Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Progressive Field 2401 Ontario St Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland Guardians website Progressive Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 34,820 Cleveland Rocks! Progressive Field is the home of the Cleveland Guardians, opening in 1994 as Jacobs Field. It is the third home for the Cleveland MLB franchise, following League Park (1901-1946) and Municipal Stadium (1947-1994). The stadium was designed by Populous and was the second retro-style ballpark to open after Camden Yards in Baltimore. Even though Progressive Field is more than 30 years old, it has been updated to keep up with the new trends in ballparks. It has gone through renovations in 2014, 2016 and is wrapping up a $200 million renovation during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The entire stadium will have new seats installed by the end of the 2026 season. Food & Beverage 5 Most people would say that Cleveland is not a “foodie” town. However, the food and beverage program at Progressive Field will convince you otherwise. While the stadium favorites are always present, it is well worth your time to check out the concession stands featuring foods that are unique to the many ethnic neighborhoods that make up the Cleveland area. Drinking establishments are also well represented at the ballpark. The Corner is a two-level bar offering more than 40 beers on tap. Several breweries have stands at Progressive Park, including Great Lakes Brewing Company, the Fat Head Brewery, and the Brew Kettle. Progressive Field Fat Head Brewery, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 5 Progressive Field has done a terrific job of uniting the ballpark with its hometown. Sections of the ballpark are known as “districts”, with an Infield District, the Left Field District, and the Right Field District. Restaurants in each District feature dining options that relate to specific neighborhoods in the Cleveland metropolitan area. The lighting towers at the stadium are uniquely shaped to resemble the smokestacks found in Cleveland’s Industrial District. If that’s not enough, the Cleveland skyline is featured over the outfield walls. The ballpark also does a great job of recognizing the many accomplishments of the Guardians/Indians franchise over the years. Heritage Park features the team’s Baseball Hall of Fame members, including Larry Doby, Bob Feller, Tris Speaker, and Cy Young. There are also statues of Frank Robinson, Larry Doby, Bob Feller, Jim Thom, and Lou Boudreau. There are 27 plaques commemorating other players and team accomplishments found in this area. Neighborhood 5 The home of the Guardians is located in the Gateway Sports and Entertainment District. Its next-door neighbor is the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and the AHL's Cleveland Monsters . The ballpark is also close to the East 4TH Street dining and entertainment district, as well as the West Side Market. Two recommended restaurants within a mile of the ballpark are Butcher and the Brewer (pub food and craft beers) and mouthwatering Mabel's BBQ. Hotels less than two miles from Progressive Field include the Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland and the Hyatt Regency at the Arcade. Fans 4 The Guardians/Indians franchise has a history of playing in massive stadiums, as its former home at Cleveland Stadium could seat more than 80,000 fans. When Jacobs Field opened in 1994, it had a capacity of more than 40,000. Once it became Progressive Field in 2008, the team moved away from the “bigger is better” thought process to design more fan-friendly options within the park. The capacity of Progressive Field is now 34,820. Replacing the seating in areas of the park are several establishments designed to meet the social needs of its fans. This includes the Paul Davis Pennant District for group gatherings, the Corner Bar in the Right Field District, the Terrace Garden area in the Left Field District, and the Home Plate Club in the Infield District. Children also receive a special area in the ballpark known as the Kids’ Clubhouse. This is a two-level activity area filled with baseball-themed rides and games. The ballpark also took some of the seating areas out to move the bullpens above the playing field. This provides fans with a unique opportunity to watch pitchers warm up before and during the games. Cleveland fans love to participate in two sing-alongs at Guardians games. In the middle of the 8th inning, “Hang on Sloopy” is played, as it is the official State Song for Ohio. When the Guardians win a game, the fans sing “Cleveland Rocks”, the theme song from the Drew Carey TV show. Fans are also energized by the antics of Cleveland’s mascot, Slider, who roams through the stands throughout the game. Access 5 Getting to a Guardians game is very easy, as it is located adjacent to the Tower City Station, which is served by the Blue, Green and Red lines of Cleveland’s RTA light rail system. The Gateway East Parking Garage is immediately outside of the ballpark, with plenty of parking spaces. The team partners with the Spot Hero app to lead fans to other parking spots in the vicinity of Progressive Field. There are three outfield entry gates into the ballpark. These gates are located along Eagle Avenue, providing you with easy access to the main parking garage and Gateway Plaza. The fourth gate is located near the infield portion of the field. Gates open one hour before the first pitch on weekdays and two hours before the first pitch on Friday nights and weekend games. Concourses in the park are wide, and you should not have much problem reaching your seats. When the call of nature reaches you, there are 41 restrooms in the stadium (19 men’s, 19 women’s, and three family restrooms). Return on Investment 4 Attending a Guardians game at Progressive Field is relatively inexpensive with a little preplanning. Parking at the Gateway East Parking Garage runs $10-$15. You can usually find cheaper parking near the ballpark by using the Spot Hero app. The light rail system delivers you right to the stadium via the Tower City Station. The fare is $2.50 per trip. The Guardians use dynamic pricing for their tickets. This means weekend games and games against popular opponents will cost more than weekday games or games against less significant opponents. Ticket prices are also determined by where in the ballpark you choose to sit. Ticket prices range from $28 to $120 based on these factors. The cheapest seats in the house are the Standing Room Only seats in the Right Field District. This area entitles you to one free drink to tide you over for standing throughout the game. Progressive Field partners with StubHub as its preferred third-party ticket vendor. You may find cheaper tickets on the secondary market. All purchases at Progressive Field are done on a cashless basis. ATM’s in the ballpark will provide charge cards in exchange for cash. Extras 2 Progressive Field is one of the few facilities in baseball to host both the MLB All-Star Game and a World Series game in the same season. It accomplished this feat in 1997. The Guardians’ name refers to the Guardians of Traffic, a series of art deco statues on the Hope Memorial Bridge in Cleveland. Final Thoughts The Guardians continue to showcase what makes their home one of the best home stadiums in the major leagues. Progressive Field has everything you would want in a perfect setting. Top food and beverage options mix here with a constantly improving stadium that remains one of the best in baseball. Affordability and easy access also create a welcoming environment that makes for one of the best game-day experiences around.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Snapdragon Stadium 2101 Stadium Wy San Diego, CA 92108 Map It San Diego Wave FC website Snapdragon Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 35,000 Catch the Wave The San Diego Wave FC joined the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) and began play in 2022.  They won the NWSL Shield in 2023 and the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2024.  San Diego Wave FC Banner, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey They play their home matches at beautiful Snapdragon Stadium, a new (2022) multipurpose venue that serves as the home for many San Diego sports teams, concerts, and other festivals and events, including the San Diego State Aztecs football team . Crews built the stadium on the old Jack Murphy Stadium / Qualcomm Stadium site. Food & Beverage 4 From craft brews to local bites, Snapdragon Stadium serves up plenty of choices—just expect premium pricing.   Many of the concessions feature iconic, local San Diego businesses. It has Hodad’s (regional burger restaurant with delicious hamburgers), Gaglione Brothers (specialty sandwiches), Best Pizza and Brew (pizza and salads), Ultra Classics (hot dogs, pretzels, nachos), Cali BBQ, The Taco Stand (yummy looking tacos and burritos), Cardiff Tri-Tip (tri-tip sandwiches and nachos), and more.  Empanada Kitchen (specializing in baked Argentine filled pastries), Shawarma Guys (offering a variety of shawarmas and wraps), and Crack Shack (fried chicken) are other San Diego based eateries in the venue. Snapdragon Stadium Shawarma Guys, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Additional kiosks line the concourse selling treats and snacks.  The northeast corner has several food trucks selling ice cream, sausages and brats, Infused Tacos, and other fare.    The concourse hosts seven local brew stations, each representing a different San Diego brewery.  The stadium also has six bars placed throughout the concourse.   Beers cost a hefty $14.50 - $17; Pepsi products run $7 - $9. Depending on crowd size, some concessions are closed during a San Diego FC match. The venue has plenty of tables, chairs, and benches on the concourse for fans to sit and enjoy their beverages instead of bringing them to their seats.  Atmosphere 4 Watching a San Diego FC Wave game at Snapdragon Stadium is an enjoyable afternoon or evening out.  The stadium is new and comfortable , and the game day experience is entertaining. The stadium has three levels of seating on one side, two on the other, plus seats behind each of the goalposts.  The seats don’t look it, but they’re surprisingly comfortable.  Where you sit depends on how much you want to spend or how many steps you want to climb.  All seats have a clear view of the pitch.  The venue has minimal shade for afternoon games.  Bring sunscreen.  Snapdragon Stadium has two sharp and vibrant video boards in opposite corners showing the game, the score, and replays.  It also has closed captioning on each end of the sideline ribbon boards detailing goals, substitutions, and announcements.  Nicely done.  TVs are mounted on the bottom of the grandstands so fans walking the concourse can still catch the game action. Snapdragon Stadium Sideline Concourse Seats with TVs, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The PA announcements are made in both English and Spanish.   The music volume is perfect.  The San Diego Wave FC has a decent-sized merchandise shop near the southeast entrance with several satellite booths along the concourse.  Neighborhood 3 A parking lot surrounds Snapdragon Stadium, so there’s not much to see and do within walking distance. Chain restaurants within 2-3 miles of the venue include Yard House, BJ’s, Lazy Dog, and Wood Ranch.  But why go with chain restaurants when all of San Diego is just trolley stops away?  Head down to the Gaslamp Quarter for a Padres game and a plethora of dining and drinking establishments.  Or stop off the Green Line at the County Center/Little Italy Station and savor one of that district’s mouthwatering restaurants (Buon Appetito Restaurant is a favorite).  The Green Line also takes fans to Old Town San Diego , a historic neighborhood with museums, shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Two other well-known tourist attractions in San Diego are the San Diego Zoo and San Diego SeaWorld. No hotels are within walking distance of Snapdragon Stadium, but the city has plenty to offer, many along I-8, three – five miles away from the stadium.  San Diego hosts several other sporting events during the NWSL season:   San Diego Padres MLB (baseball), San Diego Gulls AHL (hockey), San Diego Legion MLR (rugby), San Diego FC MLS (soccer), and San Diego State University football and baseball .    Fans 3 The supporters group, the Sirens , sit behind one goal (known as The Cove) and cheer on the Wave FC with drums and chanting.  Attendance is strong, ranging from 19,000 to over 21,000 fans per match.  Many fans wear the colorful jerseys of the San Diego Wave FC.    Wave FC matches are a warm, welcoming experience for fans and visitors alike, thanks to the enthusiastic crowd and attentive staff. Access 4 Getting to and moving around Snapdragon Stadium is easy, though the concourse gets mobbed at half-time. The best way to get to the stadium is to take the MTS San Diego Trolley .    Take the Green Line to the Stadium Station, and the venue is right there.  MTS provides additional trains after the matches. For those driving, parking is $35.  The venue is close to I-8, I-15, and I-805.   It is 10 miles northeast of the San Diego Airport.  Uber and Lyft services are readily available with a designated drop-off/pick-up area near Gate 1 (northeast side of the stadium).  The stadium has benches near the ticket office for fans to wait for their late-arriving friends and family.  The security check is thorough.   Your best bet is to pack your stuff in a 12” x 6” x 12” clear sports bag or a 4.5” x 6.5” purse.  Expect to open any wallets or zipped containers you pack an d to prove your water bottle is empty.  Gates open one hour before kickoff. Restrooms are plentiful and clean, with baby changing tables in all.  The venue provides eight gender-neutral family restrooms. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $20 to $200 (field level).  Concession prices are high.  Parking costs are high.  For an affordable, enjoyable game day, buy a $20 ticket and take the trolley.  Bring a sealed bottle of water or an empty water bottle.  The stadium has rehydration stations for fans to fill up their water bottles .  Eat before or after attending a game.  San Diego Wave FC offers theme nights and giveaways such as Hispanic Heritage Night, Pride Night, Military Appreciation Night, and more.   Take advantage of visiting one of these themed games. . Extras 4 The rehydration stations come in handy, especially  at afternoon games.  The venue has lockers for rent outside of Snapdragon Stadium, if you’re coming directly from the airport or your bag doesn’t meet the bag policy rules.  We give an additional accolade to the venue for providing closed captioning for those soccer fans unable to hear.  The Club recently retired Alex Morgan’s number 13.  She was the Club’s all-time leading goal scorer and has been a central figure in shaping Wave FC both on and off the pitch. San Diego Wave FC Alex Morgan Retired Number, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Snapdragon Stadium is a sparkling new facility that hosts plenty of sporting and non-sporting events.  Watching a San Diego Wave FC match at the venue is a pleasurable, though costly, experience.  Take public transportation, purchase the lower-priced seats, and spend a few hours enjoying women’s soccer.  San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Shadek Stadium 423 W Liberty Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Shadek Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,500 A Diplomatic Field Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836, it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. This new stadium replaced the 4,000-seat Sponaugle–Williamson Field in 2017. The former home was built in 1920 as Williamson Field, although the playing surface dates back to the 1890s. Sponaugle–Williamson Field was named after S. Woodrow Sponaugle, who coached football and basketball, in addition to being the athletic director at F&M for 15 years. He shares the stadium’s dedication with Henry S. Williamson, who was a trustee of the college from 1894 to 1917. Shadek Stadium is named for Larry Shadek, class of 1972. The stadium is located on Franklin & Marshall’s North Campus, formerly the site of Armstrong World Industries, just north of Clipper Magazine Stadium, home of the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Shadek seats about 2,500, about 1,500 fewer than the old field. Food & Beverage 2 There is a simple concession stand located in the middle of the main grandstand. The food offerings are slim, but if you need a hot dog and/or hot chocolate during the game, this will do just fine. Otherwise, you may want to wait until after the game for more food options. The stand is large enough that the food offerings could be easily enhanced. Atmosphere 3 The new stadium doesn’t have the historical charm of the college’s old facility. But the setting is ideal and the design is very nice. There is a large stand on the home side of the field, with a smaller one on the opposing side. You can walk easily from one side to the other on the south side of the stadium. There is also a nice grass berm for additional seating along that walkway. The stadium also has lights, which allows night games, a feature not available at the old facility. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. So make sure to walk around downtown before the game. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 4 The stadium seemed very loud for its small size. I could not tell if the fans were just that loud or if the design creates a louder environment. Either way, the stadium makes for a great atmosphere for fans. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the stadium is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 4 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. When it seems that even high school games charge at least $5, the free admission seems like a steal. Coupled with the free parking and the low concession prices, it is such a steal. Extras 3 Everyone may not like artificial playing surfaces, but the two-tone color of the artificial turf is nicely designed. There are some nice athletic history items on display within the center entrance to the stadium. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the game to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Shadek Stadium is a simple stadium, located within a pleasant area of Lancaster. The low cost of attendance, as well as the fairly high quality of Diplomats football, makes this stadium a must-visit.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre 580 Finch Ave W North York, ON M2R 3P9 North York Rangers website Carnegie Centennial Centre website Year Opened : 1966 Capacity: 1,500 Herb’s Rangers Herb Carnegie is a hockey legend.  He was presented with the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario and was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Ontario Sports Hall of Fame and in 2022, he was posthumously inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame.  Carnegie is widely viewed as one of the greatest players to never play in the NHL and should have broken the colour barrier in the NHL in 1938, well before Willie O’Ree did in 1958.  In the most infamous incident of Carnegie facing racism, Toronto Maple Leafs owner Conn Smythe allegedly said that he would pay anyone $10,000 if they could turn Carnegie white so that he could play for the Leafs.  Carnegie had a significant professional career and played many years with the Quebec Aces with Jean Beliveau and for Punch Imlach.  Carnegie went on to found the Future Aces Hockey School, one of the first, and pushed for more equity in hockey.  He even ended up with Spider-Man in the pages of a Marvel comic book.  Carnegie was a Toronto native and grew up in what is currently known as North York.  One of his first teams was the Toronto Young Rangers.  In 2001, the North York Centennial Centre was renamed the Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre. It is most appropriate that the OJHL’s North York Rangers call the Carnegie Centennial Centre home.  The Rangers were established in 1969 as the Richmond Hill Rams and moved to North York in 1992.  The original North York Rangers were the Woodbridge Rangers and moved to North York in 1967 and bounced between Junior A and B.  The Rangers won 3 OPJHL titles and the 1983 Dudley Hewitt Cup and Centennial Cup.  They folded in 1985.  The current Rangers have had a mix of success, with 2018-19 being their best season. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the Carnegie Centennial Centre.  Concession options include hot dogs, grilled cheese, nachos, bagels, candy, pretzels and Jamaican Patties.  Country Style Coffee and Pepsi products are the main beverages available. Atmosphere 3 The Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre has a very unique look to it and is definitely a love letter to the accomplishments of Herb Carnegie. The exterior is unique with a tilted roof and a combination of white and blue corrugated siding. At the time of writing there was plenty of construction going on at the Centennial Centre to make the building more accessible. The main entry is at the south on the street side and fans are immediately brought into a very small breezeway. The ticket table is actually inside the arena area which is unique to this facility. Taking a left turn after entering will bring fans to the trophy cases. A couple of them are dedicated to Herb Carnegie with a wonderful display. A number of Carnegie artifacts are on display, including his “Skating on Thin Ice” Spider-Man comic book, complete with cover by iconic comic book artist Todd McFarlane.  Other artifacts include a number of awards and trophies and his Hockey Hall of Fame plaque.  There are articles and a full description of his Future Aces creed here as well.  In this area, there are also team pictures from Ranger teams of the past, award plaques and pucks from key Ranger moments.  Throughout the concourses of the Centennial Centre there are a number of Carnegie murals, including one with all of his achievements over the years, and some old-timey NHL hockey player murals. The ice surface is north-south oriented with the scoreboard found at the south end.  