Though it will cost a pretty penny, all baseball fans should try to take at least one trip to see the Cubs play at their spring training home in Mesa, AZ.

Logos Courtesy of Fanatics Studios & USA Football The Fanatics Flag Football Classic , a groundbreaking global event from Fanatics Studios—the joint venture between Fanatics and OBB Media, Tom Brady and FOX Sports—was held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at BMO Stadium  in Los Angeles, the same venue that will host flag football at the LA28 Olympic Games .  The Lead-Up Organizers earlier this month announced that the event relocation, initially planned for Kingdom Arena in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia, was moved to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles due to the Iran war. Event organizers kept the original date, revealing an expanded format that includes Team USA Football ; the move notably marks Tom Brady’s first official return to the field since his 2023 retirement. The newly structured, first-of-its-kind competition features three 12-player teams: two composed of a mix of current and former NFL stars and elite global athletes, and one represented by USA Football’s reigning IFAF Flag Football World Champion U.S. Men’s National Team, bringing together many of the biggest names in sports and the world’s most accomplished flag players. Founders FFC was captained by Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts and coached by Sean Payton; Wildcats FFC was captained by Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow and coached by Kyle Shanahan; Robert Saleh served as a defensive specialist for both teams.  On Wednesday, March 18, Brady/Hurts and Daniels/Burrow drafted their 12-person teams from a pool of 24 current and former NFL stars and athletes, including previously announced participants Saquon Barkley, Myles Garrett, Odell Beckham Jr., Rob Gronkowski , and Logan Paul. Newly inducted Pro Football Hall of Famers Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald also attended as commissioners. The U.S. Men’s National Team was captained by Aamir Brown and Darrell “Housh” Doucette and coached by Jorge Cascudo. The Fanatics Flag Football Classic followed modified Olympic-style flag football rules: two 15-minute halves with a running clock on a 50 x 25-yard field; all three teams played a round-robin with the top two advancing to the championship.  The event was produced by Fanatics Studios in association with Shadow Lion, with the telecast handled by FOX Sports. It was broadcast live on FOX Sports, FOX On,e and Tubi from 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. PT and distributed internationally on the Fanatics YouTube channel and again on FOXSports.com . Actor and comedian Kevin Hart served as host alongside actor and comedian Druski. Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Gameday: High-Energy Play and Tight Competition The Fanatics Flag Football Classic delivered fast-paced action, a festival atmosphere, and a glimpse into the sport’s rapidly rising profile. Held at a sun-drenched complex that buzzed with families, influencers, and athletes, the event blended competitive spirit with mainstream spectacle — and left both longtime flag fans and curious newcomers buzzing. Courtesy of Fanatics Studios Three teams: Founder FFC, Wildcats FCC, and Team USA Football, squared off in a round-robin tournament. The top two squads earned a spot in the championship game. Fanatics Flag Football Classic Rosters: Founders FFC Roster Tom Brady Terence Crawford Stefon Diggs Rob Gronkowski Damar Hamlin Jalen Hurts Ashton Jeanty Alvin Kamara Von Miller Patrick Peterson DeVonta Smith Antoine Winfield Jr. Wildcats FFC Roster Davante Adams Saquon Barkley Odell Beckham Jr. Joe Burrow Jayden Daniels DeAndre Hopkins IShowSpeed Derwin James Jr. Kyle Juszczyk Luke Kuechly Logan Paul Jalen Ramsey U.S. Men's National Team Roster Aamir Brown Velton Brown Jr. Isaiah Calhoun Nico Casares Mike Daniels Laval Davis Tyler Davis Darrell "Housh" Doucette III Ja'Deion High Jamie Kennedy Laderrick "Pablo" Smith Shawn Theard Jr. Wrap-Up of the Classic Team USA humbled Brady's Founders FFC 43-16 after wrecking Joe Burrow 's Wildcats FFC squad 39-16. Burrow, Jayden Daniels , Saquon Barkley ,  and the Wildcats then eliminated Brady, Hurts, and the Founders from the round-robin tournament with a 34-26 victory. The Founders kept it closer in the championship gam,e but Team USA pulled away 24-14. The national team was unstoppable on offense for three games, scoring on every possession except a final kneel-down in one win. Team USA Football stunned expectations in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic by defeating Tom Brady’s Founders and Burrows Wildcats through relentless teamwork, discipline, and smart strategy rather than relying on bigger names or star power. The result was a cohesive unit whose collective execution and preparation overcame individual celebrity and influence. A Showcase for the Sport’s Evolution Beyond the immediacy of the matches, the Classic signaled flag football’s evolution from casual backyard pastime to structured, marketable sport. Professional-grade fields, pro-level officiating, and on-site analytics booths gave attendees a more polished viewing experience. Coaches leaned into strategic substitutions and situational play-calling usually reserved for full-contact formats, demonstrating the deeper tactical layer now present in elite flag play. Overall Takeaways: More than Entertainment  — it reinforced flag football's potential as a fast-growing, inclusive sport with genuine competitive depth. Accessibility  — flag football’s low-contact nature made it approachable for a broader demographic, including mixed-gender rosters and youth divisions. Gearing up for Gold  — the classic featuring current and former NFL stars, Super Bowl MVPs, and influencers focused on visibility, growth, and fanfare, building toward a pinnacle at the LA28 Olympics and beyond. Next Chapter  — the next installment for former NFL players and athletes from other American football leagues: another opportunity to keep playing and, at the LA 2028 Olympics, their first shot at gold, as NBA and NHL players have had. If you missed it this year, keep an eye out for expanded brackets and more broadcast coverage next season — the Classic is shaping up to be a must-watch stop on the emerging flag football calendar.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 American Family Fields of Phoenix 3600 N 51st Ave Phoenix, AZ 85031 Map It Milwaukee Brewers Spring Training website American Family Fields of Phoenix website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 7,000 Baseball on Tap The Milwaukee Brewers have called the American Family Fields of Phoenix their spring training home since 1998. The ballpark was originally known as Maryvale Baseball Park, but the name change occurred when American Family Insurance became the title sponsor for both the regular season and spring training season homes of the Brewers. American Family Fields differs from other Cactus League ballparks in many ways. The ballpark has a one-level seating bowl. There is no upper deck, so every seat is close to the action. Another difference is the berm in the outfield goes from foul pole to foul pole, so there are no physical seats in the outfield. Food & Beverage 4 Fans attending a game at American Family Fields ballpark will find a wide variety of baseball standards, Midwestern specialties and Southwestern flavors at the concession stands. Formerly, the concessions were were stacked on top of each other in the entry plaza, but the 2019 renovations helped to more evenly distribute the food and beverage options throughout the park. Among the Midwestern specialties you will find at American Family Fields are brats, kettle corn, polish sausages and bratchos (Wisconsin-style kettle chips topped with brats). The Brewers have even brought down their Secret Stadium Sauce to enhance the taste of the brats). Cheese curds are also readily available, including a Curd Burger! It’s no surprise that the beer of choice at American Family Fields are those of the Miller brands. However, you’ll find Blue Moon, Corona and Heineken brands also readily available. The Baseline Brewpub behind home plate carries the most extensive variety of beers in the ballpark. One major drawback in the ballpark design is the lack of seat cupholders. Atmosphere 3 The Brewers and American Family Fields create a very festive atmosphere for the fans. They have brought several elements from their home field in Milwaukee to their home field in the Cactus League. You can expect to see the racing sausages in the middle of the sixth inning, and you can also join in singing “Roll Out the Barrel” during the seventh inning stretch. Bernie the Brewer typically is in attendance and the Beer Barrel Man is always available for a selfie. Slotted Roof at American Family Fields, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 2 The Maryvale neighborhood that surrounds American Family Fields of Phoenix is a working-class neighborhood, so there are no major attractions close to the ballpark. For that matter, there are no trendy shops or fancy hotels nearby. The restaurants within walking distance of the stadium are mostly of the fast-food variety. You can also find many eating establishments that serve a more ethnic variety of foods. American Family Fields of Phoenix has always seen its mission as being a good neighbor to the surrounding area. It does not prioritize the creation of attractions, attracting elite shopping experiences or having four-star accommodation across the street. This is because spring training is just over a month and a half long, and when it’s over, the neighborhood surrounding it simply could not support it financially. The stadium in Maryvale is just four miles from Glendale. Glendale offers a wide range of lodging and dining options, a large retail center and a wide variety of attractions. For golfers, the GCU golf course is nearby. Other sports nearby are any of the spring time Grand Canyon University sports like their baseball and basketball venues. The closest spring training ballpark is Camelback Ranch, home of the LA Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox . Fans 4 The Brewers have one of the largest fan bases in the Cactus League because of their long history at American Family Fields. Almost every game is a sellout due to the ballpark’s small capacity. Brewer fans have brought their love of tailgating before games with them from Milwaukee. Access 3 American Family Fields is easily accessed from Downtown Phoenix, about three miles north of I-10 via the N 51st Av exit. The parking lot opens three hours prior to the first pitch. Like its Milwaukee counterpart, the parking area welcomes fans to tailgate before the games. It is a good idea to get to the park at least two hours prior to the first pitch, as this lot fills quickly. Once you have parked, a free shuttle will take you the short distance to the ballpark, as it is quite a distance to the entry gates. There are two entry gates into American Family Fields. Gates open 90 minutes prior to the first pitch. The $60 million ballpark renovation in 2019 made major improvements to both the entry plaza and each of the gates and widened the concourse that runs 360 degrees around the park. Other improvements included a larger team store and better signage directing fans to their seats. Approaching American Family Fields, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Brewers games average $15 - $45 depending on opponent. Parking in the Brewers lot costs $10. Since there is very little parking available in the neighborhood surrounding the stadium, many fans rideshare to and from the ballpark. Concession prices are on par with what other Cactus League ballparks charge. Extras 2 The entry plaza features several displays boasting retired Brewers numbers, the team’s history, and its long relationship with former player and announcer Bob Uecker. The Brewers truly partner with the surrounding Maryvale neighborhood to improve the quality of life. Many of the gameday workers are residents of the Maryvale community. The Brewers also host numerous neighborhood community events during the offseason. Final Thoughts While American Family Fields of Phoenix lacks the bells and whistles found at many of the Cactus League parks, it does offer a great Midwestern atmosphere and an excellent food and beverage program.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E Osborn Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Map It San Francisco Giants Spring Training website Scottsdale Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 12,000 The Grand Old Game in Old Town Scottsdale has hosted Cactus League baseball since 1956, and the current site of Scottsdale Stadium has served as its home throughout all those seasons. An earlier incarnation of the stadium served through the 1983 season, and it was replaced by the current ballpark in time for the 1984 preseason. An extensive renovation took place in 1992. Over time, Scottsdale Stadium has served as the home ballpark for the Baltimore Orioles, the Oakland Athletics, the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs, with the San Francisco Giants taking over as the sole tenant in 1984. It’s a beloved place for spring training as the San Francisco Giants are very popular and have a dedicated, enthusiastic fan base. And Scottsdale is a fantastic Arizona city for a spring visit. Food & Beverage 5 San Francisco is a foodie paradise, and the concessions selection at Scottsdale Stadium will not disappoint.  Obviously, you will find the typical ballpark fare, but sample the Italian sausages, the garlic fries and other foods typically found in the City by the Bay. Most of the food stands are located on the concourse below the stands. However, there is also a large food plaza near the left field foul pole with a much wider menu of food options. The beer and wine selection is extensive at Scottsdale Stadium. Michelob, Coors and several local craft beers are available. Cocktails are on sale at several stands around the ballpark. Scottsdale Stadium does allow fans to bring in sealed plastic bottles with water or non-alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Giants home games is enhanced by the many seating options available at Scottsdale Stadium. Stadium design firm Populous has created seven different seating areas at the ballpark. There are three levels of seating behind home plate, the Charro Lodge elevated seating area in right field, right field box seats and berm seating in left field. The berm lawn beyond the outfield wall in left field is extremely popular. However, unlike other Cactus League parks, you must be specifically ticketed for berm seating to access the lawn. Charro Saloon, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Scottsdale Stadium is in the Old Town section of Scottsdale. Old Town is centrally located with virtually every type of lodging, dining establishment or attraction a visitor could desire. The ballpark is just across Drinkwater Boulevard from most of these sites, so many fans choose to arrive in the morning, well before gametime, to get a good parking spot and enjoy all that Old Town has to offer. Visiting fans choose to stay in one of the many hotels and motels located near the ballpark. The Courtyard Marriott Scottdale Old Town, The Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town and   Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Scottsdale Old Town   are all within walking distance of Scottsdale Stadium. Old Town also offers a wide range of restaurants that will please any palate. Some of the more popular establishments are the Brat Haus, Goldwater Brewing, the Mission Old Town and the Rusty Spur Saloon. The area is also home to several sites that celebrate Scottsdale’s southwestern heritage. The Scottsdale Historical Museum and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum are well worth a visit. Other sports to visit when in town are the other East Valley stadiums: Salt River Fields ( Diamondbacks and Rockies ), Sloan Park ( Cubs ), Tempe Diablo ( Angels ), and Hohokam Stadium ( Athletics ) . A little farther away, basketball fans can watch a Suns’ game at Morgan Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix. Just five or so miles south of Scottsdale, fans can catch ASU basketball , softball, or baseball . Fans 4 Scottsdale Stadium has been a fan favorite for fans from every Cactus League team due to its proximity to Old Town, as well as its long heritage as the home field for several Cactus League teams.  The stadium typically sells out every game during spring training, as fans enjoy the shade that is a rarity at ballparks in Arizona. In a unique gesture to fans who are unable to get a ticket to the game, free entry into the stadium is allowed after the seventh inning stretch for every game.. Scottsdale Stadium Fans in Stands, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 4 It’s wise to get to Scottsdale Stadium early, as parking near the stadium is rather limited. Your best bet for close parking is in the Scottsdale Civic Center and Library Garage adjacent to the ballpark. Parking is free in this lot, but it is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Additional parking is also available at the Parking Corral on East Second Street. There is very limited street parking in the area if you arrive early enough. Another option that many fans use to get to Giants games is the free shuttle that runs from the Scottsdale Fashion Mall. The shuttle arrives every 10 minutes and runs from 90 minutes prior to the first pitch and for 30 minutes after the last out of the game. Once you arrive at Scottsdale Stadium, there are four entry gates to choose from. These gates are located behind home plate, in center field, along the third base line and in left field. These gates open two hours prior to the first pitch, leaving you plenty of time to explore the ballpark. People love to check out the various concession stands and other stadium amenities before and during the games. Fortunately, Scottsdale Stadium offers wide, easy to navigate concourses to get you around the park. Return on Investment 3 The popularity of Scottsdale Stadium means it is a tough ticket to get. As a result, the ticket prices for Giants games are amongst the highest prices charged for any of the Cactus League stadiums. Tickets directly behind home plate at field level go for $105, while tickets that are higher up from the field behind the plate are priced at $67.  Tickets above the first base line also cost $67. Grandstand seats are priced at $50. Right field box seats are $37, and the bleacher seats in left field retail for $32. The outfield berm lawn is priced at $32 as well. Tickets can be purchased using the MLB Ballpark app. Extras 3 Scottsdale Stadium also serves as the home park for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League. The Giants offer a very popular Run/Stroll the Bases activity after each 1:05 ball game. This activity is open to children ages 12 and under and seniors age 65 and older. The Giants have a designated area for fans to get players autographs in front of the players entrance to the field along the first base line. However, the team limits access to this area to autograph seekers aged 14 and under. The area is open from 9 am -11am prior to 1:05 pm games.  This is to deter adults from seeking autographs solely for the purpose pf selling signed balls or memorabilia for financial gain. Final Thoughts Scottdale Stadium may be the oldest ballpark in the Cactus League, but it is more than ready to compete against the younger parks in the league. A terrific food and beverage program, multiple seating options, and lots of tradition add up to a great experience in Old Town Scottsdale.