Two levels of seating are found on the west side.  The strangely sloped roof finds its high point on the west side and slopes down to the east.  Above the benches on the east side hang banners from Rangers of the past including Tom McCarthy, Gerry O’Flaherty, Ron Lalonde, Bernie Nicholls and Paul Coffey.  Seats are traditional plastic arena seats.  Championship banners hang on the north end, including the 2019 OJHL South Division Championship and a memorial for Brant Snow, who passed in 2017.  Snow was one of the OJHL’s longest serving members of the Board of Directors and the OJHL award for best regular season record is also named in his honour. The gameday production at a Rangers game is very simple.  The sound system at the Carnegie Centennial Centre is very poor and it is difficult to understand announcements. Neighbourhood 4 The Herb Carnegie Centennial Centre is located in the Branson neighbourhood of North York, a former city and current district in Toronto.  There are a few options for pre and post game food and drinks in the immediate area.  These include Moon Restaurant, Eisenergs, Belle Bar and the Mandarin.  North York is close to other OJHL teams including the Toronto Patriots , Markham Royals and St. Michael’s Buzzers.  North York is also where York University is found, home of the Lions who play football , hockey  and basketball  on campus along with other sports.  Toronto FC II and York United FC also can York University home.  North York is close to some tourist options including Canada’s Wonderland, Legoland, The Village at Black Creek, Casa Loma and Toronto Botanical Garden. North York also has a number of parks and walking trails. Heading south toward Harbourfront will bring fans to the tourism centre of Toronto.  Options here are plentiful including the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Roundhouse Park, Hockey Hall of Fame and Royal Ontario Museum.  Just about any sporting event that a fan could want is found Downtown including Toronto Blue Jays , Toronto Maple Leafs , Toronto Raptors , Toronto FC , Toronto Argonauts , Toronto Sceptres and Toronto Marlies .  Hotel options near the Carnegie Centennial Centre include Novotel North York and Holiday Inn. Fans 2 Fan support of the North York Rangers is not very strong.  For the 2024-2025 season the Rangers attracted just under 100 fans per game.  This ranks the Rangers near the bottom of the league in attendance.  This is definitely a friends and family crowd.  The Rangers play on Sunday afternoons and Tuesdays.  The weeknight games begin at 4:30, which is a pretty terrible time to start a hockey game if fans are expected to be a part of the experience.   Access 3 Herb Carnegie Centennial Centre is located in the Branson neighbourhood of North York.  It is on the north side of Finch Avenue between Bathurst and Dufferin.  This is a busy part of the city.  It is 5 km north of Highway 401, 7 km east of Highway 400 and 5 km south of Highway 407.  Getting to this arena will be a bit of a challenge due to the reality that is Toronto traffic.  There is plenty of parking behind the Centennial Centre.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are TTC bus stops along Finch Ave.  Fans should consult the TTC  website for fares, schedules and maps.  The arena is very cold, however, the gas heaters over the seating area were in use.  There are plenty of stairs in the arena, but getting around is not that difficult due to the few spectators.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility, but definitely on the older side. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the North York Rangers are $15 with discounts for seniors.  Children six and under are free.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent.  The action on the ice is generally a high quality, and fans will have a good time.  A bigger crowd would definitely enhance the return and overall improve the return on investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for all of the Herb Carnegie artifacts and touches, which makes this venue worth exploring. An extra mark for the link to the Rangers name that Herb Carnegie also has, once playing for the Toronto Young Rangers and he also once had a tryout with the New York Rangers where he was offered a chance to play in their minor league system to start. Final Thoughts The opportunity to see the North York Rangers play at the Herb Carnegie Centennial Centre is one that fans should not pass on lightly.  The venue is a love letter to the hockey legend that was Herb Carnegie and there is plenty to explore when there.  The Rangers offer a good product on the ice and fans will definitely have a good time. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 SRO Motorsports website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 Wisconsin’s GT Festival Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. While the track’s annual schedule features IndyCar, IMSA, and others, SRO America provides a weekend of GT-only sportscar racing. The supercars on track offer stellar racing over four days, including unrivaled fan access and unique fan event opportunities. Racing in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan-friendly and easy to navigate, this summer event is a must-see on the SRO slate.   Food & Beverage   5 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. Road America is led by The Gearbox, a hillside stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin you can get the best cheese and sausage foods here, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers ($10). Johnsonville is heavily featured, as it is literally the next town over, and their brats ($9 to $13) are a fan favorite. Sargento cheese curds ($7) are also a popular item, as are the burgers ($9 to $12.50), gearbox melt ($11), and TKA sandwich ($15). Beer is of course plentiful, and a Spotted Cow is a must-have in Wisconsin. You can also find tons of other options, including broasted chicken outside Turn 3, tacos at Turn 7, and a tiki bar out at the beach by the kink and carousel corners. Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family-friendly and relaxed. The best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a go-race-and-enjoy-every-minute-of-it state of mind. In 2025 the track also debuted a new viewing area at the top of the hillside outside Canada Corner called Road America North Pole, and the old walkover bridge along the front stretch was rebuilt as well – it is now large enough to drive a golf cart over. Additionally, SRO weekend features a fan fest on Thursday night in Elkhart Lake, featuring racecars on display, driver autograph sessions, giveaways, and live music. Neighborhood   4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small, but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls this small town home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there are a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20 to 30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice – Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan. If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road America is Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something else to see and do, Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes.   Fans   4 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest – die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with anything. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. While not exactly sporting the crowd sizes seen at IMSA or IndyCar weekends, SRO weekend at Road America has seen a steady increase in attendance over the past few years – no doubt this has been thanks in part to increased advertising and fan outreach for the event. Access   4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path – at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. Once you’re at Road America you’ll discover that there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t know about, which can be frustrating if you had to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue to identify these alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete makeover in 2016, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers. The track also features preferred VIP parking passes for $30. Return on Investment   5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race, and tickets to SRO weekend are very affordable; Friday tickets are $35, while Saturday or Sunday only are just $50. A weekend pass for $85 is also available, while 2-day VIP tower suites run $375 (upgrading from an existing ticket will cost just $325). The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race from without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Trackside camping is also popular, ranging from $50 to $325. Car corrals are available from $70 for one day to $125 for all three days. Extras   5 Perhaps the biggest fan attraction during SRO weekend is the annual racecar parade and festival in downtown Elkhart Lake, on Thursday evening of race weekend. Here, all the cars participating in the race weekend drive down through the town of Elkhart Lake and stage in front of Siebkens Resort. Then, fans can walk up and get a close view of all the cars, as well as meet some of the drivers for autographs. You can also take a trip to Elkhart Lake, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside – before it had its current layout, Road America was a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself and over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. Back at the track, where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. If you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile device, you can also engage with the race on social media, and see your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. If treetop views and social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Finally, several autograph sessions happen during the weekend in the fan zone, offering fans a chance to see some of their favorite drivers. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history and meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America – you will not be disappointed in what you find. In addition, if you want to take a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend; the fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful. It’s hard to find a better place to see racing in North America than Road America.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Watkins Glen International 2790 County Route 16 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Vintage Grand Prix website Watkins Glen International website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 38,900 A Slimmed Down Vintage Festival While Watkins Glen International may be best known for the annu al IMSA 6 Hours  or t he NASCAR Cup Series race, the yearly celebration of vintage racing that is the Hilliard US Vintage Grand Prix is perhaps the most unique event at the track. Since they first began racing here in 1948, the speedway has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now this history is celebrated yearly when SVRA, Trans-Am, and IGT take to the track. While 2024’s event saw increased ticket prices, 2025 saw a return to the event’s traditional September date, along with the annual downtown festival and historic reenactment.   Food & Beverage   3 Watkins Glen International doesn’t have a lot of food vendors, with the main paddock cafe located in the main paddock near the front stretch – fans looking to visit the outer parts of the track may have slimmer pickings than those watching from the finish line. That said, the choices in the fan zone are simple, ranging from burgers ($13) and hot dogs ($5-$9) to chicken tenders ($15) and smaller snacks ($4-$8), while drinks run $4 for coffee or hot cocoa, $5 for water, Powerade, and sodas, $11 for Seltzer, $9-$11 for beer, and $7 for lemonade. Food trucks also line up inside the paddock area, offering various additional options as well.   Atmosphere   3 Watkins Glen International is located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, making the facility a beautifully located racing venue – the area is full of beautiful trees, meaning fans can find some shade in the hot sun. In addition, the track is laid out to be one of the fastest road courses in North America. Large grandstands also line the front straight, Turn 1, the esses, and the final corner complex, offering many different viewpoints for fans to watch from. For a raceway filled with history (the track regularly hosts NASC AR, IMSA , an d others, and has also hosted the likes of IndyCar and Formula 1 in the past), you cannot help but feel like you’re witnessing history come alive at this SVRA weekend. 2025 saw the return of the annual vintage festival in downtown Watkins Glen, including the historic car reenactment on the old course. Unfortunately this came at the cost of the Trans Am series, leading a massively decreased car count from the vintage races, with just SVRA and IGT on the docket.   Neighborhood   4 The track itself is about 5 minutes south of the town of Watkins Glen, nestled on the southern shores of Seneca Lake. The town is beautiful and quaint, featuring numerous local shops and restaurants, while north of town is New York wine country, with countless wineries all along the lake. For those willing to drive, the town of Ithaca is just a half hour east, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and shopping in the same town that is home to Cornell University. To the south, Elmira and Corning are 30 minutes away – if you visit the latter you can see the Corning Museum of Glass or the National Soaring Museum. In addition, sightseers routinely flock to Watkins Glen State Park for stunning hiking through a canyon of waterfalls, as well as Lakeside Park to watch the stars rise over the waters of Seneca Lake.   Fans   3 The fans at Watkins Glen International are once again a cross-section of sportscar racing diehards. New York racing fans are among the best in the country, and know how to throw a great party – the camping grounds are full all weekend long, and the fans know who to cheer for when the race is on the line. In addition, Friday’s vintage reenactment will see fans line the street while the cars dive past for hours, propping up folding chairs to get a view of the fun, much like one would see at a Fourth of July parade in a small town. With the separation of the Trans Am and SVRA weekends, the last few years have seen a massively decreased fan attendance compared to years past, when they were combined. Access   3 The biggest downside in getting to Watkins Glen International is its relatively isolated location – the nearest major highway is I-86 to the south and west, at least a 30-minute drive away. Traffic thankfully doesn’t back up nearby, though, and the roadways are relatively clear all weekend. Once at the track parking is plentiful all around, but navigating the track’s tunnels, bridges, and walkways can be daunting, as the facility is rather large. Track maps are placed throughout the venue, however, making getting from place to place a little easier.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to SVRA weekend rose sharply in 2024, and that trend continued for the 2025 edition, starting at $69 for a one day weekend ticket to $91 for a weekend pass, which is considerably higher than SpeedTour weekend tic ket prices at other racing venues. Parking is free however, so you can get away without having to pay too much more, and the cost of Vintage Grand Prix weekend is still much lower than for the NASCAR and IMSA  weekends at Watkins Glen.   Extras   3 The track also has several fan zones to get you up close and personal with show cars, as well as to pick up some free giveaways. Fans can also wander the paddock area for free, giving you a great look at the teams working away at their machines. Victory Lane is also open to all fans, unlike at larger race series, offering fans the ability to take part in the podium celebration. Final Thoughts Watkins Glen vintage weekend is a showcase of the sport’s history and future, putting on a stellar weekend of racing that stretches across five days in early September. Without a doubt this event is a great one to put on your racing calendar, offering great weather, unparalleled access for fans, and top-notch on-track activity.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Dr Pasadena, CA 91103 Map It UCLA Bruins website Rose Bowl website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 88,565 From Westwood To The Arroyo Seco Prior to 1982, the UCLA football program shared the Los Angeles Coliseum with their longtime nemesis, USC Trojans. Looking for a venue to call their own, the Bruins would come to an agreement with the city of Pasadena. Though some opposed the move due to its distance from campus , the move would prove to be an early success. The Bruins would win the Pac-10 title in 3 of their first 4 years at their new home away from home, each year coming out victorious in the New Year’s Day Grandaddy of Them All. One of the most storied stadiums in all of college football, the Rose Bowl is an iconic structure recognizable to any college football fan. The Rose Bowl has been the site of many classic college football moments as well as the host to five Super Bowls.   Food & Beverage 4 With anticipated crowds being a far cry from even the Jim Mora days, local pop-up vendors, including various food trucks that once gave fans a variety of pregame choices in the Lot H Fan Zone, have disappeared. Though the selections have noticeably declined, the variety is still reasonable. Your usual game day fare of hot dogs, brats, and burgers, as well as specialty hot dogs from the Dog Haus are available as is your standard Mexican fare, cheesesteaks, and the favorite Filipino finger food - fried lumpia. If you’re craving a sweet taste, Cathy’s Cookies, a fan favorite from Pasadena to the O.C. , has two vendors set up serving fans warm, delicious home-made chocolate chip cookies. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks available. Adult beverages include Miller brand beer, Blue Moon, and Dos Equis. Premium spirits are also for sale.  Atmosphere 3 Kickoff. As usual, seats aplenty for UCLA Football, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey If we were to rate the atmosphere based on the history of the venue and the game day pageantry of the annual New Year’s Day bowl game, the rating without a doubt would be high. With the current sad state of affairs of UCLA Football , the difference in atmosphere between that and the actual Rose Bowl game itself is like choosing between dance techno or emo. A near decade long run of futility and longer, depending which UCLA fan you talk to, has deflated enthusiasm. These days the gameday presentation does not even feel like a true collegiate atmosphere with loud music constantly blaring between plays rather than having the marching band play. They even crank up the music as the marching band does its traditional drum cadence during kickoffs. Long standing cheers encouraging fan engagement such as the 8-clap and spell out are rarely performed anymore by the spirit squads. When actually performed, there’s hardly any energy behind it. Did I already mention that UCLA Football is going through a sad state of affairs? You may even be saying that a “3” ranking for such a sad atmosphere would be too high. I wouldn't argue with you. But given the venue’s historic status and picturesque views, I feel that has to be a saving grace in an otherwise unwatchable on field product. Neighborhood 4 The Rose Bowl is at the bottom of a valley at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, whose peaks rise above the stadium and are visible from anywhere inside or outside. Beautiful sunsets over the mountains looking north are common sights here. The neighborhood immediately around the stadium is unique in its relation to the Rose Bowl. You won’t see the iconic stadium as you’re winding through traffic. Instead, you’ll be in quaint neighborhoods with streets lined with palm trees and beautiful homes. Suddenly the expanse of the Rose Bowl parking lot opens up in front of you on the valley floor with the celebrated Rose Bowl sign visible on the front of the bowl. It almost seems like a hidden gem that is a part of the beautiful surrounding landscape. Fans 3 When things are going well, fan support can reach a fevered pitch. However, with UCLA’s almost decade long football futility and the program’s seemingly disconnect from its core fanbase  among other reasons cited by longtime Bruin followers , crowds at UCLA Football games have been beyond noticeably sparse. There is often speculation of a significant disparity between the announced attendance and the actual ticket scan count . You can't blame the fans for staying away. UCLA Football. Five-minutes in and still plenty of seats, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey With attendance seeing a significant drop over the years, the upper reaches of both end zones have been tarped off. It’s a sad look. The fact any UCLA fans actually show up to watch what has become a national embarrassment of a major collegiate program  is in itself worth the mid level score. Upper north end zone seats tarped. Such a depressing look… Access 3 Getting into the area of the 134 or 210 is fairly easy (as easy as it can be when navigating through L.A. traffic), but the fact that the stadium lies in the heart of a residential area with minimal major roads cutting through means going can be slow. Though crowds are expected to remain sparse in 2025, it's still a good idea to arrive early as navigating through some of the narrow roads and the direction of traffic can make the drive a bit of a challenge. If you are attending a game against a highly anticipated opponent such as Penn State or Nebraska, given their huge following that will make the anticipated hordes of fans feel they’re in Happy Valley or Lincoln West, allow yourself more time for arrival.   