The 2026 season will mark the 50th season of the Seattle Mariners. Established in 1977, the Mariners have appeared in the post-season six times while capturing four AL West Division Titles including their record setting 116 win season in 2001 . While the Mariners remain the only team in the Majors to reach The Fall Classic, they have reached league championship play four times and were eight outs away from a date with the Dodgers only to see the Toronto Blue Jays mount a furious rally postponing the Mariners first Fall Classic appearance for yet another day. Prior to the Mariners inaugural season in 1977, the expansion Seattle Pilots would give fans around the Pacific Northwest their first taste of big league ball. During their lone season of existence in 1969, the Pilots would play their home games at Sicks Stadium before departing for Milwaukee in 1970 to become the Milwaukee Brewers.  In 1977, the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays would join the bigs as the two expansion teams of the American League. From 1977-1999 the Mariners would play their home games inside The Kingdome. The Kingdome. Home of the Mariners from 1977-1999. The early days of the Mariners existence were anything but glorious as it would take 15 seasons to finally achieve their first winning season in 1991 . It was around that time when a foundation was being built around stars such as Jay Buhner, Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey Jr. Though it looked as if brighter days were in the future, the Mariners threatened to bolt Seattle. If not for a miraculous run in that magical Summer of 1995 , big league baseball may have left the Pacific Northwest a second time. The Mariners would find themselves 13 games behind the AL West leading California Angels as late as August before staging a furious rally, finishing tied with the Halos for the AL West thus forcing a one game division tie breaking game to determine the division champ. In the bottom of the 7th, baseball fans in Seattle were feeling some of that Sodo Mojo . That Sodo Mojo would be tested in the American League Division Series against the Yankees as the Mariners would find themselves on the brink of elimination after dropping the first two games of the best of five in New York. With the remaining games in Seattle, the Mariners would tie the series at two setting up perhaps the franchise’s most exciting moment in team history as Edgar Martinez would line a double into the left field corner in the home 11th, scoring Joey Cora and Ken Griffey Jr. and sending the M’s to their first ever American League Championship Series. The Sodo Mojo magic would come to an end as the Cleveland Indians would take the ALCS in six games. But the impact of that Refuse to Lose  summer of ‘95 can never be forgotten. It was that summer of ‘95 that brought rejuvenated enthusiasm to baseball fans throughout the Pacific Northwest and perhaps saved the Mariners from leaving. During the middle of July in 1999 the Mariners would move across the street into their new retractable roofed home. Safeco Field 1999-2019 Safeco Field, now known as T-Mobile Park , is often referred to as The  House That Griffey Built . A statue of Junior greets fans outside the yard’s grand entrance.  Located outside the home plate entrance, the Ken Griffey Jr. statue After 20 consecutive seasons without a post season berth, the Mariners have now reached the post season twice in the last four seasons. After a thrilling division series against the Tigers and coming so close last year to the Fall Classic, the Mariners are among the heavy favorites  to represent the American League deep into October. The Mariners will wear a “50 Seasons” patch on their jerseys during the 2026 season, which will replace the primary logo on the sleeves. Photo: Seattle Mariners The Mariners 50 Seasons logo incorporates elements representing the franchise and its history, including a ring of 116 lines that pays homage to the 2001 team’s AL-record 116 wins, geographical features honoring the Pacific Northwest, the original typeface from the team’s inaugural 1977 season, and more. 50 SEASONS CELEBRATION WEEKEND – AUGUST 7-9 The Mariners will hold a weekend full of events in celebration of their 50th season over a 3-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays from August 7-9. The weekend will culminate with 50 Seasons Celebration Night on August 8 where the Top 50 Greatest Mariners Players as voted by the fans will be honored in a special pregame ceremony. We can speculate that some of these greats will include Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, Edgar Martinez, Ichiro Suzuki, and Jay Buhner.  T-Mobile Park. Home of the Seattle Mariners since 1999 “Celebrating 50 seasons of Mariners baseball is a tribute to the generations of fans, the community, and the Mariners players who have defined this franchise,” Mariners President of Business Operations Kevin Martinez said. “Their passion, dedication, and belief have carried this franchise for the past half-century, and their passion fuels our excitement for not only our 50 Seasons celebration, but also the next 50 years of Mariners baseball.”

Courtesy of A7FL The American 7s Football League (A7FL)  is a semi-professional sports league in the United States that features a unique seven-man version of gridiron football. Its upcoming 12th season is set to launch showcasing its distinct style of 7-on-7, No Helmet, No Pads football. With a focus on speed, skill, and player safety, the A7FL is carving out a unique niche in the world of sports, attracting attention from both players and fans alike. Origins and Purpose The A7FL was founded in 2014, stemming from a desire to create a safer football experience. The league addressed concerns regarding head injuries associated with conventional forms of football, specifically aiming to mitigate risks related to helmet-to-helmet contact. Originally inspired by a local league called "Town Beef," the A7FL takes pride in promoting player safety while providing fans with an engaging alternative to traditional football. Teams in the 2026 Season The 2026 season will feature 11 competitive teams divided into Eastern and Western conferences, each representing different cities across the United States. With more than one team in New Jersey and Las Vegas. Courtesy of A7FL Eastern Conference East Orange Renegades Paterson U Silk City Animals Trenton BIC Lexington Phantoms Virginia Heathens Courtesy of A7FL Western Conference Las Vegas Insomniacs Las Vegas Sickwidit Silver State Stealth Vegas Gold Vegas Hunters Distinctive Rules and Gameplay One of the most striking features of the A7FL is its seven-man format, significantly altering the traditional 11-player setup. Here are some key rules that set the A7FL apart: No Helmets or Pads:  Players compete without any protective gear, which changes the dynamics of tackling and reduces head injuries. This rule encourages a more skillful style of play that emphasizes technique over brute force. Seven-Man Streamlined Format:  With only seven players on each side, the action is fast-paced. The narrower field, measuring 37 yards in width, allows for quicker turns and more dynamic plays. 3-on-1 Throw-Offs:  To commence play, a unique 3-on-1 throw-off replaces traditional kickoffs, adding an innovative twist to the game. No Kickoffs:  The absence of kickoffs further speeds up gameplay, allowing teams to focus on offensive and defensive strategies without the interruptions typical in conventional football. Player Roster Limits:  Teams may have up to 35 players on their roster, which balances competitive depth with the need for agility and teamwork. This format fosters an exciting brand of football that emphasizes skill, speed, and strategic play. Game Locations Games in the A7FL are set to be played in various cities across the U.S., featuring local stadiums and community fields. This structure allows the league to engage with a diversity of fan bases and promote local talent.  For the 2026 season games will be played at:  Asbury Park High School’s Asbury Park Stadium in Asbury Park, New Jersey Pinecrest Academy of Nevada - Sloan Canyon’s Athletic Field in Henderson, Nevada Fredericksburg Fieldhouse in Fredericksburg, Virginia Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School’s Football Field in Lexington, Kentucky Courtesy of A7FL Schedule and Competitions The A7FL season runs from March to June, including a regular-season schedule followed by playoff matches. The league’s structure not only offers a competitive atmosphere but also rewards participating teams with cash prizes for achievements, making it accessible for a mix of amateur and semi-professional athletes. Key Schedule Dates: Opening Day: Sunday, March 15, 2026 Regular Season: March 15 – May 7, 2026 Playoffs: May 17 – June 14, 2026 Championship Sunday: June 28, 2026 The 2026 season will lead up to The 7s Championship  on June 28, 2026 , when the A7FL 7s Cup will once again be on the line. Courtesy of A7FL Broadcasting and Reach The A7FL games will be broadcasted on notable platforms like DAZN, FOX Soul, Stadium, FITE, TrillerTV, and Lights Out Sports, enhancing its visibility and outreach to a broader audience. The  League continues to grow its social media presence with over 850K social media followers. Community and Competitive Spirit The A7FL is more than just a league; it strives to foster community engagement and bring people together through the love of football. Its structure encourages local talent to showcase their skills while building a fanbase that appreciates the competitive yet friendly nature of the games.  With cash prizes awarded for various achievements during the season, players are motivated to give their all, creating an atmosphere of serious competition while supporting one another. Whether you're a seasoned football enthusiast or new to the sport, this league is set to deliver a revolutionary fresh perspective approach to football. It promises an exciting fusion of entertainment, athleticism, and innovation in the world of football, America’s favorite sport.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Murray Stadium 235 Hope St Providence, RI 02912 Brown Bears baseball website Murray Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 350 Brown Bears Baseball   Baseball was first played at Brown University in 1863. This Ivy League school competed in the Eastern Intercollegiate Baseball League from 1930 to 1992. The Bears claimed three unofficial National Titles in their long history (1879, 1896, and 1907). In the modern era, the Bears have qualified for one NCAA Tournament, in 2007.   Baseball has been played at the site of Murray Stadium on the campus of Brown University since 1959. Originally known as Aldrich Field, the facility was rechristened as Murray Stadium after the construction of the current facility in 2007. The Murray family was Brown Boosters who funded this construction project. In November 2016, the ball field was again renamed as “Attanasio Family Field at Murray Stadium” in recognition of the role Mark Attanasio, Brown class of 1979 alumnus and owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, played in securing funding for the renovations to the baseball and adjacent softball fields.   40 Brown alumni have made it to the major leagues, but this number includes only one player who debuted since the 1930s. Rhode Island native Bill Almon was the first overall pick by the San Diego Padres in 1974 and went on to have a 15-year major league career. In 202,3 the Bears made history when Olivia Pichardo became the first woman to be named to a Division One baseball roster. She appeared in one game that season as a pinch hitter.   Food & Beverage 0   There is no food sold at Murray Stadium during Brown baseball games. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during the game. On chilly spring Rhode Island afternoons, it’s not unusual to see many fans enjoying warm beverages from the local Dunkin’ or Aroma Joe’s.   Atmosphere 2   As you would expect at a small facility like Murray Stadium, the game-day presentation is a basic one. With a small crowd in attendance sitting close to the action on the field, baseball purists will enjoy hearing the chatter on the field, coaches barking out instructions to their players, and the ping of the bat on the ball.   Brown’s athletic staff gives fans what they need, and not a whole lot more. And that is hardly a criticism. A simple scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. Music plays in between batters and innings at a decent volume. Fans can enjoy conversations with their neighbors without having to shout. While the PA announcer can be a bit over the top for some tastes, he’s not too intrusive while giving fans lineup information. There’s a lot of room around the ballfield for younger fans to roam and chase down foul balls. Grandstand at Murray Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker.   Neighborhood 5     Murray Stadium is a part of the Erickson Athletic Complex on the eastern edge of Brown’s urban campus. Located in Providence’s affluent East Side neighborhood, there is much to do in the immediate vicinity of the complex. Most of Brown’s athletic facilities are located here, including Meehan Auditorium , the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center , Stevenson-Pincince Field ,  and the Brown Softball Field . Brown Stadium is located about a mile away.   Just a couple of blocks from the Athletic Complex is Thayer Street, Brown’s main street and the East Side’s main commercial drag. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops can be found here, including Brown’s bookstore and the Avon Cinema, which dates back to the early 20 th century.   Other notable areas on the East Side, a short walk or drive from Brown University, are Hope Street, Wayland Square, and Wickenden Street. All have their own bohemian vibes and feature great local restaurants, shops, and bars. Of course, downtown Providence is located just at the bottom of College Hill, about a mile away from campus. If you’re visiting Providence from elsewhere, this is likely where you will find lodging options in addition to numerous dining choices.   Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest small cities in the country for foodies. Visitors to the area will find more than enough choices to satisfy even the most adventurous of palates. If staying in Providence isn’t appealing enough, Boston is an hour’s drive to the north, with the mansions and beaches of Newport about 45 minutes south.   Fans 2   The fans at Brown baseball games can be described as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Attendance at Bears games generally ranges between 100 and 200 fans per game. With a multitude of events going on simultaneously at the sports complex on spring weekends, it’s not unusual to see fans roam from game to game over the course of the afternoon.   Most of the fans at Murray Stadium have a personal connection to the players on the field and are very enthusiastic in their support of the Bears. With Brown playing a schedule loaded with local teams, it’s not unusual to see a solid turnout from supporters of the visiting nine. Batter Swings at Murray Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 3     Murray Stadium is located in Brown University’s athletic complex on the East Side of Providence. While the Brown University campus is located near both Interstate 95 and 195, there is no direct way to get to or from campus. If driving, one must navigate a maze of neighborhood streets before arriving at the facility. If attending a game during a weekday, Providence can be a tough city in which to get around. The 2024 closure of the Washington Bridge, the main way to access Providence from all points on the East Bay, has only made getting into the city more difficult.   Several RIPTA buses run regularly to nearby Thayer Street, and the Brown campus is just a short distance from Murray Stadium. Check the  RIPTA website for schedules , fares, and route maps.   Parking is available for Brown baseball at no charge in any of the small lots shared by the university’s athletic venues. A map to these lots can be found here . Fans unable to find a spot in the lots will find free on-street parking in the streets around the stadium. Finding an available spot is usually not too hard on weekends. Patient visitors should be able to find spots within easy walking distance of the ballpark.   Murray Stadium is located on the far side of the Erickson complex, beyond Stevenson-Pincince Field. Recent renovations to the facility changed some of the seating in the small grandstand from bleachers to individual folding stadium seats. Metal bleachers with backs remain in the furthest sections down the lines. There is some standing room at the top of the seating bowl. There are no permanent restroom facilities at Murray Stadium. Fans will have to make do with several porta-johns located behind the press box.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Brown baseball game. Fans are welcome to bring in their own refreshments, and parking is free in the Erickson Complex parking lot or on the streets in the area. Going to a Brown Bears baseball game will not cost you a cent. Championship Banner at Murray Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 1                                                                                                             Brown displays information about their long athletic history throughout the Erickson complex. At Murray Stadium, you will find plaques honoring Edward Aldrich, the Murray family, and the Attanasio family, all of whom are namesakes of this facility.   Final Thoughts   Murray Stadium is similar to many of the other college baseball parks that dot the northeast. They’re small, basic, and built more for function than comfort. But that doesn’t mean they’re without merit. These ballparks still showcase quality baseball at great value in a very intimate setting. A Stadium Journey through this part of the company remains a trip worth taking.   Fans planning to visit Providence should keep in mind that the baseball season takes place mostly during March and April, when the weather in New England can be fickle and unpredictable. Postponements and schedule changes are common occurrences. It’s best to make your plans flexible if possible.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ripken Experience/Yankee Stadium 873 Long Drive Aberdeen, MD 21001 Notre Dame Maryland Gators website Ripken Experience website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 500 Taking a Rip Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1873. It is right next door to Loyola University Maryland's “Evergreen” campus (which shares a library). It was formerly an all-women’s college, but that ended in 2023 as it is now co-ed. The university has over 3000 students. The original name of the school was the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute. It also spent many years with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland name. In 2011, the school attained university status with the addition of several graduate-level programs. Notre Dame’s athletic teams are members of Division III of the NCAA. All sports but swimming compete within the United East Conference. Although the swim team does not compete within a conference, it participates in the yearly Old Dominion Athletic Conference swim championships. The university’s sports teams are known as the Gators. The baseball team is very new to collegiate competition. The Ripken Experience is one of three home bases for the team at this time. They also play home games at Harford Community College and Joe Cannon Stadium. The Ripken Experience is a series of youth sports fields located near the home of the Aberdeen Ironbirds. Yankee Stadium is the only full-size field in the complex, as the rest are youth-sized fields. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options available for a Gators baseball game. Atmosphere 2 There are a couple of small stands around the field, but most fans bring their own chairs to sit and watch the game. There is a PA announcer and a nice scoreboard. The overall setting is very nice, and the woods surrounding the field make for a nice atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 The complex is located across I-95 from the rest of Aberdeen. Right near the stadium are Ripken Stadium, two hotels, and some newer housing buildings in the area. One should wander around the youth baseball complex to see the replica baseball fields designed after Fenway, Wrigley, and Baltimore’s own Memorial Stadium. The centerpiece is Cal Sr.’s Yard. It is a near-scale replica of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and even has a replica warehouse building that houses two hotels (Residence Inn Aberdeen and Courtyard Aberdeen). Outside the exact stadium area are some new development that includes a Royal Farms gas station, All American Steakhouse, a mini golf location, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. A short drive away, back over I-95, is an abundance of restaurants and hotels. Aberdeen, home to the Army’s massive Aberdeen Proving Grounds, is a center of business activity. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. The Greene Turtle, Panera Bread, and Super Chicken Rico are some other choices with which you can’t go wrong. Chap's Pit Beef is also located nearby and is. a good spot if you want to properly fill your belly before the game. Fans 2 The fans at the stadium are clearly family and friends only. I would doubt there are ever many student fans in attendance unless they know someone playing. Many players on the Gators roster are currently from the local Harford County area, so there are more fans than you would expect for this level, and being so far from campus. Access 5 I-95 runs right next to the stadium, which means that access from there and State Route 22 (a major road across the ever-growing Harford County) is strong. Long Drive (which was named before the stadium was there, surprisingly) is a four-lane road that is the only way into the area. It never gets too busy. Park by Cal Sr's Yard and follow the path between Citi Field and PNC Park to get to Yankee Stadium. Return on Investment 4 Games are free to attend, and there are no other costs associated with the stadium, so the value for the fans is very good. If a good local team is in town, or one of the powerhouse programs is playing, fans will be rewarded with some good baseball skills with very little investment. Extras 3 The nearby Camden Yards warehouse replica is a great extra and gives a bit more to the atmosphere of the complex. A fan should also stop in and check to see if any youth tournaments are using the other Ripken fields. There will be games played there all summer. Although not located at the stadium, Chap's Pit Beef is an extra all on its own. Final Thoughts The field is an enjoyable place to watch a game, especially since it is free.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 CCSU Baseball Field 413 Ella Grasso Blvd New Britain, CT 06050 Central Connecticut State Blue Devils website CCSU Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 500 CCSU Baseball Field   Baseball has been played at Central Connecticut State University since 1935. For the majority of its existence, the Blue Devils played at Balf-Savin Field on its New Britain campus. In 2010 construction was completed on a new facility located on the same site. In fact, this new ballpark, which consisted of a new artificial turf field, scoreboard, bullpens, batting cages, dugouts and press box, continued to be referred to as Balf-Savin Field for a few more years. In 2014 the facility was re-christened as CCSU Baseball Field.   Founded in 1849 as the State Normal School, CCSU is Connecticut’s oldest public university. Total undergraduate enrollment at CCSU is just over 8,000 students, over half of whom live off campus. 96 percent of the student body hails from Connecticut.   The Blue Devils compete in the Northeast Conference, where they have won nine conference titles and qualified for nine NCAA Tournaments. They have won one game in their combined CWS appearances. Three CCSU alumni have reached the major leagues, most notably pitcher Ricky Bottalico.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at a Blue Devils baseball game. There is a lovely little pavilion in between the baseball and softball fields, but it is utilized to prepare meals for the teams and not as a snack bar for fans. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks into CCSU Baseball Field.   Atmosphere 2   An afternoon at a Blue Devils baseball game is as old-school as it gets. There is nothing to distract your attention from the action going on down on the field. No music is played at all during the game. No walk-up songs, no between innings tunes. It’s a rarity today, for sure. The PA announcer does his job unobtrusively, adding to the laid-back presentation. Given that Stadium Journey’s last visit took place on a blustery March day featuring wind chills down in the 20s, and the press box here is totally open to the elements, It’s no wonder the game day presentation isn’t all that fancy at CCSU Baseball Field. A small scoreboard in left-centerfield displays only basic game information.   If you enjoy being able to chat with your neighbors in the stands, hear the chatter of the fielders and coaches barking instructions to the players, then CCSU Baseball Field is the place for you. If the schedules line up, you’ll be able to move about the athletic complex and take in several games at once. Open Air Press Box at CCSU Baseball Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   Central Connecticut State University is located in a residential neighborhood on the northeastern edge of New Britain, a suburban city of 74,000 people located 12 miles southwest of Hartford. CCSU Baseball Field is located on the eastern edge of campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities, including CCSU Softball Field , Arute Field and Detrick Gymnasium . While the area around campus is bustling, there are not many attractions in the immediate vicinity for visiting fans.   Fans wanting a unique experience before or after a CCSU game should check out the East Side Restaurant, a German-themed pub complete with staff in traditional Bavarian gear.   For a twist on a traditional American dish, visit Ted’s Steamed Hamburgers in nearby Meriden. Their method of cooking hamburgers in steam trays is unique to central Connecticut, and Ted’s has been featured on several travel shows, such as Man vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It’s a favorite spot for this writer.   Fans looking for a place to stay near campus should check out the Courtyard by Marriott and the Extended Stay America, both in neighboring Farmington. Beyond the local options, Connecticut’s capital city of Hartford contains a plethora of dining, lodging, and entertainment options. Sports fans may want to pair a CCSU game with a Hartford Yard Goats game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park  or a Hartford Wolf Pack game at the XL Center .   Fans 2   While CCSU baseball crowds can best be described as “friends and family,” the Blue Devils draw pretty well for a college team in the northeast. As is the case with any team in this area, attendance can vary greatly depending on the weather, day of week, opponent, and most importantly, the weather (yes, I’m aware I said weather twice).   With the majority of the crowd enjoying a personal connection with the players down on the field, it’s not surprising that the fans here are really invested in the game and knowledgeable about the team. Still, this is a very laid-back, friendly crowd. With CCSU’s location near the geographic center of the Northeast Conference, it’s not unusual to see many visiting fans in attendance on a nice spring afternoon (or a frigid winter afternoon, as we witnessed on our last visit, as about 50 fans made the trek up from as far away as Puerto Rico to see family members on the Maryland-Eastern Shore team play). Game Action After the Blizzard of '26 at CCSU Baseball Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   The CCSU campus is located on the New Britain/Newington town line, about a 15-minute drive from Hartford. Route 9 passes directly to the east of campus, connecting to Interstates 84 and 91 nearby. Driving is the primary method for arriving at this suburban campus. For fans utilizing public transportation, several CT Transit buses access CCSU , with the 140 bus stopping nearby at Arute Field.   Seating at CCSU Baseball Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in the small grandstand behind home plate. Fans wishing to stand for a bit will find areas where they can spread out and take in the action. Some fans opt to bring their own lawn chairs and set up shop further down the foul lines. There is plenty of room for alternate seating. Netting and fencing obstruct views from all points in the ballpark.   Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the field. Should this lot fill, and it may on a spring afternoon where there are several events taking place, additional parking is available in the large lot on the far side of Arute Field. Restrooms are located in the Pavilion, located on the right field side of the ballpark. They are clean and plenty large enough for a typical Blue Devils crowd.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for admission or for parking at CCSU Baseball Field. With no on-site concessions, you will not spend a single cent at a Blue Devils baseball game. Gabe Pitts Dives Back Into First Base. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 1                                                                                                 The grandstand here is christened as the “Ricky Bottalico Grandstands” in recognition of a $100,000 contribution the CCSU alumnus donated to the school’s scholarship fund. Banners honoring Blue Devils conference championships hang on the back façade of the grandstand. NCAA Tournament appearances are listed on the outfield wall.   Final Thoughts   College baseball in the northeast isn’t the big deal that it is in other parts of the country. Still, that doesn’t mean that a Stadium Journey to this part of the country wouldn’t be worthwhile. Small parks like CCSU Baseball Field provide intimate settings and great value for local and traveling baseball fans alike.   Be aware that the weather during college baseball season in this part of the country can be fickle. Postponements, cancellations, and rescheduling of games are common. Be sure to make your travel plans in pencil and check in with the team websites frequently to avoid missing out.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

“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 last season with a 67-95 record and attracted a minuscule 7,493 fans per game. It was their first losing season in 17 years. 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. ​Ownership launched a $500,000 “high-pressure campaign” to bring fans back to the nearly 60-year-old Comiskey 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 arc, 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 mustered 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 will 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 new 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. A group of 15 young women in mini-skirts, called the “Soxettes,” was introduced to help make fans feel welcome at the games. They were dressed up in red, white, and blue outfits to greet fans. They 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 higher 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. ​Just as today, there was a stigma that the neighborhood surrounding White Sox Park was unsafe for families. However, GM Ed Short said. The statistics show that the neighborhoods around Wrigley Field and Chicago Stadium had a higher crime rate. Third basemen Pete Ward lived four blocks away and walked to and from the ballpark. "I've lived all over Chicago, and this is the best place yet." ​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 finish the season with a 68-94 record, 29 games behind the Minnesota Twins in the American League Western Division. Attendance was 589,546 for the season, averaging about 7,278. There were 11 games played in Milwaukee that drew 391,335, about 50 percent 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 1969 ballpark improvements and public campaign did not result in winning ways for the White Sox, and attendance did not increase. The year brought many changes designed to make coming to the ballpark fun again. 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 Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 A.C. Jordan Arena 14000 Jericho Park Rd Bowie, MD 20715 Capital Seahawks website A.C. Jordan Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,200 Capital Bowie The Capital Seahawks are a professional basketball team playing in the newly named "94 x 50 League". They play at Bowie State University in Maryland. The A.C. Jordan Arena is a part of the larger Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex and has a stated capacity of 2,200. Bowie State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bowie State is Maryland’s oldest historically black university and one of the ten oldest in the country, opening in 1865. In 1963, Bowie State College was officially named, and in 1988 became a university. It is now a member of the University System of Maryland. The school has 22 undergraduate majors, 19 master’s programs, and two doctoral programs. Food & Beverage 2 There is a simple food stand, but I was fairly impressed. One would have had no problem grabbing a hot dog, nachos, or another snack at this well-stocked stand. Atmosphere 3 The arena seems like a small version of the Towson Center, the former home of the Towson University athletics program. There are many architectural similarities, with the exterior entrance and other interior features being identical. With both being opened in the 1970s, there must have been some state contracts in play here. One buys tickets in the lobby instead of the external box office in front of the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex, where you normally buy tickets for Bowie State games. The venue holds 2,200, and you will enter the arena at court level and proceed to your seats by way of the endlines. On both sides, there are lower and upper sections of seats, with the upper deck having a slightly obstructed view of the sidelines of the basketball court. There is no overhanging scoreboard, but there are video boards on both ends of the arena. There is also a mascot and dance squad at Seahawks games. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing too exciting about the residential Bowie neighborhood near the university. Not too far away is a major highway (US Route 301), and it is near many shopping centers and fast-food restaurants. Baltimore is 30 miles away, DC is 18 miles away, and Annapolis is 15 miles away, so you should not be limited by the uninspiring suburban choices right near the school. Poncho n’ Pepe’s Cantina in Crofton doesn’t have the most exciting food selection, but it is a colorful restaurant with many foods and drink specials for pre- and post-game gatherings. Rip’s Country Inn is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality, good food, this is a great option. Comfort Inn on Crain Highway is a decent hotel option. Fans 4 The team has already developed a large and passionate following, and the venue was fairly full. Access 4 Access is good at Bowie State. Sitting near US Route 301, US Route 50, and State Route 3, one should have no problem getting to the game. Traffic can be a bear at times, as this intersection is right between the triangle of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC. Plan a little leeway in timing for early evening games. Parking is close to the complex, although if classes are in session, you may have to walk further away. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are not too bad, starting at around $15. . Extras 2 There are a couple of nice display cases in the lobby displaying past successes of various Bowie State athletic programs. Many banners are hanging from the roof of the A.C. Jordan Arena that continue the display of Bowie State's athletic success. There are no permanent markings for the Seahawks. Final Thoughts The Capital Seahawks seem like great fun for the whole family at a great price.