If you have no desire to drive to the bowl, parking in nearby Old Town Pasadena is also available, with prices ranging from $6 and up based on hours and length of stay. Parking in Old Town is a great alternative, especially if you plan on taking in some pre/post-game entertainment and dining options. Free gameday shuttle buses from the Parson’s parking lot on Fair Oaks Avenue are available for those of you parking in Old Town. As classic and charming as The Rose Bowl is, once inside the seating bowl, you will notice that this is no modern-day venue. The rows are narrow, so you won’t have much legroom between you and the row in front of you. The incline is so gradual that should you find yourself sitting behind someone tall, you will be viewing the back of their head. Given the regularity of sparse crowds and the undesirable play on the field, relocating to a more viewable seating area should be no issue at all. Return on Investment 3 Even with the reconfigured seating capacity, tickets are more than plentiful. Though box office prices can start from $27, tickets for most games can be purchased for below face value on various 3rd party sites. Given the current program’s abysmal on-field product, you may even be able to utilize a 3rd party site to purchase a ticket in the single digits.   Expect a hike in prices for more notable games against Penn State, Nebraska, Washington, and crosstown rival USC, as prices can start anywhere between $60 into the triple digits. Extras 4 Before entering The Rose Bowl, statues outside the venue are worth a visit. One is of Brandi Chastain’s celebration of the 1999 Women’s World Cup .  The statue depicts Chastain’s famous celebration from Team USA’s historic win over China.   Just outside the grand entrance is that of legendary broadcaster Keith Jackson, the voice of many iconic moments . WHOA NELLY ! Statue of legendary broadcaster Keith Jackson, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Another statue that is a must, especially for first-time visitors, is the statue of Jackie Robinson. Unveiled in 2017 , this statue features Jackie in gridiron form. Though Jackie will forever be associated with the number 42, it’s the number 55 that he wore when he played at nearby Pasadena Junior College, now Pasadena City College. This is one of four statues in the L.A. area paying tribute to the man who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, the others being across the street from Pasadena City Hall, Dodger Stadium, and Jackie Robinson Stadium. It was at UCLA where Jackie was a 4-sport star. Like MLB, the number 42 has been retired throughout all of the UCLA men's and women's athletic programs. Westwood and Pasadena’s very own Jackie Robinson, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Aside from the Jackie Robinson statue, there is also one more permanent display honoring UCLA’s football past. Along the southwest concourse area outside the players tunnel is a statue most recently dedicated to former UCLA Head Coach Terry Donahue . Final Thoughts The actual final score was 35-10. The game was much worse than the scoreboard states. The 26-mile distance from UCLA’s Westwood campus and their football home in Pasadena has always been a commuter challenge for UCLA students and their westside followers. The current sad state of UCLA Football (Have I mentioned that enough already?) has done NOTHING to persuade fans to battle the notorious southland traffic on the jaunt toward The Arroyo Seco. Fans are fed up with the program. The recent termination of Head Coach DeShaun Foster  has done nothing to temper the displeasure surrounding the UCLA community. The vitriol has not stopped with Foster’s dismissal, as fans and local reporters are vehemently calling for Athletic Director Martin Jarmond's dismissal , as well. There’s talk among the masses of this year’s team possibly going winless in 2025 . UCLA Football has had its share of disappointments throughout the years. Some Bruin fans feel the program still has not recovered from the 1998 Miami game .  That’s 27 years and counting since the program’s last conference championship in a conference that is all but defunct. If your college football journey should bring you out west don’t let the sad state of UCLA Football dissuade you from visiting the Rose Bowl. In spite of UCLA’s fall from college football relevance, the venue’s history alone and the warm fall tailgates with the scenic views of the San Gabriel mountains are still worth a visit to the home of many historic college football moments in The Grandaddy of Them All . UCLA Football. September 2014 , when fans actually packed The Rose Bowl

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Legends Field 207 Legends Ln Lexington, KY 40505 Lexington Legends website Legends Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,994 A Legendary Return in Lexington What a strange few years it has been for the Lexington Legends. First, baseball is wiped out due to COVID-19, then the team loses its affiliation, next, new ownership comes in and rebrands the team, and then the original owner returns to the Legends name. Hopefully, there will be no more changes in town. Legends Field, formerly known as Wild Health Field and Whitaker Bank Park, opened in 2001 as Applebee's Park and returned professional baseball to Lexington for the first time since 1954. At the time of its construction, the city was the largest market without a baseball team. Fans quickly embraced the franchise, purchasing 1,950 season tickets within hours of going on sale and establishing a new South Atlantic League record. The 6,994-seat stadium was built in an era that saw 77 minor league ballparks built within ten years. Construction of the facility cost $13.5 million and was part of a $23 million complex privately financed by a group of 23 local investors, led by principal owner Brad Redmond. In 2016, the ballpark went through $500,000 in renovations, resulting in a wider entry plaza, expansion of the official team store, renamed Stache Shoppe, and the addition of the Bullpen Patio. Today, the team operates in the MLB Partnered Atlantic League after being dropped by Major League Baseball in December 2020. The Legends then rebranded as the Counter Clocks for the 2023 season, which included major renovations to the ballpark. This has ushered in a new era of baseball in Lexington. The ballpark is a cozy, modest facility that has a much older feel to it than its age. Its location is in a very unassuming part of town, but only a few miles from the nearest interstate or downtown corridors. Then again, there is something wonderfully simple about driving down a small road and having a baseball stadium appear on the horizon. Food & Beverage 3 The concourse has a fun horse racing theme that ties in nicely with Kentucky’s heritage. You’ll find stands like Jockey Nachos, the First Turn Grill for hot dogs, and the Exacta Grill serving up burgers and soft pretzels. It’s a clever touch that gives the ballpark a little extra character. That said, not everything is up and running. Several stands along the first base side are closed off with curtains, which makes the concourse feel a bit empty. On the plus side, Pepsi products are poured throughout the stadium, and there’s no shortage of beers and hard seltzers to go with your food. If you’re looking for something sweet, a few kiosks near the main entrance offer ice cream and shaved ice—perfect on a hot summer day. Atmosphere 3 Nearby horse racing tracks heavily influence the ballpark's design; elements of the sport include steeples and two murals on the exterior of the building. In total, there are eight steeples throughout the ballpark. The ballpark itself features a steep seating bowl with excellent sight lines and a middle concourse providing access to all sections, including the Pepsi Party Deck in right field, bleacher seats in left field, and the rather impressive Athena Kids play area behind the left field corner. The 2,000-square-foot Bullpen Patio down the first base line was created for anyone to enjoy the game. The patio replaced a small grassy berm and follows a path of similar “hang out” space at both major and minor league parks. The area is standing-room only and features beer and cocktail service. The Lexington Brewing & Distilling Taproom sits directly behind home plate, offering drafts of their beer and bourbon along with a full-service menu and waiting staff. The area also provides a partially covered outside patio to enjoy the game. The Lexington Legends have a cheer squad that gets the crowd going in between innings. Mighty Lex, the team's official mascot, makes his way around the stadium. During the 7th inning stretch, the crowd is encouraged to sing “My Old Kentucky Home” to add a local flare to proceedings. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is in a rather odd part of town, in an era when ballparks were built in downtown lots or off an entrance ramp of a major freeway, the ballpark was constructed adjacent to a small strip mall, 1.5 miles from the I-64 and I-75 interchanges. The best option is to take a drive downtown or to a few other areas around Lexington where one can find great restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. The city is home to two horse racing tracks: Keeneland (thoroughbred) and Red Mile (harness), which offer racing throughout the calendar year. Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm and an educational theme park that offers attractions and is a great place for kids and racing aficionados. The Historic Pepper Distillery District has become a popular spot in town. Photo by Marc Viquez The area is in the heart of the Bourbon Trail. Nearby distilleries include Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, and Lexington Brewing & Distilling (located in town and also features a brewery). Castle & Key is the newest distillery that took residence in the old limestone castle built in 1887. Tours and prices will vary, and all include a sample of bourbon on picturesque grounds. A personal favorite place to visit is the Historic Pepper Distillery District, a 25-acre entertainment complex that is less than 4 miles away from the stadium. Originally built in 1869 to produce bourbon, it is home to the James E. Pepper Distillery, Ethereal Brewing, Barrel House Distilling, The Elkhorn Tavern, Crank & Boom Ice Cream, and Wise Bird Cider Co. It is quite a popular place to visit in town. There is also the chance that your visit may coincide with a Kentucky Wildcats basketball game at Rupp Arena or a Kentucky Wildcats baseball game at Kentucky Proud Park . When you include your visit with horse racing, bourbon tours, great restaurants, and other sports, you have enough to do on a very long weekend. Fans 3 There is a faithful group of fans that attends Legends games, and the average is a tad over 2,000 per game on the season. The ones who are at the game do their best to cheer on the home team and provide plenty of enthusiasm on the night. Access 4 There are 1,200 parking spaces, plus 3,000 more within a 10-minute walk from the stadium. The middle concourse provides easy access to all points, and concession stands are brightly lit. The small nature of the ballpark can create a nice tour of the facility if one is interested in taking photos or enjoying the game from different vantage points. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Legends games start at $10 for box seats, $12 for field box, $15 for home plate premium, and $25 for the Diamond Club behind home plate. A dollar surcharge is added if bought the day of the game. The parking lot charges $5 and $7 for the premium lot. On Tuesday nights, tickets are $2, and that also includes hot dogs, popcorn, and Pepsi cans for the same price. Friday and Saturday nights feature fireworks, Waggy Wednesdays let fans bring their favorite canine to the game and BOGO hot dogs, and Thirsty Thursdays feature $2 domestic and $3 craft beers. Sundays offer free tickets to Kid Club members and players' autographs. Extras 3 One star for the mural of Trinity Gay down the first base side of the exterior of the ballpark. The daughter of U.S. track star Tyson Gay was killed in a crossfire shooting at a restaurant in 2016; she was just 15 years old. The 30-foot mural was designed by Dani Green and includes the words “Pass the Baton.” Another star for the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Taproom, a great spot to enjoy the game from either inside the bar or on the patio in the back of home plate on the middle concourse. This is one of the best views in the stadium and right in the middle of all the action. A third and final star is for bringing back the Legend name, complete with an updated logo that features a personified baseball in a 19th-century era uniform. Final Thoughts Legends Field was built in an era where minor league ballparks opened up across the country in record numbers. The ball club has placed itself among the copious sporting and entertainment options for over 20 years and is growing in Lexington. A ballpark that features seats close to the diamond, cheap tickets, and cheaper eats is what minor league baseball used to be and what it should still be for the average fan. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Dehler Park 901 N 27th St Billings, MT 59101 Billings Mustangs website Dehler Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,071 Billings Baseball Dehler Park is the home of the Billings Mustangs, a rookie league baseball team (Cincinnati Reds) in the Pioneer League. In 2008, it replaced the old Cobb Field, which was beginning to show a state of disrepair and was demolished as part of the building of the new Dehler Park. The Mustangs began play in 1948 and have won 15 Pioneer League titles, most recently in 2014. They have been affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds for at least 42 consecutive years, making that partnership one of the longest-running player development relationships in professional baseball. The organization does a fabulous job at making a game day experience so very entertaining for fans attending a ball game in Billings, MT; one you’ll want to go back to several times. The game, the players, and the fans are the entertainment, and there are many conveniences for the modern baseball fan at this ballpark. Food & Beverage 4 Dehler Park provides an outstanding variety of food and beverage items for a Mustangs game at affordable prices. Lines can get long at times, but they move relatively quickly. The concessions close before the 7th inning, so be sure to get your appetite filled earlier in the game. Permanent stands ‘First and Third’ (on both sides of the concourse) offer hot dogs, sausage, chicken wings, a variety of fries, pretzels, and nachos ($3.50 – $6.00). It has snacks of popcorn, peanuts, candy, crackerjacks, ice cream, pickles, and more ($1.75 – $3.00). Sodas are the Pepsi variety at $2.50 / $3.50 (refillable for $1.00 / $1.50). Water is $2.50 a bottle. Uncle Charlies Cheese Steak ($8), Diablo Dogs ($4.50), Mountain Mudd espresso, Caramel Korn, and Chocolate Strawberry kabobs round out some of the carts speckled throughout the concourse. The Bob Wilson Memorial Plaza in left field provides a slew of picnic tables (in and out of the shade) on a grass surface to enjoy the concessions before heading to your seat. The specialty food item, the Stang Burger, can be found at the Lead-Off Grill hidden behind the third base concourse. The Stang Burger is a hamburger topped with beef brisket for $7.50 and is yummy. At this same stand, regular burgers, beer brats ($4.00), and other items are grilled fresh. There are beer concessions on the first and third baseline concourses and in the outfield, offering an excellent selection including two local brews at $5.50. The one on the third baseline offers a more varied selection and is the one I’d recommend visiting (it is also right next door to the Lead-Off Grill and near the picnic area). Outside food or drink is not permitted. Atmosphere 4 Dehler Park provides a stellar game day operation as the focus is on the baseball game being played. Nets cover seating areas from behind the entire dugout to the end of the other dugout (sections 108 to 116). To sit net free choose section 117 or higher on the third base side or section 107 and higher on the first base side. All seats are the plastic green fold-down variety with cup holders, with the exception of bleacher seats in sections 105 and 106. The bullpen seating areas are in sections 105 (first base) or 118 (third base). If you can get a seat in row 1, you’ll be right in front of the relief pitchers when they begin their warm-ups. The 329 Club in left field is named for the distance from home plate. It is a reserved seating area for corporate and party events. Drink rails are only in the outfield on the left field side. Some tables are scattered around the outfield walkways. A few sections in the infield seating area have canopies overhead. A recommendation is to sit on the third base side, as the first base seats are directly in the setting sun’s path. Bring your sunscreen and umbrella, as there is minimal shade and no place to go for shelter if it rains. What a treat – music is only played between innings and not between pitches and batters. There are no player walk-up songs. The PA announcer is audible. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is walking distance (eight or so blocks) to historic downtown Montana Ave, where there are a variety of places to eat, drink, sleep, and tour. It sits next to a hospital and is very close to the airport. Expect to see a few airplanes or helicopters passing over the field. There is an Impressive selection of dining options, including pitas, wraps, pizza, Indian, cafes, sandwich shops, fine dining, steaks, Mexican, and more in and around Billings. Recommended places to eat are Montana Brewing Company or Uberbrew (breweries with food) and Bernie’s (diner – open for breakfast and lunch). Better yet, take the Brewery Tour (1.5 mile walking tour visiting Billings’ breweries while stopping at historical points along the way). For finer dining, check out Walkers American Grill & Tapas Bar or Jake’s Steakhouse eight blocks south of the stadium. There are several hotels within a mile of the ballpark and even more in the extended metropolitan area. I stayed at the Riversage Billings Inn (two blocks from Dehler Park) and would recommend it. Downtown also hosts a Best Western or Crowne Plaza if you prefer name-brand hotels. There are plenty of things to see and do when visiting Billings. Check out the Western Heritage Center in downtown, drive or hike the Rimrocks for a beautiful view, visit ZooMontana or tour the Moss Mansion. Fans 5 The Mustang fans are the best part of what makes attending a game so enjoyable. They certainly are conversant about the game of baseball, with discussions heard throughout the game containing ‘He should bunt,’ ‘Will they walk him to get the double play?,’ or ‘He hit one out of here last night.’ And after a bad or missed play you’ll politely hear fans saying, ‘It IS still a development league.’ And they disagree with the umpire's calls and mimic the safe and out calls (always in favor of the Mustangs player). Lots of fans keep score. The starting lineup is posted just to the left of the home plate entrance. Be sure to pick up a game program for $1, which includes the current roster for both teams, a fine-looking scorecard, and the magazine program. It is a family-friendly atmosphere, and it is easy to strike up a conversation with your neighbors. They make it fun. Averaging over 3,000 fans a game, the Mustangs fans consistently fill the stadium (especially since the opening of Dehler Park). Access 3 From I-90, take exit 450 (27th St) north about two miles to 9th Ave. The ballpark will be on your right. Make a right on 9th Ave (at the Perkins and CVS), and there is a small parking lot (free) a block up on the left. Parking is also available throughout the neighborhood. There is bus service in Billings, but it does not appear to be an option to get to and from the ballpark, as service ends at 6:40 pm weekdays/5:45 pm on Saturdays with no service on Sundays. The closest airport is Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) and is just a few minutes from Dehler Park. Of course, if staying in the downtown area, walking is your best option, and it is completely safe to walk back after the game. Restrooms are ample and clean There are three entrances to the ballpark: home, right field, and left field. The batting cage for the Mustangs is next to the left field entrance, so this is a perfect place to get autographs from the young players. One can walk the entire concourse both inside and outside. Gates open an hour before the first scheduled pitch. The concourses are nice and wide, making traffic flow smooth. . Return on Investment 4 A trip to see a Mustangs game in Dehler Park is well worth the money spent. Single game tickets range from $4 (standing room) to $10 (club seats – those directly behind home plate in sections 110 – 114). I’d recommend the $6 ($5 kids and seniors 60+) field box seats in section 117, as those are net free and the sun is not in your face. That’s better than a movie ticket! There are a few promotional nights throughout the season, so check their schedule for a listing. The parking is free, food and beverage prices are reasonable, and the game day is just a whole lot of fun. Extras 5 In center field, there is the KZone. An individual keeps track of the strikeouts by Mustangs’ pitchers and adds a K (forwards or backwards, depending on strike) along the outfield wall for each strikeout. Daylight lasts forever in Montana in the summer. A game starting at 7 pm that lasts for two and a half hours, and it can still be daylight when heading back home. There are two statues outside the park, as well as plaques for fans who have donated considerable finances towards the construction of the ballpark. One of the statues is a tribute to Ed Bayne, a civic and athletic hero and coach for many years of the American Legion baseball program in Billings. The other honors Dave McNally, the famed Orioles left-handed pitcher, who was from Billings. The Rimrocks (300-foot-high sandstone bluffs surrounding the valley) provide a spectacular view from the ballpark. For those with kids, there is a huge bounce house down the right field concourse for them to expend some energy if needed. The game day staff is as nice and friendly as can be. Final Thoughts This is an excellent ballpark to visit, with the focus of entertainment on the ballgame while still providing modern conveniences, good food, and engaging fans.

Photos by Paul Baker and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Newman Outdoor Field 1515 15th Avenue North Fargo, ND 58102 Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks website Newman Outdoor Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 4,690 Hello, Newman Originally called “The Nest,” Newman Outdoor Field was constructed in 1996 at $5.5 million. Local company Newman Outdoor Advertising purchased the naming rights to the ballpark in 1998. In addition to serving as the home to the American Association’s Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks, the ballpark is home to the North Dakota State University Bison baseball team. The Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks began their existence in 1996 as members of the Northern League, winning five championships during their 15 seasons in that circuit. After the 2010 season, the Redhawks, along with three other teams, left the Northern League to join the rival American Association. The Redhawks reached the AA championship series in 2021, losing to the Kansas City Monarchs. Food & Beverage 5 Newman Outdoor Field has a capacity of 4,172, and it feels like there is an individual concession item here for every single fan who shows up. Portable and permanent stands run the length of the concourse down both sides of the ballpark. There are two permanent stands located on either side of the main entrance to the concourse. In addition to hot dogs (regular-sized, chili, or foot-long), nachos (regular-sized or helmet-sized portion), pulled pork sandwiches, and bratwurst, fans can order pickled eggs or pickles on a stick. Coca-Cola products are featured and advertised as “pop.” You can even get a 20-ounce draft beer for only $6.50 or purchase 2 cans of PBR for $6 before the first pitch. And this is just the beginning. Other stands lined up along the concourse (and we’re not talking about a row of portable carts; many are permanent structures) sell mini-donuts, giant pretzels (I do mean GIANT), sno cones, caramel apples, Dippin’ Dots, Marco’s Pizza, tacos, grinders, and burritos. When I say that there is something for everyone at Newman Outdoor Field, I mean it literally. Beer stands scattered throughout the concourse sell national brands, but also feature local craft brews from Hamm’s and Surly Breweries, among others. Coca-Cola products are featured at Newman Outdoor Field. Don’t feel like a beer or pop? Check out the lemonade stand or get a top-shelf adult beverage at the Captain Morgan stand. Atmosphere 3 A lot is going on at Newman Outdoor Field, much more than you may expect at such a small place. If you come in through the right field entrance, you are met immediately by the children’s playground, which is filled with kids burning off energy throughout the game. An important feature of the playground, as this writer was informed by a nearby parent, is that you can sit on the party deck and watch the game and your children at the same time. Coincidence or not, this is huge. Veteran minor league baseball fans will find a lot that is familiar here in Fargo. There is a great deal of noise to distract the casual fans and to keep the younger fans involved and entertained. Music plays between batters, the typical on-field shenanigans are going on between innings, and there is a mascot who wanders the ballpark posing for photos and interacting with fans. The scoreboard in left-center field is used with game stats and player information throughout the game. The Redhawks enjoy a close connection with the community, as evidenced by a large number of local sponsors and activities, including a naturalization ceremony that happens annually at Newman Outdoor Field. Neighborhood 3 Newman Outdoor Field is located on the campus of North Dakota State University, near the school’s other athletic facilities, including the Fargodome and the Scheels Center . Located right near the airport, fans will find no shortage of places to eat or stay a short distance from the ballpark. Since most of the options near the university are chains, visiting fans may want to head downtown, where the options are more varied. Downtown Fargo is just a couple of miles from the ballpark. Some excellent breweries, including Drekker Brewing Company and Fargo Brewing Company, are highly recommended by locals. For a true midwestern experience, check out Wurst Bier Hall or The Boiler Room. Visiting fans looking for lodging will find plenty of choices throughout the city. Visiting sports fans will certainly want to check out the Roger Maris Museum, located in the West Acres Mall. Set up in a hallway of a local shopping mall at Maris’ request, the display cases lining the hall do a nice job of displaying mementos from the home run king’s career. If you have the time, the video of Maris’ life, shown in a small viewing room with actual Yankee Stadium seats, is worth your while. Fans 3 The Redhawks have consistently ranked in the top five of the American Association attendance rankings, averaging in the neighborhood of 3,000 fans per game. At Newman Outdoor Field you’ll find a crowd that is similar in composition to other minor league baseball crowds, with lots of dedicated diehard fans, lots of casual fans enjoying an inexpensive night out, and a lot of families. Even though Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, there’s a real small-town feel going on here. “North Dakota Nice” is a real thing, and you may find yourself spending your night speaking with a bunch of people around you like you’ve known each other all your life. Access 4 Newman Outdoor Field is located on the campus of North Dakota State University, just two miles from Interstate 29 and just a few miles from the Red River and the Minnesota state line. Driving is the primary method for getting to the ballpark, and fans will find it easy to do so. Exit 67 deposits travelers on 19th Avenue. Follow this road for a mile and a half, and the NDSU athletic facilities will be on your right. There are ample parking lots both by the main entrance on 15th Avenue and by the right field entrance on Albrecht Boulevard. No matter which entrance you use to get into the ballpark, you will climb a flight of stairs to reach the concourse, which is located at the top of the seating bowl and features views of the field from all spots. With all the concession structures scattered around the concourse, it can become cramped in spots at times, but fans will generally have no issues navigating their way around the ballpark. The seating bowl stretches from first base to third base. Most of the seating consists of individual green stadium seats. The last two sections on the third base side of the field were added after the initial construction of the ballpark (watch your step; they did not line up the new structure with the old one very well) and featured individually molded bleachers. Bleacher sections are capping off the seating areas in both right and left field. Party areas are located on either side of the seating bowl as well. Netting protects the majority of seats in the infield, and all seats feature excellent views of the field. As mentioned earlier, there is a lot of activity going on here at a Redhawks game, but getting around is still pretty easy. With a large number of concession stands, lines tend to move quickly and are not an issue. Restrooms are clean and large enough to handle a typical crowd. Return on Investment 4 The majority of tickets to Redhawks games are sold as reserved seats priced at $12 per seat. Seats in the farthest sections down the third baseline (sections L and M) are sold for $8 per seat, and bleacher sections are sold for $7 per seat. All tickets increase in price by two dollars on game day, with fireworks nights priced at a premium with a two-dollar surcharge. Parking in the lots surrounding Newman Outdoor Field costs an additional three dollars. Concessions are reasonably priced as well. A night at a Redhawks game is the most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 Retired numbers line the façade of the luxury suite level, including Fargo native Roger Maris’ number 8 and Jackie Robinson’s number 42. The press box is dedicated to the longtime radio voice of the Redhawks, local personality Scott Miller, who lost his battle with cancer in 2016. Adorning the façade of the press box is his signature call, “My Oh My.” The on-field dimensions of Newman Outdoor Field, with a deep left-center field alley and a short right field fence, are designed to mimic the old Yankee Stadium, where local boy Roger Maris broke the long-standing home run record with 61 home runs in 1961. Final Thoughts Some baseball fans fail to consider ballparks like Newman Outdoor Field because they are not a part of the affiliated system. These fans are doing themselves a huge disservice. Ballparks like Newman Outdoor Field and cities like Fargo are the backbone of minor league baseball. Boasting affordable prices, a friendly atmosphere, and a comfortable, fun place at which to watch a game, a trip to North Dakota is a worthy Stadium Journey for any baseball fan. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 loanDepot park 501 Marlins Way Miami, FL 33125 Miami Marlins website loanDepot park website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 36,742 Fish Depot The Miami Marlins are a Major League Baseball team that plays in Miami, Florida, in loanDepot Park (yes, that is the official stylization of the name). The Marlins began as an expansion team in the 1993 season as the Florida Marlins. From 1993 to 2011, they played in the stadium now known as Hard Rock Stadium, then known as Joe Robbie Stadium. In 2012, the team moved to loanDepot Park (then known as Marlins Park), their first exclusive home and the first to be designed as a baseball park. As part of an agreement with park owner Miami-Dade County to use the stadium, the franchise also changed its name to the Miami Marlins before the 2012 season. loanDepot Park is a retractable roof stadium located on the site of the former Miami Orange Bowl in Little Havana, about 2 miles west of Downtown Miami. It is the third-smallest stadium in Major League Baseball by official capacity. It often seems even smaller because the upper deck is only used occasionally for big games. The facility hosted a second-round pool of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, a first-round pool of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and the championship game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The park also hosts soccer matches, fundraising galas, and other events during the winter. It also hosted the Miami Beach Bowl from 2014 through 2016. The stadium will also be a host for the finals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions offerings at loanDepot Park have a good amount of Latin food, as well as kosher food for the many Jewish fans who live in the South Florida area. Traditional ballpark fare is available at Top Dogs, the Fowl Pole, Fat Tuesdays, and Magic City BBQ. Latin-inspired foods are available at El Mercadito, PINCHO, Bites de la Calle, and Street Taco. If you are open to trying new foods, check out the Change Up STAND. This stand offers a test kitchen menu of possible future food offerings at loanDepot Park. The menu is always being rotated, so it is a good place to check out every time you attend a Marlins game. The Family Fav’s Stand has some cheaper, albeit smaller, options as part of its 305 menu. The Biscayne Brew Hall is located between sections 15/16 and features the Marlin’s lager, as well as an assortment of craft beers. Atmosphere 4 loanDepot Park has a different look and feel from pretty much any other MLB stadium. It feels like a Miami stadium. and doesn't follow the trends of others. Some may not like that, but we find it sort of refreshing. When the stadium opened, a large art installation in center field was certainly discussed by many people. It included all sorts of elements that are suggestive of South Florida. The art installation has now been relocated to the exterior of the ballpark. The stadium has a glass wall that gives you a stunning view of the Downtown Miami skyline. loanDepot park Glass Panels, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The Marlins have several special event nights, including various ethnic heritage nights. The team also has a great Marlins Museum located on the upper level. Neighborhood 3 loanDepot Park is on the edge of the Little Havana section of Miami. There are not many choices in the way of restaurants or entertainment right by the stadium. Of course, Little Havana has many great options to choose from. We are big fans of trying the Mojitos at Old's Havana AND the Ball & Chain. It is always great to compare...The heart of Little Havana may be a bit far to walk, so you may have to drive between the areas. For many other options, you will need to get far away from the stadium area. Fans 2 The Marlins don't draw that well. Often, the majority of the fans are of the visiting team. It is a very relaxed time at a Marlins game and not a typical baseball environment. Access 3 I-95 South and I-75 South are relatively nearby, but traffic is likely to be a problem accessing the stadium. The old Orange Bowl location is just not a perfect location for a large number of fans converging on a location. loanDepot Park has four parking decks and six surface lots near the stadium. You can prepay for parking, but it is easier to just pay by app once parked. It may feel weird not stopping and paying before entering the parking area, but it is a very smooth process. All parking areas offer a full complement of ADA-accessible spaces. You could walk from Little Havana to a game, but that might not solve parking issues, as that area has parking issues of its own. loanDepot park is served by two Miami-Dade Metrorail stops within a mile of the ballpark (Culmer and Civic Center), the Tri-Rail Connection via the Historic Overtown/Lyric Theatre Station to MiamiCentral Station, eight other Metrobus routes, and the City of Miami Trolley Route. Another great option is Brightline, which offers free shuttles from its downtown Miami station to and from the game. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are generally on the lower end of MLB stadiums. The secondary market will be a great place to find even cheaper prices. Parking costs are variable, so a weeknight game against a non-traditional opponent may be cheaper than a divisional rival on a weekend. Concession prices are reasonable compared to most MLB ballparks. Extras 5 loanDepot Park has hosted a few unique events, like the World Baseball Classic and even an NCAA college football bowl game. loanDepot Park is built on the site of the former Orange Bowl Stadium. There are numerous signs mentioning the history of the stadium. The Bobblehead Museum, on the concourse, has more than 600 baseball-related statues in a cool display case that keeps the heads bobbling away. Bobblehead Museum, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Billy’s Boathouse has a foam-surface playground that is very safe for the kids to play on. Billy the Marlin is the team's mascot. The team has bands and cheer squads keeping them engaged in the action. There are often post-game concerts and events, so check the team's website before coming to the game. Final Thoughts loanDepot Park may never make the top of MLB baseball stadium lists, but it is still an enjoyable place to watch a game in an environment that feels very true to its environment.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Haymarket Park 403 Line Drive Cr Lincoln, NE 68508 Lincoln Saltdogs website Haymarket Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 8,500 Home of the Saltdogs Haymarket Park is home to the Lincoln Saltdogs of the independent American Association and the University of Nebraska baseball team. Named for its location in Lincoln’s historic Haymarket District, the ballpark and adjacent softball field cost just under $30 million to build in 2001. The Saltdogs began play when the Madison Black Wolf were sold and moved to Nebraska following the 2001 season. After spending five seasons in the Northern League, the Saltdogs, along with three other teams, started the American Association in 2005. The Saltdogs have won one league championship, in 2009. The name Saltdogs is a nod to the history of the city of Lincoln. The city was founded on a salt flat back in the mid-1800s. Food & Beverage 4 Haymarket Park offers a good selection of concessions for hungry Saltdog fans. All your basic ballpark fare can be found here, plus some extra items worth checking out. Concession stands on either side of the diamond offer local favorites from Fairbury hot dogs and Valentino’s pizza. Variety is achieved through the offering of items including bratwurst, BBQ pork sandwiches and brisket sandwiches. A separate building behind home plate houses The Wind Up, where specialty nachos are sold, and the Craft Corner, featuring an extensive listing of both craft and national beers. Pepsi products are featured at Haymarket Park. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from national brands including Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Budweiser, Bud Light and Leinenkugel. Craft beers from local breweries Zipline Brewing, Empyrean Brewing, Kinkaider Brewing, Backswing Brewing Company and many more are sold throughout Haymarket Park. Atmosphere 3 Veteran fans of minor league baseball will find a lot that is familiar at a Lincoln Saltdogs game. All the elements of a typical game day presentation can be found here, from the fuzzy mascot to a new video scoreboard to between inning games for the kids and a full promotional schedule. Younger fans in attendance will certainly be drawn to the playground in deep right field or the play area in deep left field that features inflatables. Parents can charge their phones at the charging station while the kids release some energy. The large berm in left field is a popular place for kids to run around during the game, and the home run porch in right field is covered with an awning, providing relief from the hot summer sun and a place to enjoy a cool drink. Neighborhood 5 Haymarket Park gets its name from the nearby Haymarket District. Originally an open-air market and town gathering place, it is located just a few blocks from the ballpark. Visiting fans will find plenty of places to eat, lodging options and things to do there. More information on the shops, restaurants and activities present in the Haymarket District can be found here . Sports fans may be more interested in exploring Memorial Stadium, home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, which is visible beyond the center field fence. Pinnacle Bank Arena , home of the Cornhuskers basketball team, is visible beyond the right field fence. Downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska campus are within walking distance of the ballpark. Fans 4 The Saltdogs annually average around 3,400 fans per game at Haymarket Park, which places them in the top half of teams in the American Association. Crowds at Haymarket Park are fairly typical of other independent ballparks across the country. A mix of families, locals and diehard fans fill the stands. The team markets to families and groups, meaning that not everyone is fully into the action on the field, but they are hardly distracting, and people watching is always part of the fun at a minor league ballpark, anyway. Access 4 Haymarket Park is easy to find, located near I-180 and the University of Nebraska campus. Walking bridges connect the ballpark to the campus and downtown areas. The ballpark features a 360 degree concourse with an open design, making the field visible from all points. There are two levels of seating, featuring individual stadium seating. Large berms lining the outfield double the ballpark’s seating capacity. Restrooms are clean and more than sufficient for a typical Saltdog crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Saltdogs games vary in price from nine dollars for berm tickets to $19 for club seats behind home plate. The majority of seats at Haymarket Park range from $10-$15. Children under 12 years old and senior citizens receive a dollar off all tickets. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the ballpark. Concession specials are offered on certain nights, making a visit to see the Saltdogs an affordable entertainment option for Lincoln sports fans. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the view beyond the outfield fence. Memorial Stadium, Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Nebraska State Capitol building are visible from the seating bowl. The Capitol building, with its 400 foot tower (the second tallest capitol building in the country), can be seen from over 20 miles away. A second point is awarded for the integration of activities for the whole family, from the play areas and berm spaces for younger fans, the active mascot, Homer the dog, and the wide selection of craft beer for adult fans. There is something for everyone at Haymarket Park. Final Thoughts Haymarket Park is a nice facility located close to downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska. Sports fans visiting the area should be sure to check out nearby Memorial Stadium. Baseball fans will enjoy the mix of the ballpark’s small town feel and modern amenities. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Michigan International Speedway 12626 US-12 Brooklyn, MI 49230 Michigan International Speedway website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 56,000 Speedin' in Michigan Situated in the Irish Hills region of Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is located about 70 miles west of Detroit. The track, which opened in 1968, plays host to the FireKeepers 400, an annual race on the NASCAR Cup schedule and the main event annually at the track. The track also hosts the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event. The 2-mile oval track has hosted numerous other events over the years, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series, IRL/IndyCar events, CART, USAC, and others. Food & Beverage 3 The raceway is cashless, so plan accordingly. A nice feature of many tracks, including Michigan International Speedway, is that you can bring in your own food and drinks, which can save a lot of money and time in line. Of course, if you choose to forgo having to carry in your own food, there are many options available at the track. At the permanent stands, you have your choice of burgers, chicken strips, and ham sandwiches along with fries, cookies, and random other items. Quite a few food trucks are also in the race, which opens far more options. One food truck has an awesome Italian sausage sandwich. If that is not your thing, there are various other fried options along with gyros, BBQ sandwiches, various types of nachos and more. Soda, water, energy drinks, and lemonade are available along with typical beer, wine, and mixed drink options. All prices run about what is expected at sporting venues in 2025. Atmosphere 3 This was a tough one to score for me. I liked the track. I liked some of the fan engagement options. However, there were a few glaring issues we experienced. Our tickets were located lower down the seating area (but not the first few rows…a reasonable way up). There are suites located above pit road, and as a result, you will not be able to see anything going on down the backstretch, as the view is blocked. I assume this issue can be avoided simply by getting tickets near the top of the seating area. For those of you who are tall, seating can be an issue, and I highly suggest getting a seat at the end of the row. There was very little leg room where we sat. In fact, for us to get out of our row, everyone else had to exit the row first or literally stand on their seats. I have visited numerous NASCAR tracks and have not seen a lack of legroom as an issue like it is here. I am told there are some seats that are a bit better, so if you have not visited before, I would highly recommend calling the track to order tickets and ask about legroom. Many tracks offer track access before the race, and Michigan is no different. We purchased the track access, and given the experience, I would recommend not. Other tracks I have visited allowed fans to walk up and down pit road (outside the wall) and see all the cars. The access here was relegated to a tiny area for the pre-race concert and driver introductions. I am unclear whether too many tickets were sold this year, but the area was crammed, and it was very difficult to get around without a major effort. There are plenty of things to do outside the seating area before the race. All the drivers have their merchandise trucks, and NASCAR has many quality displays that will keep fans busy until the green flag drops. Once the flag drops, it’s your typical NASCAR race atmosphere, which means a lot of noise and a lot of fun. Neighborhood 2 The speedway is located in Brooklyn, Michigan. The drive to the track is pleasant, but there is nothing immediately around the track other than residential areas. There is nowhere to walk to immediately after the race to have a drink or a bite to eat while the traffic clears out. Your best bet to find a restaurant/bar choice is about 3 miles north of the track. Our choice on this day was BC Pizza of Brooklyn. The pizza was quite good. Among the other choices in the area are Big Boy (did not know those still existed), Shady’s Tap Room, and PB&J’s BBQ. In the same area as the restaurants, you will find the only hotel in the area, a Super 8. Given the large crowds at the track, I assume this sells out quickly, so your best bet otherwise would probably be Jackson or Ann Arbor. Fans 5 It is hard to beat the passion shown by NASCAR fans. They are not shy about cheering for their favorite driver(s) or showing complete disdain for the drivers they do not like. It amounts to an engaged and loud crowd throughout the race. Access 3 Given the location, there are few ways in and few ways out. As such, I’d suggest trying to get there early because the lines will get longer and longer as the race grows closer. Parking is ample, although you will have a longer walk the closer it is to race time. Once inside, the foot traffic flows decently out in the concession/merchandise area. There are a good number of restrooms, although you can expect to wait in line near the end of the first and second stages. Return on Investment 3 Buying tickets early can save you a few bucks and is worth the effort. Depending on where you want to sit (noting the atmosphere section), you can expect to pay around $67 to $130 for a seat. This is about the going rate at most tracks. With free parking and average concession prices, you get a decent return for what you pay. Extras 2 An extra point goes to the ability for fans to bring in their own food and drinks. Allowing this shows goodwill on behalf of the track staff, and that can go a long way on a hot day. Another extra point goes to all the merchandise available. Whether you want something from your favorite driver, NASCAR itself, or some speedway swag, it is all available. Final Thoughts If you are a racing fan, there are a lot of good reasons to visit Michigan International Speedway. The 57-year-old track needs some upgrades, including more legroom for sure. But, once you are settled into your seat, the track hosts a wonderful race every year that is worth a visit. Final note …the author’s phone died before the race started, so photos are unfortunately minimal. Follow all of James' stadium journeys on X @ stadiumjwriter .   Email: james.hilchen@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Aurora Community Centre 1 Community Centre Ln Aurora, ON L4G 7B1 Aurora Tigers website Aurora Community Centre website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 1,344 Welcome To The Jungle In 1953, the Aurora Bears were founded as members of the Metro Junior B Hockey League.  Over the years, a number of things have changed in Aurora, a town north of Toronto.  The team rebranded to the Aurora Tigers in 1967, and in 1985, the Tigers made the jump to Junior A.  The failure of the Junior A league sent the Tigers back down to Junior B and another rebrand to become the Aurora Eagles.  In 1996, the current iteration of the team was formed when they settled on the Aurora Tigers as their moniker, and they moved to the OPJHL the following year.  The OPJHL became the current OJHL, and the Tigers have enjoyed great success.  They are currently owned by Jim Thomson and boast Buckland Cup Championships and RBC Cup Championships as OJHL and National Champions, respectively, in 2004 and 2007. The home for the Tigers is the Aurora Community Centre.  Built by the Town of Aurora in 1966, the ACC was part of the Centennial Project and eventually morphed from a single rink to a community hub with another rink and meeting rooms.  Food & Beverage 2 In the north rink, there is a small concession on the east side of the arena. The menu is fairly limited, consisting of hot dogs, popcorn, Pepsi products, Gatorade, water, chips, chocolate bars, candy, and beef patties. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and French Vanilla are also available. In the lobby, there are also a couple of vending machines. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Aurora Community Centre shows two separate rinks joined by a breezeway.  The north rink is the home of the Tigers.  The exterior features brown brick on the bottom with light siding at the top and green trim.  The exterior does not give away the 1966 birthday of the original rink.  Entering the community centre gives fans an old-school feel.  A small box office booth is found in the entry and is highlighted by dark brown brick, which totally changes the feel from the exterior.  Upon entry, fans are greeted with several minor hockey team pictures and trophy cases.  Pictures of local NHL alumni Bob Wall and Rick Hampton can be found here.  Some Aurora Tigers team pictures and artifacts can be found in the lobby, so a little exploring is definitely appropriate.  Fans will then ascend the stairs to the upper level, where entry to the arena can be found. Inside the arena, fans are taken back in time.  The ice surface in the arena is north-south oriented, and the best spot for a picture of the centre ice logo is from the west side.  Seating consists of five rows of wooden “love” seats with a walkway behind the seating, under a peaked roof with massive wooden support beams.  Aurora Tiger championship banners hang on the west side of the arena and include division titles, the 2004 and 2007 Buckland Cups, and the 2004 and 2007 Royal Bank Cups.  Fans are protected with netting around the entire ice surface.  The arena is well kept, and it is clear that a fresh coat of paint was applied in the not-too-distant past.  The arena gives vibes that are old, but not dirty, which is perfect. The gameday production at the Aurora Tigers is very simple.  The speaker system is good, and it is easy to hear announcements.  There are plenty of ads on the Tiger uniforms, akin to European hockey teams.  There were no promos; however, the game that was reviewed was a school-day game, so there may be promotions for a regular game. Neighbourhood 3 Aurora Community Centre is located in the Aurora Heights neighborhood of Aurora.  There are a few spots for pre- or post-game food and drink.  Some options include Coop’s Aurora Bistro, Orchid Thai, Grill Gate, TJ’s Bar and Grill & Wicket Eats.  As far as other sports go, the Tigers are the only game in town, but they do have close rivalries with the King Rebellion and Markham Royals.  Otherwise, heading south to Toronto will offer a ton of sports options.  Other tourist options in Aurora include the Aurora Historical Society / Hillary House, Aurora Arboretum, and Canadian Moments Mural.  For fans who wish to stay in the area, the Holiday Inn Express Aurora is not far from the Aurora Community Centre. Fans 2 Fans are a bit challenging to assess in the OJHL as the league does not congregate and publish attendance statistics.  As of this writing, the Aurora Tigers averaged 118 fans per game in the 2024-25 season.  That ranks them 17th in the league.  The previous season, the Tigers averaged approximately the same per game.   Access 3 The Aurora Community Centre is located in the Aurora Heights neighbourhood in Aurora, which is north of Toronto.  It is 9 km east of Highway 400 and 5.5 km west of Highway 404, one block west of Yonge Street.  Getting to the arena is not that difficult.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are bus stops on Yonge Street.  Fans should consult the York Region Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Getting around the Aurora Community Centre is not too difficult; however, the arena is an older building, and it may be a bit of a challenge to get to the top of the arena.  The older, wooden seating does not provide the most comfortable experience.  The washrooms are small but adequate for the number of fans that attend a Tigers game.  Aurora Tigers games are cash only, which may be an issue for some.  Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Aurora Tigers are a bit on the expensive side for the OJHL.  Adult tickets are $18 and available at the door for cash only.  Discounts are available for seniors and kids.  Concession prices are good, and parking on site is free.  The product on the ice is solid, and fans will definitely enjoy catching a game in an old-school hockey barn. Extras 3 An extra mark for the School Day event, which was on the day of this review.  The Tigers offer a number of dates for school classes to attend each year. An extra mark for the memorial pictures of Aurora minor hockey players who have passed.  They can be found in the lobby. An extra mark for the on-ice success that the Aurora Tigers have enjoyed. Final Thoughts Taking in an Aurora Tigers game allows hockey fans to step back in time and enjoy an old-time hockey facility that has been maintained well.  The Tigers are a good experience, and the Aurora Community Centre has plenty to explore.  Welcome to the jungle! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  , and Instagram @profan9.