Photos by Paul Baker and Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Total Mortgage Arena 600 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Bridgeport Islanders website Total Mortgage Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 8,412 Land’s End   The Bridgeport Islanders have played at the Total Mortgage Arena since their inception in 2001. Through team rebrands (the franchise was originally named the Sound Tigers) and arena naming rights changes (the arena was originally the Arena at Harbor Yard, then Webster Bank Arena), the team has been affiliated with the parent New York Islanders. The Sound Tigers reached the Calder Cup Finals in their inaugural season of 2001-2002 but have only won two playoff series outside of that season in their 25 years of play.   Since the arena’s opening in 2001, the Fairfield Stags men’s and women’s basketball teams, the Sacred Heart Pioneers men’s hockey team and the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G-League have called the arena home in the past.   On March 19, 2026 the American Hockey League made official what had been widely rumored since the beginning of the 2025-26 season. The Bridgeport franchise, after 25 years in the city, will be moving to Hamilton, Ontario and the newly remodeled TD Coliseum for the 2026-2027 season. Faceoff at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 5    A strength of the gameday experience at Total Mortgage Arena is the quality and variety of concessions available.   Several concessions stands line the inner edge of the concourse. All the arena basics can be found at these stands, including hot dogs, pizza slices, chicken tenders and burgers. Fans looking for a unique side may want to choose some loaded tater tots. Snacks including ice cream treats, pretzels, nachos, candy, and even baked goods can be found at the concession stands. Portable carts lined up around the outer edge of the concourse expand the menu with the presence of Isles Eats (Ice Cream), Spuds N’ Suds (Loaded Baked Potatoes, Walking Tacos) and The Sound Shack (footlong chili dogs, meatball subs, sausage subs).   Coca-Cola products are featured at Total Mortgage Arena. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a nice variety of beers, highlighted by local favorite Two Roads Brewing Company, which operates a portable stand near the main entrance. Their collaboration with the team, Storm the Rink Lager, is featured throughout the arena.   Fanatics Sportsbook has taken up residence in the bar area near the entrance of the arena. Visiting fans can enjoy food and beverages while placing wagers via the betting kiosks and watching the action on the numerous televisions around the bar. If you are looking for a less crowded alternative, seek out Mason’s Bar on the third floor above section 102, featuring a full beer and spirit menu, several televisions, and a view of the ice.   Atmosphere 3   Veteran minor league hockey fans will find the gameday experience at Total Mortgage Arena a familiar one. All the typical elements are here, including an in-arena emcee presiding over various contests and giveaways, loud music over the speakers during play stoppages, a mascot roaming the stands (Storm the Sound Tiger survived the rebrand), and hockey games by peewees during intermissions.   The most prominent feature of Total Mortgage Arena is the giant video board that hangs over the ice, stretching from blue line to blue line. It’s used to good effect here, showing game highlights, fan cams and some contests during play stoppages.   Younger fans will gravitate to the inflatable games on the concourse, including a giant connect four game and shooting cage. Older fans will visit the booster club table for 50/50 raffles and chuck a pucks.   Even with the smaller crowds at Bridgeport, be ready for your view of the game to be disturbed throughout the night. Even though the arena advertised a “wait for the whistle” movement policy, it is not enforced, and the crowd is in constant movement. Even after 25 years of play, Bridgeport fans need a serious lesson in hockey etiquette. Cornhole at the Kids' Zone at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   Downtown Bridgeport has suffered from a really bad reputation, and in the past it may have been a deserved one. However, like many other cities in the region, the city’s leaders have worked hard to revitalize the downtown area. The building of The Ballpark at Harbor Yard  (since converted to an outdoor concert venue, the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater) and hockey arena were to be the anchors of this revitalization when they opened in 1998 and 2001, respectively. Unfortunately, the development of the Harbor Yard area never happened. The lots that were ticketed for development of a retail center next door to the sports complex remain empty to this day. They are presently used for parking at game events. While this development has not occurred as hoped for, the downtown area does have some things going for it.   Downtown Bridgeport proper is located on the other side of Interstate 95. The area is home to many of the city's arts, entertainment and cultural offerings including the Bijou Theatre, the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, and the Housatonic Museum of Art. Visiting hockey fans looking for a pre or postgame spot to eat may want to check out Ralph N Rich’s for some fine Italian fare or Brewport, a brew pub serving up quality craft beers and brick oven pizzas.   Meanwhile, on the other side of Bridgeport Harbor, the long-awaited Steelpointe Harbor development project is finally taking shape. Sharing space in the area will eventually be commercial and retail space, a marina, a hotel, residential space and an aviation center.   Fans 3   Even though average attendance is up in Bridgeport for the 2025-2026 season, the Islanders have taken their usual spot in the bottom third of the AHL attendance rankings. With an average of just under 4,300 fans per game, the Islanders are currently 24 th in the 32-team circuit in terms of attendance.   Those fans who do frequent Total Mortgage Arena are hockey fanatics. Hockey fans in the Greater New York area know their stuff, are dedicated, and contrary to their reputation, are friendly and welcoming to visiting fans. As is the case at most minor league hockey games, much of the crowd consists of families and youth groups. National Anthem at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 5   Arenas don’t get any easier to find than Total Mortgage Arena. Located directly off Interstate 95, all one has to do to get to the rink is take exit 27 (whether traveling northbound or southbound), follow the signs for a block, and you are there. Parking is available in a surface lot across the street from the arena or in a parking garage next to the arena. Those looking for free parking can find on-street parking within a short walk of the arena. Despite downtown Bridgeport’s less than sparkling reputation, the area around the arena is safe.   Getting to Bridgeport is a snap, as Interstate 95 passes directly through downtown. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind the arena, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the arena.   Total Mortgage Arena’s concourse is on street level, and fans walk up from ice level to their seats in the seating bowl. This setup means that handicapped seats are located right on the glass. All seats at Total Mortgage Arena are blue folding stadium seats. With the sparse crowds present at Total Mortgage Arena, it is possible to move around and spread out if you wish. Likewise, lines to concession stands and restrooms never get very long, and the concourse is easy to navigate, even during intermissions.   Return on Investment 3   Tickets for Islanders games start at $23 for end zone seats and max out at $60 for glass seats at center ice. The majority of tickets can be found for $40 or less. With the small crowds present at Total Mortgage Arena, it’s possible to spread out and move around a bit. Parking costs $18 in the garage adjacent to the arena and the lot a block away. There is free on-street parking available for those who wish to search for it. Concessions are a bit on the high side, but in line with other venues in the New York City area.   Fans wishing to save a few dollars can purchase a family four pack, which consist of four meals, chips, drinks and tickets for between $89-109. Warmups at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 1   Total Mortgage Arena is a very attractive and clean facility. Banners honoring the Sound Tigers division and conference titles hang on the west end of the arena.     Final Thoughts   The Islanders/Sound Tigers were never a huge success during their time in the American Hockey League, either on the ice (in 25 years, they won only five playoff series) or at the gate (they never ranked higher than 21 st  in the league in attendance). But Total Mortgage Arena is a fine facility, and the south coast of Connecticut is a coveted, growing market. It would not be a surprise to see another team take the ice in Bridgeport someday.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Coca-Cola Coliseum 19 Nunavut Road Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Toronto Sceptres website Coca-Cola Coliseum website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 8,140 Crowning Achievements In 2023, the Professional Women’s Hockey League was founded.  While not the first hockey league for women in Canada or the United States, it is unquestionable that it has been the most successful.  At the centre of this success has been the Toronto Sceptres.  Although the team has been chastised for the loose links that the team has intentionally or unintentionally created to the Taylor Swift empire (the Sceptres logo is very similar to the logo on the cheerleader outfit in the “Shake It Off“ video), the popularity of the team is strong.  As a founding member of the league, the Sceptres played their inaugural season at Mattamy Athletic Centre, the former Maple Leaf Gardens.  It became clear very quickly that this facility was not going to be sufficient for Toronto, and a move to the Coca-Cola Coliseum was facilitated.  This increased the capacity at the home arena for the Sceptres by nearly 5,000. Coca-Cola Coliseum first opened in 1921 on the grounds of Exhibition Place.  It was built mainly for livestock and horse shows for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.  A massive renovation of the building took place in 2002 with the goal of attracting a pro hockey team to Toronto.  The former Ricoh Coliseum reopened in 2003 with the Toronto Roadrunners of the AHL.  The team lasted only one season in Toronto, but the Maple Leafs eventually moved their affiliate to Toronto, and the Toronto Marlies became the main tenant in 2005.  The expansion Toronto Tempo of the WNBA is expected to also play in Coca-Cola Coliseum beginning with the 2026 season. Food & Beverage 5 Coca-Cola Coliseum is operated by MLSE, so many of the concession options that are found at Scotiabank Arena are also here.  Several 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, 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 eggroll,s and Jerk Chicken Patty Sandwiches.  Molson Canadian, Coors, Heineken, and Steam Whistle are available beers.  The Crown Royal bar has many spirits available as well as wine.  Atmosphere 4 With the renovation of the early 2000s, the exterior facade of Coca-Cola Coliseum remained.  Light coloured brick with unique arched architecture over the entrances keeps the classic exterior look.  Large windows above the southwest entrance allow natural light into the building.  The other main entrance to the Coliseum is at the south, through the exhibit hall, which maintains the light brick and arches over the entrance but adds concrete columns for an even more stunning look.  A large, bronze Coke bottle sculpture before the entrance reminds fans who the title sponsor of the building is, and agricultural art embedded in the brick wall across from the main entrance links back to its origins. Entry in the Coliseum at the southwest corner brings fans past the ticket windows and past huge wooden doors, which were used to keep livestock in their pens.  Along with the doors are posters and captions giving the history of the building.  A few steps further, and past security brings fans into the main concourse.  It will have already become obvious that this is the home of the Toronto Marlies, as there are markings all over for the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate.  Pop-up merchandise stands sell Sceptres merchandise. The seating bowl is one level that is split.  The ice is south-north oriented, and the east side is where one would get a picture of the centre ice logo; however, that logo is for the Marlies.  There are some temporary banners for the Sceptres hung over railings, but there really are no permanent markings on the walls or ice for the PWHL team.  An upper concourse is found behind the seating bowl, at the top, and offers some additional concession stands and washroom access.  Above centre ice hangs a four-sided video board with an LED ring above and four slim rectangular boards below.  Suites are found above the seating bowl on the east and west sides. The gameday production at a Sceptres game is solid but not spectacular.  A DJ booth is found in the upper northwest corner, and there is emphasis on female artists throughout the presentation.  Flag-wavers are found on the lower landing on the north end, and they lead some of the cheers.  A unique feature of Coca-Cola Coliseum is that the players travel through parts of the concourse and descend a small set of stairs to ice level between the benches. 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 is the future home of the Toronto Tempo.  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 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 5 The popularity of the Toronto Sceptres has been pretty remarkable.  Any time a team forces its way out of a venue due to the need for a bigger venue, it is a big deal.  At the time of writing, the 2025-26 season, the Toronto Sceptres averaged over 8,200 fans per game.  This is above capacity at Coca-Cola Coliseum and ranks 4th in the league.  Each team above the Sceptres plays in a building with a bigger capacity.  The previous season, the Sceptres averaged over 9,000 fans per game, but this figure also includes event games at Scotiabank Arena.  Sceptres fans are louder than typical Toronto fans and show tremendous support for the team. 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.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the Sceptres 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 Sceptres  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 The Toronto Sceptres are not a cheap experience by any sense of the imagination.  Sceptres tickets start at $68.  Tickets increase to $128 for seats in the middle sections and $184 for seats along the glass. It is assumed that this is at the high end of ticket prices for other PWHL teams.  Parking on site will be at least $15, and concessions are on the expensive side.  However, the product on the ice is solid, and fans will definitely enjoy their trip to see the Sceptres. Extras 2 An extra mark for the success that the PWHL has enjoyed overall at the turnstile and in the TV ratings. An extra mark for keeping a classic venue viable through renovation as opposed to a full teardown.  Final Thoughts The Toronto Sceptres have found phenomenal success in the PWHL since its inception.  The move to Coca-Cola Coliseum was necessitated by the fans, and it is curious if another move is in the not-too-distant future, with attendance better than ever. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads ,  and Instagram @profan9.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Chicago White Sox have worn myriad uniform designs in their history and, at one time, switched colors and styles more frequently than the University of Oregon football program. Fans almost expected a new look every five years until the club debuted its current set at the end of the 1990 season. The red pinstripes (1971-1975), the leisure suite (1976-1981), and the Beach Blanket Bingo (1982-1986) looks were infamous and are now beloved by a generation of fans who never saw them in action at old Comiskey Park. However, lost in this display of haberdashery is one set that made its debut in 1964. The Sweet Baby Blues may look tame by today’s standards, but it made a statement during its first season for the White Sox. It was somewhat unconventional for its time, but it was the first sign that the club was willing to think outside the box and set trends that other clubs would later adopt. The Ogden Standard-Examiner was shocked by the uniform color choice. The Sox were not the first to wear a powder blue uniform, but it had been 20 years since the last major league club wore such a distinct look. The Chicago Cubs sported the road color from 1941-1942, and the Brooklyn Dodgers wore  satin blue uniforms for night road games  in 1944. The Cubs' look was a vest jersey that featured a blue undershirt. The Sox introduced the jersey on January 6, 1964, at a press conference at the LaSalle Hotel in downtown Chicago. General Manager Ed Short held up the “blouse” of manager Al Lopez to a group of reporters and then passed it down the row for inspection, prompting Bob Smith from the Sun-Times to quip, “this was on the level?” and later added if the club was considering “pink or some other colors.” Short, somewhat irked by the media’s response, chose the color because it showed up better on black and white television sets, perhaps even looking better on the color TV sets that would soon become the norm in many living rooms in the country. The road jerseys were identical to the previous year’s design. The city name was arched in block lettering; the right sleeve featured the players’ number with a thin white outline, and the club wore a navy blue cap with an interlocking SOX logo in a similar font. Navy socks with three white stripes would accompany the wool uniforms. “Management made this change essentially to spruce up the look of the team,” added Chicago Historian Rich Lindberg. “They took some informal fan polls back then, asking for feedback on the ballpark experience.” Joe Horlen finished with a 1.88 ERA in 1964. File Photo. The blue road flannels were the third colored jerseys introduced by an American League franchise in as many years. The Kansas City Athletics introduced vests with red jerseys in 1962 and then shocked the baseball world with all gold vests and green sleeves the following season. The Cleveland Indians also wore sleeveless jerseys with red jerseys beginning in 1963. “This uniform change was mostly a reaction to the Kansas City A’s and their switch to green and cold," Linberg added. "It was done with the hope of giving the Sox a more distinctive look at the very beginning of an era when the introduction of new colors and styles in baseball uniforms was coming into vogue.” Southside Aces Joe Horlen and Gary Peters in the updated Sox uniform in 1967, Photo Courtesy of Spokeo Various newspapers at the time were curious and made mention of the striking new look when the Sox came to town. The Bristol (Pennsylvania) Daily Courier was a bit more tongue-in-cheek on the new duds.  “The Chicago White Sox also have new road uniforms-powder blue. All they need now are bow ties, and they’ll be ready to “do the town” in their new look tuxedos.” The Pale Hose debuted them at Fenway Park in Boston on April 17 and took two out of three in the series. Later that month, Finley challenged Short to a “fashion show” when his A’s came to White Sox Park for a doubleheader on May 6. Finley released the following statement to the newspapers. “We want the White Sox to add some color to the game by wearing their pretty baby blue road uniforms that they adopted this year. For the second game, we’ll wear our Fort Knox gold uniforms trimmed in Pacific green. For the second game, we’ll wear our misty green.” The A’s owner, Finley, was a man of showmanship and ahead of his time in baseball fashion. The Sox did not accept his challenge and wore their home pinstripes and swept the two-game series. However, fans would see the team wear them at home later that summer. On June 26, the Sox hosted the Cubs at home for the 15th annual Boys Benefit Game. The Chicago  Tribune  reported that the Sox were the visiting team and donned their sweet baby blue road uniforms as the game was played at cavernous Comiskey to accommodate the demand and raise more money for the boys. A total of 52,712 attended the game, and 3,000 fans watched the game from a roped-off section of the park. All balls hit into the densely packed crowd were considered ground-rule doubles. Renovations to the park prohibited many fans from being seated for the game that saw the Sox pound the Cubs 11-1. Many AL cities' newspapers had something to say about the club’s look. During a visit to Los Angeles, the Long Beach Independent couldn’t help mentioning the team’s road flannels in its game recap.   “The Chicago White Sox had their powder blue uniforms on display Friday night and then powdered the Angels 3-1.” The new road colors might have been a bit of good luck for the Sox, who found themselves in a pennant race with the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles until the second-to-last day of the season on October 3. The Sox finished with 98 victories, one game behind the pennant-winning Yanks. The second place finished preventing the powder blue uniforms from making an appearance in the World Series that fall. This wouldn’t happen until 16 years later when Philadelphia and Kansas City wore their road blues in the fall classic. The inability to clinch the pennant was a possible missed opportunity to become sentimental to the South Side fanbase. In 1967, the team removed the block CHICAGO across the chest and introduced a scripted font that featured the club’s name in the tail of the wordmark. The Sox would miss out on another pennant, losing a four-team race and finishing three games behind the Boston Red Sox that year. When the team took the field for the 100th anniversary of Major League Baseball in 1969, something was different. The road jerseys were replaced with the traditional gray look. It was the same design from the previous season, but the white letter appeared “washed-out” in the gray flannels. That same year, two expansion franchises, the Seattle Pilots and Montreal Expos, donned powder blue wool flannels. The White Sox sported a 432-378 record during its five seasons wearing the non-traditional look that by the end of the next decade would be fashioned by eleven clubs in the major leagues. Teams would continue wearing blue road uniforms until 1991. The look, considered a trend of the past, is becoming popular again, with four clubs wearing complete powder blue uniforms and two more opting for tops with gray or white pants in 2020. The White Sox celebrate the 50th anniversary of the A’s in Oakland in 2018. File Photo. The Sox themselves would once again wear this era’s powder blue uniforms in 2018 when they celebrated the 50th anniversary of the A’s relocation to the Bay Area at the Oakland Coliseum . The look was the first time many had seen the club in light blue, and perhaps a few would hope the team would bring them back for a few throwback games from time to time at Guaranteed Rate Field. The forward-thinking Sox were a little bit ahead of the curve and would introduce another set of powder blue uniforms in 1971, but in 1964, they were somewhat unconventional for the baseball purist. Perhaps the abundance of uniform designs and innovations by the club between the 1960s and 1980s has hidden this sweet look of a road jersey. The team has introduced a few retro looks in recent years, and one can hope the team could bring these “sweet baby blue” back for a few Sunday games sometime in the future. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Xander Loosvelt, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Phog Allen Fieldhouse 1651 Naismith Dr Lawrence, KS 66045 Kansas Jayhawks website Phog Allen Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 15,300 The Birthplace of Basketball One of the most iconic venues in college basketball, Allen Fieldhouse, also known as “The Phog,” provides one of the best home-court advantages in the entire sport. The stadium serves as the home of the Kansas Jayhawks men’s and women’s basketball teams, who are a part of the Big 12 Conference. Since its opening in 1955, the stadium has undergone major renovations across multiple eras to bring the building to its current design. It has played host to NCAA tournament games, concerts, NBA Exhibition games, presidents, senators, and more. The Phog is unique, intricate, well-designed, loud, and represents everything about college basketball from the hardwood to the nosebleeds. Food & Beverage 4 As a whole, the concessions experience at Allen Fieldhouse contains what you generally would expect to find at a basketball game alongside a few special items. What gives it extra points is its quantity, as there are three levels to the concourse that all contain food. Outside the general stadium foods, specialty items include pulled pork sandwiches, a Philly Steak/Cheesesteak stand, Boba, Street Tacos, Empanadas, and more, with a mix of local and standard businesses. The quality is about what you’d expect from the stadium, while the prices are mostly fair all around, with stands only accepting cards. The dominating soda brand is Pepsi, and while general alcohol options are served, craft beer is generally not available. The street tacos and pulled pork sandwiches cost a little more than the others, but for good reason – they’re delicious. Those two are definitely items worth checking out when walking the concourse. Atmosphere 5 This is a bucket list experience. If you only ever see one college basketball game, let it be in the Phog. The stadium has seating completely around the arena with visible sight lines, no matter where you are. Though the arena mostly contains benches, there is chairback seating available in the upper sections of the lower bowl on either side. The classic yet modern scoreboard style hangs prominently above the court, visible on all sides, with constant replays that are especially prevalent for home team highlights and questionable calls. The band, spirit squads, and mascots are active and engaging the crowd throughout the game. The mascots will even go into the crowd to high-five and interact with the fans. The music is loud throughout the stadium and somehow manages to be heard over the roaring crowd. The stadium's sound quality is strong, and the architecture allows for the sound to bounce off the walls. The best part though has to be the pregame scoreboard videos - absolute cinema that gives every person in the arena chills. The north side chairback seating is probably the optimal spot because it gives you access to all 3 concession levels, allows you to see the logo the right way, provides the most comfort, and puts you in the middle of everything. However, no matter where you sit, you’ll have a good view of the game and a great time watching thanks to the dynamic atmosphere created by all the little aspects coming together for an event to remember. Neighborhood 5 Allen Fieldhouse is located in the center of campus at the University of Kansas, which is not too far from most of the local restaurants, while also feeling separate from the busier areas in Lawrence. While there isn’t necessarily an array of options right next to the stadium, a short drive or Uber away from the stadium are several well-renowned local restaurants and breweries, including Jefferson’s, Limestone Pizza, and Free State Brewing. If none of those sound appetizing, plenty of other options still exist around the same area and throughout the city. Lawrence isn’t exactly known for its attractions, but when you take a closer look, you can find some smaller activities, such as an escape room place called Breakout Lawrence, or take a visit to the Dole Institute of Politics. If you're still in the sports mood, you can check out the newly renovated David Booth Memorial Stadium that serves as home for the football team, or even Rock Chalk Park, which houses the track, soccer, and softball teams. For the most enjoyable and accessible stay, The Oread and The Eldridge will be your go-to hotels that are closest to the heart of Lawrence, while the DoubleTree by Hilton is a viable option for a small commute while remaining slightly removed from the noise and business of the city. Overall, the food and lodging options are high in quantity with above-average quality, while the attractions are lower in quantity but still maintain an overall decent quality. Fans 5 Simply put, Allen Fieldhouse has one of, if not the best, fan bases in college basketball. The stadium is nearly always at capacity, if not exceeding it, and is near the top of the conference and the nation for fan attendance. The crowd is loud, routinely exceeding 120 DB of noise and staying engaged from 90 minutes before tip-off until the final buzzer. (In fact, Allen Fieldhouse holds the Guinness World Record for the Loudest Crowd Roar at an indoor sporting event.) The crowd stays involved and only gets louder when things start to go the other team’s way. Fans remain in their seats, rarely getting up even at halftime. The students will even stand the entire game while frowning upon sitters. There's a host of fan traditions, including waving the wheat, the pregame alma mater, Rock Chalk chants, distracting the other team at the free throw line, and more. Above all else, Jayhawks fans ensure that as long as they're in the arena, a dull moment will never be had. Access 4 As a whole, the Phog is a pretty accessible stadium, and its only glaring issue is the lack of parking around the arena. If you're flying in for the game, you’ll have to go through Kansas City International, and more than likely rent a car to make the 50-minute drive to Lawrence. Luckily, the airport is really easy to navigate when arriving or departing, and the hotels are all within walking distance or a very short drive from the stadium. The downside is the fact that parking surrounding the stadium is rather difficult, and with limited space, the best idea is to buy a pass ahead of time. Traffic exiting the arena and the city also isn’t great postgame, but it’s manageable overall. Walking into Allen Fieldhouse is pretty easy, as the security process is simple and the concourse can be easily navigated thanks to the plethora of signs. There’s enough room on the concourse’s three levels that rarely overflowing is a problem, but you can’t see the court unless you're actually in your seats. Handicapped seating is also available if needed. Return on Investment 3 With all prices you’ll have to pay considered, your return on investment is about what you’d expect for a men's college basketball game. The average ticket price range is between $90 and $300, and most will land around the $150-$200 inner range. Food and drink prices can vary, but let's overestimate and say you spend around $35 on concessions. Taking into account the potential of renting a car for a weekend trip, which can bring your total cost north of $300 but probably less than $400. It’s certainly not cheap, but the all-around experience in Allen Fieldhouse ensures that your money is well spent. Extras 5 So many things decorate the stadium and add to the experience, including the host of championship banners, retired numbers, and recognized players. The staff is friendly and helpful, you can find multiple places to buy team merchandise, and even a few kids' activities are present. In fact, there’s a whole hallway filled with player photos and team accomplishment banners. All this, and yet the most impressive part is far and away the Booth Family Hall of Athletics that serves as a hall of fame for Kansas athletes and sports, including a special emphasis on James Naismith, the inventor of basketball and KU’s first basketball coach, and Forrest C. “Phog” Allen. Final Thoughts Allen Fieldhouse is a special place for the sport of basketball because it's where basketball was invented and first played. It would be easy to let somewhere as historic as this speak for itself, but all the additions over the years to maintain a modern style and update the venue as the program’s history expands have only added to the experience. It may be a little on the expensive side for college sports, but it’s easy to see why the price of admission is high once you enter the building. It’s so easy to get immersed in the atmosphere, find yourself singing along with the fans during traditions, and feel a sense of pride in what Allen Fieldhouse represents as one of the original stepping stones to what college basketball has become.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ballpark at Harbor Yard 500 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,300 Home of the Bluefish The Bridgeport Bluefish are a charter member of the Atlantic League, considered by many to be the premier independent baseball league in the country. The team has won the most games in the history of the league, and has won one championship in their history, in 1999. In addition, the Bluefish have made four other appearances in the championship series. The land that the Ballpark at Harbor Yard sits on was purchased by the city of Bridgeport from Donald Trump for $1 and the forgiveness of unpaid back taxes. Before the arrival of the Bluefish, the last professional team to call Bridgeport home was the Bridgeport Bees, who last played in the affiliated Colonial League in 1950. Editor's Note: The stadium closed after the 2017 baseball season. The venue was converted to an outdoor concert amphitheater known as Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. Food & Beverage 4 A great deal of effort has been put into improving the concessions here in recent years, and the concessions at Harbor Yard are a pleasant surprise. All the ballpark staples are present here, along with cheesesteaks, sausage sandwiches, and pizza from local favorite Massimo’s. Sam Adams American Grill is located down the right field line, and features burgers, grilled chicken, and foot long hot dogs. For something different, check out Uncle G’s Smoke Shack on the right field side of the ballpark, where hungry Bluefish fans can pick up pulled pork or chicken sandwiches, red hots, chili, as well as fixings such as watermelon and fried Oreos. Harbor Yard has a good selection of beers for a park of its size, with choices ranging from domestic (Bud & Bud Light), to imported (Corona & Heineken), to craft beers (Two Roads). There is also a stand offering mixed drinks and wines. For fans looking for non-alcoholic options, Pepsi products are featured here. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Harbor Yard is the typical minor league one, featuring music playing over the loudspeakers at every opportunity, games for the kids between innings, and contests throughout the game. There is an excellent emcee here who brings energy to the ballpark and keeps the crowd involved. Longtime visitors to Harbor Yard will notice that the former play area in right field is gone, replaced by a beer garden that features railing seats right at field level. If you have kids who need to let out some steam, an inflatable play house is located at the end of the left field concourse. Neighborhood 2 The Ballpark at Harbor Yard and its next door neighbor, the Webster Bank Arena, built in 1998 and 2001, respectively, are located in a small neighborhood wedged in between Interstate 95 and the Long Island Sound waterfront. It was hoped that their presence would spur development in the area adjacent to the sports complex. Several buildings were razed to make room for both the stadia and the planned development. Unfortunately, this development has never occurred, leaving only a couple of large unpaved lots adjacent to the ballpark that are now used for parking. Downtown Bridgeport is located on the opposite side of I-95, easily accessible through several underpasses. This area carries a long-standing reputation as an area to avoid, particularly at night. As is the case in many cities, local leaders have worked hard to reverse this reputation, and several businesses have taken up residence in the downtown area. Unfortunately, the area has not totally reached its potential, and many fans come to Harbor Yard solely for the events at the ballpark or arena and leave immediately afterwards. Fans willing to explore the area can find several fine restaurants and theaters in the area, as well as the Barnum and Bailey Museum. Fans 2 The Bluefish averaged just over 2,900 fans per game in 2015, which ranked them last in the 8-team Atlantic League. Crowds are larger on the weekends, where the team has scheduled fireworks shows and family days, but you should have your pick of seats no matter what day you visit. As with most minor league teams, the Bluefish market themselves to families, and the typical Bridgeport crowd does indeed consist mainly of families and groups. Access 4 Ballparks don’t get much easier to find than The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. Located directly off Interstate 95, all one has to do to get to the field is take exit 27A (whether traveling northbound or southbound), follow the signs for a block, and you are there. Parking is available in two lots across the street from the ballpark, or in the garage adjacent to the hockey arena. Additional free parking can be found on street within a short walk of the ballpark. Despite downtown Bridgeport’s less than sparkling reputation, the area around the ballpark is safe. Getting to Bridgeport is a snap, as Interstate 95 passes directly through downtown. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind Harbor Yard, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the ballpark. Harbor Yard follows the typical minor league ballpark blueprint, as fans climb a flight of stairs to get to an open concourse that overlooks the seating bowl and field, except for a section behind home plate that is blocked by the press box. There is a walkway about halfway up the seating bowl that separates the lower blue seats from the upper green seats. Seating in upper sections further down the foul lines consist of metal bleachers. With the small crowds present at Bluefish games, fans will have no problem getting around the ballpark. There is plenty of room at the typical Bluefish game for fans to spread out, and while the restrooms need a little TLC, they are more than large enough to handle the usual Bridgeport crowd. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Bluefish games cost $15 for box seats (lower sections) and $11 for reserved seats (upper sections). These prices feel like they are a bit on the high side for this level of baseball, but resourceful fans can save $2 per ticket with a AAA card. Just remember to ask the person at the ticket booth, as this discount is not advertised. Parking in the dirt lots adjacent to Harbor Yard costs $7, but seasoned Bluefish fans will often opt for free parking on the roads near the ballpark. These spots fill quickly, so arrive early to take advantage of this bargain. Food prices are in line with other venues of this size in the area. Overall, a night at The Ballpark will not break the bank. Extras 2 The Ballpark at Harbor Yard has a couple of touches that are worth checking out. In the plaza outside of the ballpark is a statue of baseball Hall of Famer and Bridgeport resident James O’Rourke, who is credited with getting the first hit in National League history. Located behind the press box is a mural of several area residents who made their way to the major leagues. Another extra point is awarded for the unique, industrial background here at Harbor Yard. With the giant power plant looming beyond the right field fence and the frequent commuter trains passing by throughout the game, Harbor Yard boasts a most unique backdrop. Final Thoughts The Ballpark at Harbor Yard was once considered the jewel of the Atlantic League, being named as the Atlantic League’s ballpark of the year in 2009. Unfortunately, it is not aging well. With small, lackluster crowds and a less than ideal location, relocation rumors have begun to spring up around the Bluefish franchise. With a new Atlantic League team beginning in nearby New Britain, perhaps new life can be breathed into this tired ballpark. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