The Intercounty Baseball League has grown in popularity since returning after the COVID shutdown.  In 2025, they reported their third consecutive single-season attendance record with over 218,000 fans attending IBL games in the nine franchises.  The IBL was founded in 1919 and features former MLB players, former professional minor league players, and NCAA athletes.  There have been rumours in 2025 that the league will soon expand to ten teams. In 2025, the Welland Jackfish dominated the regular season, compiling a 31-11 record and earning the regular season pennant.  The Jackfish also boasted the welcoming of over 51,000 fans to Welland Stadium in 2025, averaging 2,450 per game.  The Jackfish completed the trifecta with a convincing 4-1 series win over the Barrie Baycats to take the Dominico Cup as IBL Champions.  Evan Morrison of the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers led the league in hitting with a sizzling .422 batting average.  Jordan Castaldo of the Toronto Maple Leafs led the league with 12 home runs, and Christian Ortega of the Brantford Red Sox led with 42 RBIs.  Owen Boon of the Hamilton Cardinals led the league with a 1.80 ERA, and Frank Garces of the Barrie Baycats tallied 116 strikeouts. In 2025, Stadium Journey provided updated reviews for the London Majors and Hamilton Cardinals.  The IBL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where writers assess the baseball experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment, and any extras that the writers experienced.  The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.14 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is an opinion, and may not be in agreement for all.  Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets.  How is your list different from ours?  What do we have right?  What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025 Rankings of the Intercounty Baseball League Experiences. 1. Welland Stadium - Welland Jackfish - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Are they ripples, or are the Welland Jackfish making waves?  A relative newcomer to the over 100-year-old Intercounty Baseball League, at just five years old, the Jackfish are bringing a different approach to the league and demonstrating its potential for success .  After moving to the Niagara city of Welland from Burlington in 2019, the ownership triad of Ryan Harrison, Dan Pokoradi, and Jason McKay decided to take a page out of Jesse Cole’s Savannah Bananas book and build an IBL team differently.  Using the facility to their advantage, arguably the best in the league, the Jackfish have responded with success on the field (2023 Dominico Cup Champions) and success at the turnstile. The home for the Jackfish is Welland Stadium.  Part of the Welland Sports Complex, Welland Stadium has been home to the affiliated Welland Pirates of the New York-Penn League as well as several independent teams.  Built in 1989, the City of Welland-owned stadium provides a backdrop for baseball that is consistent with what is found in the USA for the lower-tier affiliated Minor League teams.  Nicknamed The Pond, Welland Stadium helps provide the Welland Jackfish with the best atmosphere in the IBL. 2. Labatt Memorial Park - London Majors - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - Labatt Memorial Park in London, Ontario has the distinction of being the World’s Oldest Baseball Grounds.  After a bit of an administrative battle with Guiness, the ballpark on the Thames River has had its status confirmed and is now in the Guiness Book of World Records.  Tecumseh Park was built in 1877 for the London Tecumsehs, both named after Sawnee Chief Tecumseh. In 1877, the Tecumsehs played the Boston Red Stockings in London, who would go on to become the Boston Braves, and eventually the Atlanta Braves.  After a major flood in 1936, Labatt Brewing donated $10,000 to renovate the park and acts as a memorial to the founder, originally John Labatt Memorial Athletic Park, which is why the Labatt name remains and has not been changed to the current parent company, Anheuser-Busch InBev.  The London Majors were founded in 1925 as the London Braves and found time over the years as the London Winery, London Silverwoods, London Army Team, London Diamonds, London Pontiacs, London Avcos, London E-Morocco Majors before settling permanently on the London Majors in 1975.  The Majors are currently owned by Scott Dart and Roop Chanderdat and boast 14 IBL Championships, the most recent in 2022.  Former Major League legends Denny McLain and Ferguson Jenkins pulled on a Majors uniform and took the field for a time. 3. Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium - Hamilton Cardinals - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - With the 2023 Intercounty Baseball League season, the Hamilton Cardinals began a new era.  The purchase of the team by Eric Spearin and his group brought forth a ton of changes.  First and foremost, the identity of the team saw a punch of the reset button with a new, modern logo, which strayed from the traditional St. Louis Cardinals type logo and embraced some of the local lore.  The new hammer-wielding cardinal was not the only change.  A new focus on the fan experience and promotions thrust the team out of the traditional “1919” era (the year that the league was formed).  In 2025, the Cardinals also made a splash, signing 48-year-old, former Major League closer, Fernando Rodney.  The Cardinals have come a long way since their original Hamilton Beaver days.  The team was also known as the Red Wings, Marlins, Real McCoys, and Thunderbirds.  Home for the Cardinals is CARSTAR Field @ Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium.  Bernie Arbour Stadium, the common reference for the home of the Cardinals, opened in 1970 and was a former home to Minor League Baseball with the Single-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals calling Hamilton home from 1988 to 1992.  The team was known as the Hamilton Redbirds and played in the New York-Penn League. 4. David E. Hastings Stadium - Guelph Royals - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - Taking the field for the first time in 1861 as the Guelph Maple Leafs, and can trace some ownership back to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame member George Sleeman.  Sleeman also founded Silver Creek Brewery, which was reincorporated by his grandson to become Sleeman Brewery, an iconic cornerstone in Guelph.  In 1919, after a brief hiatus, the Maple Leafs would join the newly founded Intercounty Baseball League with Kitchener, Galt, and Stratford, and go on to win the first three league championships.  After a few name changes, Guelph would settle on the Royals moniker in 1965.  The Royals are currently owned by Shawn Fuller and boast nine league championships.  The home of the Guelph Royals is currently David E. Hastings Stadium.  Located at Exhibition Park, Guelph has played at this particular location since 1925.  The current Hastings stadium has been refurbished numerous times, with the current grandstand opening in 1987.   5. Arnold Anderson Stadium - Brantford Red Sox - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - The city of Brantford, Ontario, is known for hockey and telephones. The home of both Wayne Gretzky and Alexander Graham Bell also boasts some baseball acumen. The Brantford Red Sox of the Intercounty Baseball League are not only the oldest team in the league, but they are also the most decorated. The Red Sox, which share the same name and look as the more famous Major League team, were founded in 1911, a few years before the beginning of the IBL. They would join the league in its third year in 1921. The Red Sox have been a staple in the Brantford community ever since and have rewarded their fans with fifteen league championships, including a record six in a row. 6. Dominico Field @ Christie Pits - Toronto Maple Leafs - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - On January 11, 2022, Toronto lost Jack Dominico after 82 years of life.  Jack was a mainstay at Christie Pits, home of his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.  The Leafs were founded in 1969 by Dominico and Alan Stanley.  Eventually, the team would be taken over by Jack and his wife, Lynne.  The founding of the Maple Leafs was in response to the Toronto Maple Leafs of Minor League Baseball relocating to Louisville, Kentucky.  Jack was the driving force behind the Maple Leafs, a truly unique experience in big city Toronto, which is a mainstay at Christie Pits Park.  The ball club is a community team that does not sell tickets.  It is free for fans to walk up and stay for a while.  Sundays at 2 o’clock at Christie Pits was Jack’s time.  The impact of Dominico on both the Leafs and the amateur Intercounty Baseball League is so significant that the field at Christie Pits bears his name, as does the league’s championship trophy.   7. Jack Couch Baseball Park - Kitchener Panthers - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - The Kitchener Panthers are one of the founding franchises in the Intercounty Baseball League, which services Southern Ontario. An amateur baseball league featuring collegiate and former professional baseball players, the Intercounty League has shown surprising staying power among the changing landscape of baseball in Canada. Kitchener originally began as the Panthers and played as the Legionnaires and Dutchmen before reverting to the Panthers as the moniker in 1960. Home for the Panthers is Jack Couch Baseball Park. Although not the flashiest of IBL stadiums, it has served its purpose since 1967 and sits on the grounds of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex. The park is named after Jack Couch, who was involved with Kitchener baseball for over 40 years. 8. Athletic Kulture Stadium - Barrie Baycats - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - On the doorstep of Ontario’s Cottage Country, the City of Barrie lays claim to the seven-time Intercounty Baseball League Champion, Barrie Baycats.  An expansion team in 2001, the Baycats stormed the IBL and dominated, winning six championships in a row from 2014 to 2019.  Relatively young compared to the majority of clubs in the Ontario amateur baseball league, the team has fit right in with the rest of the teams and remains competitive in its twentieth season as part of the league.  The home for the Cats is located just outside of the city limits of Barrie in the town of Minesing at the Barrie Community Sports Complex.  Athletic Kulture Stadium is part of the complex and is a fairly simple stadium. 9. Fergie Jenkins Field - Chatham-Kent Barnstormers - 2.71 Dave Cottenie - Chatham, Ontario, is the home of Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins.  Arguably the greatest Canadian baseball player ever, Jenkins’ mark on his hometown is significant.  His link to Chatham baseball is even deeper as his father played for the 1934 Chatham Coloured All-Stars, which became the first black baseball team to win the Ontario baseball championship.  In 2024, baseball in Chatham kicked it up a notch with its entry into the Intercounty Baseball League; the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers.  The name Barnstormers harkens back to the days of Babe Ruth, when the off-season of Major League Baseball saw the biggest stars go on “barnstorming” tours, bringing baseball to smaller towns throughout the country.  Owned by Dom Dinelle and Matt Nahdee, the team has enjoyed success on and off the field in its first season.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4 Impact Field 9850 Balmoral Ave Rosemont, IL 60018 Chicago Dogs website Impact Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 6,300 Chicago Baseball with All the Mustard The Chicago Dogs are members of the American Association and play at Impact Field, one of the slickest ballparks in independent baseball. It was constructed to entertain all who purchased a ticket as well as host a baseball game. The spacious ballpark has seating for 6,300 and opened on May 25, 2018. The $60-million-dollar facility is the newest addition to the list of independent ballparks in the Chicago area and stands out in color, design, and creativity. Fans will most likely not have to be reminded where they are with motorists on I-294 whizzing by in the distance, the giant Impact Field sign across the parking deck in right field, and a view of the fashion outlet stores behind the outfield walls. However, let’s find out what makes the ballpark one of the better-looking designs in recent years. Food & Beverage 3 The price of concessions is also on par with other independent clubs in the metro area. The menu items are not super electric, but they are what one would expect while enjoying nine innings of baseball. The main concession stand offers jumbo hot dogs, Chicago hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken tender baskets, nachos, and soft pretzels. The prices range from $5 to $9. These nachos could feed 1-3 people per order. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. The stadium features The Weiner’s Circle, a much tamer version than the one downtown. It sells its style of char dogs, brats, Polish sausages, and french fries. There is also Salsa, which offers Mexican options, including street tacos and nachos topped with carnitas and chicken. The nachos are large enough for two small kids and are well worth the $10 price. Coca-Cola products are available, and beer options include Miller-Coors brands. A cocktail cart behind the home plate offers mixed drinks of gin, tequila, whiskey, and vodka. Atmosphere 4 Impact Field has a design that is unlike many others in baseball. It features four separate buildings that make up the upper-level suites, party decks, and press box. The colors of metallic black, red, and steel gray offer an amazing combination not found at most baseball stadiums. However, the colors make it stand out from older facilities in the area. Fans enter through the right-field corner of the stadium, which also houses the main ticket booth and official team shop. The team store has plenty of merchandise, from jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and stuffed dolls of the club’s mascots-Squeeze and Ketchup. Squeeze is a bottle of mustard with a big nose and fur; his nemesis, Ketchup, is a bottle of ketchup with an evil smirk in a trench coat. What is shocking is the number of young fans who gather around them waiting for an autograph after they are introduced in the second inning. Squeeze gets the most attention, because mustard, not ketchup, belongs on a hot dog for anyone after the age of 10 years old. Squeeze is a fan favorite at games. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. There are many wonderful aspects of a Dogs game, including a double-sided video board that can be seen by up to 70 million motorists on I-294 on an annual basis. The left-field foul pole is 312 feet from home plate, a nod to the Chicago area code. The right field foul pole is 294 feet from home plate, a nod to the nearby interstate number. The giant car deck serves as a spot for left-handed hitters to bounce homeruns off of it. The ballpark’s name is emblazoned across this area, but there is not too much happening below this area in the right field to the center field concourse. The ballpark also offers high-top tables and chairs in many areas of the concourse, bleacher seating behind the right-field wall, and rail seating above the left-field wall. However, the ample space of Impact Field feels a little bit underutilized at times. Many areas of the ballpark are void of kiosks, party decks, or grass lawn seating. Neighborhood 4 Impact Field is directly across the interstate from the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and a host of other entertainment options before or after the ballgame. The shopping mall features 130 designer outlets that are walkable from the ballpark, but one can also drive and park in the mall’s multi-level parking deck. The area also houses Hofbrauhaus Chicago for liters of beer and German food, Park Tavern, which offers pub food including Cuban sandwiches and hand-cut fries, and Bub City for barbecue. Dave & Buster's is also nearby for video games, large-screen televisions, and pub food options. The Rosemont entertainment district offers a variety of options that include concerts, Zanies Comedy Club, iFLY (skydiving simulator), and the Big Ten interactive experience. Rivers Casino is a few miles north of the district for additional entertainment options. A few local spots south of the ballpark and perhaps a little cheaper on your pockets are Short Fuse Brewing Company, Frannie’s Beef, and Gene and Jude’s. The latter establishment is a local institution that serves depression dogs, loaded with hand-cut fries. You will have to stand up to eat them or enjoy them in your car. Fans 4 The fans at a Dogs game are typical of what you would see at many other ballparks of this kind. They are out to enjoy a night out with friends, family, and co-workers for an inexpensive night out. However, I bumped into one fan who has season tickets with her husband and dresses like a hot dog. She was more than happy to explain her allegiance to the ball club and how she rarely misses a game. Access 5 Impact Field is accessible by both automobile and mass transit. It is located minutes away from O’Hare International Airport. Public transportation includes the CTA Blue Line and the Metra commuter train that stop at the Rosemont station. A free trolley is provided by the Rosemont Entertainment Circulator Trolley that can take you to the ballpark. If traveling by car, the stadium is visible off of I-294, and its exit is just south of the venue. A parking garage is behind the right field and charges $4 a car, but is free if driving a Hyundai. There is additional parking that I have been told is free of charge across the street, but that hasn’t been confirmed. Once inside, the wrap-around concourse provides easy access to all points of the ballpark, and the large outfield terrace area is void of the usual kiosks, seating, and party decks found at other stadiums. Games do not attract near-capacity crowds for most games, and fans can get around efficiently. The main entrance is at the right-field corner of the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket will be anywhere from $10 to $17 per game. The bleacher section seating in the right field is an ideal way to enjoy the game for $10. The outfield reserve seats down each baseline are $13, and the infield box seats behind home plate are $17. These prices are on par with a few other independent clubs in Chicagoland. Parking in the garage adjacent to Impact Field is $3 per vehicle (limited availability). Additional parking is available in the Rosemont Entertainment District for a higher fee. The Dogs offer several weekly promotions that include Weiner Wednesday, where hot dogs are a dollar and draft beers are $2.50, Thirsty Thursdays featuring 12-ounce cans are $2, Happy Hour Fridays with live music, and Family Sundays, which offer bottomless popcorn and fountain drinks for $3. Saturday nights are theme nights and conclude with fireworks. Extras 4 The Dogs earn a point for the stadium design that is not from your typical blueprint. It’s sleek, a bit futuristic, and possibly the class of the American Association. The second point is for the two mascots that are almost as popular as the players on the field. Squeeze and Ketchup barely have time to roam around the concourse due to young fans asking for an autograph. The Dog Squad is are group of staff members in red shirts that entertain the fans in between innings, assist fans with on-field promotions, and allow fans to blow a giant air horn from a lifeguard chair behind the backstop on the main concourse. The final point is the $3 parking lot that borders the outfield wall. Final Thoughts Impact Field is a fantastic-looking stadium and pushes the boundary for stadium design and aesthetics. The Chicagoland is a crowd with both major league and MLB partner league ballparks, and the Dogs provide a lot of fun and excitement with their branding, ticket pricing, and promotional nights. It has the potential to be one of the best in the MLB Partner Leagues. ——— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos courtesy of the UFL On February 15 the newly formed United Football League (UFL)  unveiled its official game ball. The UFL was created by merging the recent incarnations of the United States Football League (USFL) and the XFL.   The new league will begin playing their inaugural season on March 30, 2024 and will feature eight (8) teams from the combined leagues: the defending USFL champion Birmingham Stallions, defending XFL champion Arlington Renegades , DC Defenders , Houston Roughnecks , Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, St. Louis Battlehawks, and San Antonio Brahmas .   The new balls have been designed and are handcrafted to “perform at the highest level,” according to the UFL. Each football is embossed with metallic lettering and has the UFL logo hot-stamped in silver, along with the team markings.   The design of each UFL ball features premium Horween Red 864 top-grain leather and suede ProTack+ lace. According to a release from the UFL, the goal is to: “[reflect] the contemporary look of the UFL brand yet remains authentic to the game of football.”   