For more than 20 years, the Windy City ThunderBolts have been a staple of independent baseball in Chicago’s Southland. But when fans arrive at Ozinga Field for the 2026 season, they’ll notice something immediately different. The team has unveiled a bold new brand identity built around electricity, power lines, and a modern aesthetic that reflects both the ballpark’s surroundings and a new era for the franchise. The redesign represents the first major brand overhaul in more than two decades—and it signals that the ThunderBolts are looking toward the future. A Bold but Simple Identity Many sports teams undergoing rebrands choose aggressive mascots, cartoon-style logos, or intricate designs. The ThunderBolts took a different approach. Instead, the team opted for a sleek, minimalist look that emphasizes sharp lines and bold colors over complex imagery. The result is a design some have described as having an “electric” or even “punk rock” feel—simple but powerful. The inspiration came directly from the ballpark itself. Ozinga Field sits among towering electrical infrastructure, with power lines and transmission towers visible beyond the outfield. When the design team visited the stadium, they immediately recognized the visual potential. Those power lines ultimately became a central element of the team’s new visual identity. At one point during the rebranding process, team officials considered changing the franchise name entirely. However, the designers felt the existing name already fit the new concept perfectly. “ThunderBolts already has that electricity and power theme,” GM Mike LaScherve explained. “Once the designers saw the power lines around the ballpark, it made perfect sense to keep the name.” The Designers Behind the Look The ThunderBolts worked with Cincinnati-based BLDG Brand ,  a company with experience creating identities for both major organizations and sports teams. BLDG’s portfolio includes branding work for Georgia Tech, Procter & Gamble, and the Florence Y’alls of the Frontier League. That last project—transforming the Florence Freedom into the Y’alls—became one of the most recognizable minor league rebrands in recent years. With that track record, ThunderBolts leadership trusted the process. “They’re the experts at this,” LaScherve added. “If they could do even a fraction of what they did in Florence, we knew we would have something special.” Interestingly, the rebrand was actually finalized months before it was revealed publicly. The organization considered introducing it during the 2025 season but ultimately decided to wait. With the season approaching and marketing materials already printed under the old identity, debuting a new brand midseason would have limited its impact. Waiting allowed the ThunderBolts to launch the redesign properly alongside other organizational changes. Breaking Baseball’s Uniform Traditions One of the most noticeable elements of the new brand is the ThunderBolts uniform lineup. For the 2026 season, the team will wear three primary jerseys: Black Bolts Blue Carhartt-inspired brown Perhaps most surprising is what’s missing: a traditional white home uniform. White jerseys have been a baseball staple for generations, making the ThunderBolts decision highly unusual. Instead, the team leaned into a darker, more industrial color palette. Bolts Blue is a bright, light blue similar to Carolina blue or sky blue. The brown alternate—often compared to the rugged tone used by workwear brand Carhartt—adds a unique contrast rarely seen in baseball uniforms. Designers felt the blue-and-brown combination complemented the team’s electric theme while giving the club a distinctive visual identity. Fans who attended games in 2025 might have already seen subtle hints of the new palette. Signage around Ozinga Field quietly featured the brown and blue colors throughout the season, offering a preview of what was coming. Fans Respond to the New Look Sports rebrands often produce mixed reactions, especially online. But early responses to the ThunderBolts new look have been overwhelmingly positive. Social media feedback has largely praised the modern design, and merchandise sales have been strong since the brand’s unveiling. “People are usually quicker to criticize than they are to praise on social media,” LaScherve noted. “If it had been a 50–50 reaction, we would have been happy. But the response has been much better than that.” New merchandise has reportedly been selling quickly, suggesting fans have embraced the bold new look. A Ballpark Transformation The rebrand is just one part of a larger transformation happening in Crestwood. The team now operates under new ownership, which also owns the Florence Y’alls. Along with the new visual identity, the ThunderBolts have launched a redesigned website, opened a new team store, and begun renovations around Ozinga Field. Additional improvements to the stadium are expected to be announced before the 2026 season. The goal is to enhance the entire fan experience—from the ballpark atmosphere to the team’s visual presence. “This is all part of one big project,” LaScherve said. “New ownership, new branding, improvements to the ballpark—it’s all about creating a better experience for fans.” Hidden Details Around the Stadium The new brand also includes a wide collection of secondary and auxiliary logos. These smaller marks feature lightning-themed graphics, stylized power towers, and other electric-inspired imagery that reinforce the team’s identity. Some even resemble hand gestures forming lightning bolts. Fans attending games at Ozinga Field will likely notice these logos scattered throughout the stadium on signage, merchandise, and digital displays. The variety of marks creates a sort of visual “Easter egg hunt” for fans exploring the ballpark. “There are a ton of auxiliary logos,” LaScherve   said. “More than we can even keep track of.” A New Era for ThunderBolts Baseball The ThunderBolts previous brand had been in place for more than two decades. While it served the team well, the organization believed the time had come for something new. With fresh ownership, renovations at Ozinga Field, and a bold new identity built around power and electricity, the franchise is hoping the 2026 season marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. For fans in the South Chicago suburbs, ThunderBolts baseball is about to look and feel completely different. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena 25 Hester St. Hamilton, ON L9A 2Nc Hamilton Steel website Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 2,500 The Kilty Buzz Editor's Note: The Kilty B's will be rebranding as the Steel for the 2026-2027 season. On the Mountain in Hamilton, there is a little shrine to one of their favourite hockey sons. Dave Andreychuk was a star for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams. In his final season in the NHL, he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win their first Stanley Cup. Andreychuk is a product of his hometown Hamilton hockey system, and the Mountain Arena now also bears his name. A hockey hub for the “Mountain,” the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena was built in 1966 and boasts a capacity of 2,500.  Renovations have been completed on the arena over the years, including replacing the old wooden seats with plastic stadium seats salvaged from Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, former home of the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Blue Jays.  One of the additions includes a figure skating rink. The Junior B level of hockey in Ontario has a presence in Hamilton.  The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League has the Hamilton Kilty B’s, a traditional Hamilton hockey name, as part of the league.  The arena was also the home of the Hamilton Fincups and Hamilton Steelhawks of the OHL and Hamilton Red Wings of the OJHL.  The Red Wings began as a Junior B team in 1973 and played as the Kilty B’s from 1977 to 2002.  The current Kilty B’s organization began as the Junior C, Stoney Creek Warriors.  They earned four titles and moved up to Junior B in 1994 and were renamed the Stoney Creek Spirit.  After returning to the Warriors moniker, they moved to Ancaster in 2013 and then to Hamilton in 2015, just after the departure of the Hamilton Red Wings.  The Red Wings franchise held the rights to the historic Kilty B’s brand and was sold to the current owner to bring the buzz back to Hamilton. Food & Beverage 2 A small snack bar can be found on the south side of the arena, behind the seating bowl. Simple options include chips, chocolate bars, and popcorn. Coca-Cola products are available, as well as a small selection of mainstream domestic beer. Vending machines are also available in the halls at ice level.  Concession prices are very good as compared to major sporting venues. Atmosphere 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is a throwback from a different time with a few comfort upgrades. It is part of a larger complex with a figure skating ice surface.  The main entry for the arena is on the parking lot side behind Hester Street.  The exterior is low profile with tan brick with light accents.  Both the front and rear have Kilty B’s markings, alerting fans that this is the home of Hamilton’s Junior B squad. Upon entering the building from the east side, fans enter a small lobby that is a shrine to Dave Andreychuk.  The lobby is littered with pictures of Andreychuk from different teams, a collage outlining his journey to the Stanley Cup, and some of his career stats.  Another collage outlines his experience playing youth hockey in Hamilton, and a framed jersey from his number retirement by the Oshawa Generals is also prevalent.  Temporary tables welcome fans for purchasing tickets and 50/50 tickets.  Fans must ascend the stairs to reach the seating area, which is made up of up to seven rows of older blue stadium seats. The seats themselves have repurposed seats from the former Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, the former home of the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts. The repurposing is similar to what was done at Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto and the fields at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ontario. The ice surface runs from east to west, with the best spot for the center ice logo picture on the north side. The love for Dave Andreychuk continues inside the arena with his honored number 8 from Hamilton Youth Hockey, as well as highlights of his NHL career.  The west side of the arena features Kilty B’s logo and the 50th anniversary logo.  The arena has a low profile ceiling with trussed support beams across the building, painted black.  In each of the four corners, the top rows still have the original seats, and behind the wooden seats are small replica boards with class, perfect for playing mini-stick hockey on the other side.  Above centre ice is the skinniest four-sided score clock ever seen in a hockey rink, designed to minimize pucks hitting scoreboards.  The PA system is pretty good, and the announcements are clear to understand. The gameday production is fairly simple, but not unlike other Junior B teams.  The Kilty mascot, Stinger, traverses the crowd and attempts to lead some cheers with the aid of a small drum.  Kilty B’s goals are marked with a fog horn, similar to the one used by Andreychuk’s Buffalo Sabres.  Simple promotions like a 50/50 draw are part of the game. Neighbourhood 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon Neighbourhood on Hamilton’s Mountain.  It is south of Central Hamilton.  There are a few spots for food and drink in the immediate neighbourhood.  Some options include La Spaghett Pasta House, Charlie’s Chopsticks and Garden Kitchen. There are other sporting options in Hamilton, most notably the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.  The McMaster Marauders field football and basketball teams among others and the Hamilton Cardinals of IBL play in the summer months.  Hamilton’s main arena, FirstOntario Centre, is closed as of 2024 for a year or two for major renovations.  Other tourist options include Upper Chedoke Falls, Royal Botanical Gardens and Canadian Heritage Warplane Museum.  Mountain Arena is located in a fairly residential area.  Fans wanting to stay near the arena may select the Courtyard Hamilton. Fans 3 The Hamilton Kilty B’s have shown some improvement in fan support.  In the  2023-2024 season the Kilty B’s attracted an average of 470 fans per game.  This was an improvement from the previous year and the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs moving to Brantford may be a partial explanation for the increase.  The Kiltys ranked 7th in attendance in the 20 team OJHL.  Thursdays are typically Kiltys night.  However, with a building capacity of 2,500 it will take more than 400 fans to make a positive impact on the atmosphere.  The fans in attendance are pretty quiet and reserved, similar to most other Ontario fans.   Access 4 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon neighbourhood on the Hamilton Mountain.  It is less than 1 km north of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway and east of Highway 403.  It is on the north side of Hester Street between Upper James Street and Ronald Shay Avenue.  Getting to the arena is not too difficult, however, traffic on Highway 403 near Highway 6 can be busy during the post work hours.  There is plenty of parking onsite that is free.  For those fans interested in public transit, there are Hamilton Transit buses that travel Upper James. Fans should consult the Hamilton Transit website for maps, fares and schedules.  Getting around the arena comes with the challenges of any older venue and the washrooms are pretty small, although that should not be a big issue given the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment at a Hamilton Kilty B’s game is very high.  Adult tickets go for $10 each, cash at the door.  Students and seniors are only $5 and kids under 7 are free.  Concession prices are low and parking at the arena is free.  The on ice product is strong and fans will have a good time at the game, especially if they like Dave Andreychuk.  The history and old school feel of the venue is a bonus. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena as a shrine to this Hamilton hockey product. An extra mark for the repurposed seats from Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium. An extra mark for the ownership group rescuing the traditional Hamilton Kilty B’s brand. Final Thoughts Taking in some GOJHL hockey at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is not only a great opportunity to check out some history at a classic venue, but also getting to see a strong hockey program with a traditional brand.  It seems that the Hamilton Kilty B’s may just have the Steel City buzzing! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Advanced Capital Ice House Raven Road Ottawa, ON K1S 5R2 Carleton Ravens Ice Hockey website Advanced Capital Ice House website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 820 Quote the Raven Editor's Note: In October 2025 Carleton University announced they would be renaming their hockey facility in honor of Michael Hapke's $1 million donation to the school's athletic department. Hapke is the CEO of the Advanced Group of Companies. Ask any Canadian about the athletic teams of Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, inevitably the conversation will come to basketball.  The Carleton Ravens basketball team has enjoyed unprecedented success, achieving seventeen National Championships since 2003.  That success through basketball has invigorated the rest of the athletic department.  The return of Ravens football after a 15 year absence in 2013 signaled a change in the Ravens Athletic Department.  Hockey also returned in 2008 after being on hiatus since 1974.  The Ravens hockey team was originally founded in 1949 and played for six seasons before disbanding.  The second iteration of the team lasted from 1960 to 1974.  The Ravens have since appeared in the USports National Championship Tournament in 2014, 2016 and 2019. Home for the Ravens is the Carleton Ice House.  The arena was built in 1974 and features two NHL-sized ice surfaces.  The main rink has a capacity of 320 seats with space for 500 fans to stand. Food & Beverage 1 The concession options are extremely limited at the Carleton Ice House.  On the ground level there are a number of vending machines for drinks and snacks.  There are signs that there is a Tim Hortons and Subway in an adjoining Physical Education building, however, if their hours of operation coincided with hockey games is unknown.   Atmosphere 3 The Carleton Ice House is a fairly simplistic hockey venue.  The exterior is fairly attractive at the main entrance at the west with light brick and windows attached to a long building with rounded roof.  The main lobby has plenty of red and black with Ravens markings.  There is not much that is sport specific or even hockey specific, but the lobby is not unattractive.  Fans must ascend to the upper level for entry to the rink.  In the main rink there is a strong warehouse feel to the environment with the north wall covered in corrugated siding.  The ice is east-west oriented and there is only seating on the north side.  The seating area consists of 3 or 4 rows of older, red arena seats with plenty of standing room behind the seating.  The simple scoreclock hangs on the eastern wall along with a banner for the retired number 12.  Paul Correy played for Carleton before the program dissolved, but was integral in the return of hockey to the university in 2008 by leading the fundraising campaign and drumming up interest in the community.  He was enshrined in Carleton’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 and has subsequently had his number 12 retired by the hockey team.  The south side of the arena features Ravens markings to give the rink a bit more of a home team feel to it.  The gameday production at a Ravens hockey game is extremely simple.  There are no promotions, which are common during USports hockey games.  The most irritating feature of the gameday experience at Carleton has to be the sound system, which is very poor, making announcements almost impossible to understand. Neighbourhood 4 Carleton Ice House is located on the campus of Carleton University, adjacent to the Old Ottawa South neighbourhood.  There are a few spots that are not too far from campus that are good choices for pre or post game food and drink.  Some possibilities include Hometown Sports Grill, Bergham, Local Public Eatery, Irene’s Pub and The Prescott.  Ottawa is a fantastic tourist spot and there are a number of other sporting options in the city.  Carleton is of course known for its basketball  team but also fields a football  team.  The Ravens’ closest rival is the cross-town Ottawa Gee-Gees, who also field football, hockey  and basketball teams.  Professional sports is available with the Ottawa Senators , Ottawa RedBlacks  and Ottawa Black Bears  and fans can get their Junior hockey fix with the Ottawa 67’s .  Ottawa has a plethora of things to do in the city, however, not in the neighbourhood where Carleton is.  Skating on the Rideau Canal, visiting Parliament or taking in one of the dozens of museums in the city are great tourist options.  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Best Western and Residence Inn are good options. Fans 3 At the time of writing, for the 2024-2025 season, Carleton attracted an average of almost 240 fans per game.  The game that was reviewed saw 155 fans at the game, which seems to be low.  This ranks Carleton 8th in the conference in average attendance.  There is plenty of room for improvement, but they are not at the bottom of the conference.  The fans in attendance were knowledgeable and supportive.  It would be beneficial if Carleton could attract more students on a regular basis and not just for the big rivalry games.   Access 4 Carleton Ice House is located on the campus of Carleton University, adjacent to the Old Ottawa South neighbourhood of the city.  Getting to the arena is not that difficult.  It is located south of Highway 417 which provides fairly easy access.  However, traffic in Ottawa can be an issue, even on the highways.  There is parking on site, however, fans will need to pay, even on the weekends and in the evening.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the light rail station is west of University and there are buses on University also.  Fans should consult the Ottawa Carleton Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not difficult and the washroom facilities are adequate for the size of the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Carleton Ravens hockey offers good value for a small investment.  Tickets for the Ravens start at $15 with discounts for youth, alumni and students.  Fans will have to pay for parking and concessions are a bit of a pain with vending machines.  That being said, the product on the ice is good and fans will have a good time at a Ravens game Extras 3 An extra mark for the Colonel By Classic, the rivalry game with the Ottawa Gee-Gees that is played at TD Place Arena, home of the Ottawa 67’s, and is very well attended. An extra mark for the resurrection of the Ravens hockey program. An extra mark for the Ravens hanging in under the massive shadow of Carleton basketball. Final Thoughts When in Ottawa, taking in a Carleton Ravens hockey game is a great way to enjoy an evening of hockey for a low price.  The Carleton Ice House is a simple venue but is adequate for USports hockey.  Time will tell if some of the basketball Ravens success can rub off on the hockey team.  Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram  @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Langley Events Centre 7888 200th Street Langley, BC V2Y 3J4 Vancouver Giants website Langley Events Centre website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,276 They Might Be Giants In 2001, Vancouver, British Columbia, was granted an expansion team.  The Vancouver Giants called the Pacific Coliseum home and enjoyed decent success there.  The Giants took home the Ed Chynoweth Cup as Western Hockey League Champions in 2006 and eclipsed that feat with a Memorial Cup the following season.  The Giants have produced several NHL players, including Cody Franson, Evander Kane, Brendan Gallagher, and Milan Lucic. In 2016, the Giants moved away from the oversized Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the Vancouver Canucks, to the Langley Events Centre.  Built in 2009 and more appropriately sized for junior hockey, Langley Events Centre is a ways from central Vancouver, but serves the suburban cities.  It is also the former home of the Vancouver Stealth of the National Lacrosse League, who later moved west to Rogers Arena and were rebranded the Vancouver Warriors.  The Giants are currently owned by a consortium under the leadership of Ron Toigo, but have consistently boasted of celebrity ownership.  The Giants currently boast one half of the Property Brothers, Drew Scott, and singer Michael Bublé as part of their ownership group, but proudly also boast of hockey legends Pat Quinn and Gordie Howe as former owners. Food & Beverage 5 The food selection at Langley Events Centre is excellent.  Papa John’s Pizza, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and Triple O’s (a top-notch British Columbia burger chain) are all present in Langley Events Centre.  Other food items include Grilled Cheese, nachos, Mike’s Ice Cream, Righteous Gelato, Nashville Chicken, and Macaroni and Cheese.  A pre-game buffet is also available and should be reserved beforehand.  The beer selection at Langley Events Centre is top-notch.  Molson Canadian and Coors are available at most stands.  However, there is an excellent, local craft beer selection available at The Barley Merchant.  Brands include Dead Frog, Trading Pool, Brookswood, Langley Loop, Camp Beer, Smuggler’s Trail, Five Roads, and Farm Country.  Fans who enjoy wine at the game are in luck as The Wine Bar has a strong selection of BC wines available.  Atmosphere 5 Langley Events Centre is one of the most attractive junior hockey venues in the country.  The LEC is located in Willoughby Community Park and has a host of sports facilities indoors, to go along with the plethora of outdoor sports fields in the area.  The LEC building is attractive with huge wooden beams that support a canopy over the entries that are found at the northwest and southwest corners of the building.  The western side, with the venue name above it, features wooden beams that form an outer structure, along with light siding and windows.  A green space with pine trees to the west adds to the forest/cabin motif, which seems to run through the arena. Upon entry at the northwest or southwest corners, fans must traverse a large staircase to bring them to the concourse level.  Above the staircases, fans will find attractive, local wooden art.  The arena features a main seating bowl consisting of 14 rows of blue, plastic arena seats.  Behind the seating bowl is an open concourse for travel around the arena.  Suites are found above the seating bowl in a horseshoe fashion.  The ice is west-east oriented, with the south side being the spot to be for the perfect centre ice logo picture.  Huge wooden beams support the rounded ceiling and continue the forest motif, providing a very attractive interior.  At the east end, at the top, hang banners honouring Pat Quinn and Gordie Howe as former owners of the Giants.  A mural with the two squaring off back in their playing days adorns the concourse below the banners.  Also hanging at the east end, below the Quinn and Howe banners, are banners for the Giants Ring of Honour.  Members include Scott Bonner, Mark Fistric, Gilbert Brule, Cody Franson, Andrej Meszaros, Brett Festerling, Milan Lucic, Evander Kane, Lance Bouma, Craig Cunningham, and Brendan Gallagher.  Above centre ice hangs a small, four-sided videoboard, which is used for ads and video.  Simple scoreboards on each of the four sides provide scores, time, and penalties.  On the south side of the videoboard, the Giants’ championship banners hang, including the 2006 WHL Championship and 2007 Memorial Cup.  At the west end is a Banquet Hall, which is used for the pre-game buffet and other functions. Gameday production at a Giants game is fairly unique.  The Giants have a dance team, the Jackettes, who perform on the ice between periods and cheer from the stairways in the stands.  The PA system is solid and makes easy-to-understand announcements.  The Giants have two mascots, Jack the Giant and Bucky Beaver, who partake in the pre-game introductions and festivities, and partake in promotions. Neighbourhood 3 Langley Events Centre is located in the sub-neighbourhood of Jericho, part of the Willoughby neighbourhood.  There are a number of spots for pre- or post-game food or drink that are not too far away.  Options include many national restaurant chains as well as Rio Brazilian, The Barley Merchant, The Bistro, Goldie’s Donuts, Brodeur’s Bistro, and S&L Kitchen.  The Trinity Western Spartans share the Langley Events Centre and also play hockey there, as well as basketball in the adjoining gym.  The Vancouver Bandits of the CEBL also call the LEC home.  Teams in Vancouver, including the Warriors, Canucks , Whitecaps ,, and BC Lions ,  are also not too far.  Other tourist options in the area include the Canadian Museum of Flight, Fort Langley, and a few other parks.  Also, the tourist options of Greater Vancouver are not far away, and the skiing in Whistler is worth a drive for those who enjoy the sport.  For fans wishing to stay near the arena, the Holiday Inn and Sandman are good options. Fans 3 At the time of writing, the 2025-26 season, the Vancouver Giants averaged over 3,600 fans per game.  This ranked them 15th in the 23-team WHL.  The previous season, they averaged about 100 more fans and had the same ranking.  There is definitely room to improve here; however, the sports landscape in Vancouver is competitive, and there are plenty of other sporting options.  Fans in attendance are supportive and knowledgeable.   Access 4 Langley Events Centre is located in the Willoughby community in Langley Township.  It is on the east side of 200th Street at 80th Avenue.  It is 2 km south of the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 1.  It is relatively easy to get to.  There is parking on site, which is free.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are buses available on 200th and 202nd.  Fans should consult the TransLink website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Getting around LEC is not difficult after the initial stair climb to get to the concourse level.  Concourses are wide enough, and the washroom facilities are good.  Langley Events Centre is a cashless facility. Although security protocols are minimal at Langley Events Centre, Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the LEC and Vancouver Giants  websites before heading out for the most up-to-date security information and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Vancouver Giants begin at $28.50 and go up to over $50.  This would be considered on the high side for the Canadian Hockey League.  Parking at the LEC is free, and concession prices are reasonable.  The product on the ice is solid, and the Giants put together a solid gameday production.  However, the visuals at Langley Events Centre push the experience up just a bit to offer a strong return on the investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for Langley Events Centre, doubling as a community hub with plenty of other sporting facilities and fields. An extra mark for the forest motif that runs through LEC. Final Thoughts The Vancouver Giants do not play in Downtown Vancouver and are a bit of a hike for those who dwell in the city.  However, the Giants do have one of the most attractive venues in the Canadian Hockey League and provide a solid gameday atmosphere, which should not be missed. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads ,, and Instagram @profan9.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Chicago White Sox could potentially make a move closer to downtown and reshape the future of the club while transforming one of the city’s most underdeveloped areas into a vibrant sports and entertainment destination.  Shore Capital Partners has confirmed it has a contract to purchase the Amtrak-owned land. The private equity firm is led by Justin Ishbia, who is in line to become the next majority owner of the White Sox. The 47-acre rail yard is located along the Chicago River, directly across from The 78, a 62-acre mega-development l ocated in the South Loop of Chicago. Sox leadership had previously explored the idea of building a stadium at this site, even releasing renderings of a potential ballpark and surrounding district two years ago. Plans tied to the rail yard acquisition suggest possibilities that include residential buildings, restaurants, entertainment venues, and even a medical facility potentially operated by Northwestern Medicine. White Sox Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Brooks Boyer emphasized that while the organization’s focus remains on The 78 site, any surrounding development could significantly enhance the fan experience. Adding to the momentum, the Chicago Fire are already constructing a new $750 million, privately funded soccer-specific stadium at The 78. That project, which recently broke ground, is expected to seat 22,000 fans and could catalyze further development in the area. One of the most significant factors in the project’s viability is funding. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has made it clear that he does not support the use of public tax dollars for new stadium construction. However, Justin Ishbia’s background in private equity could provide a solution. His involvement raises the possibility that a new White Sox ballpark could be privately financed, similar to the Chicago Fire’s stadium project. Ishbia is not expected to take full control of the White Sox until 2029 as part of a long-term ownership transition agreement with current owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Even so, Ishbia has publicly stated that he expects the White Sox to have a new stadium at some point during his lifetime. The 78 neighborhood is ultimately going to be redeveloped, but could be a bittersweet move for Sox fans who have been attending games at 35th Street since 1901. Rate Field has been the home for the team since 1991, but it is a venue that is past its prime in many areas.  The possibility of a new, downtown-adjacent ballpark represents both excitement and uncertainty.  The combination of land that combines riverfront views, access to mass transit, green space, and mixed-use retail and residential land that is close to downtown Chicago could create baseball’s next big gameday destination for visitors. Once a wistful idea, a new Sox ballpark at The 78 could become a reality by the end of the decade. If the White Sox ultimately make the move, the South Loop could emerge as one of the most dynamic sports districts in the United States. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Canada Life Place 99 Dundas St London, ON N6A 6K1 London Knights website Canada Life Place website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 9,036 These Knights Are Hunters It is difficult to argue with the success that the London Knights have achieved on the ice. Since the Knights were purchased in 2000 by Mark and Dale Hunter and Basil McRae they have earned six J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions and three Memorial Cups and CHL champions. What is even more shocking is that not long before the Knights set the record for the greatest regular season in the entire Canadian Hockey League (59-7-2 in 2004-05, with a 31-game unbeaten streak), they set the record for the worst season in the league (3-60-3 in 1995-96). The Knights play in one of the premier venues in the OHL. The second-largest venue in the league, Canada Life Place, was built in 2002 and was key to the turnaround of the team. Originally known as the John Labatt Centre, the facility replaced the venerable London Gardens.  In 2024, Canada Life purchased the naming rights.  Canada Life Place has hosted the Memorial Cup on two occasions, in 2005 and 2014. Food & Beverage 3 Canada Life Place has taken the deep dive into self-serve technology. The vast majority of concession points are self-serve points. This is great for quick pickups like soda or beer. Unfortunately, other food options tend to sit under heat lamps for a while. The expected concession menu items are available including pizza, fries, chicken fingers, hot dogs, sausage and pretzels.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice and Starbucks coffee is also available.  The beer selection is fairly average with Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona and Stella Artois headlining the options.  A spot to consider stopping at for alcoholic beverages is the cheekily named Dale’s Finest Penalty Box Bar. Atmosphere 4 The official address of Canada Life Place is on Dundas, however, the vast majority of people will enter the arena from Golden Jubilee Square on the King Street side.  The facade on the Dundas side was built to maintain the classic Dundas cityscape, which is depicted in a stone inlay in Golden Jubilee Square.  The exterior features light brick with a modern entrance on the south side, while the north side has classic peaked window outlets to maintain the cityscape.  Entering from the south, fans are brought immediately into the main concourse, which can get quite congested quickly.  The Armoury team store is one of the first stops many fans will make.  There is not much that catches the eye in the lower concourse, however, heading to the upper concourse will give fans the opportunity to check out the Don Brankley Knights Hall of Fame.  Banners of the honoured Knights hang on the wall, represented on smaller replicas of the banners that hang in the arena.  Honoured Knights include Rob Ramage, Dino Ciccarelli, Darryl Sittler, Brendan Shanahan, Brad Marsh, Rick Nash, Patrick Kane, Dave Bolland, Corey Perry and writer Pete James and Trainer Don Brankley.  There are also plaques for other Knights who are in the Knights Hall of Fame.  Some members include Dennis Maruk, Marc Methot, Dan Maloney, Rob Schremp and Pat Riggin.  Team photos of the championship Knights teams make shields as enshrined teams.  Inside the arena, fans will immediately be hit with the vast number of banners hanging above the ice surface.  Those honoured Knights mentioned above all have banners, along with the division and conference championships, Hamilton Spectator Trophies for the best regular season record, six J. Ross Robertson Trophies as OHL Champions and the 2005, 2016 and 2025 Memorial Cups.  The ice surface is oriented from west to east and the best spot to get a picture of the centre ice logo is from the south.  Hanging above centre ice is a state of the art, four-sided videoboard with an upper ring.  Canada Life Place is one of the few OHL arenas with a full lower bowl, supplemented with an upper deck.  The upper deck is a horseshoe with an open standing area at the west.  The upper deck fascia is covered with a full 360-degree, LED ribbon.  State of the art LED lights provide coloured illumination when needed. The gameday production at a Knights game is fairly simple.  The players enter the ice surface from the northwest corner, through an inflatable castle.  A school often sings the national anthems and a minor hockey game takes place during the intermission.  The 50/50 raffle is the main promotion.  The Knights’ mascot, Scorzey, takes part in the player introductions and mingles with the fans. Neighbourhood 4 Canada Life Place is located in Downtown London, right across the road from Covent Garden Market.  There are a number of spots for pre or post-game food and drink just steps away from the arena.  Some options include Bear & Frankies, Waldo’s on King, The Squire, Fitzroy’s, Thaifoon, The Chef’s Table, Milo’s Craft Beer Emporium, and Hunter & Co.  During the winter months, London Nationals  and Western Mustangs  also take the ice.  Western also fields a full complement of university sports teams including basketball  and football .  The London Majors  take to the diamond in the spring and play through the fall.  Other tourist options in London include Museum London, Eldon House, Royal Canadian Regiment Museum and Fanshawe Pioneer Village.  For fans wishing to stay in London the Doubletree and Delta are short walks from the arena. Fans 5 The London Knights enjoy some of the strongest support in the entire Canadian Hockey League.  At the time of writing, the 2025-26 season, the Knights averaged over 9,055 fans per game.  They averaged similar numbers in the most recent previous seasons, consistently ranking number one in the Ontario Hockey League.  They usually only trail the Quebec Remparts  and Edmonton Oil Kings  in the CHL, both who play in NHL sized arenas.  Fans tend to be on the quieter side, not uncommon for Southern Ontario.   Access 4 Canada Life Place is located in Downtown London on the south side of Dundas, north of King, between Ridout and Talbot.  It is 8 km north of Highway 401, so some traversing of the city will be necessary.  There are a number of parking garages and surface lots Downtown, which come at a cost.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are buses that travel Ridaut.  Fans should consult the London Transit website for fares, schedules and maps.  The lower concourse can get a bit cramped and travelling during intermissions can be quite slow. Return on Investment 3 It is a little shocking to see the price tag on London Knight tickets. Tickets for the upper bowl begin at $33. Lower bowl seats go for a mind blowing $55. It is a fair assessment that this is the most expensive ticket in the Canadian Hockey League.   Tickets regularly make it to the secondary market and can be even more expensive. Concession prices are normal to the OHL and parking downtown will probably run $15.  Although the Knights experience is a good one, it is difficult to get past the cost as compared to the rest of the Canadian Hockey League. Extras 4 An extra mark for the return of the Spiderknight!  The iconic comic book style logo, which was synonymous with the worst Knights teams, has been brought back as a third jersey for the Knights with an update to reflect the current colour scheme. An extra mark for the unprecedented success the London Knights have enjoyed during the tenure of the Hunters. An extra mark for the serious turnaround on the ice the Knights have enjoyed since the Knightmare season of 1995-96. An extra mark for the London Knights as the gold standard of the Canadian Hockey League.  They were awarded the Team of the Century award. Final Thoughts The London Knights are the gold standard of franchise in the Ontario Hockey League and greater Canadian Hockey League.  Their home, Canada Life Place, is among the best in the league and taking in a Knights game will provide fans one of the best experiences in Junior Hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Image by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey During the 2026 FIFA World Cup games at MetLife Stadium  in East Rutherford, New Jersey, spectators can expect a significant shift in the usual game-day experience, particularly concerning parking and tailgating. Due to security measures and logistical arrangements tied to the World Cup, there will be no available parking on-site, which means fans will need to utilize public transportation or designated off-site parking areas.  Additionally, tailgating will be prohibited to maintain a safe and organized environment during these high-profile matches. This means fans will need to adapt to different pre-game rituals, focusing instead on the excitement of the event itself rather than the traditional social gatherings that typically accompany sporting events. Overview of Parking Restrictions Due to the anticipated influx of spectators, there will be no traditional parking at MetLife Stadium. Instead, parking availability will be directed towards the nearby American Dream mall , where fans can reserve spaces for a hefty fee. Reports indicate that parking at the American Dream for the World Cup can cost up to $225 per game. Dynamic Pricing Model FIFA will implement a dynamic pricing model based on demand, meaning parking prices could increase as the event dates approach. Opening match day parking could also fetch high prices in a similar range to those at the American Dream. American Dream Parking Details The American Dream Mall will serve as the primary parking facility for attendees of the World Cup. Here are the specifics regarding this option: Location:   Adjacent to MetLife Stadium, providing quick access. Cost: Starting at $225, with potential for increase. Facilities: Food courts, shops, and waiting areas for attendees. Booking: Reserved parking is recommended due to high demand. Transportation and Transit Options With the limitation on parking, mass transit will be highly encouraged for both match days and weekday commuters: NJ Transit   Rail Service: Trains will operate from Secaucus Junction, connecting directly to MetLife Stadium. Additional services will run on match days, facilitating easy access for fans. Buses may also be available, providing service from Secaucus if rail congestion occurs. Meadowlands Rail Line : Special trains will be arranged for match days, providing transport right to the stadium’s entrance. Only ticket holders will be allowed on this service, ensuring crowd management. Impact on Weekday Commuters The influx of fans and event-related activities will drastically affect the transit system on weekdays as well. Regular NJ Transit commuters should anticipate: Heavier traffic on key lines, especially around major transit hubs like Secaucus Junction and Newark Penn Station. Temporary schedule adjustments for rail and bus services to accommodate increased demand. Additional personnel and signage at stations to help manage the inflow of visitors. For commuters, the adjustment will mean a need for more patience and preparation during the tournament period. Plan Ahead As MetLife Stadium prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the focus on public transportation and the shift away from traditional parking present both challenges and opportunities for fans and commuters. Attendees are advised to plan, reserve parking at the American Dream mall, and explore nearby transit options to ensure a smooth experience during one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.