Big Game Football Factory of Dallas, the largest American-owned football factory in the world, is the company tasked with creating, designing, and building the new balls from start to finish. This year marks the company’s 30th as the industry leader in custom-made footballs.   The official league game ball is available for purchase on the newly launched Shop.theufl.com  and through TheUFL.com . ---- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey For the second year in a row, the Toronto Argonauts defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders in front of sold-out crowds on the east coast of Canada. Last year, the Canadian Football League (CFL) “Touchdown Atlantic” game was held in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, which is a small and charming university town along the shores of the Minas Basin. The much anticipated and successful event saw over 10,000 football fans travel to Acadia University’s campus to experience the CFL in Atlantic Canada. This year, the Touchdown Atlantic game was held on the campus of Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. It was clear this event was more than a regular season football game between two of the league’s better teams, it was a showcase event for the continued pursuit of an expansion franchise in the Maritime region. The game was featured on national television, current players and mascots made time to engage with the fans, and former CFL stars including Mike “Pinball” Clemons made the trip to help promote the league. As the CFL attempted to promote the league to the local fanbase, the city also made a huge effort in promoting the Maritimes to the CFL and its traveling fans. Huskies Stadium normally holds a capacity of around 2,000 football fans, far too few to host a professional football game that would be featured on national television. The stadium was expanded to seat over 11,000 people with the use of temporary bleachers. Replicas of a lighthouse and fishing boat put a maritime flare on the outskirts of the field. The lawns that surround the stadium were used for pregame tailgating events, featuring food trucks serving traditional local fare, live music, and family friendly activities (including riding a mechanical shark!). Even the beer that was served was from Church Brewery, a Nova Scotia craft brewery from Wolfville. For an unusually large event in a traditionally small venue, the organizers at Huskies Stadium did a fantastic job planning the event. The campus is situated in a low density neighbourhood, normally resulting in traffic delays. But vehicular traffic flowed with minimal disruption, even though parking was in limited supply. Buses shuttled fans to-and-from major transportation nodes around the city. Once you arrived on campus, several well visible signs and maps guided fans to their appropriate entrance into the stadium. After getting through security, certain fans were given wrist bands to signify the areas of the stadium they were allowed. Fans either had tickets to the temporary bleachers, club tickets, or standing room only tickets which were situated off the south endzone. The matter in which the CFL and the city of Halifax proceed with a potential expansion franchise will be interesting to follow. Prior to the pandemic, citizens of Halifax have been debating whether they want a CFL franchise. Halifax already has a supportive fanbase for its local sports. The Halifax Wanderers currently lead the Canadian Premier Soccer League in attendance by a wide margin, and although the Halifax Thunderbirds of the National Lacrosse League play in the smallest venue in the league, they ranked 8th out of 15 franchises in attendance in 2023. Back in 2018, the ownership group heading the expansion team already named the team the Atlantic Schooners, which was the same name as the defunct CFL franchise in the 1980’s that never played a game. During the Touchdown Atlantic’s halftime show, CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie used a football analogy, saying Halifax is “in the red-zone” regarding gaining an expansion franchise. The CFL currently has nine teams, four of them in the eastern conference. It makes sense for a league with weekly games to have an even number of teams to balance the schedule. The biggest obstacle appears to be a lack of a suitable stadium. Two possible existing stadiums have been discussed for expansion. One is Huskies Stadium, the other is Wanderers Field with a current capacity of around 6,500. Currently the smallest CFL venue is the 20,025-seat Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, home of the Montreal Alouettes. The prospect of a new stadium in Halifax has been discussed prior to the pandemic, but a sparingly used stadium does not appear to be financially viable without other tenants. By the end of the fourth quarter, it was clear Touchdown Atlantic showcased the best in professional football to an area that is - almost - ready for their own team. The game sold out quickly, drew fans locally and attracted visitors to the city. Stay tuned for what comes next for the Atlantic Schooners.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Goodrich Park 705 Chandler Lane Crawfordsville, IN 46250 Wabash College baseball website Goodrich Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 500 Have a Good Time at Goodrich Park Wabash College is a private liberal arts men’s college in Crawfordsville, Indiana. It was founded in 1832 by several Dartmouth College graduates and Midwestern leaders. The current student enrollment is around 900, and the campus features a multitude of athletic facilities, including Goodrich Park for its baseball program. The ballpark opened on March 19, 2011, and features permanent seating, a concessions stand, a concourse, press box, dugouts, and a viewing hill behind the right field. The ball club had called Mud Hollow Field home for 50 years before moving into Goodrich, named after John B. Goodrich, a former alumnus, whose family is known through its philanthropy at Wabash and throughout the state. Baseball was first played on November 24, 1866, with a 45-32 victory over Asbury College (now DePauw) on the commons in the south part of town.” Today, the club that plays in the North Coast Athletic Conference has one of the nicer facilities in the conference. The college is known for the annual Monon Bell Classic against DePauw University. The annual football game dates back to 1890 and is among the oldest rivalry games in college football, having met 126 times as of this writing. Food & Beverage 2 The ballpark offers a small sample of baseball treats that include hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and soda. The prices are reasonable and make for a nice snack as you enjoy the baseball game. Atmosphere 3 Goodrich Park is a pleasant little place for baseball off the campus of Wabash College. The 500-seat ballpark offers permanent red seats that are situated just four rows down from the concourse, a concession stand, a press box, and a grassy knoll outside the left-field area of the ballpark. Fans on the knoll watch the game from their portable seats, and many will bring their dogs to the game. There are others, mainly students, who provided a bit of a football-tailgate experience with food, drinks, and party games. It was quite different than the garden fans inside the ballpark keeping score and watching the action on the diamond. There are portions of the ballpark named after donors such as the concourse named after Frank and Lisa Kolisek, along with the concession stand and press box. The giant wooden W, which was once on display at the Little Giants old ballpark, is featured predominately at the current stadium. Neighborhood 3 Downtown Crawfordsville is a few miles away from campus and features many spots to enjoy dinner or a drink. A few of the places include Backstep Brewing Company, Brother’s Pizza, Harry’s Hideout, The Barefoot Burger, Alice’s Restaurant, Valentino’s Italian Cuisine, and Arni’s. If with the family, try Arni’s for the kid-friendly environment and thin-crusted pizza. If you are with a few friends or alone, Backstep Brewing Company is the newest place in town for craft beer. It’s located in the old Monon Hotel and offers live entertainment on certain nights. The town also has a couple of places of interest that includes the Rotary Jail Museum and the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum. If the weather is nice, Indiana Zipline Tours are nearby, and the Sugar Creek Trail features a path through the wilderness. Fans 3 Fans inside the ballpark do their share of cheering and keeping score of the game, while the ones on the outside of the ballpark enjoy the game from the comfort of the grassy hill. A few students and alumni are also having an enjoyable time, but perhaps it’s not the baseball that is causing their celebratory mood. Access 4 The stadium is located on the corner of the main road to campus and residential homes. There is parking behind the outfield and along with the street level. The main entrance allows fans access to everything on the concourse. Return on Investment 3 All of the games are free and open to the public. The concession stands are affordable but just enough to enjoy a snack. The school spirit is alive with the fans on the hill, and downtown Crawfordsville is one of those small Indiana towns that is nice to visit on a Saturday afternoon. Extras 2 The ballpark earns a point for the giant W that was taken from the old ballpark now on display on the concourse. The second point is of the hill area where fans enjoy themselves at the game in various forms. Final Thoughts Goodrich Park is a very nice looking ballpark for Division III baseball. It’s a small, little place that offers everything one would want from this level of baseball. However, I would hang out outside the stadium and enjoy the game from the hill. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and on Instagram .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 TAAG Park 1125 Colonel By Dr Ottawa, ON K1S 5R1 Carleton Ravens football website TAAG Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 3,500 The Old Crows Nest MNP Park was renamed TAAG Park in 2022. The Stadium Journey review was written previous to this change and reflects the previous name. Football at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario dates all the way back to 1945. Never a particularly successful team, the Ravens would bring home one Dunsmore Cup in 1985 as champions of the now defunct OQIFC. In 1998, as a cost-cutting measure, the university torpedoed the football program and Carleton walked away from the gridiron. However, a funny thing happened at Carleton in the meantime. The Ravens became wildly successful at basketball. The Ravens are known, first and foremost, for having a legendary men’s basketball program. The success that the Ravens saw on the basketball court, helped inspire the athletic department to do something drastic … expand. A group of former Ravens football players and Carleton Alumni banded together to form Old Crows Football Inc., a not-for-profit entity operating in partnership with the university to fully fund a new football program. After a number of years, the Old Crows were successful and in 2013, the Carleton Ravens football team took the field once more, reborn. Home for the Ravens is on campus, in what is essentially the athletic quadrant of Carleton. MNP Park was built in 1998 for the Ravens soccer teams. Originally known as Keith Harris Stadium, named after the former Ravens Athletic Director of thirty years, MNP Park received a significant renovation to make it suitable for football. MNP LLP, a Canadian accounting firm, purchased the naming rights for the stadium in 2015 and the Ravens are one of the few programs that employs a naming rights deal for their on campus stadium. Carleton has played well in their second life, but it has been the rekindling of their rivalry with the Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Panda Game which has given a serious boost to the program. The annual clash, which takes place at TD Stadium, the local CFL Stadium, has become the preeminent football game in USports, even outdrawing the National Championship game, the Vanier Cup. Food & Beverage 2 Concession options at MNP Park are not spectacular. Fans will be able to find a couple of options which are good for a sack or a light meal. There is a food truck on the premises which sells burgers, hot dogs, fries and poutine. The other option is a more permanent concession area which offers basic snacks and drinks. This stand does offer alcoholic beverages for purchase as well. Atmosphere 2 MNP Park is not atypical for an OUA football facility in that it was built on a budget and functionality is at the forefront. There is very little of the exterior of MNP Park that stands out. The Ravens put out a couple of signs welcoming fans in both English and French. However, there isn’t much in the way of signage bringing attention to the facility. In fact, the fieldhouse which is across the parking lot commands much more attention. Upon entering the stadium, fans will immediately notice the steel grandstand and the underside, which is essentially used for storage. The grandstand is fairly standard with a full slate of bleacher seating and three separate coaching and media boxes at the top. On the opposite side of the grandstand there is some berm seating. The field runs from north to south and is a synthetic playing surface, which is standard for the OUA. A plaque explaining the history of former Athletic Director, Keith Harris, and his contributions to the Carleton Ravens, still graces the south end of the grandstand. The southeast corner features a standard scoreboard and the rest of the field is surrounded by mature trees. The game day production at a Ravens game is a relatively simple one. There are a couple of bells and whistles, however. The Ravens mantra is recited over the PA and the team comes charging out of a large, inflatable, football helmet in the south end zone to begin the game. Some simple fireworks and pyro help welcome the Ravens and signal a Ravens score. The PA announcer is fairly laid back, yet still professional and does not over work the crowd or run music through every stoppage in play, which is a refreshing change. Overall, there are plenty of areas in which Carleton could spruce up MNP Park and take the facility to the next level. Neighbourhood 5 Ottawa is a tremendous tourist destination. Carleton University is not far from the eclectic neighbourhood known as The Glebe and a short drive from what is commonly known as downtown Ottawa. There are not a ton of interesting options within walking distance, but fans can find plenty of spots within a short ten minute drive. Mike’s Place Pub and Oliver’s Pub and Patio are the on campus pubs and may be of interest. Other places to consider would be the famous Elgin Street Diner, Craft Beer Market, Joey Lansdowne, The Rowan and Irene’s Pub. As far as other entertainment options within Ottawa, there are a ton. Ottawa is full of museums including the Museum of Nature, the Canadian Mint, Museum of Aviation and Museum of Civilization. However, no trip to Ottawa can be complete without seeing the Parliament Buildings and the Canadian War Museum. Timing a trip to Ottawa correctly can bring with it the opportunity to skate on the Rideau Canal, which Ottawa is famous for. There are also plenty of sporting options for fans visiting Canada’s Capital. Carleton also fields very successful basketball programs, which play at the Ravens’ Nest and hockey programs which play at the Carleton Ice House. The cross-town rival for the Ravens is the Ottawa Gee-Gees. UOttawa also fields football, basketball and hockey teams which can be found at Gee-Gees Field, Monpetit Hall and Minto Sports Complex, respectively. The Glebe is where Landsdowne Park can be found and TD Place Stadium and TD Place Arena are on the park grounds. The stadium his home to the Panda Game and the Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL. TD Place Arena is the home of the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s . Further away from downtown is Canadian Tire Centre, where the Ottawa Senators of the NHL play. Fans 4 The return of the Carleton Ravens to the gridiron has been well received by sports fans in Ottawa. It can be difficult at times to accurately gage attendance for OUA football games. The attendance will fluctuate usually between 1,000 and 3,000. The game that was reviewed was the O-Week game and full of first year Carleton University students. Where Carleton has gone above and beyond is their support, along with the University of Ottawa, for the Panda Game. The annual clash is now the premier event in all USports football and has been sold out in the 24,000 seat TD Place Stadium. Access 3 Getting around Ottawa can definitely be a challenge. The downtown especially can be some tough travelling by car, however, the campus of Carleton is a sufficient distance from Parliament that the traffic isn’t terrible. The closest highway access is highway 417, which is north of the campus. A small drive through the city isn’t terrible. There is plenty of parking available on campus near MNP Park. There are times when parking can be found free of charge. Keep an eye on the signs near parking meters for free parking hours. Ottawa public transit also drives right into the Carleton University Campus including the O-Train on campus and buses on Bronson Ave. Fans should check out the OC Transpo website for fares, schedules and maps. Once curious part of the Carleton experience is that the ticket tent is on the other side of security, essentially inside MNP Park. This is not a terrific setup and the lineups can be significant waiting for tickets or will-call. Getting around the stadium is not an issue as it is pretty wide open and the single grandstand makes moving around simple. Unfortunately, the biggest drawback of MNP Park is a distinct lack of running water. Washroom facilities consist of portable toilets and hand washing stations, which are not terrific. The next step in the evolution of the former Keith Harris Stadium should be some permanent washroom and locker room facilities. Return on Investment 4 OUA football offers tremendous value for sports fans in the Ottawa area. A ticket for Ravens football will go for $20 and those eligible for discounts will pay $15. The product on the field is solid for the Ravens and fans will enjoy the experience. A better facility with washrooms would push the return on investment higher as fans are going to have to endure some discomfort. Extras 3 An extra mark for the successful return of the Ravens to OUA football after a lengthy absence. An extra mark for the top rivalry in USports football and premiere event in the Panda Game. The annual clash against the Ottawa Gee-Gees played at TD Place Stadium is now an even bigger event than the Vanier Cup itself. An extra mark for the Old Crows whose determination and hard work made the return of Carleton Ravens football a reality. Final Thoughts A trip to see the Carleton Ravens is well worth the time and effort. USports football continues to be an underrated experience which more fans, outside of the university community, should experience. Here’s hoping that improvements can continue at MNP Park and the improvement of the Ravens experience continues to rise. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Nick Carey, & Mapping the Path. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.87 Legends Field 1800 Village West Pkwy Kansas City, KS 66111 Kansas City Monarchs website Legends Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 6,537 Honoring the Past in Kansas City The Kansas City Monarchs are members of the American Association and play home games at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. The ball club moved to town in 2003 from Duluth, Minnesota, and was renamed the T-Bones, but rebranded in January of 2021 under new ownership. Team owner Mark Brandmeyer partnered with the Negro League Baseball Museum to rebrand as the Kansas City Monarchs and have a portion of sales at the game go back to the museum. The original Monarchs were the longest-tenured ball club in the Negro Leagues from 1920 to 1964, winning 11 pennants, and featuring former legends of the game Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Cool "Papa" Bell, Buck O’Neil, and Ernie Banks. The stadium opened as CommunityAmerica Ballpark in 2003 and cost $14 million. It was built in the West Village, which developers saw as an ideal location for tourist dollars. The neighborhood would blossom with retail, hotels, restaurants, and two sporting venues (see neighborhood section), and other points of interest. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage at the ballpark offers local flavors and beverages from around the Kansas City area. Items that can be found should appeal to many visitors at the game. Pepsi products are the official soft drinks at the ballpark. The KC BBQ Project offers smoked meats and includes barbecue mac and cheese, brisket sandwiches, and chili cheese fries. Home Slice Pizza offers slices of pizza in numerous varieties. The Grill King has hot dogs, sausages, nachos, and cheesesteaks for sale. There is a freshly squeezed lemonade kiosk and Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shack on the first base, close to the Beer Park, that offers a collection of macro and local beers from Boulevard, Martin City, and Outfield Beer Company. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere begins well before the gates open, with fans tailgating in the parking lot. It is an experience that is uncommon at most facilities. The team installed synthetic turf in 2025 to ensure the field can accommodate Mother Nature in the early part of the season and other events at the stadium. There is seating for 7,500 and includes a wrap-around open concourse, a picnic area, grass lawn seating in right field, and a center field party area. There are table-top seats with small patches of synthetic turf and many vantage points to watch the game. The Home Run Porch is an all-you-can-eat group area, and outdoor couches, small fire pits, and outdoor games can be found in the outfield concourse of the stadium. The large grass seating is evenly sloped and offers fans a relaxing way to enjoy the game on a sunny afternoon or early evening. Photo Courtesy of Nick Carey, American Ballpark Road Trip The team store is behind home plate and is 3,000 square feet, featuring a huge selection of shirts, caps, jerseys, and retro-Monarchs gear. The interlocking KC logo is predominant in various styles. The past is honored with former players on the walls along with a mini-floatig museum that highlights the achievements of the Negro Leagues. The open-area concourse allows viewing of the game while away from your seat and provides easy access to many parts of the stadium. Monty is the official mascot, and he can be seen roaming around the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Legends Field is located in Village West, a $1.2 billion retail, dining, and entertainment section located at the intersection of I-70 and I-43, 11 miles west of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It is the most visited destination by tourists in Kansas and has fueled population growth in the county. The Kansas Speedway, home of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and the NASCAR Racing Experience, where visitors can drive or ride along in an authentic NASCAR vehicle, is a few hundred yards away from the ballpark. Children’s Mercy Park is also on the same street as the home of Sporting Kansas City in the MLS. If you plan a visit, you might be able to take in three events at these facilities on one day. Legends Outdoor Kansas City is home to 100 retail stores and restaurants, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Bass Pro Shop (formerly the Cabela’s store). The Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor waterpark and hotel, and Chateau Avalaon is a luxury bed and breakfast. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a highlight of the trip to KC, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The best barbecue closest to the ballpark, Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue, is world-renowned among chefs, locals, and tourists. There might be a line, but you can grab a beer or enjoy the smell of smoke as you near the cashier. Everything is good, including the sides, but the burnt ends are what you need to eat if you get the chance. The WWI Museum is a fascinating look at an often overlooked war that is as interactive and engaging as it is informative. If you have time for baseball, there is a team called the Kansas City Royals that plays at Kauffman Stadium from April to October. I hear that they even have fountains in their outfield and a great kids’ play area. Fans 3 The attendance at T-Bones games is routinely in the middle of the league, with an average of around 2,106 fans per game. The stadium has all the needs and wants for a 21st-century fan, and many who attend the game do an admirable job of cheering on the home team. There are plenty of promotional nights to attract fans to weekday games, and a lot more activities take place on the concourse during games. Access 5 The stadium is at the I-70 and I-435 intersection, with plenty of signs guiding motorists to both the complex and the ballpark. There is plenty of free parking and a spacious concourse that wraps around the entire field with plenty of room to move around. All bathrooms, concession stands, and exits are marked. Return on Investment 4 The Kansas City Monarchs offer a variety of nights that offer affordable tickets and concession prices. Tickets start at $10 for games on Monday to Wednesday and jump to $15 on the weekends. The team has fireworks after every Friday evening game and offers free parking for all home games. The team store is stocked with plenty of team merchandise, including jerseys, shirts, caps, and other apparel.  Photo Courtesy of Mapping the Path Fans can bring their pups to games on Monday and grab a hot dog for $2. Tuesdays offer $2 tacos and $5 margaritas. If the Monarchs win on Wednesday night, fans can come back to a future game for free. Thirsty Thursdays offer $3 beers and $2 hot dogs. The best options for value are on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. Extras 4 Legends Fields earns points for the numerous promotional nights on Monday to Thursday that include food and drink specials, and bringing your dogs to the game on Monday nights. The inner concourse is loaded with portraits of former Negro League players that include Jackie Robinson, Buck O’Neil, and Ernie Banks. The third point is for the team not charging for parking at the game. The final point is for the collection of current and retro-Monarch merchandise in the team shop. Final Thoughts Legends Field has transitioned from a normal ballpark to one that has nice little touches of comfort, history, and fan conveniences. There is a great food selection, creative game promotions, and plenty of merchandise for fans to make it a night at the ballpark. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Each summer millions of Americans flock to one of the 30 MLB stadiums to enjoy a baseball game. Their attention, for the most part, is on the players from both teams on the field. However, there is a much larger team operating behind the scenes to ensure that fans have a fun time at the ballpark and that their respective teams are playing at their top performance level. Working at the Ballpark by Tom Jones explores the many functions people perform at the ballpark to enhance the fan experience and their team’s chances of delivering a win for the home team He does this through interviews with a wide variety of players, staff and the media. Chapters explore the front office, the dugout, the field of play, the bullpen, the stands, the electronic and print media, and the clubhouse. The Mover’s and Shakers chapter looks at the front office of several clubs and includes conversations with owners, general managers, and directors of player personnel. It also features a discussion with a principal in the architectural firm of HOK Sports on how the fan experience is central to the design of the ballpark. The In the Dugout section looks at the role of the manager, the various specialty coaches and the trainer in putting the best team possible on the field each night. The Field of Play chapter features several players, an umpire, and a ballboy and gives readers an overview of the gameday schedule, which begins several hours before the first pitch. This includes watching tape on the opposing team, batting practice, and strategy sessions with the coaches. The unique world of the relief pitcher is covered in the Bullpen section of the book. It features conversations with the bullpen coach and members of the relief staffs of many teams. The In the Stands section focuses on the many ways that teams focus on the fan experience. The ticketing staff discusses the ins and outs of choosing the best seats available for the fan, while an usher discusses their role in guiding the fans to their seats, as well as being a point of contact for any questions a fan might have about the location of a stadium amenity. A peanut vendor and a beer vendor discuss their roles in the very important area of fan concessions. The Eyes and Ears chapter discusses the role of media in the stadium experience. It includes conversations with a beat writer, a sports columnist, and a sports talk show host. The section also looks at the in-game staff which includes the scoreboard operator, the public address announcer, and the official scorekeeper. The closing chapter of Working at the Ballpark explores the many supporting roles staff plays in the fan experiences. A member of the community affairs department discusses the role the team plays in the nonprofit world. The director of merchandising shares how they create new products each season to meet the fan demand for the latest apparel and other team products.   This chapter also covers the important role of support staff in working on team needs. The clubhouse manager is a jack of all trades, as they are responsible for feeding the players before and after the game, doing the laundry, as well as preparing the clubhouse for the next game. The head groundskeeper discusses the ins and outs of having the field in the best possible condition for each game. The Director of Team Travel shares his many tasks for road trips, including reserving planes, making hotel arrangements in the visiting city, and making sure buses are available to pick up and deliver the team to the stadium, the hotel, and the airport. Tom Jones provides fans with unique insights on all the staff necessary to put on a major league game. His use of conversations with the people who fill these roles gives a real authenticity to his narrative. We think any true baseball fan will enjoy Working at the Ballpark and its behind-the-scenes look at a day at the ballpark.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It is that time of year again when hockey teams from across multiple leagues hold their annual Teddy Bear Toss, with all proceeds going to local charities. Fans bring and toss a stuffed animal onto the ice after the home team scores, resulting in a stoppage of play and thousands of cute stuffed toys spread on the ice. I went to my first one this week, and it was everything as advertised. The Indy Fuel of the ECHL has been hosting their teddy bear toss for ten seasons, and the game usually sells out for the holiday event. Many arrive early carrying handfuls of stuffed animals, some with plastic bags stretched behind their backs and a few more double-fisting a bag full of stuffed bears. Once inside the lobby, it is overflowing with fans with tables set up with several stuffed animals for those who came unprepared and others picking up tickets at the box office window.  The holiday crowd brought out Santa Clause, who did not have to go through the metal detectors, as he sat down on his chair next to a live reindeer and took pictures with little boys and girls. Once inside the seating bowl of the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, teddy bears the size of a small child took up seats against the windows. It was hard to spot a fan without a cuddly toy on their lap or in their hands. The densely crowded concourse was full of fans making their way to their seats in honorable fashion. You could see many grabbing a bite to eat or a drink while having someone in their party hold on to the stuffed bear. If you were a fan of people-watching, this was the night to do so at the hockey game. Finally, the face-off and the game commence against the Kalamazoo Wings. Each time a Fuel player skated towards the net, the crowd erupted with anticipation. The sound grew louder when a shout took place and deflected off the goalie’s stick or pad.  The game went back and forth with multiple shots on the net, a few hits against the boards, and several shots off the mark. The crowd wanted a goal, the public announcer wanted a goal, and I wanted a goal sitting on the top concourse of the building. Finally, at 8:17 in the first period, the goal horn and light went off, and the teddy bears rained down from the seating bowl. Suddenly, the Christmas music piped over the sound system, and it was time to celebrate. The stuffed dolls came from the upper and lower decks and flipped over the glass gingerly. I rushed down to the ice to get a shot of the teddy bears falling to the rink, and they were still raining down onto the rink. Accumulations of stuffed dolls clumped together off the sticks of hockey players. Staff members were pushing 64-gallon garbage bins to retrieve the stuffed animals. Others, like me, walked on the ice to take photo ops of fans, players, employees, and many others having fun during the timeout of the game. Fuel players jumped in to help throw dolls into the trash bin while K-Wings players hung out and waited through at least a second teddy bear toss scene this season; they had their own on November 26. The Fuel mascot, Nitro, attempted to assist, but he was having more fun waving to the crowd. A plethora of stuffed dolls were placed on a tarp off the ice and whisked away by 2 or 3 crew members to an area for counting. After around 20 minutes, the teddy bears were ready to count. A few staff members couldn’t resist and jumped into the massive pile as if they were school children jumping into a pile of leaves. Then, an announcement over the speakers that the goal did not count, much to the chagrin of many in the building. However, it didn’t matter; they saw what they had purchased a ticket to see--the annual teddy bear toss. It was the last event of its kind at the Coliseum. Next year, the Fuel will relocate 14 miles from Fishers, Indiana, to the 8,000-seat Fishers Entertainment Center.  After a meticulous count, there was a total of 5,875 stuffed animals that landed on the ice. It was a bump from last year’s total of 5,395 - but not as much as the Hershey Bears record of 67,309 last season. It is a tradition that began 30 years ago in Kamloops, British Columbia when Blazers fans threw 2,400 bears onto the ice for a game. The tradition has spread to other parts of the world, from Europe to Australia. It is a mainstay in the ECHL and other leagues in Canada and the United States. The fans enjoy a packed house at the game; the atmosphere is full of holiday spirit, and a teddy bear is donated to several local charities. There are several teddy bear toss games scheduled at a local hockey area in the minor or junior leagues of North America. Visitors should be on the lookout for their chance to bring in a stuffed doll and toss it onto the ice when appropriate.  It is that time of the year again to give back to the community. --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Benjamin Evensen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Beasley Coliseum 225 N Grand Ave Pullman, WA 99164 Washington State Cougars website Beasley Coliseum website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 12,058 Lacking in Pullman Located in the southeast corner of Washington in the Palouse region, a few minutes from the Idaho border sits Washington State University in Pullman. A Pac-12 school of 19,756 at the main Pullman campus, the Cougars men’s and women’s basketball teams play at the Beasley Coliseum on campus which seats 11,671. It was opened in 1973 and is named for Wallis Beasley, a sociology professor and executive vice president who died in 2008. The first game at Beasley Coliseum was an exhibition game between the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics and Portland Trail Blazers. The first Cougar men’s game was in 1973 against LSU. It has played host to the NCAA Tournament three times, hosting sub-regionals in 1975, 1982, and 1984, while teams such as UCLA, Michigan, Georgetown, and Duke participated in, top-15, for those years. Overall, Beasley Coliseum is a nice venue that has a good atmosphere when the team is winning. That isn’t happening much these days though, and today Beasley Coliseum is a very good, but not great, college basketball arena. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are not lacking in selection, and while the prices are not overly high for a sporting event, they certainly are not low. Hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, candy, Coke products, and popcorn are all in the $3-$6 range, while special food items like sandwiches and pizza are a bit more. If the prices were a little lower a 5-star rating would be awarded, but for now, it receives a 4-star. Atmosphere 1 The team isn’t winning and has not had much success at all in quite some time, but you would expect so much more for a Saturday game against a top-15 conference opponent (this game was against #13 Utah). The arena had no more than 3,000 people and the student section was almost non-existent. More fans will come with wins, but for this type of game and the atmosphere that was there, it was pitiful. Neighborhood 3 The arena isn’t close to much walking-wise except for student housing and dorms, and if you drive into downtown Pullman you will find a good amount of restaurants and bars in this college town. Nearby Moscow, Idaho, about a ten-minute drive, is full of restaurants and bars as well. There just is almost nothing for miles and miles outside of Pullman and Moscow, and not many places to go from there. Fans 1 Much like I explained in the atmosphere section, the fans are lacking in attendance and noise. There isn’t anything positive about the fans at Cougar basketball games as of late. Access 2 Pullman is a very isolated town with not much near it. About a 2-hour drive from Spokane, a 4-hour drive from Seattle, and a 5-hour drive from Boise on two-lane highways. During brutal winter conditions, it can be dangerous. There is a small regional airport that comes from Seattle, Spokane, and Lewiston, Idaho if you wish to fly into Pullman. Parking isn’t ideal near the arena and it may require high pries or walk from a distance. Return on Investment 4 The prices for Cougar games are not that bad, with upper deck tickets around $10 and lower bowl tickets around $25 and up. Some games will charge more when it is a marquee opponent like the University of Washington. Overall though, the price of admission is worth the game. Extras 2 If you like seeing colleges, head over the Moscow, ID just a few minutes away to see the University of Idaho. Martin Stadium is also right across the street 2-hour4-hour Beasley Coliseum. Otherwise, there 5-hourthe fromaren’t too many extras. Final Thoughts Overall, Beasley Coliseum is a nice arena, but while the team is doing so poorly the venue is empty and very unenergetic. With team success, it is not a bad arena by any means to see a Pac-12 basketball game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 CCBC Dundalk Gymnasium 7200 Sollers Point Rd Baltimore, MD 21222 CCBC Dundalk Lions website CCBC Dundalk Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,500 Lions At The Gym One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the Baltimore area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years, but operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Dundalk began in 1970. The school mascot is the Lions and they play three sports total. Dundalk won the NJCAA Division II national championship for basketball in 2000. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, The Gymnasium is located within the larger Dundalk Wellness & Athletics Center. Food & Beverage 1 There are limited food options as well as some snack machines. We attended the game as part of a larger multi school "mixer" so we are unsure if food is for sale at all games. The food table was located on the lower level and had mainly snacks and drinks. Atmosphere 1 There is not much else in terms of the atmosphere at the Gymnasium. There are some simple PA announcements and some music played from a small speaker. The basketball court is a rubberized surface and not the preferred hardwood court. There is only one grandstand in the gymnasium. The bottom half has plastics seats and the upper stands has wood seats. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Dundalk is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the Dundalk High School and Sollers Point Technical High School. One of my favorite places to eat in the area is Squire's Italian Restaurant, which has a large menu of offerings. Their pizza is well known in the area. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. Access 4 CCBC Dundalk is located not far off of the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) via Merritt Boulevard. Please note that the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was part of I-695, could make getting to the field from the south a little more difficult. You will need to use one of the Baltimore tunnels instead. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from campus. Return on Investment 5 The games are usually free to attend, although the "mixer" was charging a nominal $5. Even if you have to pay that small amount, it is worth it. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 There are a few plaques around the Dundalk Wellness & Athletics Center that honor student-athletes from Dundalk's years passed. Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. Final Thoughts The CCBC Dundalk Gymnasium is a simple affair but serves as a decent, albeit simple, venue for intercollegiate sports.