Created by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey The Continental Football League (CoFL)  is poised for a resurgence in Summer 2026, bringing back a unique brand of professional football that caters to smaller markets across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Originally launched in August 1965 (history highlights below), the CoFL made waves by featuring notable Hall of Famers like Bill Walsh, Steve Van Buren, and Doak Walker during its five-season run before folding in 1969. With a fresh structure and innovative approach, the league aims to capture the hearts of fans once again. 2026 CoFL Structure The upcoming iteration of the CoFL will emphasize community and localized interest. Mike Kelly has been appointed as the league commissioner, and operations will be based in Wheeling, West Virginia. The league plans to adopt a business model akin to minor league baseball and hockey, ensuring accessibility for fans and communities. The renewed CoFL will feature eight teams divided into two divisions: North Division: Ohio Valley Ironmen, Michigan Arrows, Cincinnati Dukes, and Indianapolis Capitols South Division: Texas Syndicate, San Antonio Toros, Tall City Black Gold, and a fourth team to be announced The playoff structure will see the top two teams from each division compete for the championship, with regular-season matchups being North vs. North and South vs. South—ensuring more focused regional competition. Courtesy of the COFL Innovative Gameplay Rules One of the most exciting features of the revamped CoFL is its hybrid rule system. For the first three quarters, the league will follow NFL rules, while the fourth quarter will introduce the innovative "Continental Shift." This unique adjustment will incorporate modified CFL rules, adapted to American football fields, allowing for a dynamic playstyle that reflects both traditions. This shift not only enhances game excitement but also offers CFL scouts a platform to evaluate players in a familiar context. Rising Talent and Coaching Staff With rosters starting to take shape, anticipation is growing for the CoFL. The league has made significant strides in recruiting notable coaches, with figures like Stan Bedwell, Raheem Blackshear, Jerry Glanville, and Steve Kazor leading the charge. Their involvement not only elevates the league’s credibility but also entices fans eager for competitive play. Teams are expected to target players with experience from the NFL, CFL, UFL, and overseas outdoor leagues to build strong rosters. Among the notable signings, former TCU and Kansas City Chiefs running back Emani Bailey has joined, alongside Giovanni Williams, brother of NFL players Quinnen and Quincy Williams, who previously trained with the New York Jets. A Community Connection The CoFL is uniquely positioned to offer fans not only affordable, competitive football but also the rare opportunity to own a professional sports team. With initiatives like fan ownership already being deployed through its flagship team, the Ohio Valley Ironmen, the league demonstrates its commitment to fostering strong community ties. By enabling fans to invest in their teams, the CoFL acknowledges that success in professional sports often hinges on community support and engagement.   History of the Continental Football League in the 1960s The Continental Football League (CoFL) was established in 1965 as a response to the growing popularity of professional football in the United States, aiming to provide a competitive alternative to the NFL. The league was initially formed by several teams from minor leagues and independent organizations. Key Years and Developments 1965: The CoFL was officially founded with eight teams, including the Canton Bulldogs, Hawaiians, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions. The league aimed to draw fans from areas untouched by the NFL. 1966: The CoFL expanded rapidly, adding teams like the San Antonio Wingmen and the Chicago Owls. This year also marked the league's first official season, promoting itself with a unique style of play and a focus on attracting diverse talent. 1967: The league gained traction, especially in markets that lacked NFL representation. However, challenges arose, including financial difficulties for several franchises. Notably, the Canton Bulldogs won the league championship, showcasing the competitive nature of the league. 1968: The CoFL reached its peak membership, boasting twelve teams, including notable franchises like the Birmingham Americans and Florida Blazers. The league started using television broadcasts to widen its audience. Financial strains continued, leading to instability among teams. 1969: Amidst various challenges, including competition from the NFL and an inability to attract significant investments, the league began to decline. The CoFL's championship game that year faced challenges with attendance and visibility compared to its predecessor years. Teams and Notable Changes The Western Conference teams included the Hawaiians and California Suns, while the Eastern Conference was home to the New York Jets and Chicago Owls. New franchises entered and exited throughout the decade, highlighting both the successes and struggles of the league. By the end of the 1960s, the Continental Football League struggled with financial sustainability and competition, leading to its eventual dissolution. However, it laid the groundwork for the eventual emergence of other leagues and the broader landscape of professional football in the U.S. What’s Old is New Again Whether you're a longtime football aficionado or a newcomer excited about alternative leagues, the return of the Continental Football League represents a thrilling chapter in the evolution of professional sports. The league combines innovative gameplay, notable talent, and community involvement to create a truly inclusive experience.

Image courtesy of Aloha Hālawa District Partners The development of the new Aloha Stadium  in Honolulu promises to redefine the sports and entertainment landscape in Hawai’i . With a projected cost of $4 billion, this ambitious project aims to not only house athletic events but also become a vibrant community hub. Why a New Aloha Stadium? The Aloha Stadium , located in Halawa, Hawai’i , was opened in 1975 and was initially built to accommodate the growing demand for sports and entertainment venues in the region. It served as the home field for the University of Hawai’i football team and hosted numerous events, including concerts and international games. However, due to structural issues and the need for modernization, the stadium closed in 2019. The demolition of Aloha Stadium officially began on December 18, 2025; however, in March 2026, it was full-steam-ahead. Initial work started with utility cuts and the removal of hazardous materials before the structural dismantling commenced. It is estimated that the entire demolition process will take approximately 10 months. Plans for a new Aloha Stadium have been underway to develop a more modern facility that meets current safety and technological standards while preserving the iconic spirit of its predecessor. The design aims to create a multi-purpose venue that will serve the community for years to come. Image courtesy of Aloha Hālawa District Partners Project Overview The new Aloha Stadium is part of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED). It is a public-private partnership expected to unfold over the next two decades. The current timeline indicates that the new stadium will open in August 2029, with the construction process having already commenced through the demolition of the existing structure. Seating Capacity: The stadium will initially accommodate 31,000 seats, with plans to expand to nearly 40,000, making it suitable for larger events. Modern Amenities: Plans for the stadium include club-level seating, luxury boxes, and a variety of new fan experiences that enhance the event atmosphere. Surrounding District: The project encompasses 4,100 housing units, three hotel towers, and retail spaces, aiming to create a bustling environment around the stadium. Financial Breakdown The funding model for NASED includes: $350 million from the State of Hawai’i Capital Improvement Project funds and $49.5 million in operating funds, appropriated in 2022. The State and Aloha Hālawa District Partners are working together to address additional development costs above the allocated $350 million. This funding will support amenities and infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area. State officials are committed to community benefits and strong project management to stay within budgets. Current Aloha Stadium Courtesy of AlohaStadium.Hawaii.gov Lawmakers Response to Renderings Unveiled The lawmakers eagerly gathered to witness the renderings of the new Aloha Stadium , a project poised to revitalize not just the venue itself but also the surrounding community. As they examined the designs, Senate President Ron Kouchi remarked, "This stadium will not only enhance our sporting events but also serve as a cultural hub for our residents." Former Representative Saiki added, "We must ensure this facility reflects the community's needs, promoting accessibility and sustainability."  Their discussions centered on the stadium’s potential to host various events, from sports to concerts, while bolstering local tourism and economic growth. Engaging actively in this initiative, the lawmakers emphasized their commitment to making the new Aloha Stadium a centerpiece that enhances the cultural and recreational landscape of Hawai’i. Editor's Note: This article was updated on March 18, 2026, to include the latest statistics provided by Bennet Group Strategic Communications.

The Crestwood Baseball League continues to grow as it prepares for its 2026 season. Founded by Rocco Mossuto just a few years ago, the league has expanded from six teams to 13 (11 full-time, two part-time), in the southern suburbs of Chicago, carving out a unique niche in the crowded summer collegiate landscape. “We’re part of a changing landscape in college summer baseball, and we’re defining our own niche,” Mossuto says. Unlike traditional, ticket-driven models such as the Northwoods League and Prospect League, Crestwood prioritizes player development and quality of life. Games run Monday through Thursday at 5 or 7 p.m., leaving weekends free for work, family, and summer fun. “We want players to relish their summer experiences,” Mossuto explains. “Winning isn’t my priority; what matters is that every player has the chance to hit the field.” Community accessibility is central to the league’s identity. Except for the new Whiting expansion club at Oil City Stadium , games are free to attend, reinforcing the league’s welcoming atmosphere. The league will also stage an all-star game and playoff series at the home of the Windy City Thunderbolts, Ozinga Field , free of charge. “What sets us apart is the varied competition,” Mossuto says. “By avoiding repeated matchups, we maintain excitement throughout the summer.” Teams rotate among 12 area fields—including Trinity Christian College, Chicago Christian, and De La Salle—creating variety for players and fans alike. The league’s flexible structure also accommodates part-time teams, helping avoid the repetitive rematches that often challenge regional circuits. Two of those clubs are the Chicago Clout and the Palos Coyotes. Player accessibility remains a hallmark. Without host housing, the league draws talent from across the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana, generally within a 30- to 40-minute drive. Players cover only uniform costs, and Mossuto reinvests league revenue back into operations. “I handle all logistics,” Rocco states. “From scheduling games to arranging umpires and coordinating field rentals, it’s a lot of work. The league operates on a unique financial model: I charge player fees and team fees based on game costs. I don’t take a salary; any funds generated are reinvested into the league." Rocco anticipates some losses as he invested his own money to launch the loop. However, there's optimism with sponsors like PYT Sports and Beggars’ Pizza that are designed to keep player costs low. “I’m grateful for the support of great people in baseball. Given reasonable field rental fees, I keep player fees manageable,” Rocco explains. “Many coaches and players express their appreciation of how affordable things are.” Rocco would like to create a two-division league with teams in Indiana and Illinois to create a mix of intra-division and crossover games. “I truly believe in this model for today’s college players,” he says. “We want guys who appreciate their summer free time and still love to compete.” At its core, the Crestwood Baseball League offers a balanced alternative in summer baseball—competitive play, local talent, and a schedule that lets players enjoy their summer as much as the game itself. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Clemson Tiger's Cheer Squad, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey ==> Review Years 1990 - 2008 <== The day in 2007 the student body's passionate roars  put Memorial Stadium in the Guinness Book of World Records showed the incredible devotion and hunger Tigers fans still had, despite their recent lack of major success. These fervent Clemson fans deserved a program that could match their passion with wins. Then the Clemson Tigers hired Dabo Swinney. Dabo Swinney’s Bringing Clemson and Memorial Stadium into the Modern Day! Swinney’s tenure didn’t start with an instant return to the top of the ACC. But he gave the program something it had been severely lacking for decades: consistency. He strung together multiple bowl game appearances in a row and even ended the 2009 season ranked in the top 25. But of course, the Clemson brass wanted far more, so they began an ambitious plan to return to the top rank of college football, continuing renovations to its infamous Memorial Stadium. They ended 2009 ranked, in part, because they started the second phase of the WestZone project that year.   The project transferred many of the resources from the McFadden Building (an athletics administration building), like all the football offices and team meeting rooms .  It added dedicated football training and strength conditioning facilities, and increased the spectator capacity to 86,000, making that Death Valley crowd that much more intimidating to any conference foe or all-time rival who had to step foot in Memorial Stadium. 2010 would also give the now long-standing stadium a new momentum that honored the legacy of the stadium and those Clemson heroes after whom the stadium was named. Built in 1942, in the middle of WW2, Memorial Stadium was named in honor of "all Clemson men who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country." And in 2010, the program would honor those fallen heroes with the Scroll of Honor . A memorial to 498 known men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country, showing incredible bravery and honor in the face of ultimate adversity. It was dedicated by The Clemson Corps,  on April 22, 2010. A fly past of two T-34B Mentors concluded the ceremonies.  "We found documentation in the archives at The Strom Thurmond Institute, yet there was no manifestation of that purpose anywhere around the stadium," Rhodes, co-chairman of the committee that has overseen the memorial, said. "So it was natural for us to pick that location. What greater way than to honor the supreme sacrifice and have that memorial across the street.” "That's prime property, as you can well imagine. But we got the full support of the athletic department, full support of the alumni association, the campus planning office, and the administrative council because they saw that tremendous link between the location and the purpose for naming the stadium." Clemson University's Scroll of Honor Memorial, Photo Courtesy of Brig Spearman With Clemson now closer to tradition and bonded together, bolstered by those who went through tragedy to keep the stadium and the school still standing, the university went all in on blistering the program to higher heights than it’s ever been, spending every penny they had to do so. On January 14, 2011, Clemson University announced its plans for a $50 million athletic building plan, which would include the completion of the WestZone project and a brand-new indoor practice facility. It was designed to stand out as one of the nation's best. State-of-the-art resources like a regulation-size artificial turf football field, a coach's tower, and video platforms, costs $15 million bucks to make Clemson a national power again. “The indoor practice facility will be a highly significant addition for Clemson, not only for football but also for other sports to use,” Phillips said. They also added the oculus which serves as the entrance to the WestZone and features a four-level museum. Following the completion of the northwest concourse WestZone expansion, Clemson made their first major bowl game in decades, the 2012 Orange Bowl to face West Virginia. And while the 70-33 loss is not a happy memory for any Clemson fan, it was the start of greater things to come, for both the program and the stadium. In their return to the Orange Bowl, Clemson would be redeemed by beating Ohio State 40-35. And two seasons later, Dabo Swinney would win his second ACC title as Clemson’s head coach, and that same 2015 season almost returned Clemson to the top rank of college football. They made the national championship game for the first time in the modern era! It would end in another heartbreaker as they lost 45-40, but they’d redeem themselves again two years later. The Clemson Tigers took on the evil empire of Alabama once again in the National Championship game in another nail-biter of a game. But this time it would be Clemson winning by four points, 35-31, clinching their first National Championship since 1981. Surprisingly, during this time, not a lot of work was done on Memorial Stadium, allowing Death Valley stand proudly on its own as it took part in many of the most-watched college football games of the year. But in Clemson’s usual spirit of innovation, that wasn’t going to last long. In 2016, Clemson approved a brand-new football complex right by the practice facility and Memorial Stadium, and construction began in 2017. The $55 million project included a 140,000-square-foot building containing meeting rooms, new areas for students to hang out, and for players to visit after practices and games. With an indoor replica of the Hill and Howard’s Rock, the facility includes a career development and leadership center, a players’ lounge, locker rooms, training/rehab facility, weight room, nutrition center and dining facility, meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, and a recruiting war room.   “We are very excited and appreciative about this new day-to-day home of our program,” said Coach Dabo Swinney. “This complex will be one of the best in the nation and will allow us to continue our pursuit to be among the best programs in the country. We look forward to it being the home of Clemson football for a very long time.” Coach Swinney describes the new complex as the “epitome of Clemson: fun, special, and the best in the country.” “This project will be a huge step forward not only for our football program but for each of our sports,” Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said. “We’ve begun studies on how best to utilize the WestZone to most effectively impact each of our student-athletes, and we sincerely appreciate the support of IPTAY and all of our donors who will make this new complex a reality.” There was still more to come for both Death Valley and the Clemson Tigers football team. In 2017, Clemson won its third straight ACC championship on its way to clinching a playoff spot and a trip to the Sugar Bowl. There, they lost to rivals Alabama 6-24, but as they have a tendency to do, the next year they came back with vigor. Winning a fourth straight ACC title en route to making the playoffs. They defeated Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl to earn another trip to the National Championship game to face their worst enemies, Alabama, yet again. Responding to their 2018 blowout with a more emphatic blowout of their own, they defeated the Crimson Tide 44-16. With a third National title came more renovations to Memorial Stadium, approved by the board of trustees. The $60 - $70 million project was aimed to be completed by 2021. It encompassed an upgraded state-of-the-art 50+ ft expanded video board, new lighting and sound systems, a West Concourse Club addition, and a Field Level Club. A new campus-facing entry, with additional seating in the east part of this brand-new entrance. The parking was reconfigured, and the locker rooms were expanded. Accessible seating was doubled in the lower deck, while 130 new seats were added. This marked the first major upgrade to the stadium since the launch of the WestZone project in 2006, and the Tigers delivered in a big way. They rewarded the fan base and community with their fifth straight ACC championship and Dabo Swinney’s sixth overall. They followed it up with a Fiesta Bowl victory before falling in another National Championship matchup, this time to the legendary 2019 LSU team led by Joe Burrow in the clash of the Tigers. This is where the National Championships begin to dry up for now, but despite that, Clemson is still dominating the ACC, and the Memorial Stadium is still being approved upon with the completion of the 126-foot Dabotron .  Named after the most successful coach in Clemson’s history, this jumbotron has high-quality LED field lighting, which displays high-quality special effects. Other upgrades include 688 premium seats for a new master club on the west concourse level and a new field-level club on the west side. They updated the Tiger Walk  (a pregame tradition where fans line up to cheer on the football team as they arrive at Memorial Stadium) with brand-new landscaping and lighting for use all year. Memorial Stadium Tiger Walk, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Memorial Stadium has become much more adaptable over the years. In 2025, Memorial Stadium played host to the Savannah Bananas baseball team. That required 50-foot-high netting and field changes, which operations crews set up and rolled back with little trouble.  Memorial Stadium has hosted several major concerts over the years, including the Rolling Stones’ 1989 stop on the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour, with Living Colour serving as the opening act. It hosted Pink Floyd in 1994 for The Division Bell Tour and Elton John with Billy Joel in 1995 for the Face to Face 1995 tour.  The Eagles played there in 1996, and in 1997, the stadium welcomed U2, with Rage Against the Machine, for the PopMart Tour. Chiddy Bang even had a Clemson University homecoming event shut down by the police. Since their last trip to the National Championship, Clemson football has added three more ACC titles - 2020, 2022, and 2024 - with Dabo Swinney still in charge. The Tigers is far from the heights it reached less than a decade ago, the program remains strong. Memorial Stadium Honors its National Championships, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Clemson’s investment in football, and the sport’s importance to the identity of the university, all but guarantees that any downturn is temporary. Nowhere is that commitment more visible than at Memorial Stadium.   Millions of dollars have gone into keeping Death Valley one of the most intimidating environments in college football. With a 76 percent all‑time win rate and one of the largest stadiums in the country, Memorial Stadium is built for great moments - and many more are still to come.