1998 Olympic Hockey Gold Medal winner and Isobel Cup champion executive Colleen Coyne joins us to discuss the past, present and future of women's hockey.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center East Summit St. Kent, OH 44242 Kent State Golden Flashes website Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 6,327 High Voltage MACC Mania It’s unfortunate that Kent State is most known for the tragedy that happened in 1970 with the shootings by the Ohio National Guard. A decent sized university established in 1910, Kent State is located just south of Cleveland in the college town of Kent, Ohio. With over 30,000 students, Kent State University is a significant member of the Mid-American Conference, where they have been a member since 1951, just five years after the founding of the conference. The Golden Flashes have a number of distinguished alumni including baseball legend Thurman Munson, football great Jack Lambert and golfer Ben Curtis. However, basketball at Kent State should not take a back seat to football, golf nor tragedy. The Golden Flashes have slowly grown to a strong team in the conference winning the MAC Tournament in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2008. Those same years the Golden Flashes made appearances in the NCAA tournament. The regular season MAC title was also won by Kent State in 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2015. All this sounds great, however it was the 2002 Kent State team that tops them all. In 2002, the Golden Flashes made it all the way to the Elite Eight, the best showing in Kent State history. Entering the tournament as a 10 seed, the Golden Flashes would go on to upset number 7, Oklahoma State, number 2 Alabama and number 3 Pitt. The home for the Golden Flashes is the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. Built in 1950, the MAC Center has seen the ups and downs of Kent State basketball and is a great spot to catch some basketball MACtion. With a capacity of 6,327 the MAC Center is just the right size for basketball in this conference. Named in honor of students and alumni who gave their lives in World War II, the MAC Center remains a living memorial in an age of corporate and large donor naming rights. The Golden Flashes demand energy from their fans and High Voltage is on the menu and MACC Mania is required for Kent State basketball. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center are about what you would expect for an NCAA basketball venue of this size. Concessions are decent, but will definitely not blow fans away. The main concession stands offer hot dogs ($3), chilli cheese dogs, burgers, grilled chicken, sausage, nachos, popcorn ($3/$5), chips and pretzels among other things. Although the selection is decent, the variety will definitely not overwhelm fans with options. Alcohol is not sold at the concessions. Pepsi products are the featured soda ($3). Coffee, hot chocolate and other non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Although the selection isn’t massive, concession prices are pretty good with all items coming in under $5. Atmosphere 4 The Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center is a great place to catch a college basketball game. Approaching the MAC Center, fans will notice that this venue has been improved and upgraded over time. The original brown brick structure is still intact, but a newer grey stone, pillared entrance and foyer immediately greet fans. Large banners request fans to “Power Up” and let them know that “Home Is Where the Hype Is” and add colour and life to the exterior. The main foyer is large and bright and when fans pass through security, they are immediately greeted by a large inflated Golden Flash mascot. Lots of natural light gives the foyer light and makes it seem like a venue that is at a much larger, more prestigious basketball school. Clean and bright tile and a couple of mosaic tile pieces of artwork on pillars add more life to the building. The concourses feature a number of historic pictures and artifacts, which help outline the history of Golden Flashes basketball, among other sports. Upon entry to the main gymnasium, fans will be struck with the coziness of the seating area. The court runs from southwest to northeast with seating behind either basket and two levels of southeast and northwest grandstands. Fans have the opportunity to choose a variety of types of seating. The upper grandstands feature old wooden benches on both sides. The lower northwest grandstand has contoured plastic benches while the lower southeast grandstand has plastic chair seating. The southeast side is where fans want to be for that perfect picture of the center court logo. Surprisingly, there are some windows at the top of the grandstands which allow natural light to bleed into the main playing area. The upper southwest side of the court also features some glassed in, club seating. Above center court is the scoreboard which is pretty simple, but there are some video boards in the north and south corners of the gym. Above the northwest banners are the Golden Flashes championship banners from their appearances in the NCAA tournament and NIT as well as their MAC tournament and regular season championships. At the southwest end of the gym proudly hangs the Golden Flashes greatest basketball achievement, their 2002 Elite 8 banner. Beside that are the honoured numbers of Andrew Mitchell, Trevor Huffman, Demetric Shaw and Antonio Gates, all of whom were members of the 2002 team. The number of 2002 team member Eric Thomas is also honored, however, due to some significant legal troubles, Kent State has removed his banner. The game day production is what you would expect from a MAC school. The Kent State pep band plays in the southwest grandstand, behind the basket, and adds that college feel to the game. The northeast side of the gym features an in-house DJ who is clearly secondary to the band. The expected flag wavers and cheerleaders are also part of the game day experience. The Kent State mascot, Flash the Golden Eagle, roams the stands and courtside, interacting with fans, especially kids. Neighborhood 4 The Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center is located on the center-west side of the Kent State University campus. The closest major street to the MACC would be Summit Street, however, this is not the best spot to find pre or postgame fare. The best idea is to head north to Main Street, where fans will find a variety of establishments. There are a plethora of well-known chain franchises on Main, heading west towards Haymaker Parkway. There are also a few unique options that fans may want to consider. These include Main Street Continental Grill, Rockne’s Pub and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall. Kent being a small university town means there are not a ton of options for other entertainment nearby. Kent State does offer a full program of athletics, the most prominent of which is football played at Dix Stadium . Dix is quite a distance east of the main campus. Baseball is also played at Kent State during the spring months at Schoonover Stadium . For fans with a bit of an artistic side, the Kent State Art Gallery and Kent State University Museum are on campus. Also, the center of campus features a May 4th Memorial and May 4th Visitor’s’ Center for those who wish to learn more about the 1970 tragedy. There are a couple of places to stay that are not too far from the Kent State campus. Fans may wish to try the Kent State University Hotel or the nearby Holiday Inn. Fans 4 Although Kent State may not be known for preeminence in basketball, the Golden Flashes do lay claim to a pretty solid following. The Golden Flashes average more than 3,500 fans per game. This figure gives them a solid hold on third place for average attendance in the conference and are also above the MAC average for attendance. The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate and the keep the noise level at a decent decibel. The seating behind the baskets is for the students. At the game that was reviewed, the student section was not overwhelming and not over the top. There was definitely some room for improvement from the students. Access 4 The town of Kent is located north of I-76. The campus of Kent State University is located pretty much central to Kent. For fans arriving from out of town, they will have to traverse some of the town of Kent to make it to campus. However, for basketball events, this does not seem too difficult and traffic is not over the top. Free parking is located in the lot on the opposite side of Summit Street. For fans who wish to get a little closer to the MACC, there is some pay parking available on campus, closer to the arena. Fans who wish to get to Kent State via public transit are in luck. The PARTA transit system runs all through the Kent State campus. Check out the Portage Area Regional Transit Authority website for maps, fares and schedules. The main ticketing and entry gate at the MACC is found to the south of the building, at the newer foyer entrance. Ticketing windows are outside and lineups are not too bad. On a cold day, the entry to the main foyer can get pretty tight for fans who are waiting for the gates to open and want to escape the cold. Getting around the arena is not too difficult. The upper and lower levels of the main foyer offer fans space to get around and the concourses on the southeast and northwest sides of the court may be a little narrow, but are not terrible considering the attendance. Washroom facilities are on the small side, but are adequate for this venue. Return on Investment 5 Mid-American Conference basketball is one of the real bargains in the NCAA. Tickets for Golden Flashes basketball range from $12 to $35. Ticket prices, expectedly, increase for the rivalry game against Akron. Kent State students are free to get in. Considering the cost of tickets, decent concession prices and free parking, Kent State basketball does not require a huge investment for an afternoon or evening’s entertainment. The product on the court is also underrated and in fact, the game that was reviewed was tremendously exciting, against a conference rival, and went into overtime. All-in-all, Kent State basketball offers just about everything a fan could ask for considering the low investment required. Extras 3 Two extra marks for the interaction of players and fans. On the game that was reviewed, players went into the stands and invited children to come on the court for the National Anthem as they stood arm in arm. An extra mark for the May 4th Memorial and Kent State’s treatment of the 1970 tragedy. Final Thoughts The Kent State Golden Flashes and their home at the Memorial Convocation and Athletic Center offer basketball fans the opportunity to experience a great NCAA basketball environment for a decent cost. Although probably not a college basketball bucket list experience, Kent State should definitely be considered when sports fans are in the area and looking for something to take in. If catching some Golden Flashes basketball, fans are to be warned that MACC Mania is in the house and High Voltage is to be expected. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Tonight we are joined by Tim Parks, the founder of the Major League Baseball Ballpark Passport Program, a product which helps fans chronicle their ballpark travels. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv .

Photos by Golf Digest and Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Grand Bear Golf Course 12040 Grand Way Blvd Saucier, MS 39574 Rapiscan Systems Classic website Grand Bear Golf Course website Year Opened: 1999 Golfing at the Grand Bear The Mississippi Gulf Coast is filled with tons of entertainment options to please everyone of all ages. From high rise casinos and top name shows, to world class fishing and water options, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has it all. With plenty to do, and millions of tourists visiting the Coast each year, it’s no surprise that the area also features plenty of golfing options. Thirteen professional designed 18-hole golf courses are spread out throughout the three coastal counties. With such beautiful golf courses, and warm year-round weather, it’s no surprise that the Gulf Coast has attracted the eyes of the PGA Tour. Since 2010 the area has played host to the Rapiscan Systems Classic of the PGA Champions Tour (Rapiscan Systems is a company that specializes in X-ray machines and airport screening devices, with a manufacturing plant in nearby Ocean Springs, MS). Formerly the PGA Senior Tour, this tournament brings in the top golfers in the world over the age of 50. For the first 10 years the tournament was held at the nearby Fallen Oak Golf Club, but beginning in 2022 the tournament is held at Grand Bear Golf Club, located off Highway 49 just north of Gulfport. Opened in 1999, the Jack Nicklaus designed course has been ranked by Golf Digest as one of the Top 5 of Best Golf Courses in the state multiple years since opening. Food & Beverage 4 When you arrive at the Grand Bear you are dropped off at the main club house. Around here is where all the food tents and grandstands are located. The clubhouse restaurant, the Grand Bear Grill & Bar, is open to the public, although it was packed out at any given time. The menu is kind of expensive but includes a breakfast and lunch menu. The breakfast menu consists of a loaded omelet ($9) or breakfast sandwich or burrito ($8), or if you are really hungry you can try the Tee Time Plate, which includes two eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, hashbrowns, and toast for $10. The lunch menu consists of shrimp po’ boys ($15), loaded nachos ($14), Philly cheesesteak ($14), Grand Bear Club sandwiches ($14), wings ($12), or grilled chicken wraps, club house salads, chicken quesadillas, and chicken tenders ($11 for any of the last four). Depending on what ticket package you purchase determines the score for the Food and Beverage section. The most expensive package is the $275 a day Marina Cantina Club, a temporary structure with a boating theme located on the 18th green. This air-conditioned upscale hospitality tent features great views of the final hole, while you also get a free seafood spread and plenty of cold drinks. Next to the Cantina Club is the smaller Corona Premiere Patio, another temporary structure constructed on the 9th green with excellent views. The Corona Patio has a full service menu and bar, and you are welcomed with one free beer upon entry. The Corona Patio tickets are $40 a day, which isn’t bad considering the views and food options you get. Also, as the Gulf Coast has a strong military presence, they have the Patriot’s Pavilion right next to the Corona Patio; the former is free to military members and a cool little spot for military personnel to hang out. For patrons who purchase general admission tickets there are two tents set up called the Bear’s Den near all the scaffolds and temporary structures. The options are limited here with Wagyu burgers ($12), sausage dogs ($10), and egg salad sandwiches ($6). There are also four temporary stands set up on the course, two on the front nine at Holes 2 and 7, and two on the back nine near holes 11 and 16. The concessions stands on the course itself sell southwest salads ($12), chicken salad sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, veggie wraps ($10 each for the last three), hot dogs ($6), or PB&J sandwiches ($4). Some of the stands have long lines of people getting drinks, as it is usually a hot and humid day. Drinks are kind of expensive as well, with 24 oz bottles of Coke products, Powerade and Dasani bottled water selling for $5 each. Lots of people were drinking beer though, as for only a dollar more ($6) more you can get a 12 oz canned beer (Miller Lite, Corona, or Modelo), and Crown Royal in a can for $10. Atmosphere 4 The Grand Bear is located inside DeSoto National Forest, a 518,000-acre protected forest and the largest section of completely undeveloped land in South Mississippi. There isn’t much around the course – there are no fancy communities or neighborhoods surrounding it. Instead, you are one with nature as the course is designed to take golfers through Mississippi’s most natural and elusive habitats. As you travel in on the winding two lane road, you almost feel like you are headed out to a hunting camp rather than attending a PGA event. The main gathering area is around the clubhouse set up between the 10th tee pad and the 18th green. This is where you will find all the food and vendor tents. Many sponsors have tents set up giving out samples and such. The Cantina Club and Corona Premier Patio are located here as well, with skybox suites and elevated platforms with great views of the 18th green. The clubhouse is also open, so you are free to walk around the pro shop, which usually has a nice 40% sale going on. One cool thing about the clubhouse that ties into the area is it looks like a hunting lodge or ski resort from the outside. Once inside the Jack Nicklaus, the Golden Bear logo is on everything, from the interior and wooden floors to the walls made out of replica oak trees – if you are familiar with golf it won’t take long to tell who designed this golf course. Also the course is designed to look like a giant bear paw from above, so if flying into Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport you can see the giant bear paw carved out of the forests below you. Outside the clubhouse is the driving range on the north side and a practice putting green on the south side. Many of the golfers can be seen getting a few practice shots in before their tee times, and some of them were even talking to the patrons. As you walk the cart path it is basically one long nature trail. There are wooden bridges over creeks, lookout points, and side trails you can take to view all of south Mississippi’s natural wildlife. At any given time you can catch a glimpse of the many bald eagles, ospreys, sandhill cranes, and other large birds that live on the course, while deer, alligators, black bears, and foxes have all been spotted roaming on or near the course from time to time. The views of the golf course are absolutely stunning as well. The back 9 cut through the woods, with longer holes and wide-open fairways that split between 100-year-old oak trees and 100-foot-tall pine trees. The Biloxi River winds through the front 9 with a lot of shorter holes; the winding river has wide elevated banks and sandbars that come into play on a few holes. There are even a few times when golfers have to tee off over the sandbars on the river – holes 6, 7, 8 and 9 run directly parallel to the water, while a creek runs through the back 9, including a pretty cool hanging bridge between holes 13 and 14. As the Tournament takes place every year in early April, expect great weather and really nice temperatures as well. Neighborhood 2 The Grand Bear Golf Club is located in the middle of nowhere; in fact the nearest signs of civilization are an Exxon gas station and a Mexican restaurant on Highway 49 over 15 miles away. Because of this there is no neighborhood whatsoever, just miles and miles of woods and natural forests. The nearest town to the Grand Bear is the town of Saucier, just north of the golf course – this small community of 1,300 is most famous for being the setting for the 2004 Tom Hanks movie “The Ladykillers”, but there is not much here. However, you are about a 40-minute drive from the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, and you should be able to find plenty to do there for all ages. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is an extremely popular gaming destination, often called the Vegas of the South. The coast features 14 high rise casinos offering plenty of options for entertainment, restaurants, or lodging. The Rapiscan Systems Classic’s main headquarters for the week are located at the Island View Casino/Hotel in Gulfport, so that hotel has group rates and discounts for people attending the tournament. The Island View also hosts many off-course events during the week, such as a dinner for the golfers and media personnel. While on the coast no trip would be complete without trying out the local seafood – from 5-star restaurants at the casinos, to local hole-in-the-wall restaurants, the Gulf Coast has plenty of places to have you covered if you are hungry. Fans 4 A PGA stop usually attracts a mix of all kinds of people. The best way to describe it is a perfect social gathering without the ability to get out of hand. Many of the patrons are relaxed and everyone gets along. In the Cantina Marina Club you’ll find sponsor company CEOs and corporate executives mingling with a group of people who received free Club tickets because they worked for the sponsor. Also, while walking the course at any given time you’ll find a mix of older retired men walking among a group of college students, as an event like this attracts everyone. Like most golf tournaments, patrons are free to walk the course and follow the golfers. The first tee time is at 7:50 am on Holes 1 and 10, and every ten minutes a new threesome of golfers will tee off. Obviously bigger name golfers are going to have more people following them than others; I would say for the biggest names expect about 50-70 people following the group, with John Daly having the largest following of about 100 people. The afternoon tee times tend to have more people following them as well, as that is when the leading groups typically tee off. Return on Investment 4 Only 500 general admission tickets are sold per day, with a ticket (for each day) costing $20, or you can purchase a 3-day general admission ticket for $40. GA tickets get you access anywhere on the grounds, or into the public viewing bleachers set up on the 18th green. The Corona Premiere Patio on the 9th green costs $40 a day to get in, and only 150 tickets are sold there per day, while the Cantina Marina Club tickets cost a whopping $275 a day. However, the latter offers free parking and no charge to ride the bus over to the course, so that is a plus. Attending a PGA Champions Tour is a lot different than a regular PGA stop. On the Champions Tour only three rounds are played over three days, compared to the PGA’s four round and four-day event, with only about 70-75 golfers registered per event. Also, everybody makes the cut, so the golfers you see on Friday will still be in contention on Sunday. I consider just being able to see some of these golfers play up close was thrilling in itself. It is pretty cool to be able to stand 15 feet away from John Daly as he hits a 300-yard tee shot, or being able to shoot the breeze with Davis Love III as we walk the cart path. It is something cool that you wouldn’t get to experience at a regular PGA stop. Access 3 The hard part about getting to the Grand Bear is getting to the course itself. As mentioned, the course is located in seclusion in the middle of nowhere off Highway 49, the main highway from the Coast to Hattiesburg. As you cannot physically drive to the Grand Bear on Tournament week, you have to park on Highway 49 and take a bus over to the Golf Course. The main and only parking for patrons is located in a huge field behind Keith’s A/C and Heating, literally right off the highway. The great news is that despite the limitations of getting to the course, the process of getting there actually runs really smoothly. Parking is basically a huge field, so there are plenty of spots to park and cars are well directed. They have a tent sent up here as well, where they scan tickets and check bags. Tickets are also only sold online to speed up the process. The buses used to shuttle patrons over are buses from nearby Harrison Central High School, and despite the fact that they are yellow school buses they were actually very clean, not dirty like you would expect. I was there when the gates opened at 7:30, and got on second bus out of there (as I was leaving I counted well over 20 buses in a line ready to go). They also run round trips every ten minutes, so they are constantly coming and going. The whole process from when you park, get your tickets checked, and arrive at the Golf Course is about 20-25 minutes. Extras 3 One extra for the laid-back atmosphere at the PGA Champions Tour that you won’t find at a regular PGA Tour stop. Many of the players are playing this tournament just for fun, and you can tell. With the Masters occurring the week after this tournament, a few of the golfers use this as tune up before they head to Augusta. A lot of them ride carts from hole to hole, something you don’t see at most professional golf tournaments. In between holes you will find many of the golfers mingling with patrons, and at the tee pads you are right up there with them, probably 10-15 feet away from each golfer as they tee off. Unlike at some tournaments, phones are also a common site here, as you will find many people taking pictures – you are just advised to keep phones on silent. Another extra just for some of the big name golfers the Rapiscan System Classic attracts – in 2022 the 76 golfers who participated had a combined total of 268 regular PGA Tournament wins, with 22 total major wins and four World Golf Hall of Famers. Among some of the notable participants were John Daly, Retief Goosen, Ernie Els, Davis Love III, Jim Furyk, K.J. Choi, David Duvall, Pedraig Harrington, and two-time Master’s winner Bernhard Langer. Another extra for the history of PGA tournaments on the Mississippi Coast. Professional golf tournaments in the area date back to 1944, when the PGA hosted the Gulfport Open at the state’s oldest golf course, the Great Southern Country Club. The 1945 tournament was most famous for Byron Nelson and Sam Sneed finishing the final day of the tournament tied and having to advance to a playoff hole, in which Snead won. That 1945 tournament would be the last official PGA Tournament to take place on the Mississippi Coast. The LPGA also played a tournament in Biloxi in 1963, the Mary Mills Classic, and in Ocean Springs in 1964. Over the next 50 years the Coast would be home to several smaller professional tours: the Nike Tour’s Gulf Coast Classic from 1990-1997 and the Nationwide Tour’s Gulf Coast Open from 1999-2000. Jim Furyk, a 2022 participant in the Rapiscan Systems Classic, got his first professional win in the 1993 Nike Tour’s Gulf Coast Classic.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Tiger Field Auburn Dr Towson, MD 21204 Towson Tigers website Tiger Field website Year Opened: 2007 (Renovated 2020) Capacity: 600 Lacrosse With Tigers Tiger Field opened as the Tiger Soccer Complex opened in 2007 and is the home to the Towson Tigers women’s lacrosse team as well as the women’s soccer team. This location, adjacent to Johnny Unitas Stadium and SECU Arena , was home to earlier versions of soccer fields for the school. In 2011 a more permanent set of bleachers was added, but it was in 2018 that a more substantial renovation started. Finally, in 2020 a new grandstand was added as well as permanent concessions, restrooms, and a press box. The Tigers have had decent success as a women’s lacrosse program. The team has made 11 NCAA tournament appearances. Food & Beverage 2 The new permanent concession stand is an improvement over the temporary one located here previously. The options are still quite simple and like many Towson athletic facilities do not offer a great variety. The prices are decent. Atmosphere 4 The hill between the pitch and the SECU Arena is a nice place to watch the matches and also provides a nice atmosphere. The “new” facility creates such a warm and comfortable environment to watch soccer matches. The permanent grandstand is not large but is much nicer than the older stands. Doc the Tiger, Towson’s mascot, is often in attendance at matches. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and SECU Arena, nothing is right by the field. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill and Sushi Hana. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 4 For many years, Towson was known as a commuter school. But in the last couple of decades, there has been an increase in residence students. Students are starting to come to games in more significant numbers. There are also many other fans who appear to be either locals or family of the players. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, but be careful to check regulations for weekday matches. Return on Investment 5 There is no admission charge and the food is reasonably priced so the return on investment is quite good. Extras 3 Free programs are available for the matches. Doc is a great mascot who makes the atmosphere better. The hill overlooking the pitch is a great extra. Final Thoughts The changes to Tiger Field have taken a good location for soccer and made it into a very special soccer experience.